Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lengthy Prison Sentence for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Christopher Oates, age 37, a resident 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.On September 5, 2014, following a three day jury trial, Mr. Oates was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced by Chief Judge Land to serve ten (10) years in prison (120 months), followed by lifetime supervised release.
In 2012, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), while investigating the distribution of child pornography on the Internet, downloaded several files containing child pornography from an individual on a peer-to-peer file sharing network. HSI traced the user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address to the Internet service provider, who in turn provided law enforcement with the subscriber’s name and address.
Mr. Oates was later interviewed by HSI Agents and made several incriminating statements. His computer was seized and later searched pursuant to a valid search warrant. A forensic examination of Mr. Oates' computer revealed evidence that he had been searching for, viewing, and downloading child pornography. Numerous videos and images depicting children engaged in sexual acts were discovered on his computer.
“Child victims are subject to being victimized again and again every time someone views or downloads a photo or video depicting child pornography. The diligence and good work by Homeland Security helped us get one more criminal away from his computer. At least for the next 10 years, he won’t be downloading any child pornography,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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.
Guilty Plea in Game Stop RobberyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that on November 25, 2014, Javon Glen Britton, age 34, of Sacramento, California, entered a guilty plea to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, before the Honorable Marc Treadwell, United States District Court in Macon, Georgia.On August 21, 2014, the Game Stop store located at 4659 Presidential Parkway, Macon, Georgia, was robbed at gunpoint by Javon Britton. Mr. Britton entered the store carrying a large black bag. As Mr. Britton entered the Game Stop, he removed from the bag a U.S. Military Surplus M1 carbine and ordered everyone to get on the ground. Mr. Britton then demanded that the customers place their cell phones and money on the floor. Mr. Britton then approached the store clerk brandished the M1 carbine and demanded money. The store clerk gave Mr. Britton approximately $492.00 from the cash register. Mr. Britton then fled the store to a waiting vehicle.
After an 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 Bibb County Sheriff’s Deputies. After being advised of and waiving his constitutional rights, Mr. Britton made a statement in which he admitted that he had robbed the Game Stop. The charges against the passenger were later dismissed.
Mr. Britton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment on the robbery charge and a minimum mandatory consecutive sentence of 7 years to life imprisonment on the firearms charge. Sentencing is scheduled for February12, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., in Macon, Georgia.
United States Attorney Michael Moore said, “When you use a firearm to commit a robbery, my office will use the law to make sure that you spend a very long time in federal prison. The old saying that “gun crimes equal hard time” should be on the mind of anyone who even thinks about committing a crime with a firearm.”The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Solis.
Brisco Sentenced for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Master Dalas Brisco, aka Paula D. Ike, age 57, from Hinesville, Georgia, was sentenced on November 20, 2014, by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia to serve four years in prison following his earlier plea of guilty to aggravated identity theft.The investigation in this case revealed that Mr. Brisco diverted the victim’s mail from California to his Post Office boxes in Georgia and took over various bank accounts, appropriating funds from them by presenting to the bank a signed fraudulent court order. In addition, Mr. Brisco presented a fraudulent letter, purported to be from the victim’s physician, to the Social Security Administration and made himself the representative payee for the victim’s Social Security benefits. Mr. Brisco admitted that the total intended loss to the victim was $36,320.90. The entire stipulated facts of the case can be found in the attached Plea Agreement.
US Attorney Moore noted that the prosecution of identity theft cases remains a high priority for his office and praised the good work of the Postal Inspector’s Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. He reiterated that by working together, we better serve the interests of the American people.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe 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).
Pair Sentenced for Making and Passing Counterfeit BillsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christopher Williams, age 28, from Conyers, Georgia, and David Birdsong, aged 32, from Lithia Springs, Georgia, were sentenced on October 22, 2014, to serve nearly four years (45 months) imprisonment and pay restitution in the amount of $700. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge, in Valdosta, Georgia.Mr. Williams and Mr. Birdsong entered guilty pleas on July 7, 2014 to manufacturing 72 counterfeit $50 Federal Reserve Notes using a scanner/copier/printer. In addition, they admitted that on February 7, 2014, they used 14 of the counterfeit $50 bills to purchased $700 in prepaid debit cards from two Family Dollar Stores in Valdosta, Georgia. The two were arrested when Mr. Birdsong attempted to use four more counterfeit bills to purchase a $200 prepaid debit card at a Family Dollar Store in Quitman, Georgia. Store employees were suspicious of the bills and contacted police, leading to the arrest. A search of their car produced more than $3000 in counterfeit $50 and $100 bills and scanner/copier/printer, which was found in the trunk of the car.
“The United States has a particular interest in bringing to justice those who seek to steal from other by making and using counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. The sentences in this case demonstrate that those who do so will spend significant time repaying what they have tried to steal, both from the victimized businesses and the public. Thanks to the diligence of the store employees and fast action from the police, these two were caught and could not spend any more of the counterfeit money they had made.” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Valdosta Police Department and Quitman Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office (478/621-2603).
