Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jeffersonville Man Sentenced for Robbery of Huddle HouseRead the Press Release
Brandon Perry, age 24, from Jeffersonville, Georgia was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell. Mr. Perry previously entered a guilty plea on September 7, 2016 to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. His co-defendant, Gabriel Bell, age 21, from Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to 5 years and 1 day imprisonment on April 27, 2016, following his guilty plea to the same charges on April 2, 2015.
Through their guilty pleas, Mr. Perry and Mr. Bell both admitted to robbing the Huddle House located at 5218 Highway 96 West in Jeffersonville, Georgia. They entered the store wearing masks and pointed firearms at the employees of the store. Mr. Perry brandished a short-barreled shotgun and stood by the door while Mr. Bell carried a pistol, went behind the counter, and took money from the cash register as well as the purse belonging to an employee which contained a bank bag with money belonging to the store.
They then left the store on foot and ran to Mr. Bell’s vehicle. While approaching his residence, Mr. Bell lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Investigators responded to the scene and observed broken glass and blood on the deployed airbags. Investigators suspected that the vehicle was involved with the burglary and obtained consent to search Mr. Bell’s bedroom. In his bedroom, they located a pair of shorts and a pair of pants that matched those worn by the robbery suspects, both of which contained blood and glass. The shorts also had a large amount of cash and the keys to the wrecked vehicle in the pockets.
Investigators recovered the employee’s purse with the bank bag and the short-barreled shotgun in a path leading from Mr. Bell’s residence to the location from where it was reported Mr. Perry was picked up following the car accident.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
$372,584 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Funds AwardedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III announced eight agencies in the Middle District of Georgia received Department of Justice grant funds totaling $372,584.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology programs; 7) crime victim and witness program (other than compensation).
The 2016 JAG award recipients in the Middle District of Georgia are as follows:
Baldwin County $17,567
Macon-Bibb County $87,417
City of Warner Robins $31,639
City of Valdosta$16,850
City of Albany $69,820
Columbus Consolidated Government $93,124
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government $37,046
City of Americus $19,121
Questions should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Coffee County Methamphetamine Trafficker SentencedRead the Press Release
G. F. Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jose Alberto Sandoval Moya, of Douglas, Georgia was sentenced to serve 240 months in Federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine weighing more than 50 grams. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge W. Louis Sands, Sr. on September 1, 2016 in Albany.
Mr. Moya was convicted of the charge on April 8, 2016 following a five-day jury trial. Evidence presented during trial showed that Mr. Moya conspired together with Raymond Riviera Cortez, also of Douglas, Georgia, and Corrinne Gillis, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The evidence further revealed that Mr. Moya arranged for Ms. Gillis to travel to Mexico on three occasions to bring methamphetamine to South Georgia for distribution. The conspiracy concluded when Ms. Gillis was arrested at the US/Mexico Border at the Matamoros, Mexico/Brownsville, Texas crossing. When arrested, Ms. Gillis was in possession of over 17 kilograms (over 43 pounds) of 100% pure methamphetamine, the largest seizure ever made at that point of entry into this country. The drugs had been hidden in the tires of the vehicle in order to smuggle it past authorities at the border. Each tire contained between 10 and 12 pounds of methamphetamine.
“There is no way to determine how many lives would have been ruined or lost had Mr. Moya succeeded in his scheme to smuggle this record setting load of methamphetamine into this country from Mexico. He earned and richly deserves the sentence imposed upon him today,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sylvester Regional Office, the Sheriff’s Offices of Ben Hill and Coffee County, Georgia and by Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Columbus Bank Robber Sentenced to 17 Years ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announced that Victor Butler, age 59, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on August 16, 2016, in Columbus, Georgia, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Judge, to serve a total of 204 months (17 years) imprisonment, without parole, for bank robbery.
Mr. Butler entered a guilty plea on January 28, 2016, to the robbery of the SunTrust Bank, 2050 Auburn Avenue, Columbus, GA. Mr. Butler approached a bank teller and presented a handwritten demand note stating that this was a robbery. The note also stated that he had a bomb so the teller should do everything he told her to do. Mr. Butler threatened to blow them up if his instructions were not followed, motioning to a backpack he was carrying as evidence of the bomb threat and showed an electronic device which looked like a detonating device to the teller.
Mr. Butler was provided approximately $2,000.00 and fled the bank. The robbery was recorded on video surveillance. Mr. Butler was not wearing anything to hide his identity.
Investigators released an image of the robber to the Columbus media to request the public’s assistance in identifying him. Responses were received from Mr. Butler’s pastor and his probation officer, both of whom positively identified him as the individual from the video who robbed the SunTrust Bank. Mr. Butler was arrested the next day for the robbery. The backpack he used in the robbery was also found by police where he discarded it after the robbery. No evidence of explosives was found with it.
This was Mr. Butler’s third conviction for robbing a federally insured or operated institution. He has previously been convicted for armed bank robbery in 2002 and attempted robbery of a Post Office in 2006. In each of these three robberies Mr. Butler claimed to his victim that he had a bomb in order to secure their cooperation.
“For the past fifteen years this bandit has bullied his victims with the claim that he had a bomb in his backpack. With the lengthy and well-deserved sentence imposed today, he will not have the opportunity to repeat his depredations for a very long time, if ever,” said United States Attorney Pete Peterman.
The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Solis prosecuted this matter on behalf of the United States.
Sweet Dreams Nurse Anesthesia Group Pays More Than $1 Million to Resolve Kickback AllegationsRead the Press Release
G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens announced today a civil settlement with a series of anesthesia businesses, collectively known as Sweet Dreams Nurse Anesthesia (Sweet Dreams). Sweet Dreams agreed to pay to the United States $1,034,416 and the State of Georgia $12,078.79 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act by paying unlawful kickbacks to health care providers with the intent to induce referrals of Medicare and Medicaid patients.
The settlement marks the end of a 22-month investigation into a number of alleged violations of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute and Medicaid policies by Sweet Dreams. One alleged scheme resolved by the settlement concerns Sweet Dreams’ provision of free anesthesia drugs to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in exchange for the ASCs granting Sweet Dreams an exclusive contract to provide anesthesia services at those ASCs. A second alleged scheme resolved by the settlement concerns the agreement of an affiliate of Sweet Dreams to fund the construction of an ASC in Marietta, Georgia, in exchange for contracts for Sweet Dreams’ selection as the exclusive anesthesia provider at that facility and a number of other podiatry-based ASCs affiliated with the Marietta ASC.
This investigation began with a lawsuit filed by Adam Nauss under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act and the False Medicaid Claims Act, which 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 State of Georgia ex rel. Adam Nauss v. Sweet Dreams Nurse Anesthesia, et al., 5:14-CV-330. Mr. Nauss will receive a share of the settlement payment pursuant to the whistleblower provisions.
Sweet Dreams fully cooperated in the investigation, after which the parties agreed to resolve the allegations made by the United States and certain allegations raised by Relator Nauss on behalf of the State of Georgia. The claims covered by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
“The giving of a kickback by one provider to induce referrals from another negatively impacts patient choice and fair competition among providers. For that reason, Medicare and Medicaid prohibit taxpayer money being used to pay for services that arise out of arrangements that violate the Anti-Kickback Statute,” said U.S. Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman. “By diligently enforcing the Anti-Kickback Statute in this district, our office protects the integrity of many federal programs and ensures that when a health care provider in Middle Georgia refers a patient to another provider, the referral is based on what is best for the patient rather than the provider’s own self-interest.”
Attorney General Olens said, “Medical decisions, such as the selection of an anesthesia provider, should not be influenced by the payment or receipt of a kickback. My office is committed to protecting the Medicaid program from fraud and abuse and holding Medicaid providers accountable for failing to comply with Medicaid policies and related criminal laws.”
The case was investigated by Special Agent Shawn McAleer of the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General and Investigators Enedelia Bostrup and Shaketia Morgan of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
The United States’ civil settlement was reached by Assistant United States Attorney Todd P. Swanson and Assistant United States Attorney W. Taylor McNeill. The State of Georgia’s civil settlement was reached by Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth White of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) after an investigation by former employees of the MFCU.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Athens-Area Real Estate Scam Artist Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jackie Williams, age 42, from Bishop, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 70 months in Federal prison for wire fraud today by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge, in Athens. Ms. Williams was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $563,097.01.
Ms. Williams pled guilty to the charge on March 16, 2016. As part of her guilty plea, Ms. Williams admitted to orchestrating a real estate fraud scheme which victimized several people in the Athens, Georgia area. Ms. Williams admitted to defrauding investors from 2012-2014; specifically, she induced people to invest in a purported real estate business, claiming that she bought distressed homes and sold them for a substantial profit. However, in numerous cases Ms. Williams never purchased the home that she told her victims she had used their money to buy, and she created falsified documents, such as fake purchase contracts and mortgage preapproval letters, to perpetuate her fraud. In fact, Ms. Williams used her investors’ money for her own personal gain, and/or to pay off portions of the money she had borrowed from previous investors. As part of her guilty plea, Ms. Williams admitted that she owes $563,097.01 in restitution to eight victims.
Noting that the 70-month sentence imposed was greater than the usual range of 33 to 41 months for a fraud of this magnitude, United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, stated that, “It is particularly disturbing that Ms. Williams’ fraud in this case was against many older or retired victims who invested substantial portions of their savings which, even with the restitution order entered today, they are unlikely to ever recover. If for no other reason, this office is particularly pleased that the Court chose to impose a harsher sentence than what the federal sentencing guidelines typically recommend.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sheriff’s Offices for Barrow, Madison and Oconee Counties. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary handled the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Man Sentenced to 5 1/2 Years in Prison for Firearm and Drug Offense Following Dooly County Traffic StopsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III announces that Kenneth Wallace, age 44, of Hayneville, Georgia, was sentenced today to serve 5 ½ years in prison for possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell handed down the sentence in Macon.
Mr. Wallace entered a plea of guilty to the charges on February 18, 2016. The facts stipulated in his plea agreement state that on February 1, 2015, Mr. Wallace’s vehicle was stopped by the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office after the Sheriff’s Office received information about suspicious vehicles in the area of the prison. During the stop, Mr. Wallace gave officer’s permission to search his vehicle where they found a semi-automatic rifle. Because Mr. Wallace had previously been convicted of a felony offense and was not allowed to possess a firearm, officers took him into custody. While traveling to the jail, Mr. Wallace admitted that he had methamphetamine in his groin. Upon arriving at the jail, officers seized what was later confirmed to be 6.95 grams of methamphetamine. Mr. Wallace admitted that he intended to sell this methamphetamine.
On March 26, 2015, Mr. Wallace was again stopped by the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office. This traffic stop was following a call regarding a domestic dispute. Mr. Wallace spoke with officers about the dispute and gave officer’s permission to search his vehicle where they found a 12-gauge pump action shotgun with a shortened barrel and obliterated serial number. After officers found the shotgun, Mr. Wallace fled the scene on foot.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dooly 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.
Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
Amado Becerra Lomas, age 33 of East Dublin, Georgia, was sentenced in Macon today to serve 10 years in prison for attempted online enticement of a minor announced United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Mr. Lomas’ incarceration is to be followed by a lifetime of supervision and registration as a sex offender. Mr. Lomas, a citizen of Mexico, also faces potential consequences with respect to his immigration status.
