Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three of Four Former Deputies SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that former Sgt. Arthur Howard, 44, former officer Jimmy Lee Denson, 45, and former officer Decarlo C. Latimore, 38 were sentenced today by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge in Macon. They were each sentenced to three years of probation for conversion of government property. Further, they will have to surrender their Georgia Police Officer Certification.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Solis, Beth Howard, and Kim Easterling prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Americus Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Douglas Roseth, 23, of Americus, Georgia was sentenced to 210 months in prison by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, on May 28, 2015 in Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Roseth will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and be on lifetime supervision.
On January 20, 2015, Mr. Roseth entered a plea of guilty to production of child pornography admitting that he posed as a teenage girl on social media chats and enticed young boys to masturbate and expose themselves to him. Sexually explicit screenshots of these chats were found by the United States Secret Service after they assumed the investigation and forensically examined Mr. Roseth’s computers. Secret Service agents were able to track down several of the boys who identified sexually explicit screen shots of themselves that had been taken during social media chats. Each boy stated they had been enticed to do so by what they presumed to be a teenage girl while on a social media site.
“The actions for which Mr. Roseth stands convicted are those of a sexual predator,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “The sentence imposed today ensures that he will not be victimizing our youth in such a fashion for the next 17 ½ years. I appreciate the fine work of our law enforcement partners in bringing Mr. Roseth to justice.”
"The United States Secret Service and our law enforcement partners strive to stay ahead of the new challenges of criminals using digital technology to exploit our citizens. Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder that cyber criminals are criminals nonetheless and they will not get away with taking advantage of unsuspecting victims without bearing the consequences,” said Reginald G. Moore, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, as well as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford L. Seals 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.
Columbus Bank Robber Sentenced to 78 MonthsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Frederick Worrills, 47, of Columbus, Georgia was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge Clay D. Land, United States District Judge in Columbus. Mr. Worrills was sentenced to 78 months for bank robbery.
On December 17, 2014, Mr. Worrills entered a Bank of America branch in Columbus and attempted to withdraw funds from his account. Mr. Worrills was told that his account was overdrawn by the teller. He left without any incident. Later that same day, Mr. Worrills returned and approached the same teller. He didn’t try to conceal his identity, even though he was known to many of the tellers. Mr. Worrills handed the teller a note that stated “Give me all your money I got a gun.” No firearm could be seen but Mr. Worrills kept one hand out of sight. He left with $3764.54. The robbery was captured on surveillance video. The teller and other Bank of America employees positively identified Mr. Worrills as the robber. The FBI went to Mr. Worrills’ address and met with his mother who lives with him. She also identified Mr. Worrills as the robber.
“Mr. Worrills not only took money from a federally insured bank, he also put lives in jeopardy by threatening the tellers and requiring law enforcement officers to search for him,” United States Attorney Michael Moore said. “Instead of hitting the jackpot, Mr. Worrills will be hitting the federal prison system, where he’ll serve a sentence that is appropriate for his criminal conduct.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Four Sentenced in Dogfight Gambling Enterprise CaseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that Arthur Lee Clark a/k/a “Bilbert”, age 42, of Sumner, Georgia; Demitri Jackson, age 38; William Burns a/k/a “J.B”, age 42; all of Albany, Georgia; and Timothy Hopkins a/k/a “LO”, age 42, of Hiram, Georgia were sentenced for conspiracy to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture. The sentences were handed down by The Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany.
Demetri Jackson was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison. Timothy Hopkins received a sentence of 35 months in prison. William “J.B.” Burns must serve 24 months in prison. Arthur Lee Clark was sentenced to serve 3 years on probation.
According to the indictment, the defendants operated a dogfight gambling enterprise, named “229 Boys Kennels, Inc.”, from about April 2006 to April 2010 in Albany, Georgia. The defendants produced, promoted and participated in dogfight gambling shows throughout the Southeast, including other parts of Georgia and Florida. The defendants bred, purchased, sold, and trained American Pit Bull Terriers for the purposes of dogfight gambling. The dogs were bred with dogs owned by, purchased from, and sold to individuals from other parts of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina.
The indictment further alleges that “229 Boys Kennels, Inc.” advertised and promoted the prowess of “229 Boys Kennels, Inc.” canine stock through online websites and publications and word of mouth to increase the value of “229 Boys Kennels, Inc.” stock for sale and to increase prize amounts for matches at dogfight gambling shows. Dogs not selected to continue fighting in “229 Boys Kennels, Inc.” were exterminated by bludgeoning them in the head with a hammer, slamming them on the ground until dead, and by other inhumane methods.
“Dogfighting is a cruel and inhumane activity that should not be dignified with the term ‘sport.’ These defendants engaged in this crime solely to benefit themselves financially. I fully support the significant sentences they received today and my office will continue to vigorously prosecute such cases whenever they are brought to us,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
On April 30, 2014, all seven individuals were arrested through the cooperative effort of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sylvester and Americus Field Offices; U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General; U.S. Marshals Service; and Albany Police Department. A search warrant executed on the day of the arrests yielded 42 American Pit Bull Terriers being used for the purposes of dogfight gambling.
Timothy Hopkins and Arthur Lee Clark pled guilty to the charge on December 10, 2014. Demetri Jackson and William Burns entered guilty pleas on January 20, 2015.
The case was the result of a four-year investigation conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Sylvester; U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General; and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Toombs and Williams Sentenced to 240 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Donterius Toombs, age 33 and Stephon Williams, also known as “Corndog,” “Lieutenant,” and “L.T.”, age 50, from Camilla, Georgia were sentenced May 13, 2015 by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge in Albany. Each defendant was sentenced to 240 months for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
In August 2012, the court authorized a wiretap of a phone used by Curtis Bernard Donaldson, also known as “Thug.” Mr. Donaldson was then a drug dealer operating out of the Camilla, Georgia area. His “self-proclaimed” lieutenant was Mr. Williams, a former police officer, and his lower level drug dealers included Mr. Toombs. Mr. Donaldson’s operation produced two types of crack cocaine – “straight drop” or “glass” and “whip” which produce a greater weight of crack than others from the same amount of powder. Mr. Williams and Mr. Toombs each have prior convictions for drug distribution. The two were convicted at trial in November 2014.
“As long as drug dealers put their poison on our streets and in our communities, we are going to use all of our resources to make sure that they end up in jail,” United States Attorney Michael Moore said. “Whether we take them down as a complete organization or one at a time, the Middle District of Georgia is a safer place with fewer dealers on the street and more in the jail.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Columbus, Pelham Police Department, Cairo Police Department and the Thomas County Vice-Narcotics Squad. Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Telephone Customer Service Representative Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Lavrinda Hamilton, aged 40, of Albany, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on May 12, 2015, to an information charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud before the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams, U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
According to the information, between March 2011 and September 2012, Ms. Hamilton accessed personal identity and customer account data for over fifty different telephone customers from a computer at her job site at Teleperformance in Albany, Georgia. She then sent the account and identity data to unknown conspirators and received payment via pre-paid debit cards. The unknown conspirators filed insurance claims for lost or stolen phones and received replacement phones at third-party addresses.
Ms. Hamilton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. She will be sentenced in about 60 days following a pre-sentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case for the Government.
“Identity theft is one of the most prolific crimes in the country and in the seventy counties of the Middle District of Georgia. This is the second case my office has seen in a week where an employee has abused the trust placed in them by both the employer and the customer to perpetrate a fraud for personal gain. We will vigorously prosecute these cases whenever they come to us,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
"As identity theft becomes more prevalent, the Secret Service will remain steadfast in aggressively investigating those responsible for using stolen identities to commit fraud. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue those committing these crimes," said Resident Agent in Charge Clint Bush, U.S. Secret Service, Albany, Georgia.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Career Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Christian M. MacKean, 37, of Eatonton, Georgia entered a plea of guilty on May 7, 2015, for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, U.S. District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
On August 13, 2013, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Patrolman Jeff Wilson stopped a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck on I-75 for speeding. Mr. MacKean, the driver and owner of the vehicle, refused to show his driver’s license or an insurance card. As he reached for a briefcase, Patrolman Wilson noticed a bulge under Mr. MacKean’s shirt and suspected there was a weapon. Patrolman Wilson called for backup. When Deputy Kimberly Barnett from the Forsyth Police Department arrived and approached the vehicle she saw the handle of a black pistol on Mr. MacKean’s right side. It was learned that MacKean had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for parole violations. During a search incident to this arrest it was found that Mr. MacKean had a loaded pistol in a holster on his right hip and a fully loaded AR-15 rifle in the toolbox of the Silverado. In addition, two plastic bags containing methamphetamine with a combined weight of three grams were found in the truck.
A criminal background check of Mr. MacKean revealed previous felony convictions for possession and trafficking of methamphetamine, as well as possession of cocaine. Mr. MacKean is facing a maximum term of 120 months imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, for this offense. He is currently serving a prison sentence in Putnam County. His prison term for this offense will begin once the other sentence has been served.
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore stated that “Due to his prior criminal conduct, Mr. MacKean lost his right to possess a firearm. In addition, he not only illegally possessed a handgun and assault weapon in this case but did so along with one of our most dangerous illicit drugs. At least for the term of the sentence he faces he will not be a further threat to the safety of the public in this way.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, & Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Sonja B. Profit 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.
Columbus Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing over 180 Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Danielle Wallace, age 36, of Columbus, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on May 5, 2015 to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and filing false income tax returns before the Honorable Clay D. Land, U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.
As a part of her plea agreement, Ms. Wallace admitted she filed over 180 fraudulent tax returns between January 1, 2014 and March 24, 2014. During this time, Ms. Wallace was employed by Blue Cross/Blue Shield fielding telephone calls from customers. She would obtain personal information from the customers during the calls and then file false income tax returns through “Simple Cash 1”, a tax preparation business she owned and operated in Columbus. The attempted and actual loss, the amount of funds which was obtained by fraud, is approximately $494,000.