Hancock County Probate Judge Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced
that Marva Rice, the Probate Judge for Hancock County, entered a guilty plea on Thursday to two
counts of Theft of Federal funds from Hancock County, which receives federal funds. Rice faces
a maximum sentence of up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three
years of supervised release.
Facts stipulated in the written plea agreements show the following:
The Hancock Probate Judge 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 the year 2012, Rice failed to deposit funds in the amount of $43,864.70. In 2013, after the FBI was conducting its investigation, Rice used Hancock County funds to pay for her own personal legal fees, in the amount of $20,000.
Sentencing will take place in approximately sixty days.
"Election to public office is a sign of trust by the voters and the public in the integrity and
honesty of those they choose to govern them. Theft of funds entrusted to you as an elected public
official is not only a violation of that trust but erodes the faith of the people in government and
elected officials generally. To steal further funds to defend yourself when caught is simply
reprehensible," said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: "Today's guilty
plea will begin the process of holding Hancock County Probate Judge Rice responsible for her
criminal actions involving the embezzlement of public funds. The FBI will continue to
aggressively pursue any and all allegations of similar such conduct by public officials attempting
to divert public funds to their own bank accounts."
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.
For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Affairs Specialist,
United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.Middle District Election Officer AppointedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Charles W. “Chuck” Byrd will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 4, 2014, general elections. AUSA Byrd has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Moore said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 4, 2014, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Moore stated that AUSA/DEO Byrd will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 706-649-7700.
This number is for reports of voting irregularities only. All press inquiries or requests for information should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at 478-621-2603.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 404-679-9000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Moore said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Thomas W. Faircloth Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Thomas W. Faircloth, aged 37, of Cairo, Georgia, was sentenced by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia on October 20, 2014, in connection with receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.Mr. Faircloth was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, to be followed by lifetime supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”).
Mr. Faircloth admitted that on November 13, 2012, he distributed 22 still images and 17 video files, containing depictions of child pornography, to an undercover FBI agent, using the program Gigatribe. During the execution of a search warrant on February 18, 2013, many thousands of images and video files of child pornography, including those of very young children, were found on a laptop computer in Mr. Faircloth’s possession. The images were transported in interstate and foreign commerce using the internet. When interviewed by FBI agents, Mr. Faircloth admitted to receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography.
“As we strive every day to protect our children from even the slightest harm, we must remain mindful of those individuals who victimize innocent children over and over again distributing horrific depictions of child pornography by way of the internet. We will continue to use our law enforcement resources to make sure that we catch these offenders and bring them to the justice they deserve,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “The children depicted in these images are re-victimized each time those images are re-distributed by individuals such as Mr. Faircloth. The FBI will continue to provide significant investigative resources toward identifying and presenting for prosecution those individuals who would exploit our nation’s children in such a manner.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.
Robert J. Shubert, Sr. Sentenced on Violation of the Arms Export Act and Possession of Pipe BombsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Robert J. Shubert Sr., age 49, from Warner Robins, Georgia was sentenced on October 14, 2014, by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia to a total of six and a half years in prison following his earlier plea of guilty to one count each of conspiracy to violate and violation of the Arms Export Control Act as well as one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.The investigation in this case revealed that Mr. Shubert conspired with a foreign national between June 2006 and December 2011 to export defense articles to a foreign nation without the proper authority or license. He purchased the defense articles from various legitimate distributors and shipped them to a foreign nation at a considerable profit to himself. To facilitate the scheme he also prepared false documents regarding the contents to be exported to his foreign co-conspirator. These acts formed the basis of the Arms Export Control Act violations.
Additionally, search warrants executed on homes owned by Mr. Shubert in Warner Robins, Georgia, and in Wisconsin revealed more than eighty (80) unregistered destructive devices, better known as pipe bombs. These resulted in the possession of an unregistered firearm count.
District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell was not persuaded by Mr. Shubert’s statements of remorse, sentencing him to seventy-eight (78) months imprisonment, the top of the available range under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The Court also imposed a fine of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) and ordered forfeiture of one hundred and forty seven thousand eight hundred and ninety two dollars ($147,892.00). The Court prohibited Shubert from leaving the United States and ordered his passport be surrendered to the State Department, as well.“Robert J. Shubert showed a total disregard for the laws of the United States of America and the potential harm the defense articles he exported could pose to others. He allowed his personal enrichment to guide his conscience. The possession of more than eighty (80) pipe bombs at the time of his arrest is equally disturbing to the Government, ” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Deputy Criminal Chief of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, Tamara Jarrett, handled the prosecution for the United States. The case was also worked by prosecutors from the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterespionage Section.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey at the United States Attorney’s Office (478/621-2603).
Father and Son Pharmacists Plead Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that R. Wayne Murphy, age 63, and J. Kevin Murphy, age 36, father and son pharmacists from Boston, Georgia pled guilty today before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge in Macon, Georgia. Wayne Murphy pled guilty to introducing adulterated and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce; Kevin Murphy pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone.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.
“Wayne Murphy abused his valuable position of trust in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “Although testing revealed that the prescription drugs he sold to his unsuspecting customers had the active ingredients for the same drugs manufactured in the United States, the only drugs a pharmacist should ever sell are those which have been safeguarded by our regulatory system from the moment they are manufactured until the moment they are delivered to the consumer. Greed is never a reason to put a patient at risk.”