Mr. Lomas entered a plea of guilty to the charge on February 18, 2016. Mr. Lomas admitted in his plea agreement that he responded to an online advertisement posted during an undercover operation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. From March 16, 2015, through March 21, 2015, Mr. Lomas talked online and via text message with whom he believed to be a 14-year old female named “M.C.” In reality, M.C. was an undercover agent. During his conversations, Mr. Lomas was told that M.C. would be in Macon, Georgia with her mother on a business trip and would be alone in a hotel while her mother was at work. Mr. Lomas indicated that he and M.C. would “have fun together” when they were alone in her hotel room and agreed to meet M.C. on March 21, 2015. Mr. Lomas told M.C. that he was “eager to be with” her and that he wanted to be with her in bed and have sex with her. Mr. Lomas traveled to the hotel in Macon, Georgia, where M.C. indicated she was located. Mr. Lomas proceeded to a hotel room and was encountered by law enforcement officers. Mr. Lomas agreed to speak with law enforcement and acknowledged that he was at the hotel to have sex with a minor. Law enforcement officers found that Mr. Lomas had two condoms with him.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of the FBI’s Metro Atlanta Child Exploitation Task Force and the Bibb 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.
Florida Man Sentenced for Robbing Regions Bank in ColumbusRead the Press Release
Byron McCollum, age 67, of Lake Worth, Florida, was sentenced today to serve 32 years in Federal prison for the June 2, 2015 armed robbery of Regions Bank on Veterans Parkway in Columbus, announced U.S. Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III. The Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge, handed down the sentence in Columbus. Mr. McCollum has an extensive criminal record which includes nine prior convictions for armed robberies of banks throughout the Southeastern United States.
Mr. McCollum was convicted of armed robbery, following a four-day jury trial, on March 3, 2016. Testimony at trial revealed that Mr. McCollum and Michael Lee Hall entered the bank on June 2, 2015 wearing masks, hats and gloves and brandishing handguns. Mr. Hall walked into the bank’s lobby and ordered a female employee to the floor. Mr. McCollum approached the bank counter and ordered a female customer to the floor. He then displayed a handgun and demanded a bank teller open the door to allow him access behind the bank counter.
Once behind the counter, Mr. McCollum emptied currency from the cash drawers into a backpack. The pair then drove off in a red Chevrolet Camaro. Further testimony revealed that Mr. McCollum had stolen the red Chevrolet Camaro from Trophy Ford in Forsyth, Georgia prior to the bank robbery. While the pair was still in the bank parking lot, dye packs exploded inside the backpack covering the money with dye. They then abandoned the Camaro and drove from Columbus to Macon in Mr. McCollum’s gray Cadillac with Mr. Hall driving and Mr. McCollum lying in the backseat with the handgun ready in case they were stopped by law enforcement. He claimed that he would shoot the officer as he passed the back window of the vehicle should that happen.
Michael Lee Hall pled guilty to bank robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on August 3, 2015. He was sentenced by Judge Land to serve 234 months in prison on November 18, 2015 for his part in the crime. He was also ordered to pay restitution to Regions Bank. He also had a prior conviction for armed bank robbery in Columbus in 1994. Mr. Hall did not testify at Mr. McCollum’s trial.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus Police Department, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Berrien County, Georgia, Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force Against ArresteesRead the Press Release
Berrien County, Georgia, Sheriff Anthony Heath pleaded guilty today to two counts of violating the civil rights of two non-resistant arrestees by using excessive force against them. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia announced the guilty plea. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to Heath’s guilty plea, on Jan. 12, 2012, Heath and deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) were engaged in a foot chase of an individual identified only as M.V., who had been banned from traveling through the county. During the chase, Heath saw M.V. and called out to him, “You better not run or I will beat your a**,” or words to that effect. M.V. responded by running into a nearby wooded area.
Heath and multiple BCSO deputies followed M.V. into the woods, where a BCSO deputy eventually saw M.V. and arrested him without incident. When a deputy reported that M.V. was in custody, Heath ordered deputies to wait and hold M.V. in the woods. When Heath arrived, M.V. was lying face-down on the ground, with his hands handcuffed behind his back and was not resisting arrest. Heath kicked M.V. in the ribs, punched him in the head with a closed fist multiple times and forcefully kneed him in the ribs multiple times, causing M.V. to experience pain and have difficulty breathing.
During a separate incident, on Oct. 1, 2014, Heath repeatedly punched and kicked an arrestee, identified only as J.H., even though J.H. surrendered, lay down on the ground and did not attempt to flee or threaten anyone at any point after his arrest. Heath punched J.H. with sufficient force to cause his own hand to become swollen and bruised. Heath’s punches caused J.H. to bleed from his mouth and to feel pain.
“As sheriff, Heath held the highest-ranking law enforcement position in Berrien County, but he violated the public trust when he chose to break the law and beat compliant arrestees,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “Our Constitution prohibits officers from using excessive and unnecessary force against non-resistant arrestees, and the Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute cases where law enforcement officers abuse their authority.”
“The people place tremendous power in the hands of someone they elect as county sheriff, and do so in faith that such power will be wielded appropriately,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peterman. “The motto of our Sheriff’s in Georgia has traditionally been ‘To Serve and To Protect.’ Sheriff Heath abused that power and broke faith with those who elected him by physically abusing those he was sworn to protect.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI. Trial Attorneys Stephen Curran and Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Heath Plea Agreement
Berrien County, Georgia, Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Using Excessive Force Against ArresteesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Berrien County, Georgia, Sheriff Anthony Heath pleaded guilty to two counts of violating the civil rights of two non-resistant arrestees by using excessive force against them. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia announced the guilty plea. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to Heath’s guilty plea, on Jan. 12, 2012, Heath and deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) were engaged in a foot chase of an individual identified only as M.V., who had been banned from traveling through the county. During the chase, Heath saw M.V. and called out to him, “You better not run or I will beat your a**,” or words to that effect. M.V. responded by running into a nearby wooded area.
Heath and multiple BCSO deputies followed M.V. into the woods, where a BCSO deputy eventually saw M.V. and arrested him without incident. When a deputy reported that M.V. was in custody, Heath ordered deputies to wait and hold M.V. in the woods. When Heath arrived, M.V. was lying face-down on the ground, with his hands handcuffed behind his back and was not resisting arrest. Heath kicked M.V. in the ribs, punched him in the head with a closed fist multiple times and forcefully kneed him in the ribs multiple times, causing M.V. to experience pain and have difficulty breathing.
During a separate incident, on Oct. 1, 2014, Heath repeatedly punched and kicked an arrestee, identified only as J.H., even though J.H. surrendered, laid down on the ground and did not attempt to flee or threaten anyone at any point after his arrest. Heath punched J.H. with sufficient force to cause his own hand to become swollen and bruised. Heath’s punches caused J.H. to bleed from his mouth and to feel pain.
“As sheriff, Heath held the highest-ranking law enforcement position in Berrien County, but he violated the public trust when he chose to break the law and beat compliant arrestees,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “Our Constitution prohibits officers from using excessive and unnecessary force against non-resistant arrestees, and the Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute cases where law enforcement officers abuse their authority.”
“The people place tremendous power in the hands of someone they elect as county sheriff, and do so in faith that such power will be wielded appropriately,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Peterman. “The motto of our Sheriff’s in Georgia has traditionally been ‘To Serve and To Protect.’ Sheriff Heath abused that power and broke faith with those who elected him by physically abusing those he was sworn to protect.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI. Trial Attorneys Stephen Curran and Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Columbus Tax Preparers SentencedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, today announced the impositions of sentences on two former Columbus tax preparers for obtaining stolen identity information and filing fraudulent income tax returns. The sentences were handed down in Columbus, Georgia, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Michelle Simmons, 36, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on June 21, 2016, to serve 51 months in prison. Larae Townsend, 35, also of Columbus, was sentenced on June 27, 2016 to serve 75 months’ imprisonment. They are jointly ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $419,139 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Ms. Simmons and Ms. Townsend entered guilty pleas to the charges on February 2, 2016. Evidence showed that Ms. Simmons worked for Gattison & Associates, a tax preparation business in Columbus with Danielle Wallace. Beginning tax year 2011 and continuing through tax year 2014, Ms. Townsend supplied Ms. Simmons and Ms. Wallace with stolen identity information, including names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. At least 557 fraudulent tax returns were filed using the stolen information. As a result, over $400,000 in illegally obtained tax refunds from the IRS were issued. Ms. Wallace was sentenced to 65 months in prison on July 28, 2015.
“Identity theft continues to be an ongoing problem in the United States,” stated Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Michelle Simmons, Larae Townsend, and Danielle Wallace stole our identities, stole government money and preyed upon innocent citizens. Our agents are determined to keep up the fight to eradicate identity theft and to protect honest taxpayers.”
“The years to be served in prison, without parole under federal law, constitute a fit punishment for the fraud and theft committed by these defendants and will hopefully serve as a warning to others who might be tempted to try to do the same. These women defrauded not only the individual taxpayers whose identities they stole, but the people and government of the United States, whose money they stole,” said United States Attorney Pete Peterman.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr 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.
Bank Robber Sentenced to 71 MonthsRead the Press Release
G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Charles Michael Beatty, age 44, of Knoxville, Tennessee was sentenced on June 23, 2016, to 71 months in federal prison for bank robbery and ordered to pay a total of $9,070 in restitution by Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta, Georgia.
On February 17, 2012, Mr. Beatty entered the Bank of America in Valdosta, Georgia. He approached a teller and presented a note demanding “50’s and 100’s.” As the teller read the note, Mr. Beatty took the note back and stated, “Don’t press the button, and don’t give me the dye pack.” The teller complied and gave him $8,000. A few days prior to this robbery, Mr. Beatty robbed the First Tennessee Bank in Chattanooga, Tennessee, taking $1070. Mr. Beatty was taken into custody on February 22, 2012, when he was arrested in Hollywood, California, for possession of a vehicle he had stolen from Cleveland, Tennessee.
“Charles Michael Beatty was a virtual one-man crime wave in East Tennessee and South Georgia during February, 2012, robbing and stealing every few days until his eventual apprehension on the west coast. It took dedicated and determined law enforcement efforts to track him across the country and bring his crime spree to an end,” said Acting United States Attorney Peterman.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Valdosta Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert McCullers 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.
Justice Department Closes Investigation into the Death of Kendrick JohnsonRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced today that the independent federal investigation into the 2013 death of 17-year-old Kendrick Johnson in Valdosta, Georgia, found insufficient evidence to support federal criminal charges.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Middle District of Georgia, and District of Columbia met today with members of Kendrick Johnson’s family to inform them of the findings and the conclusion of the investigation.
Kendrick Johnson’s body was found in a rolled-up gym mat inside Lowndes High School on January 11, 2013. Nearly four months later, on May 2, 2013, the GBI Medical Examiner issued her autopsy report, concluding that Kendrick died from “positional asphyxia” – essentially, that he became entrapped upside-down in the rolled-up mat and had suffocated. The Medical Examiner ruled Kendrick’s death an accident. Shortly thereafter, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office closed its investigation.
On June 15, 2013, at his family’s request, Kendrick Johnson’s body was exhumed and Dr. William Anderson conducted a second autopsy. Two months later, Dr. Anderson determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the right side of Kendrick’s neck, near the jaw, and the manner of death was not an accident. He found hemorrhages to the jaw line area not detected during the GBI autopsy.
On October 31, 2013, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia announced its investigation to determine whether Kendrick Johnson’s death involved violations of federal criminal statutes including, but not limited to, federal criminal civil rights statutes codified at 18 U.S.C. Sections 241, civil rights conspiracy, and 245, interference with federally-protected rights.
