Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ghillie Suit Wearing Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on March 1, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands sentenced Keith Gaines, age 43, of Bainbridge, GA, to 176 months imprisonment for the offense of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Gaines plead guilty to the offense on December 18, 2107.
The evidence supporting the plea showed that on April 22, 2016, agents of the Bainbridge Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant at in Decatur County, Georgia. During the search, agents located a cookie tin which contained crack cocaine and powder cocaine weighing 38.51 grams. An arrest warrant was issued for Keith Gaines.
On May 3, 2016, agents received a call about a man wearing a ghillie suit walking in the area of the City of Bainbridge purchasing department warehouse. Concerned that the man might be planning to burglarize the warehouse, agents attempted to make contact with him. As officers began to walk toward the man, he bent down and placed something on the ground before ducking behind a nearby rail car and taking flight on foot. Agents located this person, identified as Keith Gaines, laying on the ground on his stomach in a densely wooded area. The officers took Mr. Gaines’ wallet to verify his identity and located a small quantity of cocaine inside it.
The next day, Mr. Gaines made a phone call from the Decatur County Jail to an unknown male on the jail’s recorded phone line. In this call, Mr. Gaines informed the male that he had buried something near the big tree where he been taken into custody. Agents travelled back to the area and located two sandwich bags which had been buried. The bags contained powder and crack cocaine.
Agents discovered that during the booking process, Mr. Gaines had given the number to which the call had been placed as the number of a relative. They interviewed the relative, who stated that Mr. Gaines had called him and asked him to go retrieve the drugs but that he had not attempted to do so. The substances seized from the residence at the time of the search warrant and located in the wooded area near where Gaines was arrested were submitted for chemical analysis and determined to be 64.13 grams of cocaine.
“Mr. Gaines was designated a career offender based on at least five prior cocaine convictions” said United States Attorney Peeler. “He has made a career of almost 25 years of peddling this poison on the streets of our communities. We hope that this sentence will not only end that career for Mr. Gaines but deter others who might consider following the same path.”
This case was investigated by the Bainbridge Department of Public Safety. 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.
U.S./Israeli Man Indicted for Hate Crime and Threats to Jewish Community Centers, Israeli Embassy, Anti-Defamation League, Conveying False Information, and CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
NOTE: The indictments can be found here: Florida Indictment, D.C. Indictment, Georgia Indictment.
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced the indictment of Michael Ron David Kadar, 19, who holds dual United States and Israeli citizenship, in three jurisdictions for hate crimes and other offenses.
The indictment from Florida charges Kadar with hate crimes as a result of threatening calls he made to Jewish Community Centers in the state. In addition, the indictment from the District of Columbia charges Kadar with threatening the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League in Washington, D.C. The third indictment charges Kadar with cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding harm to private residents in Georgia.
An investigation into numerous threats made to individuals and organizations throughout the United States in 2016 and early 2017 led to Kadar being charged initially in criminal complaints on April 21, 2017 in Florida and Georgia following his arrest in Israel. Kadar remains in custody in Israel where he also faces charges.
The indictment from the Middle District of Florida charges that beginning on or about Jan. 4, 2017, and continuing until Feb. 27, 2017, Kadar made multiple threatening calls involving bomb threats and active shooter threats to numerous Jewish Community Centers throughout Florida. Additionally, the indictment charges Kadar with attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion at the Jewish Community Centers when he made the bomb threats and active shooter threats. Finally, the indictment charges that Kadar made bomb threats to the Orlando International Airport and a middle school in the Middle District of Florida. Although no actual explosives were found, many of the calls resulted in the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of the targeted facilities, and required law enforcement and emergency personnel to respond to and clear the area.
The indictment from the District of Columbia charges that on or about March 7, 2017, Kadar made a threatening call to the Anti-Defamation League involving a bomb threat. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on or about March 9, 2017, Kadar sent a threatening email to the Israeli Embassy involving a bomb threat.
The indictment from the Middle District of Georgia charges that on or about Jan. 3, 2017, Kadar made a phone call to a police department conveying false information about an alleged hostage situation in progress at a private residence in Athens, Georgia, which included a threat to kill responding police officers. Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene, only to learn that there was no emergency.
The hate crime charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, the bomb threats charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, and the interstate threats charge, the hoax charge, and the cyberstalking charge each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. If convicted, Kadar could also be subject to court ordered restitution.
“When individuals target victims of their crimes based on who they are, what they believe, or how they worship, they target the bedrock principles on which our nation was founded,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “These alleged threats of violence instilled fear in the Jewish community and other communities across the country, and it is the Justice Department’s duty to make sure all Americans can live their lives without this type of fear.”
“These alleged threats were very real for those individuals who were evacuated, for the first responders who quickly mobilized to get people out of harm’s way, and for those in Jewish communities across the United States who felt targeted and unsafe,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This indictment demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working together with our partners to protect the safety and civil rights of all Americans, and shows that we will not stand by as someone threatens our communities based on their religion or their beliefs.”
“Threats, intimidation, or violence perpetrated against anyone because of their beliefs, their faith, or how they choose to worship is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Individuals should be free to exercise these rights without fear. We will continue to use our resources to enforce these precious rights for all individuals.”
“The indictment returned today in the District of Columbia is part of a broader nationwide fight against hate, terror, and threats in all of their forms,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia. “The charges also reflect the tireless dedication of the DOJ, the FBI, and our local and international partners to rooting out and prosecuting those who would terrorize our communities.”
“Hiding behind anonymous phone calls to threaten innocent citizens is cowardly and dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler for the Middle District of Georgia. “The calls that this defendant allegedly made harassed innocent victims, endangered first responders and the victims themselves, and needlessly consumed law enforcement resources vital to protecting our communities.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and FBI Atlanta Division; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia; the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. Federal authorities also acknowledge and appreciate the assistance and the investigative efforts of the Israeli National Police.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tifton Drug Dealer Held Accountable for Heroin Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on February 22, 2018, United States District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams sentenced Bobby Earl Grantham, Jr., age 49, of Tifton, GA, to 150 months imprisonment for the offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Mr. Grantham had pled guilty to the offense on March 1, 2107. The drug distribution conspiracy to which Mr. Grantham pled guilty lasted from October 2014 to August, 2015, and involved a total of twenty-one participants, all of whom have been convicted.
On two occasions in the summer of 2015, a confidential source purchased heroin at the residence of Jimmy Barrentine. On one occasion, Mr. Grantham sold the heroin. On the other, Mr. Barrentine sold the heroin. On July 16, 2015, Tift County 911 received a dispatch to the residence of Jimmy Barrentine in Tifton, Georgia. Upon arrival, agents found Sonya Tolar dead inside Bobby Grantham’s bedroom at Jimmy Barrentine’s house. Toxicology results from Ms. Tolar’s autopsy noted the presence of 6-monoacety1-morphine, a metabolite of heroin. The medical examiner lists the cause of death as heroin toxicity. Agents located Ms. Tolar’s cell phone while processing the scene after her death. This revealed that a few hours before the 911 call, Mr. Grantham texted a photo of the heroin to Ms. Tolar to entice her to visit him. Shortly after receiving this text message, Ms. Tolar traveled to meet Mr. Grantham at Mr. Barrentine’s residence, where she died.
Mr. Grantham’s sentence was also enhanced based on his engaging in obstruction. At his sentencing, the Court heard evidence that after Mr. Grantham discovered that Ms. Tolar had overdosed, he waited over 30 minutes before calling for emergency assistance. He and others spent the interim time period removing evidence from the residence so that it would not be discovered by the authorities.
“Opioid distribution has been declared a national epidemic,” said United States Attorney Peeler. “Federal law carries stiff penalties for those who distribute drugs where death or serious bodily injury occurs. I hope that this sentence makes it clear that we do not tolerate the harm that this behavior causes in this district and that we are committed to doing all within our power to address and combat this epidemic. Mr. Grantham’s obstructive actions cannot be condoned. Ms. Tolar’s life might have been saved if he had valued her life more than his freedom. This lengthy sentence is richly deserved.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Macon Division, GBI Sylvester, Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, and Mid South Narcotics Task Force. 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.
Stewart County Students to Participate in "Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters"Read the Press Release
LUMPKIN: Stewart County Middle School students will participate in a program designed to teach them how to have positive encounters with law enforcement on Friday, February 23, 2018. “Successful Tips for Youth on Law Enforcement Encounters” (STYLE) is a program developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to bridge the gap between our youth and our law enforcement community.
In order to foster positive relationships in our community, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia has partnered with the Columbus Field Office of the FBI, the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, the Lumpkin Police Department and the Richland Police Department to host this youth program for students.
In addition to building relationships, the program is designed to teach our youth how to have a positive encounter with law enforcement, if ever faced with such a situation.
The program consists of various mock scenarios that mirror a potential traffic stop, a home encounter, and a street encounter. The various scenarios have been carefully designed to show our youth both the right and wrong way of dealing with law enforcement.
The students are also provided with a demonstration of use of force scenarios, which allow them to see the split-second decisions that law enforcement officers often face.
Next, the students are able to engage our law enforcement during a roundtable discussion. During this time, students and law enforcement get to know each other, and discuss the scenarios in further detail.
Finally, students are equipped with an understanding of the proper way to file a civil rights complaint should they feel their rights were violated during a law enforcement encounter.
S.T.Y.L.E. is an element of the Middle District’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is 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.
For further information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-731-1824 or [email protected].
Felon in Possession Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Martell McCoy, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, the maximum allowed by law, on February 14, 2018, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, in Macon, Georgia.
The evidence showed that June 4, 2016 law enforcement officers responded to 176 Helen Circle in Milledgeville after having received information that McCoy was at the location. McCoy previously had been barred from the location by a court order. Police located McCoy inside of the residence. McCoy was arrested and a subsequent search of the residence revealed powder cocaine and a Lorcin .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. McCoy had prior felony convictions for attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine and aggravated assault.
“This is the case of a person with a prior felony conviction for a violent crime who not only ignored the law which prevented him from possessing a firearm, but did so at a home from which he had been barred for the protection of those living there. Since there is no parole in the federal system, at least for the next ten years Mr. McCoy won’t be able to thumb his nose at the law, the courts and society in the manner in which he did in this situation,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
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 investigation of this matter was conducted by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Easterling prosecuted the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Woman Ordered to Pay $86,000 Restitution for Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Christie Morgan a/k/a Christie Hutto, age 41, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on February 14, 2018, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, to pay restitution of $86,000 and to serve three years on probation for defrauding the United States government in a medical equipment billing scheme.
Ms. Morgan and her former husband operated a durable medical equipment company for several years in LaGrange, Georgia, known as Hutto Limb and Brace, LLC (“HLB”). HLB specialized in fabricating custom orthotic and prosthetic limbs and joints, as well as custom fitted shoes and inserts. Many of the patients of HLB were recipients of Medicare and Georgia Medicaid and the services of HLB were billed to those entities. In order to qualify for Medicare and Georgia Medicaid payments, the services must have been performed by or under the direct supervision of a licensed orthotist/prosthetist. Ms. Morgan’s husband was the only licensed orthotist/prosthetist at HLB.
On April 6, 2012, Ms. Morgan’s husband left the business, however, Ms. Morgan continued operating HLB into November, 2012, without a licensed orthotist/prosthetist on board, all the while submitting bills from her home in Columbus, Georgia, to Medicare and Georgia Medicaid claiming otherwise. Through this scheme she wrongfully claimed approximately $172,000 from these benefit programs, but only actually received half that amount.
“One of the two top priorities of this United States Attorney’s Office is the reduction of waste and fraud against the government. It doesn’t matter whether the defendant is a multi-national corporation embezzling millions or a one person shop falsely billing for much smaller sums, such as in this case, all will be prosecuted fully in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr stated that “Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is committed to protecting the integrity of the Georgia Medicaid program, its members and the taxpayer dollars used to provide this service. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to identify and detect fraud, abuse or waste and aggressively recover all funds spent inappropriately, and we are grateful to work with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and law enforcement to protect Georgians.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources/Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia/Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde handled the prosecution for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Convicted Felon Receives Maximum for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on February 14, 2018, Chief United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land sentenced Allandoe Cortez Boyd, age 37, of Columbus, GA, to 10 years imprisonment for the offense of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the maximum sentence for this offense.