For the wire fraud charge, Ms. Wallace faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1,000,000, or both. For aggravated identity theft, she faces a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence. The charge of filing false income tax returns carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
“Ms. Wallace took advantage of those who trusted her and came to her for help. She took advantage of her employer as well using the information she obtained in her job to do this. She then took advantage of the public by using this information to get income tax refunds to which she was not entitled,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“Instead of providing customer service Ms. Wallace used her position with Blue Cross Blue Shield to steal the identities of unsuspecting individuals and file fraudulent tax returns through a company she owned,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Veronica Hyman-Pillot. “Ms. Wallace’s actions have caused insurmountable hardship to these innocent victims. Today’s plea is an example of the hard work IRS CI and its law enforcement partners continue to perform in an effort to protect the American taxpayer.”
“The Secret Service remains committed to protecting our nation’s financial security, to include aggressively investigating those responsible for using stolen identities to defraud the United States. 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 charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. and Chuck Byrd are prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Macon Drug Dealer Sentenced for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that, Victor Burnett, aged 33, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced on April 28, 2015 to serve 7 years (84 months) in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia.
Mr. Burnett pled guilty to the charge on January 21, 2015. As part of his plea, he admitted that he had a cocaine supplier in Atlanta, Georgia who supplied him with kilogram quantities of cocaine. Once obtained, Mr. Burnett transported the cocaine to Macon, Georgia for sale and distribution. On July 4, 2012, surveillance officers observed Mr. Burnett as he traveled to Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta and took delivery of 1718 grams of powder cocaine which he then transported to Macon, Georgia with the intent to distribute it. A search of the vehicle revealed over $18,000 in currency in addition to the cocaine.
“Cocaine is not a problem of the past. It continues to pollute our streets because of drug dealers like Mr. Burnett. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to get these drugs off the streets, even if that means that we lock up the dealers one at a time,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Thomas L. Noyes II stated, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service aggressively investigates cases involving the misuse of the U.S. mail system by criminals who traffic illegal contraband such as narcotics and financial proceeds. This case demonstrates the success of State and Federal agencies collaborating to bring offenders to justice.”
Mr. Burnett’s arrest was the result of a joint investigation conducted by agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant United States Attorney Charles Calhoun 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.
Hospital Authority of Irwin County Resolves False Claims Act Investigation for $520,000Read the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and Samuel S. Olens, Attorney General for the State of Georgia, announced today they have reached a civil settlement with the Hospital Authority of Irwin County (ICH), Dr. Mahendra Amin, Dr. Ashfaq Saiyed, Dr. Romana Bairan, Dr. Arturo Ruanto, Dr. Concordio Ursal, Dr. Drew Howard, Dr. Steve Anderson, Dr. Robert Reese, and Dr. Marshall Tanner. The Defendants agreed to pay $520,000 to resolve allegations that they caused false claims to be submitted to Medicare and Medicaid.
The settlement marks the end of an investigation into alleged violations of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the Federal Stark Law, and related Georgia Medicaid policies. Allegations of the suit concern the amount of compensation paid by ICH to Dr. Amin, ICH’s leases with the co-defendants, and the supervision of certain diagnostic imaging services at ICH. This investigation began with a lawsuit filed by Connie Brogdon and Summer Holland under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act and the Georgia False Medicaid Claims Act, which allow private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the Government and share in any recovery obtained. Ms. Brogdon and Ms. Holland will receive a share of the settlement payment pursuant to the whistleblower provisions.
Defendants fully cooperated in the investigation after which the parties agreed to resolve the allegations made by the United States and the State of Georgia. The claims settled in the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
“One important mission of this office’s Civil Division is to ensure that when taxpayer money is paid out under federal health care programs, it is paid out in a manner that complies with federal healthcare laws,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore. “Whistleblower lawsuits, like this case, are an increasingly important way in which our office is able to protect the integrity of the many federal programs that the citizens of Middle Georgia rely on each and every day.”
Attorney General Sam Olens stated, “My office takes seriously our obligation to ensure that providers comply with all applicable state laws, regulations, and policies when receiving state taxpayer funds for services they provide as part of the Medicaid program. This case reflects our continued commitment to investigating allegations of Medicaid fraud and abuse.”
The case was investigated by Special Agent Mark Creamer of the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Investigator Enedelia Bostrup of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia; and Investigator Tonia Medlin, Nurse Investigator Judy Cooper, Investigative Auditor Anita Reddick, and Analyst Carmen Staley, all of the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, a division of the Office of the Attorney General of Georgia.
The civil settlement was reached by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Byrd, Assistant United States Attorney Todd Swanson, and Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth White.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Career Offender Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Fourteen Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Dustin Dylan Glass, age 28, from Monroe, Georgia, was sentenced today by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge in Athens, Georgia. Mr. Glass was sentenced to 170 months imprisonment for distribution of methamphetamine.
Mr. Glass pled guilty to the charge on December 22, 2014. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Glass admitted to selling methamphetamine on June 12, 2014 and stipulated to possessing 7.77 grams of actual methamphetamine. Mr. Glass’ prior state convictions include sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and battery. Last month, an indictment was filed in the Superior Court of Newton County charging Mr. Glass with the offenses of violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act (3 counts), conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault (7 counts), violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act (15 counts) and possession of firearm during commission of a felony (7 counts). The Newton County prosecution is pending.
“Mr. Glass has demonstrated a dangerous propensity for drug dealing and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “Today’s sentence of more than fourteen years in federal prison punishes Mr. Glass for his status as a career offender, and the citizens of Monroe will be safer while he serves time behind bars.”
The case was investigated by the Monroe Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Perry Man Sentenced for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Arthur Brock, age 32, of Perry, Georgia, was sentenced on April 22, 2015, to serve 100 months (eight years and four months) in federal prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
Mr. Brock entered a guilty plea to the charge on December 4, 2014. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Brock admitted that on October 23, 2013, he met with a confidential informant and an undercover Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent at the WalMart parking lot on Watson Boulevard in Warner Robins, Georgia. Prior to the meeting, Mr. Brock had arranged to sell the undercover GBI agent two ounces of methamphetamine. After a brief conversation in the parking lot, Mr. Brock handed the undercover agent 52.2 grams of methamphetamine that was packaged inside of a tube sock, in exchange for $3,000.00.
“The long prison sentence in this case will guarantee that Mr. Brock will not pollute the streets of Houston County with methamphetamine for the better part of the next decade. I want to acknowledge the collaboration and good work of the GBI and the DEA. Drug dealers need to take notice; we will use every resource to make sure that if you distribute drugs, you will wind up in federal prison facing a long sentence with no possibility of parole,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Beth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Cordele Resident and Recidivist Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christopher B. Wilcox, aged 41, formerly of Cordele, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a mandatory minimum of ten years (120 months) imprisonment in federal prison for possession of child pornography, followed by 15 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands on April 23, 2015 in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Wilcox entered a guilty plea to the charge on December 15, 2014 in Albany, Georgia.
This is not Mr. Wilcox’s first offense involving child victims. At the time of the crime to which he pled guilty, Mr. Wilcox was on supervised release from a previous conviction in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia for possession of child pornography in March, 2003, for which he received a sentence of 33 months in prison. He was also subsequently convicted of aggravated child abuse in Crisp County Superior Court in February 2005, for which he was on probation at the time of his latest offense. Mr. Wilcox is currently serving a 10 year parole revocation of his state sentence based on this new offense.
The current charges stem from a search done of the contents of Mr. Wilcox’s computer by the United States Probation Officer overseeing his supervised release for his 2003 conviction.
The lengthy sentence was a result of his two previous felony convictions.
“With the conviction and lengthy prison sentence of Mr. Wilcox, I am confident that we have taken a significant step to protect child victims. He is a repeat offender. Apparently the only place where we can be assured that he is not re-victimizing the child victims of pornography is in prison, so that is where he’ll spend the next decade,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “The FBI is pleased with the role that it played in further protecting the children of our community by getting such an individual as Mr. Wilcox off of our streets. The FBI will continue to aggressively identify and investigate such individuals who would exploit and prey on children through child pornography.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane 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.
Pair Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that James Grimes, aged 29, of Columbus, Georgia was sentenced to serve 97 months in Federal prison for possession of child pornography. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was handed down on April 22, 2015, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.
As part of an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, a search warrant was executed at Mr. Grimes’ home on April 30, 2012. During a voluntary, consensual conversation with agents, Mr. Grimes admitted to owning multiple computers and having “illegal stuff” on some of them. He further admitted to accessing wireless modems around his neighborhood, downloading child pornography, and forwarding it to others. At the time of the interview, Mr. Grimes was in possession of more than 600 pornographic images.
“The defendant’s use of unsecured wireless networks to try to hide his crimes did not deter HSI special agents from tracking him down, but it should serve as a reminder to businesses and residents with networks to make sure they are secured,” said Ryan L. Spradlin, acting special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta. “We have seen cases in the past in which law enforcement agencies served search warrants on residences whose only crime was to leave their network unsecured and exploited by child pornographers.”
In a separate case, Kenneth Nichelson, aged 56, of Cataula, Georgia, was sentenced to a term of 180 months’ imprisonment by Judge Land on April 23, 2015. Mr. Nichelson entered a plea of guilty to child pornography on December 14, 2014. He admitted that between June 2010 and March 2011, he purchased nine DVDs depicting child pornography from a company in Toronto, Canada. When arrested on July 8, 2014, Mr. Nichelson was in possession of more than 10, but fewer than 150 images of child pornography on a computer in his home.
A criminal history check on Mr. Nichelson revealed that he had a previous conviction of sexual abuse in the 2nd degree in 1994 in New York. Due to his previous conviction, he was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison.