Lawyers and investigators from the Department of Justice, the United States Marshal’s Service, and the Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia, conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the events surrounding Kendrick’s death. The investigation included, among other things, interviewing nearly 100 people; reviewing tens of thousands of emails and text messages; reviewing surveillance videos from Lowndes High School; and analyzing other available information regarding the events of January 10-11, 2013. The investigative team also consulted with an independent Department of Defense medical examiner and hired another independent medical examiner/forensic pathologist who reviewed relevant medical records and both autopsy reports.
In order to establish a federal criminal civil rights violation in this case, the government would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt not only that someone killed Kendrick Johnson, but that the killing was motivated by racial animus. This legal standard – proving beyond a reasonable doubt that an act was committed, identifying who committed the specific act, and proving why they committed the act – is a high threshold to meet.
After extensive investigation into this tragic event, federal investigators determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone or some group of people willfully violated Kendrick Johnson’s civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime. Accordingly, the investigation into this incident has been closed without the filing of federal criminal charges.
“The Department of Justice, in particular the lawyers and investigators who have worked tirelessly on this investigation, express their most sincere condolences to Kendrick Johnson’s parents, family, and friends,” said Acting United States Attorney Carole Rendon. “We cannot imagine the pain of their loss, or the depths of their sorrow. We regret that we were unable to provide them with more definitive answers about Kendrick’s tragic death.”
Former Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. “Pete” Peterman , III, announced today that Maria E. Trenam, age 52, of Cumming, Georgia, previously of Warner Robins, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty to one count of wire fraud on June 14, 2016, before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, U. S. District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
Ms. Trenam was the office manager of Surgical Associates of Warner Robins, P.C., in Warner Robins, Georgia. Surgical Associates is a health care benefit program providing surgical and other medical services to individuals under public and private plans. As office manager of Surgical Associates, Ms. Trenam had access to the banking and financial records of the business.
Beginning about March 31, 2011, through about August 11, 2015, Ms. Trenam used her position to embezzle money from Surgical Associates totaling $1,178,736.90. She embezzled money in several ways, including making unauthorized cash withdrawals utilizing her business credit card at automated teller machines, writing unauthorized checks to herself on business accounts and concealing the unauthorized checks by falsifying bookkeeping ledger entries, increasing her salary without authorization, using her business credit card to make unauthorized purchases of goods and services, using her business credit card for unauthorized travel and entertainment, and using her business credit card to make unauthorized purchases of goods and services on the internet.
Ms. Trenam entered a plea of guilty to Count One of the indictment, which charged that on March 16, 2015, she used her Surgical Associates business credit card to make a personal and unauthorized purchase of goods in the amount of $2,289.79 by computer on the internet from the Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts Store in Ohio.
“Stealing from an employer is a particularly dastardly crime, as you literally bite the hand that feeds you. In this case it is far worse, in that Ms. Trenam could only have stolen this large sum of money because her employer trusted her enough to place in a position of great responsibility and trust, which trust she abused in the worst and most selfish way possible,” said Acting United States Attorney Peterman.
Ms. Trenam faces 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00, or both. She can also be ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,178,736.90 to the victims in this case. Additionally, she can be ordered to forfeit assets obtained with proceeds of the scheme. Sentencing is currently scheduled for August 24, 2016.
The case was investigated by the Macon Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Paul C. McCommon III is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Florida and Mississippi Men Sentenced for Bribing Public Officials at Georgia Military BaseRead the Press Release
A former agent and a former driver for a large national trucking company were sentenced prison for paying bribes to officials at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia, in order to obtain lucrative freight-hauling business, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia.
Ivan Dwight Brannan, 61, of Jupiter, Florida, and David R. Nelson, 55, of Lucedale, Mississippi, were sentenced to 48 months and 24 months in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands of the Middle District of Georgia, who also ordered each man to serve three years of supervised release. Brannan was additionally ordered to forfeit $120,000 and Nelson was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
In connection with their guilty pleas, Brannan, the former agent, and Nelson, the former driver, admitted that from 2006 to 2012, they provided cash and other items of value to Mitchell Potts, a former traffic office supervisor for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at MCLB-Albany, and Jeffrey Philpot, another official in the DLA traffic office, to ensure that their trucking company client was awarded millions of dollars in business at MCLB-Albany. From 2006 to 2012, Brannan and Nelson paid at least $120,000 in bribes to Potts and Philpot.
Potts and Philpot both previously pleaded guilty to two counts of bribery of a public official for their roles in this scheme and another similar one. Potts and Philpot were previously sentenced to 10 years and seven years in prison, respectively.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. Trial Attorney John Keller of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia prosecuted the case.
Florida and Mississippi Men Sentenced for Bribing Public Officials at Georgia Military BaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former agent and a former driver for a large national trucking company were sentenced prison for paying bribes to officials at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia, in order to obtain lucrative freight-hauling business, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia.
Ivan Dwight Brannan, 61, of Jupiter, Florida, and David R. Nelson, 55, of Lucedale, Mississippi, were sentenced to 48 months and 24 months in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands of the Middle District of Georgia, who also ordered each man to serve three years of supervised release. Brannan was additionally ordered to forfeit $120,000 and Nelson was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
In connection with their guilty pleas, Brannan, the former agent, and Nelson, the former driver, admitted that from 2006 to 2012, they provided cash and other items of value to Mitchell Potts, a former traffic office supervisor for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at MCLB-Albany, and Jeffrey Philpot, another official in the DLA traffic office, to ensure that their trucking company client was awarded millions of dollars in business at MCLB-Albany. From 2006 to 2012, Brannan and Nelson paid at least $120,000 in bribes to Potts and Philpot.
Potts and Philpot both previously pleaded guilty to two counts of bribery of a public official for their roles in this scheme and another similar one. Potts and Philpot were previously sentenced to 10 years and seven years in prison, respectively.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service investigated the case. Trial Attorney John Keller of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia prosecuted the case.
Middle District of Georgia Employees Honored by Department of Justice at Executive Office for United States Attorneys Director's Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alan Dasher, Erika Antonio, Patrick H. Hearn, Mary M. Englehart, Lashanda Freeman, Cynthia L. Allard, Marc B. Imes and Richard Hartline were recognized for “Superior Performance by a Litigation Team” by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 32nd annual Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Middle District of Georgia was one of 33 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In her prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Yates said, “The achievements being recognized today reflect the breadth of the department’s responsibilities, and some of our most significant challenges. From dismantling dangerous gangs, drug cartels and human trafficking operations to tackling political corruption, white collar crimes, and international terrorism, these awardees have taken on our toughest cases. And the citizens of our country are safer because of their work.”
“We honor the truly talented and dedicated legal and administrative personnel in the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and our law enforcement partners who everyday touch lives in our communities, protect the American people, and work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Director Wilkinson.
Mr. Dasher, Ms. Antonio, Mr. Hearn, Ms. Englehart, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Allard, Mr. Imes and Mr. Hartline are recognized for their efforts in the investigation and prosecution of the corporate officials of Peanut Corporation of America, involving the knowing sale of Salmonella contaminated peanut butter and products to commercial food vendors, resulting in nine deaths and thousands of victims of illness. This case demonstrated the Department’s focus on personal responsibility of corporate officers for corporate misdeeds and resulted in the longest sentences ever given in a food products case. The lengthy trial followed nearly 7 years of investigation and preparation, and netted sentences of 28 years for the Peanut Corporation of America’s president, 20 years for the food broker, and 5 years for the office manager. This case serves as an outstanding example of interagency cooperation between the United States Attorney’s Office, the Civil Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Food and Drug Administration.
Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III stated, “This case was extraordinarily difficult from a legal, factual, logistical and emotional standpoint. The prosecutorial/investigative team worked tirelessly and with great dedication to bring this matter to a successful and just conclusion. They are extremely deserving of this accolade.”
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Former Monroe Public Works Director Sentenced to 31 Months for BriberyRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announced today that Hugh Stephen Worley, age 54, of Bethlehem, Georgia was sentenced to 31 months in federal prison on May 24, 2016, for one count of bribery by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, U.S. District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia. Mr. Worley is also ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to the City of Monroe and forfeit an additional $18,000. He entered a plea of guilty to this charge on August 28, 2015 in Athens, Georgia.
Mr. Worley served as Director of Public Works for the City of Monroe in Walton County, Georgia for approximately seventeen years. He was terminated in January of 2013 for “violations of personnel policies and procedures.” One such violation involved the rental of an Asphalt Paver from a local company.
In 2008 or 2009, Sims Paving, Inc., a Monroe business, acquired an Asphalt Paver that could be used for small patching and paving jobs. Mr. Worley went to see the owner, Mr. Sims, about a paver that could be used for smaller jobs, such as paving the driveways in the City of Monroe Cemetery. In 2012, Mr. Sims and Mr. Worley came to a verbal agreement that the City would rent the paver for a total of $20,000 over four months. After the agreement, Mr. Worley told Mr. Sims on four separate occasions that he could use $1,000. He did not tell Mr. Sims about his need for the cash until after the agreement for the Paver rental. Fearful that Mr. Worley would renege on the rental deal, Mr. Sims gathered $1,000 together on the four separate occasions. The Paver was never used to pave the cemetery driveways or for any other municipal purpose. It sat idle at a cost of $20,000 to the City of Monroe. Mr. Worley admitted that he engaged in an illegal course of conduct regarding the rental agreement.
“Mr. Worley abused the trust placed in him by the people of the City of Monroe,” said Acting United States Attorney Peterman. “Now, as a direct result, he will face the consequences of violating public corruption laws by serving time.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Athens division. Assistant United States Attorney Danial Bennett 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.
Felon Sentenced for Possessing A Firearm After Firing into Athens Apartment, Obstructing Justice at His SentencingRead the Press Release
G. F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Sadarrevin Kendrick, age 26, of Washington, Georgia, was sentenced today to serve 84 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Mr. Kendrick was sentenced by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia, who enhanced the sentence based on a finding that Mr. Kendrick had obstructed justice by testifying falsely under oath at his sentencing.
On March 13, 2015, Mr. Kendrick fired a .45 caliber pistol through the floor of an Athens apartment into the apartment below. There were four individuals in the apartment through which the bullet passed, but no one was injured. Mr. Kendrick fled the scene, but was arrested shortly thereafter by an Athens-Clarke County police officer and found to be in possession of the loaded, stolen .45 caliber firearm, 82.2 grams of marijuana, and digital scales. Mr. Kendrick, who has prior convictions for burglary and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, subsequently admitted to the police that he had fired the weapon, which he said was an accident.
“This case is a good example of why felons are prohibited from possessing firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III. “Mr. Kendrick not only possessed a loaded, stolen gun, but he fired it, endangering innocent, unrelated people in his vicinity.”
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.
Alleged Athens Shooter Sentenced to Federal Prison on Multiple Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
G. F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Rico Antonio Barnett, age 33, from Athens, Georgia, was sentenced today by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge. Mr. Barnett was sentenced to serve 156 months’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 1, 2015, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on May 8, 2015. The second gun conviction involved Mr. Barnett allegedly shooting another man in an aggravated assault case that remains pending in Athens-Clarke County Superior Court.
“Mr. Barnett has proven himself a violent and dangerous man, and the streets of Athens will be a safer place without him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney George F. Peterman, III. “In just one week last May, he was arrested twice in possession of multiple guns, illegal drugs, and after having allegedly shot a man. His conduct is even more disturbing when one considers that he has more than 45 prior state convictions, including for battery, family violence battery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.”