The evidence showed that on October 5, 2016, Columbus, GA, police officers served a search warrant at Boyd’s residence in connection with alleged possession of stolen car parts. During the course of the search, officers recovered several car parts cannibalized from stolen vehicles. Additionally, they seized four firearms, including an AK-47 semi-automatic rifle with a 50 round magazine. All four weapons were fully loaded. Adjacent to one of the firearms, police found a quantity of heroin, a digital scale, and various packaging materials. In a back bedroom of the residence, officers found a backpack containing over 400 rounds of rifle, handgun, and shotgun ammunition.
Mr. Boyd has at least six prior felony convictions dating back to 1999.
“A man who is obviously a career criminal possessing four loaded weapons, one of them semi-automatic rifle loaded with a 50 round magazine, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, apparently to protect his illegal stash of drugs and stolen property, Mr. Boyd is the exact person Congress had in mind when it made possession of a firearm by a convicted felon illegal. We are pleased to see him receive the maximum sentence in this case.” said United States Attorney Peeler.
This investigation was conducted by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Indictment for Attempted Production of Child Pornography Returned for Man Accused of Recording Video in High School Locker RoomRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that today the grand jury returned an indictment charging Timothy Brian Burnette, age 40, of Union Point, Georgia, with two counts of attempted production of child pornography.
The charges against Mr. Burnette stem from the allegation 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. Mr. Burnette was previously arrested on state charges of illegal surveillance and remains in custody in the Oconee County Jail.
Each of the charges against Mr. Burnette carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, up to a maximum of 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, at least 5 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and registration as a sex offender.
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has provided additional assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Woman Pleads Guilty for Involvement in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Dawn Angela Cimmino, a/k/a “Dawn Frazier”, age 41, of Bowling Green, Florida, entered a guilty plea on January 31, 2018, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ms. Cimmino entered her plea in Valdosta, Georgia, before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Court Judge.
According to the stipulated facts, Ms. Cimmino was paid $1,000 to pick up a package containing crystal methamphetamine from a Valdosta hotel and take it to Florida. Ms. Cimmino was a “runner” for the Zoe Pound street gang, which was responsible for having the methamphetamine shipped from California to Georgia then driven to Florida. She said the organization recently started having packages shipped across the country by FedEx and picked up by runners. The total amount attributable to Ms. Cimmino was 978.1 grams of methamphetamine.
Ms. Cimmino faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum of ten years. Sentencing is set for May 9, 2018.
“Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most serious drugs of abuse in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Peeler. “In a matter of only a few months it can destroy a person’s physical appearance, health, intellect and emotional stability. Those who deal in methamphetamine deal in human misery and will be held accountable for the choices they make.”
The case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sonja B. Profit handled the prosecution for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments Charging 25 Individuals in DecemberRead the Press Release
MACON— A federal grand jury has returned indictments during the month of December. Charles “Charlie” E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Monday, December 31, 2018 that the grand jury true billed indictments charging 25 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
JANARVIS TUCKER, 21, of Sandy Springs, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Tucker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years up to the possibility of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Howard.
Indictment #2
CLIFFORD TERRELL, 43, of Barnesville, Georgia is charged with the following:
1-3) Bank Robbery
If convicted on Counts 1-3, Mr. Terrell faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Forsyth Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes.
Indictment #3
MARCRESS WILLIAMS a/k/a “BEAST”, 26, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
2-4) Distribution of Methamphetamine
5) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
STEPHANIE THOMAS, 25, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
2-4) Distribution of Methamphetamine
5) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
If convicted on Count 1 and/or Count 5, Mr. Williams and Ms. Thomas face maximum sentences of life in prison, a $10,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Counts 2-4, the defendants face a maximum of 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 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 #4
CLAUDIA WASHINGTON, 59, of Valdosta, Georgia is charged with the following:
1 and 4) Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
2) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methadone and Hydrocodone
3) Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin
If convicted on Counts 1-4, Ms. Washington faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, or both, on each count.
The case was investigated by 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 #5
RANDY ANGELO HILL, 32, of Tifton, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Bank Robbery
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Hill faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tifton Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.
Indictment #6
RUSBELY LUCAS-CARBAJAL, 33, of Mexico is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Lucas-Carbajal 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 Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #7
HECTOR BAROJAS-SANCHEZ, 33, of Mexico is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Barojas-Sanchez 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 Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #8
MARCOS LEON-CRUZ, 46, of Mexico is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Leon-Cruz 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 Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #9
GILBERTO AMBROSIO-RAMIREZ, 28, of Mexico is charged with the following:
1) Illegal Reentry into the United States
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Ambrosio-Ramirez 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 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 #10
LAXAVIER PATTERSON, 39, of Valdosta, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee
2) Possession of a Stolen Firearm
3) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Counts 1-3, Mr. Patterson faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Valdosta Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit.
Indictment #11
JOHMAR CHANDLER, 40, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
2) Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
3) Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
4) Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Chandler faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Chandler faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Chandler faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $2,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 4, Mr. Chandler faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a minimum $2,500 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Williams.
Indictment #12
FREDDIE CLARK, 42, of Columbus, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
2) Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
3) Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Clark faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Clark faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $8,000,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Clark faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Columbus Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Williams.
Indictment #13
ARRINGTON CULPEPPER, 33, of Columbus, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Culpepper faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Community Supervision and the Columbus Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Williams.
Indictment #14
CALVIN AMOS, 35, of Albany, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
2) Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
3) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
4) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Amos faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Amos faces a maximum of five (5) years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Amos faces ten (10) years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted on Count 4, Mr. Amos faces five (5) years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.
Indictment #15
DADGE PARRISH, 32, of Columbus, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Xanax
2) Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime
3) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Parrish faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Parrish faces a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of five (5) years with a maximum of life in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 3, Mr. Parrish faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Georgia State Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.
Indictment #16
JOSHUA WAYNE COKER, 37, of Hartwell, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
2) Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Coker faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Coker faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, consecutive to any time imposed for Count 1, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Hartwell Sheriff’s Office, with collaboration from Parks White, District Attorney for the Northern Judicial Circuit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett.
Indictment #17
IDRIS SHAMSID-DEEN, 32, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Person who has been Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Shamsid-Deen faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes.
Indictment #18
BRANDON WILLIAMS, 25, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
2) Simple Possession of a Controlled Substance
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Williams faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Williams faces a maximum sentence of one (1) year in prison, a $1,000 minimum fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes.
Indictment #19
RONNIE LEE HUGHES, 38, of Griffin, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted, Mr. Hughes faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon.
Indictment #20
TYLAUN RASHARD MULLINS, 19, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee
2) Possession of a Stolen Firearm
CHRISTIAN JABARI BLACK, 19, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee
JACQUES STEWART, 20, of Macon, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Theft of a Firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Mullins, Mr. Black and Mr. Stewart face a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Mullins faces the same additional penalties.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul McCommon.
Indictment #21
ISAIAH WALKER, 34, of Valdosta, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Walker faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
Indictment #22
DAVEY BARGE, JR., 37, of Moultrie, Georgia is charged with the following:
1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Barge faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both.
The case was investigated by the Moultrie Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
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.
Air Force Thief Sentenced to Twenty-Three Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Mikel A. Parish, age 28, from Griffin, Georgia, was sentenced to twenty-three months in prison on January 30, 2018, for theft of government property. Sentencing was done by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Parish was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $208,024.57. Additionally, after his prison sentence, he will have three years of supervised release and a $100.00 mandatory assessment fee.
The evidence showed that between April, 2015 and March, 2016, Mr. Parish worked at the Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) on Robins Air Force Base (RAFB). DLA provides storage and distribution support to RAFB and distributes supplies worldwide to all branches of the military. Mr. Parish was a distribution process worker who was responsible for entering the data about those supplies into the ordering and cataloging systems for the RAFB. United States Air Force (USAF) Security Forces were contacted by the Griffin Police Department regarding Mr. Parish’s pawning and selling of what appeared to be military equipment. Military investigators confirmed that Mr. Parish was in fact pawning and selling military equipment. Further investigation revealed that Mr. Parish used his badge to access DLA before and after his normal work hours, whereby he would steal military equipment, including copper wire spools, rifle scopes and ballistic vests.
“In these times of reduced budgets and government austerity, prosecution of government theft and fraud is one of the priorities I have established for my office,” said United States Attorney Peeler. “Stealing from our armed forces even as they are engaged in violent conflict in defense of our nation is simply reprehensible. I commend the cooperation between the Griffin police and the RAFB investigators which uncovered Mr. Parish’s theft and brought him to justice.”
This case was investigated by United States Air Force 78 Security Forces Squadron Investigations Section. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or [email protected].
Fitzgerald Drug Distribution Network DismantledRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler announces sentences imposed on the defendants listed below January 30, 2018[1], by United States District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia.
- Deaundrea C. Peal, age 30 of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison. Peal was designated a Career Offender by the court based on his prior convictions for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Possessing Controlled Substances in School; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; and Possessing Marijuana; on September 25, 2005, in the Superior Court of Ben Hill County, Georgia in case number 05CR-176; and Sale of Cocaine; Possessing Controlled Substances Near Schools; Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute; Trafficking In Cocaine; Trafficking in Ecstasy; Possession of Tools for The Commission of Crime on June 14, 2007, in the Superior Court of Ben Hill County, Georgia in case number 06CR-228.
- Dwayne Peal, age 36 of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 24 months on probation;
- Gwen Peal, age 58 of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 60 months on probation;
- Marisela Mier, age 27 of Douglas, Georgia was sentenced to serve 48 months in federal prison
- Irvin Falcon, age 23 of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 260 months in federal prison. This sentence is to run consecutive to a sentence he is currently serving in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections for a prior conviction for Burglary in the First Degree, to end in October 2025;
- Rendell Townsend, age 28 of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to serve 36 months in federal prison. His sentence was imposed on January 10, 2018.
- Eujenio Falcon has entered a plea of guilty in the case as well and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2018.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Each of the defendants plead guilty in this case. Deaundrea Peal, Marisela Mier, Irvin Falcon, Eujenio Falcon and Rendell Townsend plead guilty to possessing, distributing or conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine. Dwayne Peal plead guilty to possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute. Gwen Peal plead guilty to Misprision of Felony.
At their plea hearings, the Defendants admitted the following facts:
Defendant Irvin Falcon was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) at Calhoun State Prison in Morgan, Calhoun County, Georgia and was using a contraband cellular telephone to direct the activities of others in this case. In Spring 2017, investigators developed a confidential informant who could contact I. Falcon on this contraband phone and arrange to have methamphetamine delivered in the Fitzgerald, Georgia area. Multiple purchases of ounce and multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine were arranged through I. Falcon. I. Falcon arranged for others to deliver the drugs for him including Deaundrea Peal, Marisela Mier, and Eujenio Falcon. Later, investigators arranged for the informant to introduce an undercover agent to Deaundrea Peal for the purpose of the undercover agent obtaining methamphetamine directly from Deaundrea Peal. On one occasion, Deaundrea Peal arranged for Rendell Townsend to deliver the methamphetamine for him.
As a result of Deaundrea Peal’s sales of methamphetamine to the agent, search warrants were authorized for a residence Deaundrea Peal shared with his brother, Dwayne Peal, and for the residence of Gwen Peal, their mother. At the residence shared by the brothers, agents located approximately 16 grams of marijuana in multiple balloon-covered suppository-shaped bindles in a container with sexual lubricant and a letter from an inmate addressed to Dwayne Peal. At Gwen Peal’s residence agents located approximately twelve (12) ounces of methamphetamine inside two (2) cereal boxes in her refrigerator. Gwen Peal later admitted that she failed to tell the agents everything she knew about the methamphetamine stored at her residence by Deaundrea Peal.