“These defendants re-victimized the children who were exploited by the producers of the original child pornography. Their illegal actions are part of the ongoing and unspeakable trade of stealing the innocence from child victims. We will continue to use our resources not only to catch the producers of this filth, but also to catch the people who possess it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Columbus Bank Robber SentencedRead the Press Release
James Brennan, aged 50, of Columbus, Georgia was sentenced to serve 85 months in federal prison for robbing the Regions Bank in Columbus, Georgia on October 14, 2014. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, on April 22, 2015, in Columbus, Georgia.
On January 13, 2015, Mr. Brennan entered a plea of guilty to bank robbery, admitting that on October 8, 2014, he donned a white baseball cap, covered his face with a green bandana and entered the Regions Bank on Veterans Parkway in Columbus with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic pistol in his right hand and a small cardboard box in his left hand. Mr. Brennan then pointed the firearm at a bank teller and took U.S. currency from her. He placed the currency in the cardboard box and exited the bank through the rear doors.
“Mr. Brennan not only robbed the bank, he terrorized the employees with his conduct. With a sentence of more than seven years, it will be a long time before he has the chance to attempt make any more illegal withdrawals,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford L. Seals 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.
Identity Theft Task Force Created in ColumbusRead the Press Release
In 2013, Columbus, Georgia was the #2 location in the country for stolen identity affidavits filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
As a result, an identity theft task force is being created and will be a combined effort among the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Secret Service, the Postal Inspector, Harris County Sheriff’s Department, and the Columbus Police Department.
There has been an increase in theft of Personal Identifying Information (PII) from several large employers in and around the Columbus area, as well as stolen U.S. Treasury checks being cashed by various local banks and/or check cashers.
Identity theft includes such schemes as stealing Personal Identifying Information and using the information to file fraudulent tax returns, check cashing runners who transfer the fraudulent tax refund checks from the fraudulent tax return filer to the check cashers (check cashing runners are paid a percentage of the fraudulent tax refund check cashed), and check cashers knowingly cashing fraudulent tax refund checks and charging higher percentages than allowed by states or receiving a kickback for cashing the checks.
Inquiries regarding the task force should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Click here to view news story on WJTV Columbus.
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Sandersville Drug Dealer ConvictedRead the Press Release
On April 8, 2015, a jury in U.S. District Court in Macon, Georgia convicted Antonio Donyal Tarver, age 39, from Sandersville, Georgia, of one count possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and one count possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The Government’s evidence at trial proved that on July 3, 2013, a Georgia State Patrol Trooper attempted to stop Mr. Tarver on Highway 24 in Eatonton, Georgia for speeding. Instead of pulling over, Mr. Tarver led the Trooper on a chase. Mr. Tarver eventually ran a red light and gained some distance on the Trooper. Mr. Tarver then made an abrupt turn into the industrial area of Horton Components where he turned behind a van trailer and abandoned his vehicle. When the Trooper turned the corner by the van trailer, he saw Mr. Tarver’s abandoned vehicle continue forward and crash into a pole. The Trooper was able to locate Mr. Tarver following a foot chase.
A few hours later, an employee at Horton Components contacted the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office about a shopping bag he observed on the roof of the van trailer where Mr. Tarver had abandoned his vehicle. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office arrived and retrieved the bag, finding what was later confirmed to be 143.33 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and 292.98 grams of cocaine. The bags that the cocaine was packaged in were processed by the GBI for latent prints and a GBI latent print examiner confirmed that Mr. Tarver’s left ring finger and right thumb print were present on two of the bags.
A sentencing date has not yet been set. At sentencing, Mr. Tarver faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to a possibility of life imprisonment.
“Not only did Mr. Tarver put the Trooper and the public in danger when he fled from the law, he jeopardized the well-being of the people of Middle Georgia by possessing cocaine with the intention to distribute it. His drug activities have now landed him in prison. I want to especially thank the GBI for its work on the fingerprint analysis in this case. Some people mistakenly think that fingerprints can’t be recovered from a plastic bag. They obviously don’t know the quality of the investigative work done by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
This case was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Eatonton Police Department. The case was prosecuted but Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Howard and Charles Calhoun.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Trio Sentenced on Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Bradford Harden, aged 44, Kristopher Carver, aged 27, and Kayla Price, aged 26, were sentenced on March 31, 2015 by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia. All three reside in Columbus, Georgia.
Mr. Carver pled guilty on December 8, 2014, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Methamphetamine and possession of a firearm while committing a drug trafficking crime. He received a sentence of 15 years (190 months) in prison.
Ms. Price entered a plea of guilty to possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine on December 8, 2014. The Court sentenced her to 100 months in prison.
As a part of their plea agreements, Mr. Carver and Ms. Price admitted that on June 6, 2013, members of the Columbus Police Department’s Special Operations Unit received a tip that the pair was selling Methamphetamine from an extended stay hotel room in Columbus. Subsequent surveillance of the hotel revealed Mr. Carver and Ms. Price entering the hotel room carrying a silver and black case. Other individuals were then observed coming to and going from the room after staying for only a short time. One individual was stopped and arrested for possession of Methamphetamine. A search of the hotel room produced 3 firearms, a digital scale, a glass smoking device, numerous cell phones, residual amounts of suspected Methamphetamine and assorted documents containing what appeared to be drug transactions. The silver and black case was found in a vehicle in which Ms. Price attempted to leave the scene. It contained $1000 in cash, an assortment of pills, and approximately 165 grams of suspected Methamphetamine. A test conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed the substance to be Methamphetamine (a.k.a., “ice”) with a purity of 98.8%. Mr. Harden was arrested during this investigation with 28.5 grams of suspected Methamphetamine in his pocket that was later tested by the DEA laboratory and confirmed to be positive for Methamphetamine with a purity of 95.8%.
Mr. Harden entered a guilty plea on December 8, 2014, to a superseding information alleging possession of Methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while committing a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to serve 130 months in federal prison.
While out on bond for the June 6, 2013, offense detailed above, law enforcement received a tip that Mr. Harden was selling Methamphetamine. Further investigation ultimately developed sufficient probable cause for a search of his residence.
A small amount of Methamphetamine was found on Mr. Harden’s person. The search of the residence discovered a safe that contained 41 grams of suspected Methamphetamine and a pistol. Mr. Harden admitted to owning the safe and its contents. This substance was tested by the DEA lab and confirmed to be positive for Methamphetamine (a.k.a. “ice”) with a purity of 100%.
“Methamphetamine use and distribution continue to plague many areas in the Middle District of Georgia. We will continue to work with our local partners, like the Columbus Police, to stop the supply of this poison into our communities. The dealers will find that there is no real customer base in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“ATF’s involvement in securing these sentences is a prime example of the successful use of federal laws to confront, engage and eliminate criminal activity,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Carl Walker. “Criminals must understand that there are serious repercussions for illegal trafficking of narcotics and illegal possession of firearms and that ATF in concert with our Federal and local law enforcement partners will contribute all necessary time and effort to ensure criminals are brought to justice.”
The cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals 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.
Former Fort Benning Soldier Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced today that David Schaefer, age 27, formerly of Fort Benning, Georgia, was sentenced on March 31, 2015, to serve 8 years (97 months) imprisonment for possession of child pornography by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Judge in Columbus, Georgia. Mr. Schaefer had entered a guilty plea to these charges on December 8, 2014.
This case was initiated in October, 2013, when the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations were separately investigating the sharing of child pornography on the Ares peer-to-peer file sharing network. Both agencies downloaded child pornography from a user on the network that was ultimately identified as the defendant, David Schaefer. At that time Mr. Schaefer was an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Benning. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant on the defendant’s home, resulting in a computer being seized that contained 368 videos and 27 images of suspected child pornography. These were subsequently submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which verified that three images and 46 movies contained sexually graphic depictions of confirmed minors previously identified by law enforcement.
“Child pornography involves the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of society and robs them of both their innocence and dignity at an early age, leaving scars that last a lifetime. My office views prosecutions such as this as one of our top priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore.
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Army CID and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford L. Seals prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Gallegos Sentenced to Serve 180 Months for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Antonio Gallegos, also known as “Lego”, age 35, from Valdosta, Georgia was sentenced on March 25, 2015 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Gallegos was sentenced to serve 15 years (180 months) imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Mr. Gallegos had entered his plea of guilty to the offense on January 14, 2015.
On April 29, 2014, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer in Lowndes County, Georgia received information from DEA Atlanta that a Hispanic male would be delivering a package of methamphetamine to Valdosta via a bus line. Agents observed Jose Renteria-Cortez get off the bus carrying a backpack. The Task Force Officer found 9 packages of methamphetamine with a gross weight of 6.6 pounds. Mr. Renteria-Cortez admitted that he was delivering the drugs to Juan Gabriel Pecina, a co-defendant, for eventual delivery to Antonio Gallegos. Mr. Pecina has previously been sentenced to 168 months imprisonments and Mr. Renteria-Cortez has previously been sentenced to 140 months.
“Methamphetamine destroys the lives of users and non-users alike. The only bus Mr. Gallegos will be waiting on now won’t be one carrying his shipment of drugs, it will be the one taking him to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore.
“As with all drug traffickers, this methamphetamine distributor was driven by greed and power,” Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Daniel R. Salter stated. “Today he stands powerless and will spend well-deserved time in prison. This case would not have been possible without the spirited level of cooperation between our law enforcement counterparts.”
Sheriff Chris Prine, of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is “extremely proud to see this case come to a successful close. With the continued increase in methamphetamine production and distribution, this must be a priority for everyone in the law enforcement community. This sentence is the result of a cooperative effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration, The United States Attorney’s Office and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and a great example of what must be done to impact the flow of illegal drugs in our communities.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Former Federal Credit Union Employee Sentenced for Bank Fraud and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Kelly Yawn, age 32 , of Hahira, Georgia, was sentenced on March 25, 2015 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge, in Valdosta, to serve 41 months in prison for bank fraud and filing false tax returns. Ms. Yawn was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $628,539.34 to the fraud victims and $139,865 to the IRS as unpaid taxes on unreported income for tax years 2008 through 2011.