In the second scheme at Boston Pharmacy, 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 of 2009, Kevin Murphy admitted the amount of illegal drugs attributable to him was 57,393 hydrocodone pills and 4,000 Xanax pills.
“Kevin Murphy used his pharmacy license to act as a simple drug dealer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “My office will vigorously prosecute all drug dealers, whether they are working on a street corner or working behind a counter.”
The maximum penalty for introducing adulterated and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce is three (3) years in prison and a fine of $10,000.00, or both, followed by a term of supervised release of up to one (1) year. The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone is ten (10) years in prison and a fine of $500,000.00, or both, followed by a term of supervised release of not more than three (3) years. In addition, as part of their plea agreements, the Murphys jointly agreed to forfeit $403,496.63 in illegal proceeds.
“I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s office on its successful efforts to bring closure to the case of Wayne and Kevin Murphy,” said C. Richard Allen, Director of the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency. “With these pleas, Thomas County and the surrounding areas are safer because of the loss of this major source of unlawfully distributed highly addictive prescription drugs.”
In entering their guilty pleas, the Murphys join two other individuals who 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 for his role in Kevin Murphy’s scheme to resell controlled substances. And on May 5, 2014, Karen Dunlap, another former pharmacist at Boston Pharmacy, pled guilty to misprision of a felony.“I appreciate all of the agencies that were involved and assisted Thomas County in the prosecution of this complicated case, especially the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Thomas County Sheriff R. Carlton Powell. “These guilty pleas help further my office’s mission to eradicate any illegal drug trafficking in our County, and they also help keep our citizens safe in the prescription drugs they purchase.”
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.Sentencing for the Murphys will be held on January 14, 2015 at the U.S. District Court in Valdosta, Georgia.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Karen Moore at the United States Attorney’s Office at 478-752-3511.
Defendant Indicted for Attempt to Kill A Federal Officer and for Discharge and Use of A Firearm During A Federal Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, Athens Division, charging Steven Maurice McKinley, also known as “Stevo,” aged 21, of Athens, Georgia, with Attempt to Kill a Federal Officer (Count One) and Discharge and Use of a Firearm during a Federal Crime of Violence (Count Two).
If convicted, McKinley faces a maximum term of incarceration of twenty years for Count One and life in prison for Count Two. By law, any term of incarceration for Count Two must be imposed consecutive to any term of incarceration for Count One. In addition, McKinley faces a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count.The indictment is only an allegation and the accused are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This indictment stems from the intentional and unlawful shooting of an agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who was engaged in his official duties on September 30, 2014, in Athens, Georgia. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Tamara A. Jarrett and Danial E. Bennett are 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.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Paying Bribes to Employees at Military Base for Freight BusinessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former driver for a national trucking company pleaded guilty today to bribery charges, admitting that he bribed employees in the Traffic Office at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLB-Albany) in order to obtain lucrative freight hauling business, 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.David R. Nelson, 54, of Lucedale, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands in the Middle District of Georgia to one count of bribery of a public official.
During his guilty plea, Nelson, a former driver for a large transportation company based in Louisville, Kentucky, admitted to paying more than $100,000 in bribes between 2006 and 2012 to officials in the Traffic Office at MCLB-Albany in exchange for obtaining freight shipments from the base to destinations on the West Coast. The bribes started at $500 for each shipment, but later grew to as much as $1,500 per shipment. From the money he made from these freight shipments, Nelson purchased a $50,000 specially-modified trailer that allowed him to carry multiple Protected Security Service loads on a single trip.
As part of his plea agreement with the United States, Nelson agreed to forfeit the proceeds he received as a result of the bribery scheme, as well as to pay full restitution to the Department of Defense. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans, J.P. Cooney and John Keller of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia.
Columbus Woman Convicted of Cashing Stolen Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that on September 25, 2014, Wytrenia Reynolds, aged 44, of Columbus, Georgia, was convicted in United States District Court for four counts of theft of government property, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of possession of stolen United States Treasury checks. The guilty verdict is the result of a four-day trial held in Columbus, Georgia.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 which 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.
Following her conviction, United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land ordered that Ms. Reynolds immediately be taken into custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for January 27, 2015.
Both theft of government property and possession of stolen Treasury checks are punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each count of conviction. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory two years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
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.Peanut Corporation of America Former Officials and Broker Convicted on Criminal Charges Related to Salmonella-Tainted Peanut ProductsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A federal jury returned guilty verdicts against two former officials of and one broker for the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), the Department of Justice announced today.Stewart Parnell, of Lynchburg, Virginia, and Michael Parnell, of Midlothian, Virginia, were convicted of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and the introduction of misbranded food into interstate commerce. Steward Parnell was also convicted of the introduction of adulterated food. Stewart Parnell and Mary Wilkerson, of Edison, Georgia, were also convicted of obstruction of justice. The convictions all arise from the unlawful sale of salmonella-tainted peanuts and peanut products.