On May 1, 2015, Mr. Barnett was arrested by officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) who responded to a call that a man and woman were arguing in the parking lot of a gas station on Highway 29 in Athens. In the course of their investigation, ACCPD officers found a loaded .45 caliber handgun and a quantity of marijuana hidden in the bushes near the gas station which Mr. Barnett ultimately admitted to having possessed. A week later, on May 8, 2015, ACCPD police officers responded to a report of a shooting in a residential neighborhood. Upon arrival, the police located a victim who had been shot in the leg and who identified the shooter as Mr. Barnett, who had recently received bond from his arrest the week before. Shortly thereafter, the police located a car matching the description of the car that had fled the shooting, and after a high-speed car chase through another residential neighborhood, the police apprehended Mr. Barnett, who had fled on foot from the car while throwing two firearms away.
The case was investigated by the Athens Clarke County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary 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 478-621-2603.
Former Bank Teller and Check Casher Indicted for Cashing Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury sitting in Macon, Georgia, returned two indictments today against residents of Columbus, Georgia, charging crimes related to several stolen identity tax refund fraud schemes, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman, III, for the Middle District of Georgia.
Tonya Alexander is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money and ten counts of theft of public money. The indictment alleges that, between June 2012 and December 2013, Alexander worked as a bank teller at SunTrust Bank in Columbus. Alexander was allegedly approached by several co-conspirators who wanted her to cash fraudulently obtained tax refund checks in exchange for a fee. The income tax refunds were generated by tax returns filed using stolen identities. It is further alleged that Alexander recruited another bank teller to assist her in cashing the fraudulent tax refund checks. In total, Alexander and her co-conspirators are alleged to have cashed over 500 tax refund checks that fraudulently claimed over $1 million in tax refunds.
George Rowell is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit theft of public money, seven counts of theft of public money and two counts of passing forged U.S. Treasury checks. The indictment alleges that between January 2013 and December 2013, Rowell owned and operated Big O’s Package Store located in Columbus. Rowell offered check cashing services at his store. Rowell was allegedly approached by several co-conspirators who wanted him to cash fraudulently obtained tax refund checks in exchange for a fee. The tax refunds were generated by tax returns filed using stolen identities. Rowell allegedly charged his co-conspirators 10 percent of the check’s face value and permitted at least one co-conspirator to forge the endorsement on the checks in his presence. In total, Rowell and his co-conspirators are alleged to have cashed over 250 tax refund checks worth more than $600,000.
If convicted, Alexander and Rowell each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy counts and 10 years in prison for each count of theft of public money. Rowell also faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each count of passing a forged U.S. Treasury check. Both defendants also face monetary penalties, supervised release and restitution.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and Acting U.S. Attorney Peterman commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service, who investigated the cases and Trial Attorney Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford L. Seals of the Middle District of Georgia, who are prosecuting the cases.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Fitzgerald Physician Indicted on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, Dr. Edd Colbert Jones, III, from Fitzgerald, Georgia, was indicted on 17 counts of narcotics charges in the Middle District of Georgia, announced Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III.
The Grand Jury charged Dr. Jones with one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances including Oxycodone, Alprazolam and Diazepam and sixteen counts of unlawful dispensation of controlled substances.
Dr. Jones made his initial appearance before U.S. District Court Judge Charles H. Weigle on April 22, 2016. At that time, he was advised of the charges against him, his rights and maximum possible penalties. Dr. Jones pled not guilty and was granted terms of release on bond.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the government.
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Dr. Jones is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Dr. Jones faces a potential maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $1 million fine, or both.
For additional information, contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, at 478-621-2603 or [email protected].
Pair Plead Guilty to Huddle House RobberyRead the Press Release
G.F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Brandon Perry, age 24, from Jeffersonville, Georgia entered a guilty plea on April 20, 2016, to Interference with Commerce by Robbery and Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
Mr. Perry’s sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2016. Mr. Perry faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment on the robbery charge and a minimum mandatory consecutive sentence of seven years to life on the firearms charge.
Gabriel Bell, Mr. Perry’s co-defendant, age 21, from Warner Robins, Georgia, previously entered a guilty plea to the same charges on April 2, 2015. His sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2016. Mr. Bell faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment on the robbery charge and a minimum mandatory consecutive sentence of five years to life on the firearms charge.
As part of their guilty pleas, Mr. Perry and Mr. Bell both admitted to robbing the Huddle House Restaurant located at 5218 Highway 96 West in Jeffersonville, Georgia. Mr. Perry and Mr. Bell entered the store wearing masks and pointed firearms at the employees of the store. Mr. Perry brandished a short-barreled shotgun and stood by the door while Mr. Bell, carrying a pistol, went behind the counter and took money from the cash register as well as the purse belonging to an employee. The purse contained a bank bag with money belonging to the store.
The two men then left the store on foot and ran to Mr. Bell’s vehicle. While approaching his residence, Mr. Bell lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Investigators responded to the scene and observed broken glass and blood on the deployed airbags. Investigators suspected that the vehicle was involved with the robbery and obtained consent to search Mr. Bell’s bedroom. During the search investigators located a pair of shorts and a pair of pants that matched those worn by the robbery suspects, both of which contained blood and glass. The shorts also had a large amount of cash and the keys to the wrecked vehicle in the pockets.
Investigators also recovered the employee’s purse with the bank bag and the short-barreled shotgun, the latter being found in a path leading from Mr. Bell’s residence to the location where it was reported Mr. Perry was picked up following the car accident.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
For more information contact Pamela Lightsey, U.S. Attorney’s Office, at 478-621-2603 or [email protected].
Macon Attorney Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
G.F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Holly Hogue Edwards, age 36, an attorney from Macon, Georgia, today entered a guilty plea to distribution of oxycodone and methamphetamine before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon.
Ms. Edwards faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2016 at 9:00 am in Macon.
In pleading guilty, Ms. Edwards admitted that on June 4, 2015, after being introduced to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation undercover agent through a confidential informant, she made arrangements to sell the undercover agent ten (10) tablets of oxycodone and an “eight ball” (three and a half grams) of methamphetamine. Ms. Edwards met the undercover agent in the parking lot of fast food restaurant and provided the undercover agent with a sample of methamphetamine to try, explaining it was from a different source of supply from the source she typically uses. The agent then provided Ms. Edwards with $500 of official funds for the “eight ball” of methamphetamine and the ten (10) oxycodone tablets. Ms. Edwards left to meet with her source of supply. Agents observed Ms. Edwards travel to a nearby gas station and meet with her source of supply. Ms. Edwards then returned and handed the undercover agent the ten (10) oxycodone tablets, stating that she did not get the “eight ball” of methamphetamine but would get it to him later in the day.
United States Attorney Peterman said “So often we see people become involved in the drug trade because of lack of education, skills or opportunity to support themselves otherwise. This was obviously not the situation here and it is all the more sad because of that.”
Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented, “Ms. Edwards distributed oxycodone and methamphetamine, both of which could be deadly when used and/or abused. Because of spirited law enforcement cooperation in this case, she will now spend time in prison for her criminal actions, proving that no one is above the law.”
Vernon Keenan, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said, “Drug investigations like this one require a collaborative effort. This case highlights the excellent job done by law enforcement and prosecutors on all levels. The GBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Attorney’s Office.”
This case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard is handling the prosecution 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.
Lizella Resident Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
G.F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Bobby Leon Parrish, age 25, from Lizella, Georgia, entered a guilty plea on April 20, 2016, to assaulting a Federal law enforcement officer and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
Through his guilty plea, Mr. Parrish admitted that on August 24, 2015, Deputy U.S. Marshals attempted to take Mr. Parrish into custody for several outstanding state warrants and failure to report to his state probation officer. Mr. Parrish pulled a firearm from his waistband and aimed it at the officers. A search of Mr. Parrish revealed a small container of marijuana, two digital scales, two shotgun shells and crushed substance Mr. Parrish claimed was Xanax, along with the single shot shotgun. Mr. Parrish stated that he brandished the gun because it was falling down his pants and he wanted to catch it. He then thanked the officers for not shooting him.
Mr. Parrish’s sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2016. He faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on the first charge and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years and not more than life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both, on the second charge.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Valdosta Dentist Indicted for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
On Wednesday, April 13, 2016, Dr. Stanley Marable, DDS aged 55, from Valdosta, Georgia was indicted on 12 counts of Healthcare Fraud in the Middle District of Georgia, announced Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III. The federal charges stem from dental claims submitted to Georgia’s Medicaid program with Dr. Marable receiving an alleged overpayment totaling nearly $800,000 as the result of his conduct.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sonja B. Profit along with Assistant Attorney General Jim Mooney. The case was investigated by the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Members of Georgia’s Department of Community Health – Office of the Inspector General and the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts also made substantial contributions to the investigation.
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Dr. Marable is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Dr. Marable faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.
Former Bank Teller Sentenced to Prison for Cashing Fraudulently Obtained Tax Refund ChecksRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Columbus, Georgia resident was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for her role in a stolen identity refund fraud conspiracy, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman, III for the Middle District of Georgia.
According to court documents, between February 2013 and May 2014, Vicky Wheeler, 55, worked as a bank teller at a SunTrust Bank branch in Columbus. Wheeler was approached by several co-conspirators who wanted her to cash fraudulently obtained tax refund checks in exchange for a fee. Wheeler was informed that the tax refund checks were generated from tax returns filed using stolen identities. To disguise the fraudulent nature of the checks, Wheeler made false entries on the face of the checks to make it appear as if she received identification when the checks were cashed. Wheeler never received any forms of identification. In total, Wheeler received and cashed approximately 361 fraudulent tax refund checks, including U.S. Treasury checks and tax refund checks issued by financial institutions that claimed $780,760.17 in tax refunds.
“The prosecution of stolen identity refund crimes remains a top priority of the department,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “These cases are not limited to those individuals who file fictitious tax returns. We will vigorously pursue participants at all levels of these schemes, including those who steal identities and those who, like Ms. Wheeler, assist in cashing the refund checks that result from the fraud.”
“Stolen identity refund fraud results in major loss of revenue to the United States Government,” said Special Agent in Charge Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI). “Vicky Wheeler abused her position of trust and allowed greed and deceit to fuel criminal behavior. Today she is being held accountable for her actions. Her prison sentence and restitution order should send a message that refund fraud, greed, and deceit does not payoff in the end.”
In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Clay D. Land ordered Wheeler to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $780,760.17.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and Acting U.S. Attorney Peterman commended special agents of IRS-CI and the U.S. Secret Service, who investigated the case and Trial Attorney Michael C. Boteler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford L. Seals of the Middle District of Georgia, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Methamphetamine Trafficker Convicted in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
G. F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the conviction today of Jose Alberto Sandoval Moya of Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine weighing more than 50 grams. The verdict was returned in United States District Court in Albany, Georgia, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior United States District Judge. This conviction exposes Sandoval Moya to a potential range of sentence of a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up a maximum possible term of imprisonment of life.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Sandoval Moya conspired together with Raymond Riviera Cortez, also of Douglas, Georgia, and Corrinne Gillis of Fitzgerald, Georgia, to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The evidence further revealed that Sandoval Moya arranged for Gillis to travel to Mexico on three occasions to bring methamphetamine to South Georgia for distribution. The conspiracy concluded when Gillis was arrested at the US/Mexico Border at the Matamoros, Mexico/Brownsville, Texas crossing in possession of over 17 kilograms (over 43 pounds) of 100% pure methamphetamine, the largest seizure ever made at that point of entry into this country. The drug had been hidden in the tires of the vehicle in order to smuggle it past authorities at the border. Each tire contained between 10 and 12 pounds of methamphetamine.
Sentencing for Mr. Moya should take place in approximately 60 days.