On January 6, 2015, Ms. Yawn entered a guilty plea to the charges in the District Court. In entering her plea, Ms. Yawn admitted that while employed by Georgia Power Valdosta Federal Credit Union (GPVFCU) between February 2008 and November 2011, she accessed the credit union’s computer system to prevent electronic transactions (ACH) and written share drafts from posting to her account. Using that scheme, Ms. Yawn was able to misdirect for her own benefit more than 900 share drafts and more than 1200 ACH transactions, totaling more than $499,000.00 which were paid from GPVFCU funds. Ms. Yawn took additional actions to cover up the transactions so that they would not be discovered by GPVFCU or outside auditors by posting fraudulent deposits to GPVFCU’s accounts.
Ms. Yawn also filed federal income tax returns for 2008 through 2011 that were false. Ms. Yawn failed to include the money she received from the scheme on her federal tax returns as income in those years.
“Ms. Yawn took advantage of the trust her employer had in her to illegally fund her family’s lifestyle over a four year period. She robbed the Credit Union just as much as if she had come in with mask and gun, and made off with more money” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore. “Today’s prison sentence, including the sizable restitution for victim losses and unpaid taxes she now owes, ensures that Ms. Yawn will not walk away from the damage her crime has caused and sends a message to others that, in the end, theft does not pay.”
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: "Ms. Yawn will now have plenty of time to reflect on her poor choice to steal from her own bank. Bank fraud is not a victimless crime and the FBI will continue to provide significant investigative assets toward identifying, investigating, and presenting for prosecution those individuals who would engage in such criminal activities."
“Ms. Yawn used her position as an employee of Georgia Power Valdosta Credit Union to manipulate the financial system in order to steal income, conceal the theft and then failed to report the income on her tax return” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This sentence is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our legal and financial system.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Special Enforcement Program of the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. 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.
Four Former Georgia Correctional Officers Sentenced for Offenses Related to Assaults of Inmates and Ensuing Cover-UpRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that Darren Douglass-Griffin, Kerry Bolden, Emmett McKenzie and Kadarius Thomas—four former members of the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) at Macon State Prison (MSP) in Oglethorpe, Georgia—were sentenced today for federal offenses related to the beating of MSP inmates in 2010 and the cover-up that followed.
U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell sentenced Douglass-Griffin to serve 12 months in prison for conspiracy against rights and for writing a false report. Bolden was sentenced to serve nine months in prison for conspiracy against rights and conspiracy to obstruct justice. McKenzie received a sentence of six months in prison for conspiracy against rights. Thomas was sentenced to serve six months in prison for writing a false report regarding the beating of an inmate.
In June 2014, a federal jury trial in United States v. Hinton, et al., resulted in the conviction of former CERT Sergeant Christopher Hall and senior CERT officers Ronald Lach and Delton Rushin. Evidence introduced at trial and in court documents filed in connection with the guilty pleas of Douglass-Griffin, Bolden, McKenzie and Thomas showed that CERT officers conspired to assault handcuffed inmates as punishment for past misconduct. CERT officers beat multiple inmates, two of whom suffered serious injuries. One inmate, Terrance Dean, suffered a traumatic brain injury during an assault by CERT officers. Evidence also showed that CERT officers conspired to cover up their unlawful practice, and that officers turned in false reports and provided misleading statements to investigators.
On Dec. 4, 2014, U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell sentenced the defendants who were convicted at trial to the following terms of incarceration: Lach, 90 months; Hall, 72 months; and Rushin, 60 months.
Former CERT member Willie Redden is the last defendant to be sentenced in connection with these cases. A sentencing date has not yet been set for Redden.
“Eight former corrections officials from Macon State Prison now have been sentenced for criminal conduct that ranged from beating inmates to obstructing our investigation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute corrections officers who betray the public trust, assault people in their custody, and otherwise use their power to violate federal law.”
“While our corrections officials have a difficult yet important job, we must insist that they follow the law and not use the authority that comes with a prison guard’s uniform to assault the very people they are charged with supervising,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia. “In this case, it wasn’t just inmates who were victims, it was also the public who had entrusted these officials with maintaining order while respecting and following the law.”
These cases were investigated by the Macon Resident Agency of the FBI, with the support of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The cases were prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Tona Boyd for the Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Macon.
If you have questions, please call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.
Arthur Gerald Reid Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced today that Arthur Gerald Reid, 28, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced on March 17, 2015 to serve 30 years (360 months) in federal prison for sex trafficking of children. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
Mr. Reid entered a plea of guilty to the charges on December 23, 2013. As a part of his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that beginning in September, 2011, and continuing until February, 2013, he prostituted a juvenile victim from various motel rooms in Macon, Georgia, and in Tybee Island, Georgia, through the utilization of backpage.com, an erotic services website. Mr. Reid was physically violent toward the juvenile victim. At the time Mr. Reid was encountered by law enforcement on February 26, 2013 at a Macon, Georgia, motel, he was in custody and control of the juvenile victim. Two additional juvenile victims were also with Mr. Reid at the time of the encounter with law enforcement. Mr. Reid admitted to prostituting these juveniles through the utilization of backpage.com as well. Hidden within the motel room was a BB gun, which the juveniles believed to be an authentic firearm.
“Mr. Reid was willing to sell the childhood of these young victims for a few dollars, profiting on the perversions of the “johns” who responded to his internet ads and the vulnerabilities of these children. His lengthy prison sentence means that he will not be a threat to other children in Middle Georgia for the majority of his life. I want to commend the hard work of the FBI, the GBI, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for investigating this case and working with us to protect the children of Middle Georgia,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “This defendant, by using intimidation and violence to prey on and exploit juveniles in this manner, truly deserves his time behind bars. The FBI will continue to dedicate significant investigative resources and assets toward the protection of our nation’s children from those individuals who would do them so much harm.”
“Child sex trafficking cases are a priority for the GBI. We will continue to work with local and federal law enforcement partners to bring individuals such as Reid to justice. People who prey on and exploit children deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Vernon Keenan, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Julia C. Bowen represented the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
The Game Stop Robber Receives 11 Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Javon Glen Britton, aged 34, of Sacramento, California, was sentenced on March 12, 2015 to serve a total of 138 months (11.5 years) in Federal prison for robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
Mr. Britton entered a guilty plea to the charges on November 25, 2014. As part of his plea agreement, he admitted that he robbed The Game Stop, located at 4659 Presidential Parkway in Macon, Georgia, on August 21, 2014, at gunpoint. Mr. Britton entered the store carrying a large black bag containing a U.S. Military Surplus M1 carbine. He pulled the firearm from the bag and ordered everyone in the store to get on the ground. He then demanded that the customers place their cell phones and money on the floor and approached the store clerk and demanded money, brandishing the M1 firearm. The store clerk gave approximately $492.00 from the cash register to Mr. Britton, who then fled the store to a waiting vehicle.
After an ensuing altercation with a private citizen, Mr. Britton crashed his vehicle and sought refuge in a nearby store where he and his passenger were later apprehended by deputies from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
“Through the outstanding efforts of both local and federal law enforcement officers, Mr. Britton was brought to justice and a tragedy was avoided. I am confident that even though he tried to rob a game store, Mr. Britton now realizes that when you use a gun to commit a crime, we are going to make sure that you lose,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“ATF and our outstanding Federal and local law enforcement partners have ensured the law abiding citizens of this community are safer as a result of this sentence,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Carl Walker. “This sentence is a direct message to criminals that law enforcement is observant and will not allow egregious violations of our laws to go unpunished.”
The case was investigated by Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Solis handled the prosecution for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Ashburn Man Pleads Guilty to Filing over 1100 Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Antonio Taylor, age 44, of Ashburn, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on March 13, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Taylor admitted he conspired with his wife, Patrice Taylor, Victoria Davis and Jarrett Jones to file over 1,100 fraudulent tax returns between January 2011 and February 2013. At least 1,089 of the returns were filed electronically from two IP addresses registered to Mrs. Taylor, both located at their home. From January 2012 to October 2012, a cell phone subscribed to Mrs. Taylor was used to call the Internal Revenue Service’s Automated Electronic Filing PIN Request 114 times. The actual loss, the amount of funds which was obtained by fraud, is approximately $1,199,897.00.
Mrs. Taylor entered a guilty plea to related charges on February 11, 2015. Likewise, Ms. Davis and Mr. Jones entered pleas of guilty to related charges on July 9, 2014 and October 9, 2014, respectively. All are awaiting sentencing.
For conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Mr. Taylor faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. For aggravated identity theft, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
“Wire fraud and identity theft have become the crime of choice for defendants seeking to steal money that belongs to the taxpayers. As we approach tax season, this case reminds those who follow the law to be careful with any personal information that may be vulnerable, and those who choose to break the law should know that we are going to catch you –it’s just a matter of time,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“Individuals who engage in tax refund fraud will be held accountable for their actions,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This defendant clearly took advantage of the people in his community as well as other unsuspecting Americans. It is our hope that today's plea will send a strong message that participation in refund fraud schemes does not pay and those who choose to participate will be prosecuted.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, assisted by the Ashburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Jury Convicts Armed Felon Who Led Police on Interstate ChaseRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that a jury in Athens, Georgia today convicted James Marcus Lloyd, III, age 41 from Charleston, South Carolina of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 24, 2013, Mr. Lloyd was stopped by a deputy with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office on Interstate 20 for several traffic violations. As the deputy stepped from his police car, Mr. Lloyd drove off, leading the police on a high-speed chase. During the chase, which reached speeds of 95 miles per hour, Mr. Lloyd passed numerous vehicles in the emergency lane, including semi-trailer tanker trucks. Eventually, Mr. Lloyd abandoned his car in the median of the Interstate and fled on foot before being caught and arrested by the police. In the path that Mr. Lloyd ran, a short distance from his car, the police found a loaded, semi-automatic 9mm pistol.