In total agents seized approximately 750 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 16 grams of marijuana as a result of this investigation.
United States Attorney Peeler stated: “This office, with the assistance of our partnering federal and state law enforcement agencies, will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those persons who choose to engage in the illicit distribution of narcotics such as methamphetamine and marijuana. The sentences handed down in this case reflect our commitment to holding drug dealers accountable for their actions, whether they choose to sell their drugs directly on the streets of our neighborhoods, or in Irvin Falcon’s case, from the inside of a prison cell.”
Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the pleas, “These guilty pleas are a direct result achieved only through the dedicated efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The distribution of methamphetamine continues to ravage many communities and marijuana is a dangerous drug that poses a threat to its users who think it is a benign drug. Many communities are much safer because these individuals have been removed from the streets.”
“Criminal activity being carried out from behind the walls of our prisons will not be tolerated, and we are grateful to our State and Federal partners for their assistance in bringing this case to a close,” said GDC Commissioner Gregory C. Dozier.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Macon Office the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sylvester Office and the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
[1] Townsend was sentenced earlier as indicated below.
Columbus Man Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that William Tooley, 53, of Columbus, Georgia, entered a plea today to receipt of child pornography. Mr. Tooley entered his plea of guilty before the Honorable Clay D. Land of the United States District Court in Columbus, Georgia, who imposed a sentence of 360 months imprisonment (30 years). Mr. Tooley will also be required to serve 25 years of supervised release under strict sexual offender supervision in the unlikely event he should ever be released from prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to the facts presented in court, in March of 2016, the mother of an 11 year old boy located in in another state discovered that her son had been texting and sending nude photos of himself to an individual she suspected of impersonating a teen boy. The victim revealed that he had been texting with someone he knew as “Mason”, who said he lived in Georgia, and was either 15 or 17 years old (at different times, he represented both). During these text conversations, “Mason” asked the victim to send sexually explicit photos of himself over the internet.
Due to the interstate nature of the case, the matter was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Mason” turned out to be 53 year old registered sex offender and Columbus, GA, resident, William Tooley. Mr. Tooley admitted that he received sexually explicit photos from the juvenile victim via text message. Public records revealed that Mr. Tooley had two separate convictions in the state of Michigan for 4th degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor and another for accosting a child for immoral purposes.
“The sentence recommended to and imposed by Judge Land virtually ensures that this repeat sexual offender will spend the rest of his days in the federal penitentiary, where he belongs and where he can no longer prey on innocent children. It also has spared the young victim in this case the additional trauma of having to testify about Mr. Tooley’s predations in a public courtroom,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
“This deviant child predator did not learn his lesson from his previous multiple convictions for child exploitation,” said acting HSI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Gregory L. Wiest. “This case should serve as a warning to others and a reminder to parents to pay attention to their children’s online activity and to stay vigilant in the protection of our children.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals handled the prosecution for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Washington County Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Cocaine and Cocaine BaseRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Scotty Hagans, age 49, of Harrison, Georgia, was sentenced to serve thirteen years and four months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine). The sentence was handed down on January 10, 2018, by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge in Macon.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Hagans entered a plea of guilty on October 20, 2017, admitting to possessing with the intent to distribute both cocaine and cocaine base on May 6, 2016. At his plea, the United States stated that had the case gone to trial, it could have proved that on May 6, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mr. Hagans’ residence in Harrison, Washington County, Georgia. Upon entering the residence, officers located Mr. Hagans and told him they were there to execute a search warrant and were looking for illegal drugs. Mr. Hagans then told the officers that he would make it easy for them and stated the drugs were in the top right kitchen cabinet. Officers thereafter located cocaine and cocaine base (commonly called crack cocaine) within a kitchen cabinet of Mr. Hagans’ residence.
Mr. Hagans has several prior convictions involving the distribution of cocaine. He was convicted of three counts of sale of cocaine on June 1, 1992, in Washington County, Georgia; one count of sale of cocaine on June 8, 1993, in Washington, County, Georgia; and one count of trafficking in cocaine on July 16, 2007, in Morgan County, Georgia.
“It is obvious from his record that the only thing that keeps Mr. Hagans from selling cocaine on the streets of our community is incarceration; fortunately, Judge Treadwell’s sentence today will do just that for more than a decade,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard 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.
Armed Robber Sentenced to 149 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Edward W. Holt, III, was sentenced to 149 months in prison on January 10, 2018, for armed robbery and attempted armed robbery in violation of the Hobbs Act and for brandishing of a firearm during these robberies. Sentencing was by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
The evidence showed that in the early morning hours of August 12, 2015, Edward Holt approached the Taco Bell, located at 709 Lake Joy Road in Warner Robins, and attempted to rob the restaurant by pointing a firearm at an employee operating the drive-thru window. He also pointed the firearm at a customer waiting at the drive-thru window. The employee and customer fled the scene before Mr. Holt could rob them. Within four hours, Mr. Holt traveled to the Waffle House, located at 301 N. Ga. 49 in Byron, where he entered the establishment, pointed a gun at one of the employees and demanded money from the cash register. Upon being given the cash register drawer, Mr. Holt fled the scene and ran into the woods. Police officers found Mr. Holt hiding in the woods and arrested him, recovering parts of the register drawer and some money belonging to the Waffle House as well as a Colt Trooper Mark III, .357 caliber revolver, which was used to commit both robberies.
“Mr. Holt’s one night robbery spree disrupted two local businesses and put innocent citizens in fear for their lives, not to mention the threat he posed to the officers who arrested him. He is certainly deserving of the sentence imposed upon him as the result of these actions. Bringing him to justice is the result of cooperation between federal and state law enforcement and prosecuting agencies,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
This case was investigated by Byron Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or [email protected].
Couple Dealing Methamphetamine in Monroe & Houston Counties Each Receive More Than Twelve Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Stayce Crystal Dempsey, age 34, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to 220 months (18 years and four months) imprisonment for distribution of methamphetamine, and Charles Nicholas Zammit, age 28, of Perry, Georgia, was sentenced to 150 months (12 years and six months) imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine by United States District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia on January 10, 2018.
In their respective plea agreements, Ms. Dempsey and Mr. Zammit admitted to driving together to several locations in Monroe and Houston counties to sell methamphetamine to various individuals. Between April and May of 2016, the couple was responsible for possessing and distributing more than 330 grams, that is approximately 12 or more ounces, of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $9,000.00.
Prior to entering pleas in this case, Ms. Dempsey and Mr. Zammit went on the run and were apprehended by local law enforcement in Jackson County, North Carolina while driving a rental truck from U-Haul. At the time of their apprehension, both defendants gave false names and were found in possession of a glass smoking pipe with methamphetamine residue on it. They were subsequently taken into custody by the United States Marshal Service.
Both Ms. Dempsey and Mr. Zammit had been convicted of drug crimes in the state of Georgia prior to being indicted in the present federal case. After serving their time in federal prison, where there is no parole, each defendant will also be required to serve an additional term of three years of supervised release under the supervision of a United States probation officer.
“The actions of Ms. Dempsey and Mr. Zammit demonstrate their reckless disregard for the rule of law in exchange for the thrill and greed of selling drugs in our local communities. Their desperation for momentary financial gain and inability to accept the consequences of their actions led them to foolishly go on the run from the United States government. The actions of state and federal law enforcement working together help rid our local communities of the scourge dealers like these cause by distributing drugs in and around neighborhoods throughout middle Georgia. This couple will now spend more than a decade in prison thanks to those efforts.”
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation with additional assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney C. Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 188 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Shannon Dale Cooper, age 33, of Sumner, Georgia, was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine by United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens, Georgia on January 4, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Cooper admitted that on December 19, 2016, he was a passenger in a car with two others when officers from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department approached and searched the individuals. Officers recovered a large quantity of methamphetamine. One of the vehicle’s other passengers was in possession of a loaded .25 caliber automatic pistol. Mr. Cooper has a lengthy criminal history, including previous state felony convictions for Aggravated Assault, Battery, Terroristic Threats or Acts, False Imprisonment, Manufacture of Marijuana, Interference with Government Property, Theft by Taking, and Theft by Deception.
“As is all too common at this time, we again face the combination of violent career offenders possessing large quantities of deadly, illicit drugs with weapons present. Eradicating this conduct requires the type of alert police work and vigorous prosecution seen in this case. Hopefully Mr. Cooper’s lengthy prison sentence will send a message to others that this type of illegal activity exacts a heavy price upon conviction,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Armed Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 262 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Darren Shawn Smith, age 49, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking by United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens, Georgia on January 4, 2018.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Smith admitted that on November 18, 2016, officers from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department executed a search warrant on his home in Athens, Georgia. As officers took Mr. Smith into custody, they found he was in possession of a loaded .380 caliber pistol and a quantity of heroin. Additional heroin was found in Mr. Smith’s residence, along with indications of drug distribution. Mr. Smith has a lengthy criminal history, including previous state felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault with Intent to Rob, Robbery by Intimidation, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute, Burglary, Criminal Attempt to Commit Burglary, and Theft by Receiving Stolen Property.
“Darren Shawn Smith is the exact type of dangerous career criminal who should not be walking our streets armed with a firearm, yet that weapon is no deadlier than the drugs he possessed to sell in our community. In this time when firearms violence and opioid addiction are so rampant, the United States Attorney’s Office shall prosecute all such offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
Mr. Smith’s co-defendant Stacey Stewart was sentenced by Judge Royal on October 19, 2017 to 18 months in federal prison for Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility.
The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler Investiture to Be HeldRead the Press Release
The investiture for United States Attorney Charles E. “Charlie” Peeler will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 3:00 pm in the C.B. King United States Courthouse located at 201 W. Broad Avenue in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Peeler was nominated by President Donald Trump on August 3, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017. He took the oath of office from Chief United District Court Judge Clay D. Land on November 22, 2017.
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Peeler is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of Georgia, which includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta. He oversees a staff of 74 employees, including 28 attorneys and 46 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Mr. Peeler, of Albany, Georgia, received his J.D cum laude in 1999 from The University of Georgia School of Law and his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1995 also from The University of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia Bar Association.
Over the last 17 years Mr. Peeler has built a diverse trial practice. Mr. Peeler worked in Atlanta for King & Spalding prior to moving to Albany and founding a litigation boutique firm. Mr. Peeler has argued cases before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Mr. Peeler has obtained multi-million dollar jury verdicts on behalf of plaintiffs and defense verdicts on behalf of defendants. Mr. Peeler has tried to verdict business disputes, civil rights matters, criminal matters, employment matters and intellectual property matters. Mr. Peeler was appointed by District Court Judges in the Middle District of Georgia to serve on the Local Rules Advisory Committee and the Planning Committee for the 2016 11th Circuit Judicial Conference. Mr. Peeler was appointed by Georgia Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal to serve on the State Judicial Nominating Commission.
Media representatives are invited to attend the event. Bring your press credentials, including a picture I.D., and be prepared to go through security. You will want to arrive early. Cameras will be allowed in the courtroom.
Please direct any questions to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-621-2603 or [email protected].
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison in Stolen Identity Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
A U.S. postal worker was sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud conspiracy, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler for the Middle District of Georgia.
Harold Coley was convicted by a jury in Columbus, Georgia, in September of conspiring to file fraudulent refund claims, mail fraud, and embezzlement of mail. According to the evidence presented at trial, Coley worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service assigned to a postal route in Columbus. In 2012, Coley was recruited by co-conspirator Keisha Lanier to participate in a stolen identity tax refund scheme. Coley compiled addresses ostensibly related to streets on his route, including many addresses that did not exist or related to vacant buildings, and provided them to Lanier and others for the purpose of filing fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Lanier obtained many of the stolen identities used for the returns from co-conspirator Tamika Floyd who worked for the Alabama Department of Public Health. The stolen identities primarily belonged to 16 and 17 year-olds.