“The quantity of this seizure and the testimony at trial regarding the smuggling of other amounts on previous occasions show that Mr. Moya was without doubt a major source of methamphetamine in South Georgia. This conviction will remove a substantial supplier from the illegal drug stream in our state,” said Acting United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sylvester Regional Office, the Sheriff’s Offices of Ben Hill and Coffee County, Georgia and by Department of Homeland Security. It was prosecuted by AUSA Leah McEwen.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
National Reentry Week Recognized in Middle GeorgiaRead the Press Release
The United States Department of Justice has designated April 24 – 30, 2016 as National Reentry Week. Major steps have been taken to make the criminal justice system just, fair, and effective at reducing recidivism. In recognition of National Reentry Week, the Macon Reentry Coalition (MRC), a local nonprofit that connects returning citizens to resources, will host free events open to the public in Macon, Georgia.
“Supporting successful reentry is an essential part of our mission to promote public safety,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch stated. “If we can reduce recidivism by helping individuals return to productive, law-abiding lives, we will reduce crime across this country, make our prisons safer, and make our neighborhoods better places to live.”
“The successful assimilation of returning citizens back into our communities, with new skills and attitudes, is beneficial both to the communities and to the returning citizens,” Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III commented. “I am proud of the ongoing participation of my office in this initiative.”
An official proclamation by Mayor Robert Reichert designating National Reentry Week in Macon-Bibb County will be held Thursday, April 21 at City Hall in Downtown Macon at 11 a.m.
“We have the people and resources right here in Middle Georgia to help returning citizens get back on the right track and be successful,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert. “Our entire community will benefit from people getting back to work and having a reduction in the crime rate.”
On Wednesday, April 27, the Macon Reentry Coalition meeting and resource fair will be held at the Goodwill Helms Career Center located at 240 Broadway. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. with a community resource fair immediately following. Local representatives from education, housing, counseling, health, veteran services and employment agencies will answer questions and assist in making referrals. Light refreshments will be available.
“Macon-Bibb and the Middle Georgia region contain vast and critical resources to help ensure the successful reintegration of our returning citizens,” Macon Reentry Coalition CEO Todd Robinson noted. “Many of these men and women are talented, hard-working individuals that just need counsel and direction. Since 2008, the Macon Reentry Coalition has brought resources together to help reentrants become productive citizens who can support their families. Stronger families equates to a safer community.”
The Bureau of Prisons will be coordinating reentry events at their facilities across the country during National Reentry Week. The U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to host private reentry events in the district as well.
Questions regarding National Reentry Week or the Macon Reentry Coalition can be directed to Brittney Kish Lightsey, Community Relations Assistant, at 478-621-2735 or [email protected].
The Macon Reentry Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local agencies, mentors and advocates, faith-based and philanthropic organizations, and community resource partners to empower returning citizens.
Justice Department Warns Public to Beware of Fraudulent Tax Return Preparers and Tax Scheme Promoters, Urges Taxpayers to Pay Federal Income Taxes on Time and in FullRead the Press Release
Washington – With tax season in full swing, the Justice Department urged the public today to avoid dishonest tax-return preparers who fleece their customers and illegally drain the U.S. Treasury. Noting that every taxpayer is ultimately responsible for the contents of his or her own return, Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Tax Division also warned the public to be wary of anyone who guarantees a refund or who claims to sell a sure-fire way to reduce your taxes.
Dishonest Return Preparers Cost Their Clients and the United States
U.S. taxpayers filed approximately 150 million returns in 2014. According to statistics available from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) identified more than 2.1 million of those returns that claimed fraudulent refunds totaling more than $15.7 billion. As in past years, the IRS has designated return preparer fraud as one of 2016’s “Dirty Dozen” tax scams to avoid during return filing season. In 2015, the Tax Division permanently shut down more than 35 fraudulent tax-return preparers located all over the United States. The defendants in those cases spanned the spectrum from large-scale return preparation franchises to small, independent return preparers.
“Every year, thousands of federal income tax returns are prepared by people who care much more about making a quick buck than about preparing accurate returns,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “Most tax return preparers are honest. But some preparers who charge clients a percentage of their tax refund intentionally prepare false returns to increase their clients’ refund, and thus their own fees. Likewise, some preparers who charge by the form will intentionally prepare incorrect forms that their clients don’t need in order to increase their compensation. Taxpayers might think that they’re getting a good deal on their taxes, or that as long as someone else prepares the return, they’re not responsible. They’re wrong. Taxpayers who have their return prepared incorrectly are required to pay the tax they owe, or pay back the refund they weren’t entitled to get. These clients might also owe interest and penalties, which can be substantial. Fortunately, there are red flags that taxpayers can look for and avoid when choosing a return preparer.”
Your refund should never be deposited directly into a preparer’s bank account.
In United States v. Elton L. Barnes, No. 2:14-cv-05621 (C.D. Cal.), the court barred a return preparer who caused other people’s tax returns to be deposited to bank accounts in his name.
Never sign a blank return or a blank form, or sign a return or a form without reading it first.
By law, a return preparer must provide a client with a completed copy of the return no later than the time the customer is asked to sign the return. In United States v. Syed N. Ahmed et al., No. 2:15-cv-11461 (E.D. Mich.), the United States alleged that the defendants’ Liberty Tax Service franchises asked customers to sign blank forms that stated that the customers had non-existent businesses, which were then used to maximize the customer’s refund. Although the defendants did not admit to the allegations in the complaint, they agreed to an order from a federal court permanently shutting down the stores.
Don’t use a preparer who mischaracterizes your expenses.
In United States v. Lawrence Preston Siegel, No. 3:15-00643 (S.D. Cal.), the defendant prepared returns that falsely characterized personal purchases as deductible expenses. For instance, one customer’s return deducted purchases at Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as “medical expenses.” The court permanently barred Siegel from preparing tax returns or providing tax advice for compensation.
Do not use a preparer who fabricates business expenses or deductions, or who claims bogus credits to which you are not entitled, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the child care credit, or the education credit.
One of the most common dishonest return-preparation practices is to prepare returns that include non-existent businesses, sometimes based on a client’s hobbies. In 2015, for example, federal courts shut down tax return preparers in Kahului, Hawaii; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinois, who fabricated supposed “businesses” for their clients. Federal courts have also ordered return preparers in Miami, Florida, and Memphis, Tennessee to submit to third-party monitoring at their own expense to make sure they are not preparing returns with fraudulent “businesses.”
Some other fraudulent schemes and practices that have been stopped through injunction orders entered by federal courts throughout the country include:
Fabricating fake Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) information;
Claiming bogus education and first-time homebuyer credits;
Claiming phony child and dependent care credits or residential energy credits;
Claiming fraudulent fuel tax credits;
Falsely exempting foreign earned income;
Inflating unreimbursed employee business expense deductions; and
Fraudulently inflating or decreasing a client’s income or deductions to maximize the Earned Income Tax Credit.
In January 2016, a federal court in Orlando, Florida entered a preliminary injunction against Jason Stinson, who ran a series of tax return preparer storefronts under the name “Nation Tax Services,” requiring him to shut down the stores pending resolution of the case. As part of its explanation for why it was ordering Stinson’s stores to shut down in the middle of the case, the court said that Stinson’s business “exposes . . . [his] customers to individual tax liability. Both the Government and Stinson’s customers will suffer irreparable harm if an injunction is not granted. Moreover, it is in the public’s best interest to protect vulnerable customers from the inaccurate preparation of their taxes, not to deplete Government resources, and to maintain the public trust in the tax system.” The case is United States v. Jason Stinson et al., No. 6:14-cv-1534 (M.D. Fla.).
The IRS advises taxpayers who ask a tax professional to prepare their return to be careful in the professional they select. The IRS offers some basic tips and guidelines to assist taxpayers in choosing a reputable tax professional and is also offering taxpayers a number of instructional YouTube videos to help them prepare their own taxes for the upcoming filing season. Several options, including free assistance with preparation and electronic filing for the elderly and individuals making $50,000 or less, are available to help taxpayers prepare for the current tax season and receive their refunds as easily as possible.
Tax Division Sues to Shut Down Promoters of Fraudulent Tax Schemes
In addition to return preparers who deliberately falsify returns, the Tax Division targets those who peddle schemes that purportedly reduce taxes—but in fact rely on false statements or financial sleight-of-hand.
In United States v. Wayne Reeves et al., No. 12-cv-1916 (D. Nev.), the court found that defendants Wayne Reeves and Diane Vaoga advised their clients “to set up sham trusts and have their wages directed into accounts for those trusts as a way to improperly reduce their tax liability.” They advised their clients that the income the clients received from the trusts was “nontaxable and did not need to be reported on tax returns.” The court further found that Reeves prepared tax returns that “willfully attempted to understate his clients’ correct tax liabilities,” and that Vaoga assisted him in doing so. In January 2015, the court permanently barred both Reeves and Vaoga from preparing returns or giving tax advice to others.
In November 2015, the Tax Division sued to shut down an alleged tax scheme based on a purported solar energy generation facility in Utah. The case is United States v. RaPower-3 LLC et al., No. 2:15-cv-00828 (D. Utah). The United States’ complaint alleges that the defendants purportedly sell “solar thermal lenses” to customers, and tell their customers that they are entitled to claim depreciation expenses and the solar energy credit for the lenses—even though the defendants allegedly know or have reason to know that their customers are not in the business of producing and selling solar energy and that the defendants’ purported solar energy facilities do not actually produce solar energy in a manner that meets the Internal Revenue Code’s requirements for claiming the credit.
And in the same month, in United States v. James Tarpey et al., No. 2:15-cv-00072 (D. Mont.), the Tax Division sued to shut down an alleged timeshare donation scheme. According to the United States’ complaint in that case, the defendants have their customers give rights in a timeshare to “Donate for a Cause,” a tax-exempt entity operated by Tarpey. The complaint alleges that the customers receive an appraisal that grossly overvalues the donated timeshare rights and use that appraisal to claim a large charitable donation deduction, even when the true market value of the timeshare right is a small fraction of the appraised value.
“The Tax Division is committed to stopping those who promote fraudulent tax shelters and other schemes or who prepare false returns,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo said. “Along with our colleagues at the IRS, we will find dishonest preparers and fraudulent tax-scheme promoters and work to shut them down. We will hold accountable those who willfully assist taxpayers to file false returns. And in appropriate cases, we will prosecute them. But everyone can help stop fraud and protect our public finances. Pay attention to your tax return and make sure that it’s right. If you think that a tax return preparer is deliberately preparing incorrect returns, or you suspect someone is selling a phony tax-loss scheme, report that person to the IRS.”
The IRS website has information about how to report a dishonest return preparer, as well as information about how to report other types of tax fraud. The Justice Department’s website has a list of tax-return preparers and tax-scheme promoters whom the courts have shut down.
In addition to the civil enforcement through injunctions that stop their illegal actions, many return preparers and promoters also face prosecution. Examples of those investigations can be found for fiscal years 2014 and 2015.
United States Attorney's Office Celebrates National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 10-16Read the Press Release
Macon, GA —The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) every April by promoting victims’ rights, and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be held April 10-16, and the theme—Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope.—presents the opportunity to highlight the importance of providing needed services at the earliest stage of victimization. Early intervention helps prevent both further victimization and involvement in the criminal justice system, thus addressing the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.
The United States Attorney’s Office - Middle District of Georgia, in partnership with the Macon-Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, will observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with free self-defense classes open to the public on April 11 at Rosa Parks Square from 12 – 1 p.m. and 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Guest presenter Paige Slocum with Safe Alone, Inc. will lead the first class.