“James Marcus Lloyd, III, endangered innocent motorists and law enforcement with his high-speed flight from the police, and he endangered the community at large as a felon who possessed a firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “With this jury verdict, he will be held accountable for both.”
The case was investigated by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Tamara Jarrett and Peter Leary are 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.
Two Former Civilian Military Employees and One Military Contractor Convicted in Bribery Scheme at Georgia Military BaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two former civilian employees at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia, and one military contractor were convicted by a federal jury today of bribery and fraud charges related to military trucking contracts, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia.
Christopher Whitman, 48, co-owner of United Logistics, an Albany-based trucking company and freight transportation broker, was convicted of 43 counts of honest services wire fraud, five counts of bribery, five counts of obstructing justice and one count of theft of government property. Shawn McCarty, 36, of Albany, Georgia, a former employee at the MCLB-Albany, was convicted of 15 counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of bribery and one count of obstructing justice. Bradford Newell, 43, of Sylvester, Georgia, also a former employee at the MCLB-Albany, was convicted of 13 counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of bribery and one count of theft of government property.
According to evidence presented at trial, Whitman paid more than $800,000 in bribes to three former officials of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at the MCLB-Albany, including the head of the DLA Traffic Office and McCarty, to obtain commercial trucking business from the base. The transportation contracts were loaded with unnecessary premium-priced requirements, including expedited service, expensive trailers and exclusive use, which requires that freight be shipped separately from other equipment, even if that results in a truck not being filled to capacity. As a result of these contracts, Whitman’s company grossed more than $37 million over less than four years.
The evidence further demonstrated that Whitman paid approximately $200,000 in bribes to the former inventory control manager of the Distribution Management Center at MCLB-Albany, Newell and others, who used their official positions to help Whitman steal more than $1 million in surplus equipment from the base, including bulldozers, cranes and front-end loaders. In exchange for the bribes, Newell and the inventory control manager removed the surplus items from Marine Corps inventory and arranged to have them transported off the base by Whitman’s company. Whitman then arranged to improve and paint the stolen equipment, and sell it to private purchasers.
One former United Logistics employee, a business partner of Whitman’s, two former DLA officials and another MCLB official previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud and corruption scheme.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, DLA Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Chief J.P. Cooney and Trial Attorney Richard B. Evans of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia. The associated forfeiture litigation is being handled by Assistant Deputy Chief Darrin McCullough of the Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section and the Middle District of Georgia.
Mexican Illegal Sentenced to Serve 140 Months for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Jose Angel Renteria-Cortez, a/K/A “Sapo” and “Cucho”, age 25, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced on February 25, 2015 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Valdosta, Georgia. Mr. Renteria-Cortez was sentenced to 140 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Mr. Renteria-Cortez had entered his plea of guilty to the offense on October 23, 2014.
On April 29, 2014, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer in Lowndes County, Georgia received information from DEA Atlanta that a Hispanic male would be delivering a package of methamphetamine to Valdosta via a bus line. Agents observed Mr. Renteria-Cortez get off the bus carrying a backpack. The Task Force Officer found 9 packages of methamphetamine with a gross weight of 6.6 pounds. In entering his plea, Mr. Renteria-Cortez admitted that he was delivering the drugs to Juan Gabriel Pecina , a co-defendant, for eventual delivery to Antonio Gallegos, a second co-defendant,. Mr. Pecina has previously been sentenced to 168 months imprisonment. Mr. Gallegos is awaiting sentencing.
“Methamphetamine continues to plague our communities. When we find it, we are going to make sure that the groups and individuals responsible for distributing it spend time in federal prison. At least we know that Mr. Renteria-Cortez will not be delivering any drugs to Middle Georgia for the next decade,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Four Sentenced on Card Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced Antonio Hernandez-Vilar, aged 44; Eduardo Rodriguez-Martinez, aged 41; Gustavo Hernandez-corona, aged 48; and Aquiles Alvarez-Valdes, aged 40, all from Tampa, Florida, were sentenced on February 25, 2015 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Court Judge, in Valdosta, Georgia.
All four defendants entered guilty pleas to possessing unauthorized access devices on October 23, 2014. According to facts stipulated in their plea agreements, on May 9, 2014, a Lowndes County, Georgia deputy stopped the vehicle in which the four were travelling on Interstate 75. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found numerous credit and debit cards encoded with stolen account numbers, laptop computers containing more than 400 additional stolen account numbers and a Magnetic Card Reader/Writer used to encode stolen account numbers onto debit and credit cards embossed with the names of the defendants. Deputies also found approximately than 180 gift cards in varying amounts which had been purchased using the stolen account numbers. A copy of the plea agreement is attached.
The sentences handed down by Judge Lawson were:
Antonio Hernandez-Vilar: 80 months imprisonment
Eduardo Rodriguez-Martinez : 48 months imprisonment
Gustavo Hernandez-Corona: 57 months imprisonment
Aquiles Alvarez-Valdez: 57 months imprisonment
The defendants were all jointly ordered to pay restitution of $14,364.99 in restitution to known victims of the offense.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said,
“The Secret Service remains committed to protecting our nation’s financial security, to include aggressively investigating those responsible for stealing and using re-encoded credit cards. 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 agents from the United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
35 Defendants Charged with Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Offenses Following Undercover InvestigationRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Michael J. Moore, announced today that an indictment was returned by a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court in Macon, Georgia on February 11, 2015, which charged 35 defendants with drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. During “Operation Southern Postal Powder”, Federal agents, assisted by state and local law enforcement officers, investigated a large scale drug organization based in Macon, Georgia. Over the course of the investigation, federal agents seized large amounts of cocaine and marijuana.
Penalties for the charges range from ten years up to life in prison without parole. Fines range from $500,000 to 10 million dollars.
United States Attorney Michael Moore stated: “This operation is the essence of law enforcement collaboration and teamwork to remove illegal drugs and to punish those who violate Federal narcotics laws.”
“The Postal Inspection Service is committed to preventing the US Mail from being used as a conduit for narcotic trafficking. We could not be successful without the collaborative efforts of our local, State, and Federal partners,” stated Assistant Inspector in Charge Barney D. Morris.
Daniel R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division remarked that the indictment, “is a victory, not only for the multitude of law enforcement agencies who dismantled this organization, but for the citizens of Macon, Griffin and Atlanta, Georgia.” He further stated that “this effort would not have been successful without the mission-oriented cooperation between our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts.”
“We would like this operation to serve as a strong message to individuals throughout the region that we will not stand for the destruction that drugs and related criminal activity bring to our communities, stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will do everything within our power to assist our law enforcement partners with financially disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and stopping the violence and corruption they inflict upon society."
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Each person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Calhoun and Sonja Profit are prosecuting the case for the Government.
For additional information, please contact Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603.
DEFENDANTS
AGE
HOMETOWN
1) THADDEUS LAVETTE BONDS aka “STUPID,”
33
Macon, GA
2) DAVID RAY FELLS,
33
Eureka, CA
3) TIMMIE ANDERSON,
37
Oklahoma City, OK
4) TIFFANY McGRUDER,
32
Phoenix, AZ
5) MICHAEL THOMAS aka “POP,”
59
Conyers, GA
6) TAMIKA ANDERSON,
34
Phoenix, AZ
7) SHANNON MILLER,
23
Eureka, CA
8) BRANDON VITALE,
24
Fields Landing, CA
9) MICHELLE RAINEY (THOMAS),
48
Conyers, GA
10) KARL ANTHONY BOWEN,
68
Phoenix, AZ
11) ONTARIAN GREEN aka “SHENARD,”
45
Macon, GA
12) WILLIE EDWARD OWENS, JR. aka “TINK,”
43
Macon, GA
13) KEVIN LORENZ TAYLOR aka “K.T.,”
41
Macon, GA
14) GILBERT BALKCOM, JR. aka “SI MAN,”
36
Macon, GA
15) ARTEIUS CHUNTERA COTTON aka “TARA,”
30
Macon, GA
16) TRAKNOVOISE SIMMONS aka “ROD,”
37
Macon, GA
17) AUDREA LAMONT LAWRENCE aka “DRE,”
39
Macon, GA
18) ERIC KEITH BROWN aka “FIRE,”
44
Macon, GA
19) DONNIE WILLIAM BROWN aka “BIG DONNIE,”
35
Macon, GA
20) HAROLD HOLLAND,
58
Atlanta, GA
21) JEREMEY BARKLEY aka “BLOCKO,”
33
22) ANTONIO BERNARD RILEY aka “SLICK,”
39
Macon, GA
23) ANTWON ABRAMS,
29
Macon, GA
24) COREY BARKLEY,
32
Griffin, GA
25) QUATERRIO BARKLEY,
34
Griffin, GA
26) ANTWOIN BELL,
29
Macon, GA
27) NAKIA FEAZELL,
35
28) TAMEKA GRIFFIN,
34
Macon, GA
29) ANGEL CROSBY
37
Macon, GA
30) KIMBERLY JUHAN,
30
Macon, GA
31) JEREMY THOMAS,
41
Macon, GA
32) MARCUS RANDALL,
36
Covington, GA
33) AWRIS SMITH,
35
34) JIMMY WALKER,
36
Macon, GA
35) MARIA WHITE,
41
Phoenix, AZ
Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing over 1100 Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Patrice Taylor, age 33, of Ashburn, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on February 11, 2015 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Ga.As a part of her plea agreement, Mrs. Taylor admitted she conspired with her husband, Antonio Taylor, and Jarrett Jones to file over 1,100 fraudulent tax returns between January 2011 and February 2013. At least 1,089 of the returns were filed electronically from two IP addresses registered to Mrs. Taylor, both located at their home. From January 2012 to October 2012, a cell phone subscribed to Mrs. Taylor was used to call the Internal Revenue Service’s Automated Electronic Filing PIN Request 114 times.