Lanier and others directed the IRS to mail the fraudulent tax refund checks to the addresses Coley provided. In exchange for cash, Coley intercepted these checks and provided them to Lanier and others. Coley’s co-conspirators directed over 1,600 refund checks totaling more than $2.5 million to addresses on his postal route. Lanier and Floyd were convicted and previously sentenced to prison for their roles in the scheme.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Chief U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land ordered Coley to serve three years of supervised release and pay $901,351 in restitution to the IRS.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Peeler commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and William Montague of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
2017 Southeast Regional Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Training Held at Valdosta State UniversityRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Environmental Crimes Section of the United States Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General hosted training for the Southeast region on animal cruelty prosecutions, Dec. 13-14.
This training represents the collaboration and coordination of federal and local agencies and offices to combat crimes of animal cruelty, including organized dog fighting, cock fighting, and horse soring. The conference provided participants with an overview of the federal animal welfare and cruelty statutes, investigation techniques, and strategies to overcome prosecution challenges. The Humane Society of the United States, along with prosecutors and federal agents, shared their experience in handling dog fighting and animal cruelty cases strengthening the response to these serious crimes.
“Fighting contests involving dogs and other animals are morally wrong and illegal, said United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler.” They also create havens for additional illegal conduct such as gambling, drug trade and unlawful gun possession. Our office works with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in this reprehensible conduct.”
“Ending animal fighting ventures and other inhumane practices will require a close partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Our Division is proud to be a leader in this worthy cause and to participate in this important training event in the wonderful city of Valdosta, Georgia.”
“The USDA OIG is pleased to have worked closely with the Department of Justice to coordinate this important training initiative to combat animal fighting and the associated crimes which often occur in animal fighting ventures,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Citizen-Wilcox for the USDA OIG Southeast Region Office of Investigations. “Special Agents from all of the OIG’s regional offices will share their knowledge of and experiences with animal fighting investigations with personnel attending from other law enforcement agencies and private organizations.”
During the training, animal fighting investigators from the Humane Society of the United States, along with prosecutors and USDA OIG agents who have successfully investigated and prosecuted animal fighting cases, shared their experiences with attendees. Instructors provided participants with an overview of the business of dog fighting, a description of federal animal welfare and cruelty statutes, effective investigative techniques, evidence collection best practices, available resources and authorities for the seizure and post-seizure care of animals and successful sentencing strategies.
State and national animal control associations estimate that upwards of 40,000 people participate in dog fighting in the United States at a professional level, meaning that dog fighting and its associated gambling are their primary or only source of income. An unknown but potentially larger number of people participate in dog fighting on an occasional basis. Cockfighting is thought to be similarly widespread. In addition, animal fighting activities attract other serious crimes, such as gambling, drug dealing, weapons offenses and money laundering. Children are commonly present at animal fighting events.
The federal Animal Welfare Act makes it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive any animal, including dogs, for purposes of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture. In 2014, the Department of Justice designated the Environment and Natural Resources Division as the centralized body within the Department responsible for tracking, coordinating, and working with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices on animal cruelty enforcement matters.
2017 Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Training to Be Held at Valdosta State UniversityRead the Press Release
On December 13-14, 2017, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Environmental Crimes Section of the United States Department of Justice – Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General – Investigations will be hosting a regional animal cruelty prosecutions training in Valdosta.
The training will be held on December 13-14, 2017 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm each day. The training will be held in the Cypress Room at the Valdosta State University Center, 1203 N. Patterson Street (corner of Ann and N. Patterson).
The conference will provide participants with an overview of the federal animal welfare and cruelty statutes, investigation techniques, and prosecution challenges. During the training, the Humane Society of the United States, along with prosecutors and federal agents, will share their experience in handling dog fighting and animal cruelty cases.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 752-3511.
Macon Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Twenty Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Joshua Mullis, age 39, of Macon, was sentenced to serve twenty (20) years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down on Monday, December 4, 2017, by the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams, United States District Judge in Macon.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Mullis entered a plea of guilty on May 25, 2017, and admitted to conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine during the period from June, 2014 through May, 2016. According to the plea agreement, law enforcement began receiving information in January, 2015 that Mr. Mullis and his brother, Jeremy Mullis, were obtaining methamphetamine from a group in East Point, Georgia.
Mr. Mullis was introduced to his East Point suppliers following a prior incarceration and began obtaining methamphetamine from them around August 2014. Mr. Mullis, or someone on his or his brother’s behalf, thereafter made frequent trips to East Point, Georgia to meet with the East Point source to obtain methamphetamine. Mr. Mullis and his brother obtained varying quantities of methamphetamine ranging from one-quarter pound to one pound at a time. The methamphetamine would then be brought back to the Middle District of Georgia for distribution.
Of the thirteen defendants charged in this conspiracy, in addition to Mr. Mullis, eight defendants have been convicted to date, seven of whom have received sentences of up to 144 months, based upon their prior convictions and varying levels of involvement in the drug distribution ring. Sentencing for the eighth co-defendant is scheduled for January. Charges are still pending against the four defendants, some of whom are at large.
“Methamphetamine is one of the most common drugs of abuse in the Middle District of Georgia and one that has terrible effects on its users. Once again the great cooperation between the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia has resulted in shutting down a major organization distributing this poison in our community,” said United States Attorney Peeler.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Georgia Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of Peach County Sheriff’s Office, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Felon in Possession Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Ravon Pitts, age 29, from Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison on December 1, 2017, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Pitts pled guilty to this charge on August 31, 2017. In his plea agreement, Mr. Pitts admitted that on February 3, 2016, police officers and probation officers went to his residence in Milledgeville in order to execute a search warrant. The officers seized a set of digital scales, marijuana, a Kevlar ballistic vest, a black ski mask and a loaded .40 caliber Ruger semi-automatic pistol. The serial number on the pistol had been partially scratched off, but was legible. It was determined that the Ruger had been reported stolen.
At the time of this offense Mr. Pitts had three prior felony drug convictions in the Superior Court of Baldwin County occurring in 2009, 2010, and 2015, respectively.
“No convicted felon can legally possess a firearm. As a professional drug dealer, Ravon Pitts received the maximum sentence for this offense. As it did here, my office will prosecute all cases involving the illegal possession of firearms to the fullest extent possible. I commend the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for its fine work in this case," said U.S. Attorney Peeler.
This case was investigated by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions regarding this case should be addressed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at 478-621-2603 or [email protected]
Six Defendants in Vast Cocaine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that six defendants in a far-reaching conspiracy to distribute cocaine were sentenced to Federal prison on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Valdosta.
Those individuals and their respective sentences include:
Ivan Starks, age 47 of Ocala, Florida- 188 months
Ozell Lane, Jr., age 39 of Adel, Georgia - 96 months
Marvin Dumas, age 52 of Tifton, Georgia- 78 months
Willis Lee Young, age 41 of Adel, Georgia- 57 months
Adrian Lloyd, age 42 of Tifton, Georgia- 57 months
Chris Waters, age 50 of Tifton, Georgia- 48 months.
There is no parole in the Federal system.
From January 1, 2013, through December 10, 2014, the defendants acquired kilogram quantities of cocaine ultimately distributed throughout Cook, Colquitt and Tift County, Georgia. Between August 29, 2014, and September 28, 2014, intercepted communications revealed the defendants along with other members of the conspiracy participated in the acquisition and further distribution of between 10 to 15 kilograms of cocaine per week. On September 25, 2014, a traffic stop of conspirators Jose Martinez, Jessica Tellez, and Juan Sanchez Hidalgo resulted in the seizure of $225,937 of drug money en route to Juan Pablo Cuevas. Search warrants executed that same date on residences of Maurice Todd Carter, James Waters, and other defendants resulted in the seizure of an additional approximately $50,000, 3 kilograms of cocaine and 11 firearms. The listed defendants are the latest to be sentenced in this far-reaching conspiracy. Twelve other defendants have already been sentenced for their role in the ongoing illegal drug enterprise.
“The outstanding cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement in this investigation has brought about the dismantling of a very significant drug distribution enterprise, which was a major supplier of illicit drugs in the South Georgia area,” stated U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler. “The work of the investigators and prosecutors on this matter have made our communities in this area safer places to live.”
“Numerous communities in middle Georgia can sleep better tonight knowing that this far-reaching cocaine trafficking organization has been dismantled,” said Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This case demonstrates how DEA and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners form a united front to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug trafficking organizations.”
“These convictions demonstrate the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute the distribution of narcotics affecting Georgia and our surrounding states. The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes and make our communities safer,” commented Special Agent in Charge Kim Baker of the GBI Region 15 Field Office.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Mid-South Narcotics Task Force, and the Tift, Crisp, Cook, and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Julia Bowen is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Columbus Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Timothy Joiner, age 34 of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 20 years in Federal prison for attempted sexual exploitation of children. The sentence was handed down on November 20, 2017, by Chief United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Joiner entered a plea of guilty to the charge on August 2, 2017. According to the plea agreement, in March 2017, he sent pornographic pictures of children he found on the internet with the intent to receive child pornography in return. He also sent pictures of children taken from inside his own house, inside his car, and a picture of one of his own blood relatives. The charges were the result of an undercover investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department-Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force.
“Mr. Joiner’s perverse activities as a user, creator and purveyor of child pornography certainly warrant the sentence he received.” said United States Attorney Peterman. “Hopefully this case will send a message to others who might share the same inclinations as Mr. Joiner that when caught they will be prosecuted by this office to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Columbus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Charles E. Peeler Sworn in as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
MACON, GA – Charles E. “Charlie” Peeler has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Mr. Peeler was nominated by President Donald Trump on August 3, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 9, 2017. He took the oath of office from Chief United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as United States Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia. My objective is to make the Middle District a safer place to live, work and visit. I look forward to working with the Assistant United States Attorneys and State and Federal law enforcement to accomplish this mission.”
As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Peeler is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of Georgia, which includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta. He oversees a staff of 74 employees, including 28 attorneys and 46 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Mr. Peeler, of Albany, Georgia, received his J.D cum laude in 1999 from The University of Georgia School of Law and his B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1995 also from The University of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia Bar Association.
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Over the last 17 years Mr. Peeler has built a diverse trial practice. Mr. Peeler worked in Atlanta for King & Spalding prior to moving to Albany and founding a litigation boutique firm. Mr. Peeler has argued cases before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court. Mr. Peeler has obtained multi-million dollar jury verdicts on behalf of plaintiffs and defense verdicts on behalf of defendants. Mr. Peeler has tried to verdict business disputes, civil rights matters, criminal matters, employment matters and intellectual property matters. Mr. Peeler was appointed by District Court Judges in the Middle District of Georgia to serve on the Local Rules Advisory Committee and the Planning Committee for the 2016 11th Circuit Judicial Conference. Mr. Peeler was appointed by Georgia Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal to serve on the State Judicial Nominating Commission.Cataula Tax Preparers Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on November 21, 2017, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land sentenced Melissa Lowe, age 47, and her daughter, Bianca Lowe, age 29, for their roles in filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
Melissa Lowe was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment and restitution in the amount of $440,000, followed by a year of supervised release. Bianca Lowe was sentenced to 9 months imprisonment and restitution in the amount of $78,687, followed by a year of supervised release. As a condition of their supervised release, both parties are prohibited from acting as tax preparation agents or seeking employment in any tax related field.
The evidence showed that from 2011-2013, Melissa Lowe owned and operated Priority Tax Service in Cataula, Harris County, Georgia. Bianca Lowe was an occasional employee of the business. This business primarily was engaged in filing federal and state income tax returns for individual taxpayers. The Lowes engaged in a sustained practice of filing fraudulent income tax returns designed to inflate their customers’ tax refunds. While the scheme was perpetrated in several ways, the most common method used by the Lowes was filing a “Schedule C” with each return, even when such a filing was unwarranted and/or unnecessary. A Schedule C is filed when a taxpayer must report small business gains or losses; the Lowes routinely would file a Schedule C showing that their client sustained large business losses, which offset the amount of tax owed, and therefore increased the tax refund to the client. In most cases, the Schedule C businesses were either non-existent or their losses were drastically overstated.