Expert evidence at trial showed that tainted food led to an outbreak in 2009 with more than 700 reported cases of salmonella poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based on epidemiological projections, that number translates to more than 22,000 total cases.
The verdicts followed a seven-week trial in the Middle District of Georgia during which prosecutors presented the testimony of 45 witnesses and introduced 1,001 documents into evidence. Among those who testified were Samuel Lightsey and Daniel Kilgore, both of Blakely, Georgia, both former operations managers for PCA and both of whom earlier pleaded guilty to several crimes for their roles in the sale of the salmonella-tainted food by PCA.
“As this verdict confirms, the salmonella outbreak that caused nationwide panic five years ago was a direct result of the actions of these individuals. This verdict demonstrates that the Department of Justice will never waver in our pursuit of those who break our laws and compromise the safety of America’s food supply for financial gain,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “All Americans must be able to rely on the safety of the food they purchase. And any individual or company who puts the health of consumers at risk by criminally selling tainted food will be caught, prosecuted, and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The government presented evidence at trial to establish that Stewart Parnell and Michael Parnell – with Lightsey and Kilgore – participated in several schemes by which they defrauded PCA customers and jeopardized the quality and purity of their peanut products. Specifically, the government presented evidence that defendants misled customers about the presence of salmonella in their products. For example, as the evidence demonstrated, the Parnells, Lightsey and Kilgore fabricated certificates of analysis (COAs) accompanying various shipments of peanut products. COAs are documents that summarize laboratory results, including test results concerning the presence or absence of pathogens in food. According to the evidence, on several occasions, the Parnells, Lightsey and Kilgore participated in a scheme to fabricate COAs that stated that the food at issue was free of pathogens when in fact there had been no testing of the food or tests had revealed the presence of pathogens.
The government also presented evidence that when FDA officials visited the plant to investigate the outbreak, Stewart Parnell, Lightsey and Wilkerson gave untrue or misleading answers to questions posed by those officials.
“We are gratified by the jury’s verdict,” said Joyce R. Branda, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “The jury delivered a powerful message that there will be serious consequences for criminals who put profit above the welfare of their customers and knowingly sell contaminated food. The Department of Justice will not hesitate to pursue any person whose criminal conduct risks the health of Americans and the safety of the nation’s food supply.”
“In this great country, we take for granted the safety of the food we feed our families,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia. “We expect, and rightfully so, for food suppliers to follow the rules and regulations, and to never sacrifice public safety for profits. In this case, these defendants were willing to put tainted food onto the shelves of stores across the country. After this trial, it should be clear that individual accountability, not just corporate responsibility, for criminal conduct that puts public safety in jeopardy is now the norm in the eyes of the Department of Justice. And while the evidence over the last few weeks has focused on the criminal acts of these defendants, let’s not forget that there were real victims in this case who became ill and suffered greatly because making money, at least to the defendants, was more important than making sure that the peanut products they put into the marketplace were safe.”
Attorney General Holder, Acting Assistant Attorney General Branda and U.S. Attorney Moore thanked the jury for its service, and, especially, for its careful consideration of the evidence.
In all, the jury convicted Stewart Parnell of multiple counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, the sale of misbranded food, the sale of adulterated food, and obstruction; Michael Parnell of multiple counts of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and the sale of misbranded food; and Mary Wilkerson of one count of obstruction. The judge has not yet set a date for sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Patrick Hearn and Mary M. Englehart of the Consumer Protection Branch of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia.
U.S. Attorney's Office Welcomes Six New ProsecutorsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that six new Assistant United States Attorneys were sworn into office on September 8, 2014 by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia.Kimberly S. Easterling comes to the Middle District from the District Attorney’s Office in Augusta, Georgia, where she served as an Assistant District Attorney. She earned her law degree from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2002. Following law school, Ms. Easterling served as law clerk at The Dozier Law Firm in Macon, Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Spanish Area Studies from Fordham University in Bronx, New York and is fluent in Spanish. Ms. Easterling will be prosecuting cases in the Criminal Division in Macon.
Lindsay H. Feinberg is a 2008 graduate of Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 2005. Following law school, Ms. Feinberg served as law clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura D. Corrigan; Bibb County Superior Court Judges S. Phillip Brown and Howard Z. Simms; and U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle. Ms. Feinberg will serve in the District’s Appellate Division in Macon.
Aimee Jackson Hall graduated cum laude from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2007. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree magna cum laude in Psychology and Political Science from Mercer University in 1999. She was a partner in the law firm of Sell & Melton, in Macon, Georgia, prior to coming to the United States Attorney’s Office. She will serve in the Civil Division in Macon.
Elizabeth Howard served in the United States Attorney’s Office as student law clerk and law clerk while attending Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, from which she graduated in 2012. Ms. Howard was employed as an Assistant Solicitor General in the Bibb County Office of the Solicitor General, in Macon, prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office. She will prosecute Federal cases in the District’s Criminal Division in Macon.