In January 2012, Mrs. Taylor filed her own fraudulent federal income tax return requesting a refund in the amount of $6,776. She claimed a dependent that she was not authorized by law to claim. Mrs. Taylor also fraudulently used the data of 14 real people.
For conspiracy to commit wire fraud, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. For aggravated identity theft, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.
“We are seeing an alarming amount of identity theft across the country. We will use every resource at our disposal to make sure that those who use stolen identities to file phony tax returns and steal money end up with an identification form unique to them – one issued by the federal prison system,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, assisted by the Ashburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Former Tifton Bank President and CEO Indicted for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former bank president was charged today for his role in a bank fraud scheme in which he is alleged to have hidden underperforming and at-risk loans from the bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), among others, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia.Gary Patton Hall Jr., 49, of Tifton, Georgia, was indicted today by a grand jury in the Middle District of Georgia with six counts of bank fraud and one count of major fraud against the United States.
According to allegations in the indictment, Hall was the president and Chief Executive Officer of Tifton Banking Company (TBC) from August 2005 until June 2010. During that time, Hall was allegedly engaged in a long running scheme to mislead the bank and its loan committee about loans TBC made to local individuals and businesses. As part of the scheme, Hall allegedly 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.
Hall also allegedly hid his personal and business interests in at least two of the transactions over which he exercised approval authority. For example, in one instance, Hall allegedly approved several loans to the buyer of his condominium in Panama City Beach, Florida. In doing so, Hall allegedly made several 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, Hall allegedly hid the loans from both the FDIC and state regulators. Hall allegedly received $50,000 from the sale of his condominium in this transaction, which was allegedly funded in full by an unsecured loan to the buyer approved by Hall. The buyer eventually declared bankruptcy resulting in a loss of more than $400,000 to TBC.
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 $3.8 million it received from the Department of Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the Department of Treasury’s 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 Tifton 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.
Former Hancock County Judge SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Marva Rice, former Probate Judge for Hancock County,was sentenced today by the Honorable Judge Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia for two counts of theft of federal funds from Hancock County. Ms. Rice was sentenced to serve 21 months in federal prison and pay restitution in the amount of $63,864.70 to Hancock County.Ms. Rice entered a guilty plea to the charges on October 23, 2014. Facts stipulated in the plea agreement showed that as Hancock County Probate Judge, Ms. Rice was responsible for collecting fines and fees and for depositing those funds into the Probate Court bank account. An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that in 2012, Ms. Rice failed to deposit funds in the amount of $43,864.70. Then in 2013, after the FBI was conducting its investigation, Ms. Rice used Hancock County funds to pay for her own personal legal fees in the amount of $20,000.
“We count on the people who are sworn to uphold the law and administer justice to do just that. When Ms. Rice stole these funds, she not only took money she had no right to take, but she also violated the public trust. It is a sad day to see a judge go from wearing a black robe to wearing a federal prison uniform,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by Special Agent Gregory McClendon of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.Sisters-In-Law and Former Tax Return Preparers Plead Guilty to Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – On Feb. 10, two former tax return preparers pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia to conspiring to defraud the United States by filing fraudulent tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Department of Justice’s Tax Division.According to court documents, from at least January 2008 through at least March 2010, sisters-in-law Angela Miller and Lee Lynwood operated a tax return preparation business and conspired to inflate their clients’ federal tax refunds by manipulating the tax returns to reflect false business income or loss amounts and to claim deductions and credits, such as the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, that the clients were not entitled to receive.
“The Department of Justice’s Tax Division, working with Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys, is committed to prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law tax return preparers who willfully assist in the preparation and filing of false and fraudulent returns,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo.
Miller and Lynwood also took steps to continue their scheme by impeding the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) efforts to shut down their ability to electronically file tax returns. In May 2008, the IRS notified Miller and Lynwood that their Electronic Filing Number (EFIN) for filing electronic returns at their tax preparation business, A&L Tax Services, was being revoked. Miller and Lynwood then had an acquaintance apply for another EFIN in her name, which Miller and Lynwood used to continue to file fraudulent tax returns and conceal their preparation from the IRS. Further, Miller and Lynwood changed the name of their business to B&F Tax Services and caused a bank account for the B&F Tax Services to be opened in the acquaintance’s name as a nominee.
Miller and Lynwood filed false tax returns that claimed more than $130,000 in tax refunds during the course of the conspiracy. Miller and Lynwood each face a statutory maximum term of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue Criminal Investigation Division, who investigated the case, as well as Tax Division Trial Attorneys Hayden M. Brockett and Alex R. Effendi, who are prosecuting the case. Ciraolo also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia for their assistance.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.
Three Echols County Residents Indicted on Dog Fighting, Firearms and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that a federal grand jury returned a multiple count indictment in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division, charging Raymond Lee Hendrix (a/k/a “Georgia Lee” and “Lee”), of Echols County, Georgia; Willie Henderson, of Lowndes County, Georgia; and Tara Renee Hunt, of Echols County, Georgia, with conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce to sponsor and exhibit a dog in an animal fighting venture. If convicted, they could face a sentence of 5 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.Other charges include:
- travel in interstate commerce to sponsor and exhibit a dog in an animal fighting venture (Hendrix and Hunt) – potential sentence of 5 years imprisonment, $250,000, or both;
- possessing, training and transporting a dog in an animal fighting venture (Hendrix, Henderson and Hunt) – potential sentence of 5 years imprisonment, $250,00 fine, or both;
- buying, selling, delivering, possessing, training, transporting and receiving a dog in an animal fighting venture (Hendrix, Henderson, Hunt) – potential sentence of 5 years imprisonment, $250,00 fine, or both;
- possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (Hendrix and Henderson) – potential sentence of 5 years to life in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both;
- manufacturing marijuana (Henderson) – potential sentence of 20 years imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine, or both;
- maintaining a drug involved premises (Henderson) – potential sentence of 20 years imprisonment, $500,000 fine, or both;
- possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Henderson) - potential sentence of 5 years to life in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both;
- possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (Henderson) – potential sentence of 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both.
Mr. Hendrix appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Q. Langstaff on January 15, 2015 in Albany for his initial appearance and arraignment. He was released on a $15,000 unsecured bond.
Ms. Hunt appeared before Judge Langstaff on January 28, 2015 in Albany for her initial appearance and arraignment. She was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
Mr. Henderson is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Albany on February 3, 2015 for his initial appearance and arraignment.A copy of the indictment is attached. An indictment is only an allegation. The accused are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case resulted from an inter-agency investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, Echols County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, Auburn (Alabama) Police Department, Bainbridge (Georgia) Department of Public Safety, Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Lee County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office along with assistance from the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Assistant United States Attorney Julia C. Bowen is prosecuting the case for the government.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Columbus Woman Sentenced for Cashing Stolen Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that, Wytrenia Reynolds, aged 44, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on January 27, 2015 to serve 5 years (61 months) in federal prison for theft of government property, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen United States Treasury checks. She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $39,000.00. The sentence was handed down by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus, Georgia.Ms. Reynolds was found guilty of the charges on September 25, 2014 following a four-day jury trial. Evidence presented at trial showed that in September 2010, Ms. Reynolds cashed or attempted to cash three stolen treasury checks at Navy Federal Credit Union in Columbus, Georgia. All three of these checks were payable to individuals living in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. All three checks bore forged endorsements and were presented by Ms. Reynolds without the permission or authority of the intended recipient.
In October and November of 2010, Ms. Reynolds cashed thirteen stolen Treasury checks at a package store in Columbus, Georgia. The payees for these checks primarily were residents of the Atlanta, Georgia area, although two lived Alabama.
In January 2011, agents recovered three stolen Social Security checks in a vehicle leased by Ms. Reynolds. These checks were payable to elderly victims living in Thomaston, Georgia, and Ellenwood, Georgia.
In addition to the checks listed above, other government checks were found in Ms. Reynolds’ possession. These checks were determined to be stolen by a worker or workers at the United States Post Office in Atlanta, Georgia. The total face value of the checks possessed, cashed, or attempted to be cashed by Ms. Reynolds was approximately $515,000.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Identity theft is an ever-increasing problem across the
country. Victims have their lives invaded in a way that often causes long lasting financial
consequences; businesses are forced to implement costly security procedures; and consumers are left looking over their shoulders for fear that someone has stolen their personal information. With every check that is issued or every credit card that is swiped, we are vulnerable to criminals who are willing to steal our personal information for their own gain. As we put our resources into these cases, we are sending the message that if prosecuting identity thieves is a way to protect other victims, then that is exactly what my office will do.”Special Agent in Charge Thomas Caul, Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration stated, “Social Security payments are a lifeline for many Americans who are unable to work due to a temporary or permanent disability. Our office is gratified by the U.S. Attorney’s shared commitment to investigate and prosecute those who defraud Social Security trust funds. One of our highest priorities is ensuring that those who steal SSA payments are swiftly detected and prosecuted. Social Security fraud affects all Americans. The individual convicted today is a testament to our serious commitment to pursuing those who would victimize Social Security beneficiaries."
“The Secret Service remains committed to protecting our nation’s financial security, to include aggressively investigating those responsible for stealing and cashing United States Treasury checks. 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 Special Agent Teresa Hudson of the United States Secret Service and Special Agent Pablo Griffiths of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde 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.