The scheme was discovered when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) realized that Ms. Lowe’s business was filing Schedule C returns in a volume that was drastically higher than the national average for such businesses. As a result of this scheme, the total loss to the government was estimated at $440,000. Most of the individual taxpayers were unaware of the fraudulent filings, and will not be held accountable for the losses.
“Today’s sentencings should act as a deterrent for those who are thinking about helping others submit false tax returns,” said James Dorsey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to utilize our resources, work with our law enforcement partners and dismantle any of these tax preparation businesses who submit fraudulent tax returns.”
This case was investigated by agents representing the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde prosecuted this matter for the government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Twenty Men Face Federal Indictment for Attempted Online Enticement of A Minor Following A Joint Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement Operation in Columbus, GeorgiaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. Peterman, III, announced that a Federal Grand Jury returned indictments in the Columbus Division of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia today charging twenty defendants with Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b). This charge carries a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence, and a maximum term of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and mandatory sex offender registration.
The federal indictments stem from arrests made over this past weekend during “Operation Hidden Guardian,” a proactive, online undercover investigation centered in Columbus, Georgia, which was coordinated by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, the Columbus Police Department, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Along with those agencies who participated in the planning and coordination of the operation, twelve additional law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Hidden Guardian” as members of the Georgia ICAC Task Force. These agencies were: Federal Bureau of Investigation – Columbus Resident Agency; the United States Secret Service; Athens-Clarke County Police Department; Floyd County Police Department; Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office; Hall County Sheriff’s Office; Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC); Glynn County Police Department; LaGrange Police Department; Marietta Police Department; Polk County Police Department; and the Tallapoosa Police Department.
The following individuals were indicted today:
Reginald Kiiani Crowell, 36, Pittsview, Alabama;
Jonathan David Jenkins, 23, Columbus, Georgia;
Brian A Corcoran, 42, Columbus, Georgia;
Ji Won Kim, 26, Atlanta, Georgia;
Derrick Lamart Smalls, 38, Phenix City, Alabama;
Robert Alan Moore, 31, Ledonia, Alabama;
Collis Dwight Eaton, 48, Midway, Alabama;
Kenneth Jordan, 29, Columbus, Georgia;
Edwin Nieves, 55, Columbus, Georgia;
Ke Song, 24, Auburn, Alabama;
Christopher McGowan, 32, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania;
Jarrod R. Long, 27, Columbus, Georgia;
Jimmy Cobb, 35, Columbus, Georgia;
Uthemes Taylor, 30, Columbus, Georgia;
Michael Andrew Everett, 22, Columbus, Georgia;
Harold Bates, 35, Selma, Alabama;
Dereck C. Weldon, 30, Columbus, Georgia;
Gary D. Whitfield, 28, Columbus, Georgia;
William Pruitt, 48, Franklin, North Carolina; and
Eric K. Menefee, 50, Opelika, Alabama.
An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Each person is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty in a court of law. Assistant United States Attorneys Danial Bennett, Crawford Seals, and Mel Hyde are prosecuting the cases for the Government.
Mercer Transportation Company Agrees to Pay $4.4 Million to Resolve Alleged Violations of the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced today a civil settlement with trucking company Mercer Transportation Company, Inc. (Mercer). Mercer has agreed to pay $4.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims for payment related to shipments originating at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia, that were obtained by bribery of Government officials from 2006 through 2012.
This settlement resolves a lawsuit under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to bring civil actions on behalf of the Government and to share in any recovery. The Act also allows the Government to intervene and take over the action, as it did in this case. The relator who filed this case under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act will receive $814,000 as his share of the recovery.
In its civil complaint, the United States alleged that Mercer, through its agents, employees, and representatives, bribed two Government employees who worked at MCLB in Albany and who were responsible for awarding contracts for the shipment of Government freight out of MCLB. The United States’ complaint alleged that the bribery of these Government employees resulted in Mercer’s being awarded contracts for shipments out of MCLB that it would not have otherwise received during the period from October 2006 through May 2012.
“In simple terms, fraud committed by defense contractors is theft directly from the American people,” Peterman said. “When dealing with the U.S. Government – especially when dealing with the armed forces whose lives may depend on the work of these contractors – contractors are expected to act in good faith and to comply with their obligations. This U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable contractors that seek to profit unfairly at the expense of American troops and taxpayers.”
“This settlement demonstrates the commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of all Department of Defense programs,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office. “DCIS’ efforts in this investigation mitigated further significant loss and waste of taxpayer dollars from this fraudulent scheme.”
According to Special Agent in Charge Mike Wiest, NCIS Southeast Field Office, “the preservation of the integrity of Department of Navy procurement activities is a top priority of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Through a joint investigation, NCIS and its partner agencies steadfastly pursued numerous allegations of corruption that caused significant harm to the U.S. Marine Corps and other Department of Defense equities resulting in this settlement.”
“This settlement is a result of the steadfast efforts of our investigators and our law enforcement partners,” said Frank Robey, Director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “Uncovering these types of schemes is a cooperative effort, and we look forward to continuing our work together to eradicate corruption.”
The United States’ civil settlement was the result of a coordinated effort among the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command’s Major Procurement Fraud Unit, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and the U. S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch. The case was investigated by NCIS Special Agent Riley Proctor, DCIS Special Agent Lam Hoang, and Special Agent Jennifer Coleman of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command.
The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Todd P. Swanson and Assistant United States Attorney W. Taylor McNeill, both of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and Andrew Steinberg, of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch.
Mercer fully cooperated in the United States’ pre-intervention investigation. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. The case is captioned United States ex rel. James E. Reeves v. Mercer Transportation Co., Inc., (Case No. 1:13-CV-108-LJA (M.D. Ga.).
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Grant Funds AwardedRead the Press Release
MACON: United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III and Bibb County Sheriff David Davis announced today that the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs has awarded grant funds to the Middle District of Georgia Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force to implement a violent gang and gun crime reduction initiative.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is designed to create safer neighborhoods through a sustained effort based on the cooperation of local, state and federal agencies engaged in a unified approach led by the U.S. Attorney in each district. The FY 2017 Project Safe Neighborhoods Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program will provide $200,000 in grant funds to be used to (1) increase the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory’s capability to conduct ballistics analysis using latest IBIS BrassTrRAX technology; (2) conduct an in-depth scholarly review and data-driven analysis of the local gun and gang crime problem by Middle Georgia State University’s Center for Academic Research and Education; (3) increase federal prosecution of violent gun and gang crime offenders using comprehensive Assistant United States Attorney led-cases and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led-NIBIN hits review; and (4) streamline directed patrol, field interrogation and jail outreach for gun and gang crime deterrence, using “Smart Suite” researcher-practitioner fellowship.
Partners in the initiative include Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Georgia Department of Community Supervision. Middle Georgia State University submitted the application, prepared by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, for and on behalf of the agencies and will serve as the Fiscal Agent and Research Partner for the initiative.
“This grant is extremely helpful in the fight against crime for two reasons,” said United States Attorney “Pete” Peterman. “First, it brings federal, state and local law enforcement together and blends their resources, as can be seen by all the agencies involved. Secondly, by tracing all the various crimes in which a particular firearm has been used, we are likely to identify more perpetrators and solve more investigations than otherwise could be done without this additional resource.”
Sheriff David Davis said, “This federal initiative will greatly enhance the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigative and crime lab capabilities in concert with the ATF for the Middle District of Georgia region, by providing the latest IBIS BRASSTRAX ballistics analysis technology, training, and making entries into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). This capability will enable us to identify firearms that may have been used in multiple instances of violence in our area. Having this information will help to ensure that evildoers are held accountable for all of their misdeeds.”
For more information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Law Enforcement Coordinator, at 478-621-2603 or at [email protected].
Former Robins Air Force Base Employee Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Arthur D. Clark, age 60 of Perry, Georgia, was sentenced on October 16, 2017, by United States District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Macon, Georgia to 10 years in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor. Mr. Clark was formerly employed as a member of the Air Force Civil Service on Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system. His term of imprisonment will be followed by 25 years of supervised release and registration as a sex offender.
Mr. Clark entered a plea of guilty to the charge on May 18, 2017. On June 15, 2016, Mr. Clark responded to an online advertisement posted during an undercover operation conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. From June 15, 2016, through July 7, 2016, Mr. Clark chatted online with whom he believed to be a 14-year-old female named “L.” In reality, “L.” was an undercover agent. During his conversations with “L.,” Mr. Clark indicated that “I wanna do it all with you. Sex and all….” Mr. Clark was eventually told that “L.” would be alone at her parents’ residence located on Robins Air Force Base on July 7, 2016. On this same date, he traveled to a park on Base and sent a text message to “L.” indicating that he was awaiting her arrival. Mr. Clark was subsequently arrested by law enforcement officers, who found unused condoms and personal lubricant in his vehicle after his arrest. Subsequent to his arrest, Mr. Clark agreed to speak with law enforcement and acknowledged that he came on the base to meet “L.” who he knew was a 14-year-old minor. He also confirmed that the condoms and personal lubricant were for their encounter and that he used both his cell phone and work computer to communicate with “L.”
“With ten years to serve in prison without parole and a quarter of a century of intense supervision by federal authorities after that, it is gratifying to know that at 60 years of age Mr. Clark is extremely unlikely to sexually abuse another child as he was so earnestly trying to do in this case,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at Robins Air Force Base. Assistant United States Attorney C. Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 752-3511.
Five Valdosta Residents Plead Guilty to Mail Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III announces that on October 3, 2017 Kedrick Antwan Williams, age 31, and on October 12, 2017, Zerrick Devon Tompkins, age 31, Jerry Lewis Rawls, Jr., age 44, Willie James Smith, age 64, and Gregory Willie Harris, age 46, all of Valdosta, Georgia, entered pleas of guilty in front of the Senior United States District Judge Hugh Lawson for conspiring to steal and to possess stolen mail.
According to plea agreements, the defendants admitted to conspiring to steal and possess stolen mail and items, including checks, that were in the mail between July 24 and December 8, 2016. Members of the conspiracy admitted to stealing mail in the Valdosta area, removing checks, and then altering payees and/or amounts on checks that were in the mail. The defendants then presented the checks for cashing or deposit and retained the funds. The defendants admitted to the theft of between $40,000 and $95,000 worth of checks written on the accounts of various businesses and individuals. Members of the conspiracy agreed to payment of restitution of more than $14,000 to five banks and one business, based on checks that were actually negotiated.
Sentencing is scheduled for all defendants on January 10, 2018 in Valdosta, Georgia.
“This case involved a classic organized check cashing ring, with some members stealing checks, others altering the payees and the amounts, and others negotiating the altered instruments. The many victims in the South Georgia area included numerous businesses and individuals. It is a shame that with all the ingenuity and effort these criminals invested in this illegal scheme, they did not choose to earn an honest dollar instead, which they were clearly smart and resourceful enough to have done,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Valdosta Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection service. Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Prison-Based Meth Distribution Ring DismantledRead the Press Release
G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces sentences imposed on 19 defendants since January of this year resulting from the dismantling of a drug ring distributing methamphetamine and other drugs and operated from within the prisons of the Georgia Department of Corrections. The following sentences, all of which were imposed by the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams, United States District Judge in Albany, Georgia, resulted from guilty pleas by each defendant for distribution and/or conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in violation of federal law, except as specifically noted otherwise below, to-wit:
1) Curtis Wood, age 55, of Waycross, Georgia, was sentenced on March 16, 2017, to 120 months imprisonment;
2) Tiffany Leverette, age 33, of Nahunta, Georgia was sentenced on February 1, 2017, to 36 months imprisonment;
3) Austin Brown, age 43, of Rebecca, Georgia, was sentenced on March 16, 2017, to 120 months imprisonment;
4) Jamie Crews, age 42, of Okeechobee, Florida, was sentenced on December 14, 2016, to 200 months imprisonment;
5) Jacob Herrin, age 23, of Hoboken, Georgia, was sentenced February 1, 2017, to 48 months imprisonment;
6) Loretta Hunt, age 47, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 29, 2017, to five years of probation for conspiracy to distribute marijuana;
7) Adam Arnold, age 40, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced on August 29, 2017, to 80 months imprisonment;
8) Jimmy Waldrop, age 45, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced on August 29, 2017, to 96 months imprisonment for illegal use of a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking;
9) Tony Carrithers, age 47, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 29, 2017, to 72 months imprisonment;
10) Jimmy Barrentine, age 55, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 29, 2017, to 60 months imprisonment;
11) Jimmy Taylor, age 42, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 29, 2017, to 180 months imprisonment;
12) Gaye Miles, age 46, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 36 months imprisonment;
13) Tonya Harp, age 38, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 60 months imprisonment;
14) Sarah Taylor, age 41, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 18 months imprisonment;
14) Dexter Davis, age 53, of Enigma, Georgia, was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 144 months imprisonment;
15) Dorian Holt, age 40, of Fairburn, Georgia, was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 135 months imprisonment;
16) Leslie Howard, age 47, of Chula, Georgia was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 120 months imprisonment;
17) Anthony Moore, age 30, of Hoboken, Georgia, was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 210 months imprisonment;
18) Antron Miles, age 48, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on October 10, 2017, to 360 months imprisonment (to begin in 2020 and run consecutive to his Tift county sentence); and
19) Rehjan Mujanovic, age 27, a citizen of Bosnia, residing in Gwinnett County, Georgia was sentenced on August 30, 2017, to 240 months imprisonment, with sentencing on separate charges in the State of Georgia to take place subsequently.