Brittany F. Reese graduated summa cum laude from Presbyterian College, in Clinton, South Carolina, in 2007, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and cum laude from the Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law in 2010. She served as Intern for Justice James E. Moore, Supreme Court of South Carolina as well as for Judge Harris Adams, Georgia Court of Appeals; and as Criminal Intern with the 8th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Greenwood, South Carolina. Ms. Reese later served as law clerk for Judges Lamar Sizemore, Edgar W. Ennis, Jr.; Tilman E. Self, III; and S. Phillip Brown in Bibb Superior Court. She was then employed by the law firm of Alston & Byrd in Atlanta, Georgia. She joins the Civil Division in Macon.
Todd P. Swanson comes to the United States Attorney’s Office from the law firm of Chilivis, Cochran, Larkins & Bever in Atlanta, Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology cum laude from the University of Illinois in 2004 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2007. Mr. Swanson will serve in the District’s Civil Division in Macon.
Inquiries regarding this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Three Athens Area Methamphetamine Traffickers Sentenced to Serve over Thirty Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Steven Chance Massey, 25, of Hull, Georgia, Christopher Phillip Vaughn, 37, of Martin, Georgia, and Talsey Cleveland McCullough, 33, of Comer, Georgia, were sentenced Tuesday to two hundred (200) months, one hundred twenty (120) months, and ninety (90) months imprisonment, respectively, by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge in Athens, Georgia following their federal methamphetamine trafficking and firearms convictions.On August 31, 2013, Athens-Clarke County Police Officers arrested an individual when they found him to be in possession of a distribution quantity of methamphetamine and a stolen firearm. Officers traced the methamphetamine and firearm back to an area hotel and found Defendants Massey, Vaughn, and McCullough in possession of a significant quantity — over 500 grams — of methamphetamine intended for further distribution in the Athens area along with several firearms, cash, digital scales, and cash.
In May 2014, Massey and Vaughn each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and McCullough pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. “Drugs and guns are a deadly combination and a continuing scourge on our communities. Hopefully these sentences will convince others inclined to engage in the illegal methamphetamine trade that such activity is not worth the cost when caught.”
The case was investigated by members of the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Danial E. Bennett.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Karen Moore, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2606.
Alabama Pest Control Company and Its Owner Sentenced for Unlawful Application of Pesticides at Georgia Nursing HomesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Steven A. Murray, 54, of Pelham, Ala., and his company, Bio-Tech Management Inc., were sentenced today in federal court in Macon, Ga., after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy, unlawful use of pesticides, false statements and mail fraud in connection with the misapplication of pesticides in Georgia nursing homes, announced Sam Hirsch, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.Murray was sentenced by District Judge Marc T. Treadwell to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and to pay a fine of $7,500. Bio-Tech was sentenced to three years of probation and to pay a fine of $50,000.
From October 2005 to June 2009, Murray and Bio-Tech provided monthly pest control services to hundreds of nursing homes in several southern states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Alabama by spraying pesticides in and around their clients’ facilities. Bio-Tech employees routinely applied the pesticide Termidor indoors, contrary to the manufacturer’s label instructions and then created false service reports to conceal that illegal use. After the Georgia Department of Agriculture made inquiries regarding Bio-Tech’s illegal use of Termidor and other pesticides, Murray directed several of his Bio-Tech employees to alter company service reports with the intent to obstruct the investigation.
“Today’s sentence is fair and just punishment for Murray and his company’s abuse of pesticides in nursing homes, their fraud against their clients, and their concealment of crimes from state and federal investigators,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Hirsch. “Companies must abide by the laws that protect the public from the harmful effects of improperly applied pesticides.”
“This case is particularly disturbing because of the defendants’ intentional disregard for the wellbeing of a vulnerable group of victims whose safety was entirely in the defendants’ hands,” said U.S. Attorney Moore. “This sentence is a just punishment for them and a stern warning to others who might be similarly tempted in the future.”“Today’s sentence highlights the importance of using pesticides in a safe and legal manner, especially around vulnerable populations,” said Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Georgia. “The defendant exposed patients to harmful pesticides which jeopardizing their health and safety and tried to cover it up by submitting false reports. EPA and its partner agencies are committed to holding these kinds of dangerous actions accountable to the law.”
The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard J. Powers and Adam Cullman of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Middle District of Georgia. U.S. EPA-CID Region 4 in Atlanta conducted the investigation.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Karen Moore, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2606.
Crabtree Sentenced for Securities Fraud in Connection with Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Gregory L. Crabtree, 53, of Procterville, Ohio, was sentenced to sixty months imprisonment and $20,128,570.23 in restitution today in Athens, Georgia, by Chief United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal as the result of Mr. Crabtree’s participation in a “Ponzi” or investment scheme which took place between 2007 and 2010.Crabtree and a codefendant were originally charged in an eighty-five count indictment resulting from an investment fraud or “Ponzi” scheme in which investors were told that their money would be used to purchase surplus merchandise at a large discount from national retailers. These goods were then to be sold at a large profit to other wholesale buyers for resale. In fact, the scheme was a fraud and investors were actually paid purported returns out of funds collected from other investors. Over fifty investors lost a combined total of almost $23,000,000. A total of over $80,000,000 had been invested overall in the scheme.