“We are glad to be partnering with the Macon-Bibb Sheriff’s Department to offer these self-defense classes to the community,” Acting United States Attorney Pete Peterman said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights of crime victims.”
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week honors and celebrates the achievements of the past thirty years in securing rights, protections, and services for victims. The bipartisan Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), passed by Congress in 1984 created a national fund to ease victims’ suffering. Financed by fines and penalties paid by offenders, the Crime Victims Fund supports services for victims of all types of crime, including assistance for homicide survivors, survivors of child sexual abuse and victims of human trafficking as well as rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs among others. VOCA also funds victim compensation programs that pay victims’ out-of-pocket expenses such as counseling, funeral expenses, and lost wages.
“If victims are to trust that the criminal justice system will work for them, we must meet them where they are—physically, culturally, and emotionally,” said Joye E. Frost, Director, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), U.S. Department of Justice. “When we take the time to focus on the victim in the aftermath of crime—to address their needs for safety and justice—we can begin to build trust and restore the hope of those victims and their communities. We all play a role in helping victims as they rebuild their lives.”
OVC encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. The U.S. Department of Justice will host OVC’s annual Service Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 12, in Washington, DC, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime. For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist victims in your community, please contact Cathy Barnes, Victim/Witness Coordinator at the United States Attorney’s Office – Middle District of Georgia, at 478-621-2634. For additional ideas on how to support victims of crime, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website, www.ovc.gov.
Grady County Residents Sentenced for Burning Houses for InsuranceRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G.F. Peterman, III, today announced the sentencing on March 24, 2016 of two individuals in an insurance fraud scheme. The sentences were handed by Senior District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in federal court in Albany, Georgia.
Elbert Walker, Jr. a/k/a “Shula”, aged 67, of Cairo, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 121 months in Federal prison for conspiracy to commit arson and mail, wire, bank and bankruptcy fraud and false declarations to a court as well as several firearms offenses and Shirley Burk, aged 48, of Cairo, Georgia, was sentenced to 60 months for conspiracy to commit arson, mail fraud and false declarations to a court.
The two defendants, along with Darryl Burk, were convicted in November 2015 of the charges following a three and a half week jury trial. Evidence presented at trial showed that between 1996 and 2006, Elbert Walker, Jr. was the owner and operator of Southside Grocery in Camilla, Georgia; Northside Home Remodeling in Cairo and Moultrie, Georgia; J and J Hauling, Roofing and Construction in Cairo, Georgia; North Broad Mini Market in Thomasville, Georgia; Rainbow Club located in Pelham, Georgia; Chickasaw Club in Cairo, Georgia; and Zock Rock Publishing and Promotions, Inc. located in Cairo, Georgia. Co-defendants Darryl Burk and Shirley Denise Burk were residents of Grady County, Georgia and relatives of Elbert Walker, Jr. Darryl Burk will be sentenced on May 19, 2016.
The three defendants conspired to destroy residential dwellings in the Grady, Mitchell, Thomas and Colquitt County areas by intentionally setting fire to them. They then defrauded insurance providers by falsely claiming that proceeds of insurance policies should be paid to them. In addition, the trio defrauded lending institutions in order to obtain financing for residential mortgage loans for the properties and presented counterfeit and forged checks associated with the proceeds of said insurance policies. Finally, Mr. Walker and Mrs. Burk defrauded the United States Bankruptcy Court and United States District Court.
The properties involved in the conspiracy were located at 1097 Bondvilla Drive in Cairo, Georgia; 410 Oak Street in Thomasville, Georgia; 555 Baggs Ferry Road in Camilla, Georgia; 605 S. Harney Street in Camilla, Georgia; and 608 Oak Circle in Moultrie, Georgia.
Evidence presented also showed that Mr. Walker was previously convicted of Welfare Fraud Conspiracy in New Jersey. In 2007 and 2011, agents executed search warrants at his residence in Cairo, Georgia and located multiple firearms in his possession. Some of these firearms also had obliterated serial numbers.
Acting U.S. Attorney Peterman said, “The criminal activities for which these defendants were sentenced today have been ongoing for years. Time and again they swindled banks and insurance companies and perpetrated frauds on our courts. They put the lives of firefighters in jeopardy through their numerous arsons for profit. As the leader of this gang, Elbert Walker, Jr. was a virtual one-man crime wave in South Georgia. He is the very person at whom are aimed our laws banning the possession of firearms by felons. I commend the federal, state and local law enforcement authorities who investigated this case for their excellent work in bringing these defendants to justice, as well as the prosecutors whose dedication and hard work resulted in these convictions.”
“Today’s sentence is another reminder that ATF and our law enforcement partners will hold individuals accountable for any criminal behavior, especially that which threatens the safety of innocent civilians,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt.
"The co-conspirators in this fraud ring went to great lengths to carry out their illegal schemes, which included arson and fraudulent insurance claims," said Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens. "I would like to commend local, state and federal investigators and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen, for their work in dismantling this major arson and insurance fraud ring."
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; United States Secret Service, Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Pelham Police Department, and Moultrie Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry Foster 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.
Drug Dealers Sentenced for Role in Cairo Cocaine and Crack Cocaine OperationRead the Press Release
Eddie Lee Perry, age 43, of Cairo, Georgia, Joseph Davenport, age 52, of Thomasville, Georgia, and Brandon Perry, age 22, of Cairo, Georgia were sentenced March 17, 2016 by the Honorable W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia. Mr. Eddie Perry was sentenced to serve 240 months in federal prison. Based on his multiple prior cocaine convictions, Mr. Davenport has been sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment. Mr. Brandon Perry received 18 months and credit for time served. Chad Ragin was not sentenced today.
Evidence presented at trial in August 2015 showed that during 2013, Eddie Lee Perry, Joseph Davenport, and Chad Ragin were part of a criminal organization that distributed cocaine and crack cocaine in Cairo, Georgia. Mr. Ragin acted as a courier of drugs and money between Mr. Perry and Roger Ross, of the Miami, Florida area. Mr. Davenport “cooked” the powder cocaine, converting it into crack cocaine. The organization was responsible for trafficking/distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine.
Roger Ross was sentenced in October 2015 to 30 years imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of 8 years.
Brandon Perry entered a guilty plea on November 17, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Thomas County Vice/Narcotics Squad, the Thomasville Police Department, the Grady County Sheriff’s Office, the Cairo Police Department, the Pelham Police Department, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles District Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. 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.
Cartel Broker Sentenced to 139 Months for South Georgia Drug Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
Francisco Molina, aka “Frankie,” age 41 of Brownsville, Texas, was sentenced on March 16, 2016 to serve 139 months in federal prison by the Honorable W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia. Mr. Molina previously pled guilty to conspiring with a number of South Georgia residents to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine and one-hundred kilograms of marijuana.
Investigation revealed that in January 2010, a package weighing over 600 pounds had been delivered to an address in Camilla, Georgia. This package originated in Texas and was labeled Agricultural Irrigation Parts. Bills of lading and receipts of wire transfer indicated that Mr. Molina shipped the 600 pound package and received money via Western Union and Money Gram as payment. In 2012, court ordered wiretaps revealed that Mr. Molina and several other sources regularly supplied cocaine and marijuana for distribution in the Mitchell County area.
The Court previously accepted guilty pleas and sentenced eighteen individuals related to Mr. Molina’s case. Two other co-defendants were convicted after a jury trial and sentenced.
The case was investigated by DEA Columbus RA, Pelham Police Department, Thomas County Vice/Narcotics Squad, and Cairo Police Department with the assistance of the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Husband and Wife Sentenced to A Decade in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone as A Part of Prescription Drug Ring ProsecutionRead the Press Release
Corinthia Watson, age 33, and her husband, Jerry Smith, age 37, of Hull, Georgia were sentenced by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal yesterday in Athens, Georgia for possession with intent to distribute prescription drugs they illegally obtained. Mr. Smith was sentenced to 70 months and Mrs. Watson was sentenced to 51 months for Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.
The investigation revealed that Mrs. Watson, a medical assistant at a medical practice in Monroe, Georgia, stole her employer’s DEA number and prescription pad. With significant assistance from others, including her husband, Mr. Smith, the couple operated a massive fraudulent prescription drug ring from September 2011 to December 2012. They sold fraudulent prescriptions for as much as $300 a piece to hundreds of individuals, resulting in the illegal distribution of over 60,000 dosage units of prescription drugs such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Alprazolam (Xanax).
When various pharmacies called the medical practice to verify prescriptions, Mrs. Watson managed to intercept the calls for several months and vouch for the fraudulent prescriptions. After several months, the investigation revealed that the scheme unraveled only when Mrs. Watson called in sick one day and her co-workers stumbled upon her fraudulent activity when a pharmacy called to verify one of her fraudulent prescriptions.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Investigators and the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services in Atlanta, the City of Monroe Police Department, and the Northeast Georgia Region Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Danial Bennett 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.
Comer Man Sentenced to Serve 97 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Brad Tyler Suddeth, age 33, of Comer, Georgia was sentenced yesterday to serve 97 months in prison for possession of child pornography. The sentence was handed down in Athens by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Mr. Suddeth pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in November 2015. He was found to possess over 600 images of prepubescent children on his two iPhones. In addition, Suddeth admitted to engaging in inappropriate communications with female children as young as eight years old in Georgia and Illinois.
Acting United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III stated: “It is unfortunate that some individuals continue to prey on innocent children for their perverse gratification. Hopefully, individuals such as Mr. Suddeth will realize that yesterday’s sentence of almost 8 years imprisonment, without parole, is the harsh consequence for their actions.”
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Danial Bennett 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.
Athens-Area Real Estate Scam Artist Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
George F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Jackie Williams, age 42, from Bishop, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud today before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge. As part of her guilty plea, Ms. Williams admitted to orchestrating a real estate fraud which victimized several people in the Athens, Georgia area. Ms. Williams now faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
“Ms. Williams stole hard-earned money from people who trusted her,” said Acting U.S. Attorney George F. Peterman, III. “Her scheme harmed victims across numerous counties, and I commend the tenacious efforts of our law enforcement partners to bring her to justice.”
In pleading guilty, Ms. Williams admitted to defrauding investors from 2012-2014; specifically, she induced people to invest in a purported real estate business, claiming that she bought distressed homes and sold them for a substantial profit. However, in numerous cases Ms. Williams never purchased the home that she told her victims she had used their money to buy, and she created falsified documents, such as fake purchase contracts and mortgage preapproval letters, to perpetuate her fraud. In fact, Ms. Williams used her investors’ money for her own personal gain, and/or to pay off portions of the money she had borrowed from previous investors. As part of her guilty plea, Ms. Williams admitted that she owes $563,097.01 in restitution to eight victims.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: "The FBI is pleased with the role it played in bringing this case forward for federal prosecution. Today's guilty plea will begin the process of holding the defendant responsible for her greed-based criminal conduct and will hopefully provide some solace and relief to her victims."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Sheriff’s Offices for Barrow, Madison and Oconee County. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Former Captain Sentenced for Withholding Evidence Favorable to A Defendant and Obstructing JusticeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that Elizabeth Croley, 37, a former captain at the Decatur County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for willfully withholding evidence favorable to a criminal defendant and for writing a false report to cover up another law enforcement officer’s use of force against a civilian. Robert Wade Umbach, 36, and Christopher Kines, 36, both former deputies at the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, were also sentenced to 15 months in prison for making false statements to help cover up the use of force.