Co-defendant Bobby Grantham is awaiting sentencing.
Investigative efforts in this case revealed that several inmates in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, including Antron Miles, Anthony Moore, and Rejhan Mujanovic had engaged in a conspiracy with one another and with other persons, who were not inmates, to acquire and distribute a variety of controlled substances such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Miles, Moore and Mujanovic were able to engage in this criminal activity due to cell phones that had been smuggled into the Georgia Department of Corrections and to which they had access.
Based on an order authorizing a wiretap on the phone used by Miles, agents learned that Miles, a native of Tifton, Georgia, was obtaining controlled substances, primarily methamphetamine, but also marijuana, cocaine/cocaine base and heroin from persons associated with Mujanovic. Miles’ nephew, Dorian Holt, regularly met with the suppliers and transported the bulk quantity narcotics from the Atlanta area to the Tifton area. In some instances the controlled substances were shipped via United States Mail to Enigma, Georgia, where Loretta Hillman Hunt was the Relief Post Master. Ms. Hunt would divert the packages from the normal flow of mail and provide them to either Tonya Harp or Dexter Davis for distribution.
In Tifton, the drugs were warehoused and distributed by Leslie Howard, Tonya Harp and Sarah Frost Taylor assisted by Jimmy Taylor, Tony Carrithers and Dexter Davis. Anthony Moore routed customers such as Curtis Wood, Tiffany Leverette, Jacob Herrin and Jamie Crews from the Ware, Coffee and Brantley County areas through Miles to arrange meetings with Miles’ co-conspirators in Tifton. Jimmy Barrentine assisted in transporting the controlled substances to Wood on some occasions. Miles’ wife, Gaye, took control of the proceeds of the sales and assisted in acquiring supplies necessary for processing the methamphetamine. Other listed defendants, including Austin Brown, Adam Arnold and Jimmy Waldrop, were repeat customers who acquired regular multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine and heroin for resale in Georgia and West Virginia.
The agents monitored the wiretap from May 22, 2015 to June 8, 2015. Before, during and after the conclusion of the wiretap, agents engaged in controlled purchases of controlled substances. They conducted surveillance and traffic stops based on the information obtained through the wire-tap. Additionally, they executed search warrants at many of the Tifton area storage locations.
As a result of these efforts, agents seized multiple kilograms of high purity methamphetamine, hundreds of grams of heroin and marijuana, along with small amounts of cocaine and prescription pills such as Oxycodone and Xanax. Agents also seized in excess of $30,000 in United States Currency.
“This prosecution is the result of an ongoing and unrelenting investigation by the federal, state and local agencies listed below as well as the dedicated prosecution team in the Albany Branch of this office,” said United States Attorney Peterman. “This effort has dismantled a major drug distribution network in Southwestern Georgia, an operation that had continued even from prison. It is an outstanding example of what a dedicated team of law enforcement professionals can accomplish when working together across jurisdictional lines.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Macon Division; GBI Sylvester, Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, and Mid South Narcotics Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Serial Bank Robber Receives 15 Year Plus Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
G.F. Peterman, IIII, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Quinn Morgan of Milledgeville, GA, age 60, was sentenced in Macon by the Honorable Marc Treadwell, United States District Judge, to 188 months imprisonment for multiple counts of bank robbery in this district and elsewhere. There is no parole in the federal system.
Between May 2, 2016 and June 28, 2016, Mr. Morgan robbed the BB&T Bank located at 201 Second Street, Macon, GA; the CGR Credit Union located in the Navicent Health Center (formerly the Medical Center of Central Georgia) located at 770 Pine St., Macon, GA; and the Robins Financial Credit Union located at 577 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA. He would enter the bank/credit unions wearing different clothing and present a note demanding money. Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Mr. Morgan within minutes of the Robins Financial Credit Union robbery.
After his arrest, FBI agents discovered that Mr. Morgan had committed other bank robberies outside of the Middle District of Georgia. It was determined that on February 12, 2016, he had robbed the Day Air Credit Union located at 4100 West Third Street, Dayton, OH; the Wells Fargo bank located at 12830 Highway 9 North, Alpharetta, GA on June 3, 2016; and the SunTrust Bank located at 3020 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA on September 29, 2015.
For each of the robberies, Mr. Morgan would attempt to disguise his appearance and present a note demanding money from the bank teller.
After his arrest by Bibb County deputies, Mr. Morgan confessed to all of the robberies.
“It was the excellent police and investigative work by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI that led to the capture of this serial robber and brought his nine month crime spree to an end,” said United States Attorney Peterman. “It is good to know that Mr. Morgan will not be able to feed his addiction to other people’s money for the next one and a half decades.”
“The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is proud of the swift action by our deputies to arrest this serial bank robber, which has resulted in him being put behind bars for over a decade,” said Sheriff David J. Davis.
“Thanks to a quick response by Bibb County Sheriff deputies, a string of bank robberies that would have surely continued, was ended,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta FBI Field Office. “And thanks to a thorough investigation by FBI Agents and Bibb County after that arrest, Mr. Morgan’s lengthy spree of bank robberies was uncovered, ending in a prison sentence that will give him plenty of time to think about changing his path in life.”
The case was investigated by Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Solis handled the prosecution for the Department of Justice.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pam Lightsey, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Convicted in Stolen Identity Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal jury sitting in Columbus, Georgia returned a guilty verdict today against a U.S. postal worker for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud conspiracy, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G. F. Peterman III for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to evidence presented at trial, Harold Coley, 52, worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and his postal route was in Columbus, Georgia. In 2012, Coley was recruited by Keshia Lanier to participate in stolen identity tax refund conspiracy. Coley collected addresses on his route, including many that did not exist or related to vacant buildings, and provided them to Lanier and others for the purpose of filing fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Lanier obtained many of the stolen identities from Tamika Floyd who worked for the Alabama Department of Public Health. The stolen identities primarily belonged to 16 and 17 year-olds.
Lanier and others directed the IRS to mail the tax refund checks to the addresses Coley provided. In exchange for cash, Coley intercepted the fraudulently obtained refund checks and provided them to Lanier and others. In total, Coley’s co-conspirators directed over 1,600 refund checks claiming more than $2.5 million to addresses on his postal route. Lanier and Floyd were previously sentenced to 15 years and more than seven years in prison for their roles in the scheme.
U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19. Coley faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count, 20 years in prison for each count of mail fraud and 5 years in prison for each count of embezzlement of the mail. Coley also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Peterman commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and William Montague of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Convicted in Stolen Identity Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury sitting in Columbus, Georgia returned a guilty verdict against a U.S. postal worker for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud conspiracy, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney G. F. Peterman III for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to evidence presented at trial, Harold Coley, 52, worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and his postal route was in Columbus, Georgia. In 2012, Coley was recruited by Keshia Lanier to participate in stolen identity tax refund conspiracy. Coley collected addresses on his route, including many that did not exist or related to vacant buildings, and provided them to Lanier and others for the purpose of filing fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Lanier obtained many of the stolen identities from Tamika Floyd who worked for the Alabama Department of Public Health. The stolen identities primarily belonged to 16 and 17 year-olds.
Lanier and others directed the IRS to mail the tax refund checks to the addresses Coley provided. In exchange for cash, Coley intercepted the fraudulently obtained refund checks and provided them to Lanier and others. In total, Coley’s co-conspirators directed over 1,600 refund checks claiming more than $2.5 million to addresses on his postal route. Lanier and Floyd were previously sentenced to 15 years and more than seven years in prison for their roles in the scheme.
U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19. Coley faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count, 20 years in prison for each count of mail fraud and 5 years in prison for each count of embezzlement of the mail. Coley also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Peterman commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and William Montague of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Columbus Regional Health Employees Sentenced for Wire Fraud & Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announces that Carol Adcock, age 57, was sentenced to serve 15 months and Barbara McFerrin, age 55, was sentenced to serve 33 months in federal prison for wire fraud and tax evasion. The sentences were handed down by Chief United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia, on August 22, 2017.
Ms. Adcock and Ms. McFerrin were employees at Columbus Regional Health in Columbus, Georgia. As the accounts payable manager, Ms. Adcock was responsible for paying all invoices and making entries into the general ledger. Ms. McFerrin also had access to the general ledger as director of corporate finance. Both individuals had hospital-issued credit cards. Employees were not permitted to use company cards for personal use. In 2011, Columbus Regional switched credit card companies and employees were required to surrender their old card. However, Ms. McFerrin and Ms. Adcock kept their cards and began to make unauthorized purchases and using the cards for their personal benefit. From 2011 to 2014, Ms. McFerrin and Ms. Adcock combined spent approximately $1.2 million on car, pet, and pool expenses, as well as utility expenses, school expenses, hotels or rental properties, and medical expenses They also made payments to the United States Treasury to satisfy personal income tax obligations.
"These individuals violated the trust of their former employer and benefited financially. The judgement against Adcock and McFerrin should serve as an example to those who decided to embezzle from their employer. Employers give their employees a lot of trust, when you take advantage of that trust, there will be consequences," IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey said.
“These two individuals, who were respected and trusted enough by their employer to have been promoted to these high positions of responsibility and authority, unfortunately decided to abuse that trust and misuse that responsibility and authority to steal from that very same employer. They certainly deserve the sentences imposed on them as the result,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
In addition to her prison sentence, Ms. Adcock will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $246,829.26 and Ms. McFerrin will be required to pay restitution in the amount of $662,105.81.
This case was investigated by the Columbus Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 752-3511.
Twenty-Five Walton County Residents Charged in Eight Drug and Firearms IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Twenty-five Walton County residents have been charged in eight indictments filed in the Middle District of Georgia, Athens Division, announced United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III. All of the indictments were returned on August 9, 2017, by a federal Grand Jury sitting in Macon, Georgia, and result from a two year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Monroe, Georgia, Police Department. Twenty-two of the defendants charged in these indictments were taken into custody earlier today, with initial appearances for those arrested scheduled to begin this afternoon in Macon.
Anthony J. Johnson, 39, Anthony L. Smith, 51, his sons, Emmanuel B. Smith, 31 and Lachievous Smith, 29, Kristy Davis-Smith, 30, and Brittney Porter, 27, all of Monroe, Georgia, were named in a twenty-one count indictment charging them with drug conspiracy and distribution charges involving firearms and drugs in Monroe, Walton County, Georgia.
According to allegations in the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, Alprazolam pills and marijuana for over four years in Monroe, Georgia. Conviction of participation in this conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of a mandatory minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and up to five years of supervised release.