Crabtree pled guilty to one count of securities fraud on April 7, 2014. He cooperated with prosecutors and testified at the trial of his co-defendant, who was acquitted.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul C. McCommon and G. F. “Pete” Peterman, III of the United States Attorney’s Office. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation.
Questions regarding this matter should be directed to Karen Moore of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia (478/621-2606; [email protected])Internet Child Sexual Predator Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that John David Przenkop, age 47, of Columbus, Georgia, appeared in federal court on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 120 months to be followed by lifetime supervision after his release from prison. Przenkop was sentenced by the Honorable Clay D. Land, U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.Mr. Przenkop had admitted that on or about February 18/19, 2010, he enticed two minor females, ages fourteen (14) and fifteen (15), with promises of gifts, a shopping spree and dinner in exchange for sex. Mr. Przenkop made contact with the two minor victims via the social media site, MySpace. Mr. Przenkop transported the two minor victims from Phenix City, Alabama to his residence in Columbus, Georgia. While at his residence, Mr. Pzenkop engaged in sexual conduct with both minor victims which he also video-recorded. A search of Mr. Przenkop’s residence uncovered video recordings of the sexual encounters with the two minor females as well as other females, adults and juveniles.
“Cases involving the sexual exploitation of minors are priorities of my office and of the United States Department of Justice. There is no parole in the Federal system. After serving his sentence of ten years in the penitentiary, Mr. Przenkop will be supervised by federal authorities for the remainder of his life in order to insure that he does not prey upon our children again,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “This case makes it very clear that, while the various social media platforms may serve a legitimate purpose, they also provide a means for child predators such as Mr. Przenkop to access and do harm to unsuspecting and unsupervised children. The FBI is proud of the role it played in getting this dangerous individual off of our streets.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis prosecuted this matter.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Karen Moore, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2606.Middle Georgia Tax Preparer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Jackie Elvine, a/k/a Jackie Young, 39, of Jeffersonville, Georgia, was sentenced on August 13, 2014 to serve 5 years (63 months) in prison for health care fraud, aiding in the preparation of a false tax return and false claims against the Government. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia. The Court also ordered Ms. Elvine to pay restitution in the amount of $372,008.88.Ms. Elvine entered her plea of guilty to the charges on January 17, 2014. As a part of her plea, Ms. Elvine admitted that she established Young’s Financial Billing Service in Jeffersonville, Georgia in 2008 as a tax return preparation service. From 2008 to 2010, Ms. Elvine prepared and submitted hundreds of false tax returns. At least 61 of the returns included fraudulent tax credits for first time home buyers. The total amount of those claims was $283,683.00. Also claimed were numerous tax credits for higher education costs that Ms. Elvine knew were not legitimate.
Ms. Elvine also defrauded AFLAC by filing false health care claims. The amount of loss sustained by AFLAC was $147,483.56. In addition, Ms. Elvine diverted healthcare refunds from her employer, National Reimbursement Group, into her own personal account. The loss to National Reimbursement Group was $118,446.84.
“For years, Ms. Elvine made up and filed phony figures to steal from the Government and these insurance companies. At least for the next five years, the only numbers she will be dealing with will be the ones in her federal inmate identification number. The message in the prison sentence today is simple. These schemes will not keep you out of the poorhouse; they’ll put you in the jailhouse,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
"The prison time received by Ms. Elvine should serve as a strong warning that tough punishment awaits those who embark on a similar criminal path," stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation. "As the defendant in this case has learned, stealing from the American people will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable."
“Elvine, not content with cheating on hundreds of tax returns, started stealing critically needed healthcare dollars,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “OIG along with our law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue thieves who believe government programs exist to fatten their pockets.”
Staci Guest, Director of the Georgia Department of Revenue - Office of Special Investigations, stated: “Jackie Elvine’s sentence shows how serious the State of Georgia is at finding individuals who erode public trust and confidence. The Georgia Department of Revenue will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement officials to combat individuals who commit fraud. “
The case originated from an investigation initiated by the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office.
Other agencies responsible for the investigation were the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Georgia Department of Revenue – Office of Special Investigations Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe is handling the prosecution for the Government.Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Albany Cocaine Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Montravis Luke, age 30, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands to serve 12 years (144 months) in federal prison for conspiracy with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The sentence was pronounced on August 7, 2014, in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Luke entered a guilty plea on May 24, 2014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Luke admitted that from September 2012 to September 2013, he, Timothy Lemonica Johnson, a/k/a as “Big Timmy”; Joseph Lewis Guest, III, a/k/a “Big Joe”; and Darion Jay Gillison purchased cocaine from Toney Ricardo Mosely, a/k/a “Toney Montana” and then resold it. Mr. Luke was arrested after selling cocaine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of the Village Green Shopping Center, in Albany, Georgia, on May 9, 2013.
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Guest and Mr. Gillison have all pled guilty and been sentenced. Mr. Mosley entered a guilty plea on May 29, 2014 and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2014.
“Every time we shut down a group of drug suppliers, it is a victory for the local community. We were able to do that in this case thanks to the cooperation of our state and local partners,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.“This sentence is a direct message to criminals that ATF agents and our law enforcement partners will not allow flagrant violations of our laws to go unpunished,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ray Brown. “ATF remains on the frontline of preventing violent crime and will work to ensure criminals are prosecuted and removed from our streets.”