In June 2015, a federal jury in Albany, Georgia, convicted the defendants after a trial that lasted more than two weeks. The charges arose from a September 2012 incident in which former Grady County, Georgia, Deputy Sheriff Wiley Griffin IV – who is the son of Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin III – used force against Aaron Parrish during an arrest at the Bainbridge BikeFest. The jury found that Croley, Kines and Umbach obstructed justice when they later helped cover up Griffin’s actions. Specifically, the jury convicted Croley of obstructing justice by writing a false report and convicted Kines and Umbach of engaging in misleading conduct by lying to an FBI agent about the incident. Croley was also convicted of violating Aaron Parrish’s constitutionally protected right to a fair trial by intentionally withholding material exculpatory evidence from the district attorney’s office, and in turn, from Aaron Parrish’s criminal defense attorney during a criminal prosecution of Parrish.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that Griffin struck Parrish in the eye with a metal flashlight while Parrish was being restrained on the ground by other deputies, including defendants Kines and Umbach. The government also presented evidence that, after Parrish complained to the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office about the abuse he had suffered at BikeFest, the sheriff’s office opened a criminal investigation led by Croley that eventually resulted in felony criminal charges against Parrish. During that investigation, Croley took a witness statement from a civilian eyewitness who provided information that would have been materially helpful to Parrish’s defense. However, rather than providing that statement to the district attorney so that it could then be provided to Parrish’s defense attorney for use at trial, Croley intentionally removed the exculpatory statement from the case file. This conduct formed the basis of the civil rights charge on which Croley was convicted.
“When law enforcement officers break the laws they swear to uphold and harm the people they promise to protect, it undermines public trust in our government,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “If officers try to lie or withhold evidence, we will vigorously protect the integrity of our justice system by holding them accountable for their actions and safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans.”
“The public rightfully depends on law enforcement officers to uphold the law faithfully,” said Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman of the Middle District of Georgia. “When these defendants withheld important facts and provided false information in this investigation, they subverted the entire process and damaged the public's faith in the integrity of their former fellow officers. They fully deserve the sentences meted out to them today.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christine M. Siscaretti and Risa Berkower of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section, with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Georgia.
Discharged Air Force Serviceman Sentenced for Theft on Robins Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
Simon Watson, age 37, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced on March 10, 2016, in Macon, Georgia, by the Hon. Judge Leslie J. Abrams to serve a total of 51 months imprisonment for Theft of Public Funds, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Failure to Appear for Sentencing. Mr. Watson is also required to pay $3,088.30 in restitution to the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.
Mr. Watson entered a guilty plea to Theft of Public Funds and Aggravated Identity Theft on June 9, 2015. From February 11, 2014, through March 2, 2014, Mr. Watson, a discharged Air Force serviceman, cashed and attempted to cash eleven forged checks at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (“AAFES”) located at Robins Air Force Base. The checks cashed by Mr. Watson were from two business accounts he had incorporated, both of which were later dissolved. The bank accounts for both businesses had also been closed. Mr. Watson stole three Common Access Cards (“CAC”) from the gym at Robins Air Force Base, which he used as identification to cash the fraudulent checks. Mr. Watson would print the name from the stolen CAC on the checks from his dissolved businesses and bring the checks, along with the stolen CAC, to the AAFES to cash. Mr. Watson successfully cashed $3,088.30 in checks at the AAFES. However, investigators located additional pre-printed checks in his vehicle. The parties agreed that the intended loss amount was $10,000 - $30,000.
Mr. Watson was scheduled to appear for sentencing on October 8, 2015 on the Theft of Public Funds and Aggravated Identity Theft charges. He was aware of this scheduled court appearance but did not appear as required. Mr. Watson was subsequently charged with Failure to Appear for Sentencing, and entered a plea of guilty to that charge on December 4, 2015.
Acting United States Attorney G.F. “Pete” Peterman stated; “Not only did Mr. Watson steal money that did not belong to him but he also betrayed the trust of his fellow servicemen by stealing their identities to further his criminal enterprise. The agents did an outstanding job which resulted in this significant sentence of imprisonment.”
The case was investigated by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard 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.
Florida Man Convicted of Robbing Regions Bank in ColumbusRead the Press Release
Byron McCollum, age 68, of Lake Worth, Florida, was convicted, following a four-day jury trial, on March 3, 2016, for the June 2, 2015 armed robbery of Regions Bank on Veterans Parkway in Columbus, announced Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman, III. The Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge presided over the trial in Columbus.
Testimony at trial revealed that Mr. McCollum and Michael Lee Hall entered the bank on June 2, 2015 wearing masks, hats and gloves and brandishing handguns. Mr. Hall walked into the bank’s lobby and ordered a female employee to the floor. Mr. McCollum approached the bank counter and ordered a female customer to the floor. He then displayed a handgun and demanded a bank teller open the door to allow him access behind the bank counter.
Once behind the counter, Mr. McCollum emptied currency from the cash drawers into a backpack. The pair then drove off in a red Chevrolet Camaro. Further testimony revealed that Mr. McCollum had stolen the red Chevrolet Camaro from Trophy Ford in Forsyth, Georgia prior to the bank robbery. While the pair was still in the bank parking lot, dye packs exploded inside the backpack covering the money with dye. They then abandoned the Camaro and drove from Columbus to Macon in Mr. McCollum’s gray Cadillac with Mr. Hall driving and Mr. McCollum lying in the backseat with the handgun ready in case they were stopped by law enforcement. He claimed that he would shoot the officer as he passed the back window of the vehicle should that happen.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2016 at 9:30 am in Columbus. Mr. McCollum is facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. In addition to the June 2015 bank robbery, Mr. McCollum committed a previous bank robbery in Columbus in 1985.
Michael Lee Hall pled guilty to bank robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence on August 3, 2015. He was sentenced by Judge Land to serve 234 months in prison on November 18, 2015 for his part in the crime. He was also ordered to pay restitution to Regions Bank. He also had a prior conviction for armed bank robbery in Columbus in 1994.
“I want to commend the officers from the local and Federal agencies who apprehended these two career bank robbers and the prosecutors whose efforts will bring those careers to an end,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Peterman.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus Police Department, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and Pinellas County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Statesboro Man Sentenced for Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III, announces that Jai Devon Lee, age 39, of Statesboro, Georgia, was sentenced on February 25, 2016, in Valdosta, Georgia, by Senior United States District Judge Hugh Lawson to serve 101 months for aggravated identity theft and access device fraud.
Mr. Lee was convicted of the charges in October, 2015, following a two-day jury trial in Valdosta. Evidence presented at trial showed that in June, 2014, Mr. Lee possessed documents containing personal identifying information, including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth of more than 1000 individuals, intended to be used for fraudulent purposes. A tip had been received by the U.S. Secret Service office in Albany, Georgia, that Mr. Lee was trying to sell the various items of personal identifying information (PII) for $50 each. A meeting was arranged at a Valdosta restaurant between Mr. Lee and a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office detective posing as a buyer who was to purchase 900 of the documents for $45,000.00. Mr. Lee arrived with a backpack containing the stolen identifying information he intended to sell, as well as a folder containing more stolen identifying information, including some personal credit reports. Mr. Lee was taken into custody at that time and charged. Mr. Lee has an extensive criminal record, including nine (9) prior felony convictions.
Acting U.S. Attorney G.P. Peterman, III said, “Identity theft is one of the most prevalent crimes in the United States today. The results can be devastating, depriving the victims not only of their money but of their reputation, credit rating and peace of mind. People who prey on their fellow citizens in the manner of Mr. Lee are nothing more than predators. Hopefully this prosecution and sentence will send the message to others who might be similarly inclined that they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law when caught.”
“Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation. The U.S. Secret Service remains committed to aggressively investigating those responsible for committing identity theft for the purpose of defrauding the nation’s financial system. Victims that have their personally identifiable information (PII) stolen have their lives invaded in a way that often causes long lasting financial consequences. 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 United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Nine Defendants in Vast Cocaine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that nine defendants in a far-reaching conspiracy to distribute cocaine were sentenced as of Wednesday, February 25, 2016, by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge. These individuals and their respective sentences include:
Andrew Carter, age 38 of Omega, Georgia- 360 months
Juan Pablo Cuevas, age 54 of Atlanta, Georgia - 240 months
Maurice Todd Carter, age 35 of Omega, Georgia- 240 months
Jose Alfredo Martinez, age 40 of Omega, Georgia- 200 months
Kenyatta Mitchell, age 33 of Tifton, Georgia- 150 months
Lataris Waters, age 26 of Omega, Georgia- 60 months
Jessica Tellez, age 32 of Omega, Georgia- 66 months
James Waters, age 52 of Tifton, Georgia- 60 months, and
Juan Sanchez Hidalgo, 57 of Tifton, Georgia- 42 months.
From January 1, 2013, through October 28, 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 Defendants acquired between 10 to 15 kilograms of cocaine per week. On September 25, 2014, a traffic stop of 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 teamwork of local, state and federal law enforcement, working together, shut down this major drug running business in South Georgia. There is no parole in the federal prison system. With these sentences, our community, our citizens and our children will be safe from the criminal activities of these individuals for up to thirty years in the case of the ring leader. This is outstanding work by our law enforcement officers and prosecutors,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman, III.
Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “Today is a victory, not only for the multitude of law enforcement agencies who dismantled this organization, but for the citizens of the affected communities. Now that these criminals have been removed from the streets, our communities are much safer. This effort would not have been successful without the high-level of cooperation between our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts.”
“This investigation is an example of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to make a positive impact in the local communities of southwest Georgia. The blending of these resources has resulted in the successful dismantling and prosecution of a major drug trafficking organization,” commented Special Agent in Charge Kim Baker of the GBI Region 15 Field Office.
“This is the result of a unified effort to combat illegal drugs in Tift County. I want to thank all agencies and their personnel for their dedicated service to our community,” said Sheriff Gene Scarbrough of the Tifton County Sheriff’s 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.
Former Tifton Banking Company CEO and President SentencedRead the Press Release
A former bank president was sentenced today for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he hid underperforming and at-risk loans from the bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and others, announced Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman, III of the Middle District of Georgia.
Gary Patton Hall Jr., 49, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta, Georgia to serve 84 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States. Mr. Hall was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,931,018 to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), as the successor in interest to the bank, and to the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as guarantors on fraudulent loans.
Mr. Hall entered a guilty plea to the charges on December 4, 2015. According to facts stipulated in the plea agreement, Mr. Hall was the president and Chief Executive Officer of Tifton Banking Company (TBC) from August 2005 until June 2010. During that time, Mr. Hall was engaged in an ongoing scheme to mislead the bank and its loan committee about loans TBC made to local individuals and businesses. As part of the scheme, Mr. Hall hid past due loans from the FDIC and the TBC loan committee, which resulted in the bank continuing to approve and renew delinquent loans and loans for which the collateral was lacking. Several of the borrowers eventually defaulted on the loans, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to TBC and others.
Mr. Hall admitted that in certain transactions in which he exercised approval authority, he hid his personal and business interests. In one instance, Mr. Hall approved loans to the buyer of a condominium in Panama City Beach, Florida, owned by Mr. Hall himself. In doing so, he made false representations about the loans to TBC’s loan committee and failed to disclose his personal interest in the transaction. When the buyer’s loan payments became delinquent, Mr. Hall hid the loans from both the FDIC and state regulators. Mr. Hall received $50,000 profit from the sale of his condominium in this transaction, the entire purchase price being funded by an unsecured loan to the buyer approved by him. The buyer eventually declared bankruptcy, resulting in a loss of more than $400,000 to TBC.