Cardia Wright, 28, John T. Chapman, 26, Casey Watts, 31, Chris Rivers, 25 and John Henry Wilson, 53, all of Monroe, Georgia are charged in a twenty-one count indictment which alleges a drug conspiracy and distribution of drugs and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug crime. According to the allegations in the indictment, over a four year period the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and Alprazolam and Oxycodone pills. Conviction of participation in this conspiracy carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years to a maximum sentence of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and up to four years supervised release.
Vernon X. Cooper, 36, Carl L. Brown, 26 and Craig Towler, 34, all from Monroe, Georgia are charged in an eleven count indictment alleging a drug conspiracy and distribution of drugs and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug crime. According to the allegations in the indictment, the defendants conspired to distribute Cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and Oxycodone pills. Conviction of participation in the conspiracy carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years to a maximum of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and up to four years supervised release.
Kendarious Gaither, 21, Quadarriaus Little, 20, Jermaine Davis, 33 and his wife, Clarissa Strong-Davis, 27, Shantrell Porter, 20 and Miquavious Flanigan, 25, all from Monroe, Georgia are charged in a fifteen count indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine and marijuana, distribution of drugs and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug crime. Conviction of participation in the conspiracy carries a minimum mandatory sentence of five years to a maximum sentence of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and supervised release of four years.
Devontae Durden, 23 and Darius O. Vinson, 22 from Monroe, Georgia are charged in a two-count indictment, alleging distribution of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Conviction of these charges carries a maximum sentence of twenty years, a fine of $1,000,000.00, supervised release of three years on Count One, followed by a consecutive sentence of five years minimum mandatory to Life, $250,000.00 and supervised release of 3 years on Count Two of the indictment.
Hunter, 45, from Monroe Georgia, was charged in a one count indictment of distribution of methamphetamine. Conviction of the charge carries a sentence of up to twenty years, a fine of $1,000,000.00 and 3 years supervised release.
Chauncey Brantley, 22 from Monroe, Georgia, was charged in a five-count indictment, alleging distribution of methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug crime. Conviction of the charges carries a minimum sentence of 5 years to a maximum of forty years, $1,000,000.00 and supervised release of 3 years for the drug offenses, followed by consecutive sentence of a minimum mandatory sentence of five years to a maximum of life, $250,000.00 fine and 3 years supervised release for the firearms charges.
Jammahl Fewquay, 23, from Monroe, Georgia, was charged in a count one of an indictment with distribution of marijuana and in count two with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Conviction of count one carries a maximum sentence of five years, a fine of $250,000.00 and 1 year supervised release and count two of the indictment mandates a consecutive five years to life, $250,000.00 fine and 3 years supervised release.
Copies of the indictments are attached.
The arrests of the defendants were achieved with assistance and coordination with the FBI, Monroe Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Walton County, Barrow County and Gwinnett County Sheriffs’ Offices, the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia State Patrol , Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Athens-Clarke County and Norcross Police Departments and the investigators from the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Monroe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Public Corruption Indictment Returned for Bribery of Former Bibb County School District Superintendent Romain DallemandRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. Peterman, III, announced that an indictment was unsealed today charging:
1. Cliffard Whitby, age 54, Forsyth, Georgia:
- Conspiracy to Pay a Bribe to an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds;
- Five (5) Counts of Paying a Bribe to an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds; and
- Conspiracy to Launder the Proceeds of Unlawful Activity
2. Harold Knowles, age 69, Tallahassee, Florida:
- Conspiracy to Pay a Bribe to an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds;
- Paying a Bribe to an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds;
- Offering to Pay a Bribe to an Agent of an Organization Receiving Federal Funds; and
- Conspiracy to Launder the Proceeds of Unlawful Activity
3. Central Georgia Partnership for Individual and Community Development, Macon, Georgia:
- Conspiracy to Launder the Proceeds of Unlawful Activity
4. Positiventures Initiative, LLC, Macon, Georgia:
- Conspiracy to Launder the Proceeds of Unlawful Activity
Mr. Whitby was arrested this morning and he is scheduled to make his initial appearance in the United States District Court in Macon this afternoon.
Mr. Knowles was arrested this morning and he is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in Florida this afternoon.
The statutory maximum sentence in federal prison authorized for the bribe conspiracy is five years, for the substantive bribery counts is ten years, and for the money laundering conspiracy is twenty years. The money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum fine of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. The other charges carry a maximum possible fine of $250,000.00 each.
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Each person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service. 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.
Former Bibb County School District Superintendent Romain Dallemand Enters Guilty Plea in Federal Court to Felony Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. Peterman, III, announced that, on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, former Bibb County School District Superintendent Romain Dallemand, age 49, of Naples, Florida, entered his guilty plea to a one-count information charging him with filing a false tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Fort Myers Division. The statutory maximum sentence authorized for filing a false tax return is three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Dallemand admitted, among other things, that on or about May 8, 2014, he signed and submitted to the Internal Revenue Service a false United States Individual Income Tax Return Form 1040 for the tax year 2012 from his residence in Naples, Florida. In his 2012 Form 1040, Dallemand both under-reported his income and over-reported his itemized deductions. Of note, Mr. Dallemand failed to report an unauthorized $100,000 payment which was intended to influence Mr. Dallemand to perform, and to continue to perform, certain actions in his official capacity while he served as the Superintendent of the Bibb County School District.
Given the fact that Mr. Dallemand submitted his false 2012 tax return from his residence in Naples, Florida, venue for this charge is proper in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Two federal prosecutors from the Middle District of Georgia, based in Macon, were given specific authorization to prosecute this case before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
“This plea is the result of a long standing and ongoing investigation into activities involving the Bibb County School District during and after the period when Mr. Dallemand served as the Superintendent. While this investigation has been conducted by authorities of the Middle District of Georgia, I want to acknowledge the cooperation and assistance of the Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Stephen Muldrow, and especially his staff in the Fort Myers Division of that office, in the prosecution of this case,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Macon Resident Agency and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Macon Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Middle District of Georgia Beth Howard and Danial Bennett, designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Middle District of Florida, are prosecuting the case for the Government.
Members of Montezuma Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to One Hundred and Fifty-Five (155) and One Hundred and Seventy (170) Months Imprisonment for Distribution of Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announces that Geoffrey L. “Jeff” Larry, Nicholas J. “Nick” Larry, and Curtis J. “C.J.” Holmes, were each sentenced to more than thirteen (13) years in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine in and around Montezuma, Macon County, Georgia. The sentences were imposed by United States District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia, on August 8, 2017.
Geoffrey L. Larry, age 36, of Montezuma, Georgia was sentenced to serve 170 months in federal prison for distribution of crack cocaine and was determined to be the leader and supplier of the drug trafficking organization that included his brother, Nicholas J. Larry, age 34, also of Montezuma. Nicholas J. Larry was sentenced to serve 155 months in federal prison and Curtis J. Holmes, age 38, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 170 months in federal prison for their participation in the crack cocaine organization. Each of the defendants is also required to serve a three-year term of supervised release following release from prison.
There is no parole for those convicted in the federal courts.
The court determined that between January 1, 2014 and March 15, 2016, the Larry brothers and Holmes were responsible for trafficking the equivalent of more than 1,950 grams of crack cocaine in and around the Montezuma area. The drug trafficking organization primarily dealt in crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and small amounts of marijuana. The court also determined that Nicholas Larry and Curtis Holmes maintained two different “trap houses,” the term for premises used for the purpose of trafficking drugs, that were supplied by Geoffrey Larry over the course of more than two years. Several firearms were seized throughout the course of the investigation, including three firearms located at one of the drug premises. Each of the defendants had previous felony convictions for drug crimes in the state of Georgia and were therefore prohibited from possessing any firearms.
“I commend the federal and local law enforcement officers and agencies whose cooperation took these violent, armed drug dealers off the streets and dismantled their drug distribution organization, The community and citizens of Montezuma, of Macon County, and of all of Middle Georgia are safer today as the result of this investigation and prosecution,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, through lead agent Brian Queener, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, through lead agent Shannon McCook, and additional assistance from the Montezuma Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney C. Shanelle Booker prosecuted the case for the United States.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Brittney Kish-Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 752-3511.
Navicent Settles Ambulance Fraud Claims for over $2.5MMRead the Press Release
G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and Georgia Attorney General Christopher M. Carr announced today a civil settlement with The Medical Center of Central Georgia, Inc., d/b/a The Medical Center, Navicent Health (“Navicent”). Navicent agreed to pay to the United States and the State of Georgia $2,549,742 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act by submitting bills for ambulance transports that were either inflated or medically unnecessary. Additionally, Navicent’s current Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) will be heightened and extended to cover the newly resolved conduct. A CIA is an agreement between a private provider of services and the United States whereby the provider, at its own expense, institutes and maintains a program, overseen by the OIG with reviews by an independent review organization, to insure compliance with the laws and regulations regarding participation in federally funded programs.
The settlement marks the end of a 27-month investigation into Navicent’s ambulance billing practices. The investigation revealed two suspected schemes through which Navicent allegedly violated the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act. The first alleged scheme resolved by the settlement concerns non-emergency ambulance transports between hospitals that Navicent billed at an inflated rate by claiming the ambulance trips were emergency trips. The second alleged scheme resolved by the settlement concerns the billing of non-emergency ambulance transports of patients released from the hospital to their residences, skilled nursing facilities, hospital-based diagnostic clinics, or dialysis centers that Navicent billed as emergency transports in violation of ambulance billing rules. It was alleged that in addition to billing many of these transports at an inflated rate, for many of these transports it was neither appropriate nor medically necessary for Navicent to have used and billed for an ambulance at all.
This investigation began with a lawsuit filed by Andre Valentine, a former Navicent paramedic, under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act. These statutes allow private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the Government and share in any recovery obtained. The case is captioned United States and the State of Georgia, ex rel. Andre Valentine v. Navicent Hospital, Inc., 5:15-cv-152 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Mr. Valentine will receive a share of the settlement payment pursuant to the whistleblower provisions of these statutes.
While Mr. Valentine’s complaint focused on transports between hospitals, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) independently identified for investigation Navicent’s billing of emergency ambulance transportation for services provided to patients from the hospital to destinations such as skilled nursing facilities and patient residences. The OIG’s identification was based on data analytics conducted by the OIG’s Office of Management and Policy, Consolidated Data Analysis Center.As a result of this investigation, on May 8, 2017, the United States and the State of Georgia chose to intervene in Mr. Valentine’s complaint and litigate the case in United States District Court. Today’s settlement resolves the pending litigation. Navicent fully cooperated in the investigation, after which the parties agreed to resolve the allegations described herein. The claims covered by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
“Ambulance billing has long been an area of potential fraud on the Medicare and Medicaid programs and this office will continue to vigorously investigate and pursue those who attempt to take advantage of the program. We will continue to police ambulance providers throughout Middle Georgia until the message has been received,” said U.S Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman. “This case shows the value added when investigating health care fraud in a coordinated manner. By combining two parallel investigations, the Government was able to achieve a valuable recovery on behalf of the taxpayers in the most efficient manner possible.”
“Since Navicent owned and operated both the hospital and ambulances, profits from the systemic, deceptive practice of falsifying 'emergency’ trips would fatten the hospital’s bottom line,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “With the power of sophisticated data analytics to augment traditional investigative work, bringing health organizations to justice is surer than ever.”
“Enforcement of the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act is a top priority for our office,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with our federal law enforcement partners to protect Georgia taxpayers and pursue those who attempt to inflate the costs of the Medicaid services they are trusted to facilitate.”
The case was investigated by the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Investigators Enedelia Bostrup and Shaketia Morgan of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, and Investigator Trenton Williams and Chief Investigative Auditor Anita Reddick of the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, a division of the Georgia Attorney General's Office. The United States’ civil settlement was reached by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd P. Swanson and Aimee J. Hall. The State of Georgia’s civil settlement was reached by Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth White.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603, and Katelyn McCreary, Director of Communications for the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia, at (404) 463-5462.
Perjurer Gets Prison TimeRead the Press Release
G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Angel Thacker Freundschuh, age 37, of Lee County, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 months and a day imprisonment for perjury by United States District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia on July 26, 2017.