Gulf Cartel Conspirator Sentenced on Cocaine PossessionRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced Nolberto Martinez, also known as “Negro”, aged 31, of Bronwood, Georgia, was sentenced on January 22, 2015, to serve 30 years (360 months) in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and distribution of cocaine. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Martinez was convicted on September 5, 2013 following a 20 day jury trial. Testimony at trial revealed that Mr. Martinez was a member of the Gulf Cartel that supplied cocaine to Middle Georgia. From 2007 to October 2011, Mr. Martinez was involved in a large-scale cocaine and crack cocaine distribution organization responsible for the distribution of over 500 kilograms of cocaine in Berrien, Colquitt, Dougherty, Tift, Lowndes, Terrell, Turner, Seminole, Ware, and Calhoun counties in Georgia. The cartel worked from Matamoros, Mexico, placing cocaine inside the hidden compartments of specially-equipped vehicles.A number of additional members of the drug conspiracy have previously been sentenced. Those include:
Carlos Johnson – Life in Prison
Kelvin Johnson – Life in Prison
Bobby Taylor—30 years (360 months) imprisonment
Gary Lockett – 21.8 years (262 months) imprisonment
Stuart Cole 15.6 years (188 months) imprisonment
William McKeithen – 15.6 years (188 months) imprisonment
Raymond Sutton— 14 years (168 months) imprisonment
Mark Cleveland Simpson - 13 years (160 months) imprisonment
T’Michael Jones 12.25 years (147 months) imprisonment
Casey Clemons—10 years (120 months) imprisonment
Octavio Sandoval 8.3 years (100 months) imprisonment
Antonio Wimbush – 7.25 years (87 months) imprisonment
James Willis—6.7 years (80 months) imprisonment
Francisco Javier Arispe - 5.8 years (70 months) imprisonment
M. Nichole Sheffield 4 years (48 months) imprisonment.
Baldemar Chavero Leal - 3.8 years (46 months) imprisonment
W. Alvin Barge - 2 years (24 months) imprisonment
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “We have seen an alarming increase in the distribution of drugs from Mexico to the Middle District of Georgia. With these drugs come violence and the devastation of untold numbers of lives. These organizations, whether you call them cartels or simply gangs, will find no safe haven in Middle Georgia. We will spare no effort or resource to make sure that we dismantle these drug distribution organizations. With the lengthy sentences for many of these defendants, we can all sleep a little better knowing that they will be off our streets for years to come. ”John S. Comer, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said of the sentencing, “DEA and its law enforcement counterparts orchestrated a well-planned and coordinated assault against this well-established Mexican-based drug cartel that was operating in the Middle District of Georgia. Mexican drug cartels are the source of so many dangerous drugs destined for our country and are responsible for much of the violence in Mexico today. Because of the unified effort between DEA and its law enforcement counterparts, this once-thriving organization will no longer be able to wreak havoc on our society.”
“The successful prosecution of these individuals is the result of commitment and hard work by the men and women working in local, state, and federal law enforcement. The GBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners as we continue to identify and investigate individuals involved in drug trafficking in Georgia,” stated Vernon Keenan, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The case was investigated by agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Bainbridge Department of Public Safety and Georgia State Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Meadows Sentenced on Pipe Bomb Felony ChargeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Antonio Meadows, age 31, of Hull, Georgia was sentenced today by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge in Athens, Georgia. Mr. Meadows was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment for the possession of pipe bombs. He pled guilty to the felony charge on September 29, 2014.On December 24, 2013, Mr. Meadows’ girlfriend made a domestic violence report to the Comer Police Department alleging he had kidnapped and beaten her. She stated the incident took place at Mr. Meadows’ home. Officers obtained an arrest warrant for felony kidnapping. When they arrived at the home, Mr. Meadows was running around the house and attempting to dispose of something down the kitchen sink. He was arrested.
After officers obtained a search warrant, a cloth bag in the living room closet was discovered that contained three pipe bombs. The pipe bombs were tested and found to be fully functioning. They each contained pellets, bullets, and shards of PVC.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Pipe bombs are dangerous explosive devices and cannot be tolerated in a civil society, especially in light of events taking place around the world today.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Comer Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Graham A. Thorpe prosecuted the case for the government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pam Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-621-2603.
Eleven Defendants Indicted on over Forty Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that a federal grand jury returned a multiple count indictment in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Valdosta Division, charging Gregory Paige, also known as “Rudy,” aged 31, Dequaveous Lane, also known as “Quay,” aged 27, Kevin K. Deberry, also known as “Bear,” aged 29, John W. Wilcox, also known as “John Boy,” aged 40, Marion F. Deberry, also known as “Funk,” aged 37, Tony A. Crumpton, also known as “TC,” aged 44, William Deberry, aged 54, Anthony Deberry, also known as “Flea,” aged 43, Dan Wiseman, also known as “DD,” aged 27, Shalinda Wilcox, aged 38, and Vernardo Henley, also known as “Sack,” aged 34, all of Sparks, Georgia with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine. If convicted, those indicted on count one face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $10 million, or both.John Wilcox and Shalinda Wilcox face two additional charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and Dan Wiseman faces one additional charge. These charges carry a sentence of 5 to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5 million, or both.
For the possession with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance (i.e. crack cocaine), John Wilcox is facing an additional seven charges, Gregory Paige faces three charges, William DeBerry faces two charges, Dequaveous Lane faces three charges, Dan Wiseman faces three charges, Anthony DeBerry faces three charges, Tony Crumpton faces one charge, Shalinda Wilcox faces one charge, Kevin DeBerry faces one charge, and Vernardo Henley faces two charges. With these additional charges comes an additional sentence of up to 20 years in prison, $1 million, or both.
Kevin DeBerry, Vernardo Henley, John Wilcox, Shalinda Wilcox, Dequaveous Lane and Gregory Paige also face one charge of maintaining a drug involved premises. They could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years, fined up to $500,000, or both.
For the possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Anthony DeBerry may face a mandatory minimum of five years to life in prison, consecutively.
Marion DeBerry and Dan Wiseman are facing an additional two charges while Anthony DeBerry, William Deberry, and Vernardo Henley are facing one additional charge for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. These allegations carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.
Dequaveous Lane has three charges of possession of a firearm by a person under indictment and one charge of possession of an unregistered firearm. The first charges carry a 10 year sentence, fine of $250,000, or both. For possession of an unregistered firearm, he could receive a 10 year sentence, $10,000 fine, or both.
A copy of the indictment is attached. The indictments are only allegations and the accused are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."Today's enforcement action serves as a text-book example of the impact that can be achieved when we blend our investigative resources with our State and local partners, as we continue to aggressively address violent crime that plagues our communities," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Carl Walker. "ATF remains committed to target violent offenders and dismantle their criminal organizations, but admits there's much work to do."
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, Cook County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, and the Sparks (Georgia) Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case for the government.Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.
Armed Athens Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Shabazz Sangria Wingfield, age 22, from Athens, Georgia, was sentenced today by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge in Athens, Georgia. Mr. Wingfield was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.Mr. Wingfield was stopped by officers with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on November 21, 2013 on West Broad Street in Athens, Georgia after getting in a car which then committed a traffic violation. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Wingfield admitted that when he got out of the car, an officer observed a piece of crack cocaine on the passenger seat where he had been sitting. A subsequent search revealed that Mr. Wingfield had a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol in his pants, along with crack cocaine, powder cocaine, oxycodone and marijuana.
“Although a young man, Shabazz Wingfield has already accumulated a regrettable number of arrests for charges involving firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “I sincerely hope that Mr. Wingfield emerges after five years in federal prison as a changed man; in the meantime, the streets of Athens will be a safer place.”The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). 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.
Americus Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Douglas Roseth, 23, of Americus, Georgia entered a plea of guilty on January 20, 2015 to one count of production of child pornography before the Honorable Clay D. Land, U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.Mr. Roseth admitted that he posed as a teenage girl on social media chats and enticed young boys to masturbate and expose themselves to him. Sexually explicit screenshots of these chats were found by the United States Secret Service after they assumed the investigation and forensically examined Mr. Roseth’s computers. Secret Service agents were able to track down several of the boys who identified sexually explicit screen shots of themselves that had been taken during social media chats. Each boy stated they had been enticed to do so by what they presumed to be a teenage girl while on a social media site.
The plea agreement carries a mandatory minimum statutory penalty of 15 years imprisonment up to a maximum of 30 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. Mr. Roseth will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.“This case reminds us that child predators will use whatever they can to entice child victims into their traps. As parents, we must be vigilant about monitoring our children’s use of computers, and as law enforcement we must remember that people like Mr. Roseth use deceit to lure their prey, requiring us to spare no resource or effort to find and catch producers of child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, as well as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Columbus Police Department, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the GovernmentQuestions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Father and Son Pharmacists Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced R. Wayne Murphy, age 63, and J. Kevin Murphy, age 36, father and son pharmacists from Boston, Georgia, were today sentenced by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge in Valdosta, Georgia. Wayne Murphy was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for introducing adulterated and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce. Kevin Murphy was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone. They also agreed to forfeit $403,496.63 in illegal proceeds.The investigation in this case revealed two criminal schemes had taken place at Boston Pharmacy in Boston, Georgia, where the Murphys were pharmacists. In the first scheme, Wayne Murphy obtained prescription drugs such as Advair, Crestor and Plavix in Costa Rica, smuggled them into the United States, repackaged them in Boston Pharmacy bottles with preexisting labels, and sold them to his customers for a profit.
“As a pharmacist, Wayne Murphy occupied a unique position of trust in his community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “Instead of honoring that trust, Wayne Murphy defrauded his customers and put them at risk for simple gain. He will now pay the price for that choice.”
In the second scheme, Kevin Murphy legally purchased large quantities of controlled substances, including hydrocodone and Xanax, from wholesale drug companies and then sold them illegally to drug dealers at a steep profit. From May through November 2009, Kevin Murphy admitted the amount of illegal drugs attributable to him was 57,393 hydrocodone pills and 4,000 Xanax pills.
“Instead of providing drugs to people with prescriptions, Kevin Murphy sold them to a drug dealer for resale on the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “If you sell drugs illegally in the Middle District of Georgia, wearing a lab coat will not save you from justice.”
In being sentenced to prison, the father and son join two other individuals who previously pled guilty to felonies arising from the criminal conduct at Boston Pharmacy. On June 10, 2014, Arnolfo Capistran pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute Xanax as his role in Kevin Murphy’s scheme to resell controlled substances. Karen Dunlap, another former pharmacist at Boston Pharmacy, pled guilty to misprision of a felony on May 5, 2014.