Additionally, Mr. Hall admitted to making fraudulent representations which led to loan guarantees being issued by the United States Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture on two other loan transactions. The loans were made by TBC, and guaranteed by the government agencies, to refinance earlier non-performing loans made by TBC. Those guaranteed loans resulted in losses to the bank and the agencies of more than $2,000,000.
TBC was closed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance in November 2010 due to its poor financial condition. At that time, TBC had not repaid the $3,800,000 it received from the Department of Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Acting United States Attorney G.F. Peterman, III said, “As the president of the Tift Banking Company, Gary Patton Hall owed a duty to its depositors to protect and care for their money more carefully than if it were his own; instead, he used it like it was his own. His self-dealing and dishonesty violated the trust his own community and neighbors had placed in him, causing harm to them and to the reputation of the banking industry itself. I commend the federal and local authorities who investigated this case and brought Mr. Hall to justice for his violation of that trust.”
“Today, another TARP banker was sentenced to jail for hiding a bank’s past due loans during the crisis to make the bank appear healthy,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for TARP (SIGTARP). “SIGTARP special agents working with prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia and other law enforcement partners uncovered that Tifton Banking Company President and CEO Pat Hall engaged in a long running fraud scheme that began pre-crisis in 2005. He made risky bank loans pre-crisis, and later criminally concealed the fact that the loans were past due and that the collateral had dropped in value. On behalf of the bank, in 2009, Hall obtained $3.8 million in TARP bailout funds to fill holes in the bank’s books caused by his fraud, all of which was lost when the bank failed. He deceived taxpayers, shareholders including Treasury, banking regulators and the bank’s loan committee. TARP was not a bailout for bank fraud and SIGTARP and our law enforcement partners will ensure that bankers who commit fraud related to TARP will be brought to justice.”
"The FDIC Office of Inspector General is pleased to join the U.S. Attorney's Office and our law enforcement colleagues in announcing Mr. Hall's sentencing. This sentence is fitting punishment for a former bank insider who violated the public trust and caused harm to the bank. Our expectation is that his sentencing will deter others who would seek to undermine the integrity of the banking system. Our office remains committed to helping ensure the safety and soundness of FDIC-insured banks throughout the country," Jason T. Moran, Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Region, FDIC Office of Inspector General, stated.
“The defendant’s actions placed his self-interest and personal gain above others to which he had a responsibility resulting in significant loss to the taxpayer,” said Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson. “The Office of Inspector General will aggressively pursue fraud, waste, or abuse against SBA programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication in pursuing justice in this case.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Small Business Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney N. Nathan Dimock of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers of the Middle District of Georgia.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Former President and CEO of Georgia-Based Bank Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Role in Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former president and CEO of a Georgia-based bank was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud and major fraud against the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia made the announcement.
Gary Patton Hall Jr., 50, of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson of the Middle District of Georgia. In addition to imposing the prison term, Judge Lawson ordered Hall to pay $3,931,018 in restitution to the bank and federal agencies for losses suffered. In December 2015, Hall pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit major fraud against the United States.
According to court documents, Hall was the president and CEO of Tifton Banking Company (TBC) from August 2005 until June 2010. As part of his guilty plea, Hall admitted that he engaged in a scheme to mislead the bank and its loan committee about loans that TBC made to local individuals and businesses. Hall hid past-due loans from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the TBC loan committee, which resulted in the bank continuing to approve and renew delinquent loans and loans for which the collateral was lacking, he admitted. Several of the borrowers eventually defaulted on the loans, resulting in millions of dollars in losses to TBC and others.
At his plea hearing, Hall admitted that in certain transactions in which he exercised approval authority, he made false representations about the loans to TBC’s loan committee and hid his personal and business interests, including approving loans to the buyer of a condominium in Panama City Beach, Florida, owned by Hall himself. Hall admitted that he hid the loans from the FDIC and state regulators when the buyer’s payments became delinquent, and that he received $50,000 profit from the sale of his condo. The buyer eventually declared bankruptcy, resulting in a loss of more than $400,000 to TBC.
Hall also admitted to making fraudulent representations that led to commercial loan guarantees being issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on two other loan transactions. The loans were made by TBC and guaranteed by the government agencies to refinance earlier non-performing commercial loans made by TBC as part of the scheme to mislead bank regulators and hide the bank’s true financial condition. Those guaranteed loans resulted in more than $2 million in losses to the bank and the agencies.
In November 2010, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance closed TBC because of its poor financial condition. At that time, TBC had not repaid the $3.8 million it received from the Department of Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
The FBI, the Special Inspector General for TARP, the SBA’s Office of the Inspector General, the FDIC Office of the Inspector General, the USDA’s Office of Inspector General and the Tifton County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney N. Nathan Dimock of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers of the Middle District of Georgia prosecuted the case.
Tampa Area Defendants Convicted of Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
G. F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced today that verdicts of guilty were rendered on all seven counts of an indictment against Defendants Leonardo Hernandez-Triana, age 32, and Yadina Valdes-Dias, age 36, both from Tampa, Florida, charging them with identity theft-related offenses. The case was tried before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, Albany Division.
Count One of the indictment charged the defendants with possession of twenty counterfeit or unauthorized Walmart gift cards. Count Two charged the defendants with unlawful possession of two “skimmer” devices. Counts Three through Seven charged the defendants with aggravated identity theft based upon their fraudulent possession of personal account information of five different persons from the Bowling Green and Greenville, Kentucky area.
The case arose out of a traffic stop of the defendants’ vehicle on October 21, 2014, on Interstate 75 in Turner County. During the course of the traffic stop, law enforcement officers received consent from defendant Hernandez-Triana to search their vehicle. The officers discovered twenty counterfeit Walmart gift cards and two skimmer devices designed to be placed inside a gasoline pump to collect the account information of debit and credit cards used at that pump. The government’s evidence at trial showed that the persons whose accounts were compromised all made debit or credit card purchases of gasoline at about the same time from a particular convenience store in Greenville, Kentucky. The evidence further showed that what appeared on their face to be twenty Walmart gift cards were in fact encoded with a magnetic strip containing the personal account information of those twenty persons whose identity data was stolen.
Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Albany, Georgia Resident Office stated: “Identity theft, to include credit card fraud, is an ever increasing problem in our country. Victims of these crimes often have long lasting effects. The United States Secret Service, along with its law enforcement partners, remains committed to aggressively investigating those responsible for committing these crimes and bringing them to justice.”
Acting United States Attorney Pete Peterman stated: “Some individuals believe that identity theft and credit card fraud are minor felonies, but that is a mistaken belief. Thousands of people suffer the indignity of having their identities stolen and then spend years trying to get back their good name. Defendants who commit identity theft crimes will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The case was investigated jointly by the United States Secret Service, Ashburn Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alan Dasher 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.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Bribing Public Official at Georgia Military BaseRead the Press Release
A former agent for a large national trucking company has pleaded guilty for paying bribes to officials at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia, in order to obtain lucrative freight-hauling business, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia.
Ivan Dwight Brannan, 60, of Jupiter, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands of the Middle District of Georgia to one count of bribery of a public official.
During his plea, Brannan admitted that from 2006 to 2012, he provided cash and other items of value to Mitchell Potts, a former traffic office supervisor for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at MCLB-Albany, to ensure that his trucking company client was awarded millions of dollars of business at MCLB-Albany. Brannan also admitted that he directed David Nelson, a truck driver, to provide cash and other things of value to both Potts and Jeffrey Philpot, another official in the DLA Traffic Office at MCLB-Albany. From 2006 to 2012, Brannan and Nelson paid at least $120,000 in bribes to Potts and Philpot.
Potts and Philpot both previously pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official and were sentenced to 10 years and seven years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy. Nelson pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official on Oct. 7, 2014, and awaits sentencing.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John Keller of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Bribing Public Official at Georgia Military BaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former agent for a large national trucking company has pleaded guilty for paying bribes to officials at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia, in order to obtain lucrative freight-hauling business, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney G.F. Peterman III of the Middle District of Georgia.
Ivan Dwight Brannan, 60, of Jupiter, Florida, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands of the Middle District of Georgia to one count of bribery of a public official.
During his plea, Brannan admitted that from 2006 to 2012, he provided cash and other items of value to Mitchell Potts, a former traffic office supervisor for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at MCLB-Albany, to ensure that his trucking company client was awarded millions of dollars of business at MCLB-Albany. Brannan also admitted that he directed David Nelson, a truck driver, to provide cash and other things of value to both Potts and Jeffrey Philpot, another official in the DLA Traffic Office at MCLB-Albany. From 2006 to 2012, Brannan and Nelson paid at least $120,000 in bribes to Potts and Philpot.
Potts and Philpot both previously pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official and were sentenced to 10 years and seven years in prison, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy. Nelson pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official on Oct. 7, 2014, and awaits sentencing.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John Keller of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
Columbus Tax Preparers Plead Guilty to Identity Theft and Income Tax FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney G. F. “Pete” Peterman, IIII announced that Michelle Simmons, age 37, of Columbus, and LaRae Townsend, age 36, of Orlando, Florida each pled guilty today, February 2, 2016 to one count of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of filing false and fictitious claims in front of the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.
According the facts stipulated in the plea agreement, from about January 1, 2011, to March 1, 2014, Ms. Simmons was employed as a tax preparer for a “Gatison & Associates,” located on Miller Road in Columbus, Georgia, and “C&C Bill Pay and Tax Services” in Phenix City, Alabama. Ms. Townsend provided names and social security numbers, obtained from a variety of sources, to Ms. Simmons. Ms. Simmons then submitted approximately 557 fraudulent income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using an Electronic Filing Identification Number from IRS. Ms. Simmons and Ms. Townsend split the resulting refunds. False claims were filed with the IRS in the total amount of $924,123 in this manner. Due to the fact that some of the returns filed by Ms. Simmons were rejected, the actual loss to the government was $419,139.
Ms. Simmons and Ms. Townsend each face a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both on the wire fraud charges and up to five years and a $250,000 fine as to the false statement charges. Each also faces a mandatory consecutive two year sentence of incarceration on the aggravated identity theft charges. Sentencing will be in approximately sixty (60) days.
“Crimes of this nature produce two separate groups of victims. First are those whose identities are stolen and who are then forced to go through the embarrassment and inconvenience of trying to straighten out all the attendant problems this causes in their lives. The second set of victims are the citizens of the United States, who stood to lose almost $1,000,000 had this scheme not been uncovered through the fine investigative work of the IRS and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department,” said United States Attorney Peterman.
“IRS Criminal Investigation will remain proactive in the investigation of individuals who engage in stealing the identities of innocent people,” said Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge. “We will continue to utilize every tool available to investigate those who victimize members of our community and innocent taxpayers for their own personal gain.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde 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.
Columbus Man Convicted for Attempted Carjacking at GunpointRead the Press Release
Darius Harbin, age 21, of Columbus, Georgia was convicted following a week-long jury trial on January 25, 2016, for attempted carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Following his conviction for these offences, Mr. Harbin then entered a guilty plea for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the same incident. The Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court judge for the Middle District of Georgia presided over the trial in Columbus.
On May 24, 2014, after getting off work, the victim pulled into a gas station about 3 a.m. While pumping gas, he was accosted by Mr. Harbin at gunpoint. The victim was instructed to remove his hand from his pocket as well as the gas pump from his vehicle. Mr. Harbin told the victim he would shoot him in the head if he did not comply. The victim managed to wrestle the gun from Mr. Harbin during an almost eight minute struggle which ensued before the police arrived.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. in Columbus. Mr. Harbin is facing up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.