On December 18, 2015, officers responded to a shoplifting call at the Marine Corp Exchange (MCX) located at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MLCB) in Albany, Georgia. Ms. Freundschuh was found in possession of a silver ring, a bottle of Estee Lauder perfume, a blouse and a scarf belonging to MCX and of a total retail value of $121.00. Ms. Freundschuh was charged with Theft by Shoplifting and appeared before The Honorable Thomas Q. Langstaff, United States Magistrate Judge, on December 5, 2016, for trial. At that trial, Freundschuh testified in her own defense and falsely stated that officials of MCLB had returned these items of merchandise to her after she produced a receipt for them. In support of this testimony, Ms. Freundschuh presented an altered receipt, empty perfume box and blouse, all of which she swore to the Court were, in fact, the same items which she was accused of stealing but which had later been returned to her. The actual items taken by Freundschuh were, at the time of her testimony, in the possession of employees of MCX. Based on this false testimony, Ms. Freundschuh was charged with perjury. While federal law requires a sentence of at least 30 days incarceration for a repeat shoplifter such as Ms. Freundschuh, on February 13, 2017, she received 120 days to serve on the shoplifting conviction. While serving that sentence, Ms. Freundschuh plead guilty to perjury based upon her false testimony at her shoplifting trial. After completing the shoplifting sentence, Ms. Freundschuh appeared for sentencing on the perjury charge and received an additional prison sentence of one year and one day, to be followed by two years supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory assessment fee payment.
“This conviction is a perfect example of turning a misdemeanor into a felony by lying to the Court,” said United States Attorney Peterman. “Ms. Freundschuh’s original shoplifting charge was a misdemeanor, but by her false testimony she is now a convicted felon, with a much longer prison sentence as well as the attendant loss of rights and privileges that a felony conviction entails. Hopefully this case will make clear that while a defendant has the right to be silent, if the defendant choses to speak, there is no right to lie.”
Both cases were investigated by the Marine Corps Police Department--Criminal Investigative Division. 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.
Would-Be Bomber Sentenced to 120 Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces Clinton Scott Bass, age 34, of Hahira, Georgia, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta. Mr. Bass was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, the maximum sentence under the statute and guidelines, for attempting to receive and transport explosive materials with intent to kill, injure or intimidate.
In March 2017, Mr. Bass solicited and paid for what he believed to be a mail bomb through the Internet. Mr. Bass subsequently attempted to arm the bomb before delivering it to the doorstep of his intended target. Through the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies, Mr. Bass’s attempt was thwarted and no one was injured.
“The FBI committed substantial resources to spearheading this investigation. But for the dedication, hard work and ingenuity of the FBI agents, and the other federal and local law enforcement officers working with them, this case could well have ended with tragic consequences,” said United States Attorney Peterman. “Instead, justice has been done.”
David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “This investigation and its resulting arrest, guilty plea, and sentencing, while expending exhaustive law enforcement resources, prevented an imminent homicide and removed a dangerous individual from our streets. The FBI would like to thank its many law enforcement partners that were so vital to this effort for their commitment and dedication in seeing this matter through.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Service, Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hahira Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Julia C. Bowen and Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Indictment Returned for Fraud in Connection with Technology Sale to the Bibb County School DistrictRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. Peterman, III, announced that an indictment charging Isaac J. Culver, III, age 47, Lizella, Georgia, Dave Carty, age 48, Macon, Georgia, and their business, Progressive Consulting Technologies, Inc., with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, ten (10) counts of wire fraud, one (1) count of mail fraud, and conspiracy to launder the proceeds of unlawful activity was unsealed today.
The charges against Mr. Culver, Mr. Carty, and Progressive Consulting Technologies, Inc. stem from the sale of 15,000 Ncomputing devices to the Bibb County School District in 2012. Mr. Culver and Mr. Carty were arrested this morning and are scheduled to make their initial appearances in the United States District Court this afternoon.
Each of the charges against Mr. Culver, Mr. Carty, and Progressive Consulting Technologies, Inc. carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment. The fine on the conspiracy to launder the proceeds of unlawful activity carries a maximum fine of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. The other charges carry a maximum possible fine of $250,000.00 each.
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Each person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service. 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.
16 Defendants Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses Following Multi-Agency InvestigationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announced today that an indictment was returned by a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court in Macon, Georgia on May 11, 2017, which charged 16 defendants with drug trafficking and firearms offenses. During “Operation Gang Related”, Federal agents, assisted by state and local law enforcement officers, investigated a large-scale drug organization based in Milledgeville, Georgia. Over the course of the investigation, federal agents seized large amounts of Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, Heroin and cash.
Penalties for the charges range from a mandatory minimum 5 years up to life in prison without parole. Fines range from $250,000 to $10,000,000 dollars.
All of the individuals were arrested in a multi-agency operation and initial appearances will held in U.S. District Court in Macon.
United States Attorney Peterman stated, “Today’s arrests are the result of an extremely complex, long term investigation involving four federal and four local/state agencies working closely together. It is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished through multiple agencies working cooperatively toward a common goal.”
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Each person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocmulgee Regional Drug Task Force, the Office of the District Attorney of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly S. Easterling and Charles Calhoun are prosecuting the case for the Government.
For additional information, please contact Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603.
Those indicted and arrested are as follows:
1) DELMA GODDARD, a/k/a “SHUG”, a/k/a “BIG HXMIE,” age 34, Milledgeville, GA;
2) CHAD DELACY FREEMAN, a/k/a “BIG BONE”, a/k/a “BONE LOCO,” age 43, Milledgeville, GA;
3) CYNTHIA BOLSTON SMITH, a/k/a “CYNT,” age 68, Milledgeville, GA;
4) ALONZO BUTTS, age 43, Eatonton, GA;
5) DEMETRIUS JAMEL HARDEN, a/k/a “MEAT DAWG,” age 31, Gordon, GA;
6) DESHAWN RANSOM, a/k/a “NEPHEW,” age 22, Milledgeville, GA;
7) ERIC DEMETRIUS VEAL, age 44, Milledgeville, GA;
8) EVERETTE HILL, age 50, Milledgeville, GA;
9) DERRICK MOSLEY, a/k/a “D. MO,” age 37, Milledgeville, GA;
10) ISHMAWIYL ABDHAL DAVIS a/k/a “NY, NEW YORK,” age 33, Milledgeville, GA;
11) TRAVIS GLENN, a/k/a “T,TG,” age 39, Milledgeville, GA;
12) EDWARD ANTONIO BROWN, JR. a/k/a “PLUG,” age 40, Milledgeville, GA;
13) MONTAVIOUS JERMELL BARNES, a/k/a “COOT, KOOT,” age 21, Milledgeville, GA;
14) JEVON DESHAWN CLARK, a/k/a “DUB, J. DUB,” age 34, Milledgeville, GA;
15) DEMALE HAMPTON, a/k/a “RAB, RABBIT,” age 40, Milledgeville, GA; and
16) DEMOND MONTERIO DENNIS, a/k/a “DOUBLE DEUCE,” age 32, Milledgeville, GA.
Check Cashing Conspirators SentencedRead the Press Release
G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 16 and May 17, 2017, Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson sentenced Caseita Jenkins, age 39 of Fort Valley, Georgia, Jennifer Wilson, age 38 of Moultrie, Georgia, Tonyal Loud, age 38 of Moultrie, Georgia, and Oceana Pace, age 26 of Moultrie, Georgia, for their participation in a conspiracy to cash fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury Checks.
Defendants engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Government that stretched from December 2011 through April 2012. During that time, Oceana Pace was a cashier and Tonyal Loud was a Customer Service Manager at the Wal-Mart located in Moultrie, Georgia. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Caseita Jenkins and Jennifer Wilson would procure fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury Checks containing tax refunds and bring these checks to be cashed by Pace and Loud at Wal-Mart.
For their conduct, Caseita Jenkins was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison, Jennifer Wilson was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, and Tonyal Loud was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Pace was sentenced to 36 months of probation. Each defendant was ordered to repay the loss from their conspiracy, a total of $206,108.86.
“These defendants stole from the Treasury of the United States, from the citizens whose payments were diverted, and from the defendants’ own employers. I commend the deputies of the Lowndes and Colquitt County Sheriff’s Offices and the Special Agents of the Secret Service for their teamwork in bringing these thieves to justice,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
“The Secret Service remains committed to aggressively investigate those responsible for committing fraud for the purpose of defrauding the nation’s financial system. Along with our law enforcement partners we will continue to pursue those committing these crimes,” said Clint A. Bush , Resident Agent in Charge, Albany, Georgia Resident Office, United States Secret Service.
The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sherriff’s Office, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Julia C. Bowen prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Robins Employee Sentenced to Twelve Years for Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and to Send Obscene Matter to A MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Steven Craig Deason, Jr., age 40 of Gray, Georgia, was sentenced today to serve 144 months in Federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervision, for attempted online enticement of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. Mr. Deason will also be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Court Judge Marc Thomas Treadwell handed down the sentence.
A jury found Mr. Deason guilty on December 9, 2016, following a trial that lasted a week. The evidence presented at trial showed that between January 6, 2016, and February 4, 2016, Mr. Deason, using the alias “Cameron,” chatted online with a person who identified itself as a 14-year-old girl named Amber. In actuality, Amber was an undercover agent. During the course of the chats, Mr. Deason discussed meeting with Amber to engage in sexual activity, to include oral sex and sexual intercourse. Mr. Deason also sent Amber pornographic pictures and videos to get her used to the things they had been talking about and comfortable with sex. Mr. Deason told Amber that he chose pictures where the men appeared older and the females appeared younger to match their age difference. Mr. Deason also instructed Amber how to masturbate, telling her it would make their sexual encounter better.
This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, with coordination from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Howard and Michael Solis prosecuted the case for the Government.
”The seduction of children is a vile crime and one that is growing in frequency throughout the country and in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III. “The predators who attempt to defile our youth in this fashion should take note that law enforcement officers and prosecutors are hunting them just as they are hunting their victims.”
David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Those who target and sexually exploit children will always be a priority for the FBI and its law enforcement partners. During this investigation, Mr. Deason revealed himself and his intentions to an undercover law enforcement officer and today’s sentencing to a lengthy stay in federal prison reflects the serious predatory nature of his crime.”
"By working with our law enforcement counterparts and prosecutors around the country, the men and women of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are committed to ensuring safe environments in our communities while bringing justice to young victims by quickly identifying online criminals who attempt to sexually exploit children," said Brig. Gen. Keith M. Givens, AFOSI Commander.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Multiple-Time Felon Sentenced to 101 Months in Federal Prison for Two Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announces that William Hampton Tedrick, age 34, from Madison County, Georgia, was sentenced on May 2, 2017 to serve 101 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was handed down by United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens, Georgia.
In his plea agreement, Mr. Tedrick admitted to criminal conduct on two occasions. First, Mr. Tedrick admitted that on February 12, 2015, he and a companion were stopped by the Athens Clarke County Police Department following a tip from a confidential informant. Mr. Tedrick fled on foot from the officers, but he was quickly apprehended. A subsequent search of Mr. Tedrick and his vehicle revealed U.S. currency, hypodermic needles, plastic jewelry bags, methamphetamine, a digital scale, Xanax pills, and a loaded pistol.
Mr. Tedrick also admitted that on October 28, 2015, he was found to be in possession of a shotgun and three pistols during a Department of Community Supervision compliance check on another individual and her residence. At the time, Mr. Tedrick had four prior felony convictions for firearms and narcotics charges, and he was prohibited from possessing any firearms.
The case was investigated by the Athens Clarke County Police Department and the Department of Community Supervision. Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the government.
United States Attorney Peterman stated, “Mr. Tedrick is precisely the type of person who should not be carrying a weapon, period. With the proliferation of gun violence against law enforcement officers and others in this district in the past few months, any such prohibited person can expect vigorous prosecution by this office with resulting sentences of this nature. Our message is clear: unlawful possession of a firearm means time in prison.“
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.