“The Albany Police Department is pleased to have partnered with other law enforcement agencies in working on this case. These individuals have long been involved in criminal activity in the Albany-Dougherty area and we are satisfied with the results of this lengthy and deeply involved investigation. We hope these arrests and lengthy sentences will send a strong message to those who may be considering making gang and drug activity a career choice here in Southwest Georgia, we will not tolerate it,” stated Albany Police Chief John Proctor.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Albany Police Department Gang Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is representing the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Bank Robbers SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Orlando Brock, aged 43, of Hartwell, Georgia, and Walter Butler, Jr., aged 45, of Gainesville, Georgia, were sentenced on July 30, 2014 by United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal in Athens, Georgia for armed bank robbery. Mr. Brock was sentenced to serve 16 years (192 months) in Federal prison. Mr. Butler received a sentence of 7 years (87 months) of incarceration.On April 21, 2014, Mr. Brock was found guilty of armed bank robbery and Mr. Butler was found guilty of aiding and abetting a bank robbery following a five day jury trial. Evidence presented at trial showed that on September 22, 2011, Mr. Butler and Mr. Brock, aided and abetted by Allen Colbert and Juan Vladimir Camp, robbed the North Georgia Credit Union in Lavonia, Georgia. Mr. Brock organized and planned the robbery. Mr. Butler was the driver. Approximately $310,500 in currency was taken from the bank.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Lavonia Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Graham Thorpe and Sonja B. Profit represented the Government in the prosecution of the case.“When people commit bank robberies in the Middle District of Georgia, they might as well pack a toothbrush, because my office will use every resource we have to make sure they go straight to jail for a long time. It doesn’t matter if you are doing the planning or doing the driving, the law is going to ultimately catch up with you,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: The lengthy sentences imposed on these two defendants reflect the serious nature of armed bank robbery. The FBI is proud of the role it played in working with its law enforcement partners in the area to get two violent offenders off of our streets and making our community a safer place for all.”
Questions regarding this matter should be directed to Karen Moore of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia (478/621-2606; [email protected]).Defendants in Prostitution Ring Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that four defendants were sentenced in Macon today by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in connection with the operation of a place of prostitution and money laundering activities. The charges against the four defendants, all Korean nationals, stemmed from the operation of the Sedona Tanning Salon, formerly known as the Soft Hands Massage Parlor, located at 1922 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia, from August 2008 to March, 2012.
The owner of the business and admitted leader of the operation, Hyeon Joo Chae, age 45, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for conspiracy to promote prostitution and money laundering offences. In addition, she forfeited her interest in a condominium in Buckhead (Atlanta) Georgia as well as a BMW X5 automobile and $4000 in cash. It should be noted that there is no parole in the federal penal system.Also sentenced for conspiracy to promote prostitution was Kye Wol Dyreson, age 73, who at various times served as the manager of the facility in the absence of Ms. Chae. Ms. Dyreson received three years probation for her role in the scheme.
The two remaining defendants, who cooperated with the prosecuting authorities in this case, each were sentenced to probation for the offense of misprision of a felony. Ki Un Jordan, age 49, was given three years probation and Jin Noh was sentenced to one year of probation for their activities in connection with the prostitution business.
Ms. Chae, the owner of the business, admitted changing the name of the business and putting its ownership into a “shell” corporation controlled by her when she became concerned that it had drawn the interest of law enforcement authorities. She also maintained and used various bank accounts in the name of herself, the business, and the corporation to launder, or conceal, the illegal nature of the income it was generating. Ms. Chae also admitted that, though the establishment purported to be a massage and tanning parlor, it operated solely as a place of prostitution, having only one unused tanning bed and no personnel qualified to perform legitimate massage services. Credit cards were accepted for payment, supplying the interstate nexus necessary for federal prosecution. Virtually all of the women employed by the business were Korean nationals. Ms. Chae had twice previously pled guilty to maintaining a place of prostitution in the State Court of Bibb County, Georgia.
The case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Macon/Bibb County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
“Among the priority programs of the United States Department of Justice are the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking and the protection of the most vulnerable in our society. This is one of several cases of this nature in which my office has been involved over the past months and it is an excellent example of the results that can be obtained from the outstanding cooperation by local and federal authorities such as occurred here,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: "Establishing and maintaining a false business front to allow for various criminal activities is something that could, if left unaddressed by law enforcement, lead to more established and organized criminal activities within our community to include that of human trafficking. The FBI will continue to work with its many law enforcement partners as we identify, investigate, and present for prosecution such individuals who are engaged in this type of criminal activity and are doing so in such a brazen fashion".
“This case is a perfect example of federal law enforcement agencies coming together to put a stop to criminal activity in Georgia communities,” said Ryan Spradlin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Atlanta. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has moved aggressively to prosecute prostitution activity in the Middle District of Georgia, and HSI special agents will continue to support these investigations wherever they might occur with the hopes of identifying victims of exploitation.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to addressing fraud at every level and is proud to have worked with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in these illegal activities are vigorously investigated and brought to justice,” stated Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot. “The sentence today is a vital element in maintaining public confidence that the individuals and others who commit similar crimes will be held accountable.”