“Due to the diligence of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a complicated case involving multiple local, state and federal agencies has been brought to fruition,” said C. Richard Allen, Director of the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency. “These convictions should send a message across both Georgia and Florida that just because you have a pharmacy license, you do not have the right to unlawfully sell prescription drugs of any kind.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency, the Thomas County Narcotics and Vice Division, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. 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 478-621-2603.
Former Chief Lending Officer Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Larry Malone, age 59, from Bainbridge, Georgia, was sentenced on December 16, 2014, to serve 48 months imprisonment and pay restitution in the amount of $ 25,540,896 to the Southwest Georgia Farm Credit and its insurers. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, Senior United States District Judge, in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Malone was charged by both the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia and the United States Attorney for Northern District of Florida with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and with accepting bribes and kickbacks. Both cases were consolidated in the Middle District of Georgia and heard by Judge Sands. Mr. Malone entered a guilty plea to the charges on September 22, 2011.
Malone was employed as Chief Lending Officer with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit for over 20 years, and was the Chief Lending Officer at the time of the offenses. From approximately 2001 to 2008, Mr. Malone made fraudulent loans to a variety of borrowers in both the Middle District of Georgia and the Northern District of Florida in the total amount of $25,540,896. Malone received a total of approximately $900,000.00in bribes and kickbacks from these borrowers.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office (478/621-2603).
“After the financial crisis we experienced, no one can legitimately question the importance of pursuing people like Mr. Malone, who commit bank fraud,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane, for the Middle District of Georgia, prosecuted the case.Woman Sentenced for Stealing Grandmother's Retirement BenefitsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Vanessa Scott-Washington, 45, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced on December 17, 2014 to serve 6 months in prison and pay restitution for making false statements to the Railroad Retirement Board. The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia.Ms. Scott-Washington entered a plea of guilty to the charge on August 13, 2014. As a part of her plea agreement, she admitted that on June 27, 2009, she signed a substitution of payee form with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) on her grandmother’s retirement benefits agreeing to use the RRB annuity for the benefit of her grandmother and to notify RRB promptly if her grandmother died.
Her grandmother died in May 2010 but Ms. Scott-Washington deceived the RRB into believing that she was still living in order to continue receiving her benefits. Even after the Social Security Administration notified the RRB of her grandmother’s death, Ms. Scott-Washington made a number of calls and sent an e-mail claiming that her grandmother was still alive.
Ms. Scott-Washington also admitted to causing a fraudulent letter, drafted on Bank of America letterhead, to be sent to the RRB stating that her grandmother had been seen in the bank that day and was identified by two forms of identification. The RRB re-commenced the benefits to Ms. Scott-Washington. In all, the RRB paid a total of $13,679 in benefits to her between June 1, 2010 and February 1, 2011.
“When you try to profit by committing fraud, you should keep looking over your shoulder because you are going to get caught,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by agents with the Railroad Retirement Board. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane 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.
Pair Plead Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that James Grimes, aged 29, of Columbus, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography on December 17, 2014, before the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.As part of an ongoing investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, a search warrant was executed at Mr. Grimes’ home on April 30, 2012. During a voluntary, consensual conversation with agents, Mr. Grimes admitted to owning multiple computers and having “illegal stuff” on some of them. He further admitted to accessing wireless modems around his neighborhood, downloading child pornography, and forwarding it to others. At the time of the interview, Mr. Grimes was in possession of more than 600 pornographic images.
Mr. Grimes faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. He will be sentenced in about 60 days.
In a separate case, Kenneth Nichelson, aged 56, of Cataula, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on December 17, 2014 before Judge Land to receipt of child pornography. In entering his plea of guilty, Mr. Nichelson admitted that between June 2010 and March 2011, he purchased nine DVDs depicting child pornography from a company in Toronto, Canada. When arrested on July 8, 2014, Mr. Nichelson was in possession of more than 10, but fewer than 150 images of child pornography on a computer in his home.
A criminal history check on Mr Nichelson revealed that he had a previous conviction of sexual abuse in the 2nd degree in 1994 in New York. Due to his previous conviction, he faces a sentence of a mandatory minimum 15 years up to 40 years. Sentencing for both Mr. Grimes and Mr. Nichelson will be in about 60 days.
“The tragedy of child pornography cases is that the children are re-victimized every time their photos are viewed by criminals like Mr. Grimes and Mr. Nichelson. That is why these cases are so important and why we’ll keep using every resource to protect our children,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government. Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Former Cordele Resident and Recidivist Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christopher B. Wilcox, aged 41, formerly of Cordele, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography on December 15, 2014, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.This is not Mr. Wilcox’s first offence involving child victims. At the time of the crime to which he pled guilty, he was on supervised release from a previous conviction in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia for possession of child pornography in March, 2003, for which he received a sentence of 33 months in prison. He was also subsequently convicted of aggravated child abuse in Crisp County Superior Court in February 2005, for which he was on probation at the time of his latest offense. Mr. Wilcox is currently serving a 10 year parole revocation of this state sentence based on this new offense.
The current charges stem from a search done of the contents of Mr. Wilcox’s computer by the United States Probation Officer overseeing his supervised release for his 2003 conviction.
Because he has two previous felony convictions, Mr. Wilcox faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. He will be sentenced in about 60 days.
“This very worthwhile prosecution brings to justice a recidivist who, judging from his criminal history, is a threat to children in our community whenever he is not incarcerated,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Dougherty County School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Brian O. Brannen, aged 41, formerly of Albany, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography on December 15, 2014, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.Based on facts related by a person who had stayed briefly at Mr. Brannen’s residence that child pornography had been seen there and on Mr. Brannen’s computer, officers of the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant on that residence and computer. They found numerous images of child pornography indicating involvement with same by Mr. Brannen since at least 2007. The Department of Homeland Security became involved in the investigation and subsequently determined that the computer contained 24 video files depicting child pornography.”
Mr. Brannen will be sentenced in about 60 days. He faces a maximum possible sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“Child pornography is a scourge that makes victims of the most innocent members of our society. I commend the investigators in this case for their diligence in uncovering the participation of Mr. Brannen in this illegal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by Captain Craig Dodd and Lieutenant Julie Wood, with the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Ashburn Resident Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Timothy D. Wilburn, aged 32, of Ashburn, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on December 15, 2014, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Wilburn pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. The former carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine or both, while the latter requires a sentence of at least two years imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence and a fine of up to $250,000, or both. He will be sentenced in about 60 days.
Mr. Wilburn devised and executed a scheme whereby he submitted over seventy false income tax returns involving the names and identities of actual persons. He received the refunds from these returns and converted same to his own use. His scheme was uncovered when officers of the Albany Police Department, responding to a burglary report at his house, found evidence of the false returns in the house during the course of their investigation of the purported burglary. Evidence of illegal refunds of over $120,000 was found.
“Mr. Wilburn essentially engaged in an identity fraud scheme to cheat the government, without regard to the pain and financial hardship it would and did bring to the persons whose identities he usurped. Only the alertness of the law enforcement officers who went to his residence in response to an unrelated burglary report brought this devious scheme to an end. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute cases such as this which victimize both the tax paying public and the innocent individuals who have their lives disrupted through the theft of their identities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Ashburn Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Husband Goes to Jail for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Lee McDaniel Parker, age 33, from Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to serve nine years (108 months) in prison following his earlier plea of guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, GeorgiaOn December 3, 2013, at approximately 10:00 P.M., Mr. Parker returned to the Macon residence he shared with his wife and her three teenage children. Mr. Parker was subject to a court order restraining him from using or threatening to use physical force against his wife. That order stemmed from a 2012 incident where Parker pointed a gun at his wife, who was then his girlfriend. The order also prohibited Mr. Parker from possessing a firearm. Before returning home on December 3rd, Mr. Parker had attended court ordered anger management classes and had also been drinking. An argument ensued between the couple. Mr. Parker retrieved a 9mm handgun from the mattress of the bedroom and returned to the living room where he shot his wife in the hip. Mr. Parker then put on his shoes and a shirt and left in his vehicle. The police responded and Mr. Parker was apprehended by the Macon Police Department a few blocks away without incident. Hours later, during a videotaped interview by detectives, Parker boasted that he shot his wife and would do it again.
Judge Treadwell departed upwards of the 63-78 months sentencing guideline range and sentenced Mr. Parker to 108 months.
US Attorney Moore said, “The possession, much less the use, of a firearm by a prohibited person is a sure way to wind up in federal prison. Through ongoing cooperation with the local prosecutors in the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Parker will be held accountable for shooting his wife and for using a gun to commit the crime.”
The case was investigated by the Macon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja B. Profit handled the prosecution for the United States.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office (478/621-2603).Meth Plus A Gun Equals 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Travis Hill, age 35, of Columbus, Georgia, on November 24, 2014, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, in Columbus, Georgia.Mr. Hill was sentenced by Chief Judge Land, to serve 124 months for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute plus a consecutive 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The total sentence of imprisonment was 184 months.
On July 25, 2014, Mr. Hill entered a guilty plea to the charges. According to facts stipulated in the plea agreement, on October 15, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mr. Hill’s residence. The search produced a loaded Taurus .40 caliber pistol with a laser attachment, a digital scale, baggies with suspected drug residue, a baggie with over 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine and a pistol magazine. Mr. Hill claimed the firearm and all of the drugs in the house. A check by law enforcement revealed that the gun had been reported stolen on May 13, 2013, following a break-in of a storage unit owned by a third party. Mr. Hill was previously convicted of felony crimes in 1997 and 2011, therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm.
“Guns and drugs don’t mix. I hope the message from this sentence will be that gun crimes really do equal hard time. Thanks to the good work by the Sheriff’s Office, the DEA, and the ATF, we were able to take an individual, who was both a drug dealer and a felon in possession of a firearm, off the streets for the next 15 years,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.
Inquiries regarding this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603