“I am proud to have been involved with these fine officers and the United States Attorney’s Office in bringing these defendants to justice. I believe this sends the message to all of the other houses of prostitution in this area that we will not tolerate the ongoing exploitation of disadvantaged people for the profit of a few,” said Rebecca Grist, Bibb County Solicitor-General.
Bibb County Sheriff David Davis said, “This case shows the wide geographic reach of these type offenses. Partnerships with federal authorities help our local agencies to make much more effective arrests and prosecutions.”
This case was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin and Criminal Division Chief Michael T. Solis of the United States Attorney’s Office.
Questions regarding this matter should be directed to Karen Moore of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia (478/621-2606; [email protected]).Worth County Minister Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced today that Craig A. Howell, 53, of Sylvester, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 12 months in federal prison for making false statements to a federally insured financial institution. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
As part of the sentence, the Court entered a Preliminary Order of Forfeiture, ordering Howell to forfeit $100,000.00, or in the alternative, the real property and residence in Worth County which Howell purchased with the fraudulently obtained funds.On October 7, 2013, Mr. Howell, the pastor of Plantation Parkway Assembly of God Church, in Leesburg, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the indicted charges. According to the plea agreement, Mr. Howell entered an agreement with Brad Heard, Sr., Brad Heard, Jr., and banker Larry Malone to borrow a total of $800,000 from Southwest Georgia Farm Credit under false pretenses. Howell acted largely as a “straw” or conduit to pass approximately $700,000.00 directly to Mr. Heard, Sr., and Mr. Heard, Jr. Howell did not have the means or the intention of repaying these loans himself.
However, Mr. Howell kept $100,000.00 of the loan proceeds for himself. Mr. Howell then falsely represented to Heritage Bank that the $100,000.00 was a gift from his mother. Mr. Howell caused his mother to sign a fraudulent “gift letter” formally attesting that the $100,000.00 was a gift. He also photocopied the front of a check from his mother payable to him and gave it to Heritage Bank as proof that his mother had given him the down payment as a gift. This check was never negotiated, and in fact, Mr. Howell’s mother had only a few thousand dollars in her checking account at the time.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and internal auditors with Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. Assistant United States Attorney James N. Crane represented the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Leesburg Resident Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Robert B. Pressley, aged 35, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Louis Sands to serve 12 years (151 months) in federal prison for distribution of child pornography. The sentence was pronounced on June 12, 2014, in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Pressley entered a guilty plea on March 31, 2014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Pressley admitted that he had been downloading child pornography for many years and used a variety of peer-to-peer file sharing software programs to obtain and share child pornography. In total, Mr. Pressley possessed 53 video files and 39 still image files depicting child pornography.
“Mr. Pressley’s case reminds us of the need to remain vigilant in these investigations as we try to protect our children. Every time he viewed an image or shared a file depicting child pornography, those kids were again victimized. Mr. Pressley used the internet as a way to violate the innocence of the child victims,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement . Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane is representing the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced for Smuggling ContrabandRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christopher Cox, aged 35, of Pelham, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Louis Sands to serve 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to smuggle contraband into a detention facility in exchange for bribes. The sentence was pronounced on June 12, 2014 in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Cox entered a guilty plea on April 2, 2 014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Cox admitted that from about April 15, 2013 to May 16, 2013, while employed as a Correctional Officer at the Mize Street Detention Facility in Pelham, Georgia, he accepted money from inmates in custody at the facility in exchange for cell phones, liquor, marijuana and food, which are prohibited objects for the inmates.
“When people violate the law, they wind up in prison. While there, the last thing we expect is that one of the prison guards will help them to violate the law and the rules of the facility. Mr. Cox did just that, and we will make sure that for the duration of his sentence he won’t be a part of smuggling any contraband,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Pelham Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is representing the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced for Smuggling Cell PhonesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Curtis Drakes, aged 33, of Mitchell County, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 2 years in federal prison for conspiracy to provide contraband in prison by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge. The sentence was pronounced on June 5, 2014 in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Drakes entered a guilty plea to the charge on February 11, 2 014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Drakes admitted that from about April 15, 2013 to May 16, 2013, while employed as a Correctional Officer at the Mize Street Detention Facility in Pelham, Georgia, he accepted money from inmates in custody at the facility in exchange for cell phones, which are prohibited objects for the inmates.
“When Mr. Drakes smuggled cell phones into a secure detention facility, he not only violated his oath, he put the safety of his fellow guards, law enforcement officers, and potential witnesses in jeopardy. We don’t need people who are locked up using cell phones to conduct illegal business or intimidate witnesses in the community,“ said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Pelham Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is representing the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Twenty Million Dollar Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Ring IndictedRead the Press Release
Identities Stolen from Fort Benning, various Alabama State agencies, and a call center
Montgomery, Alabama– Tracy Mitchell, of Phenix City, Alabama; Dameisha Mitchell, of Phenix City, Alabama; Latasha Mitchell, of Phenix City, Alabama; Keisha Lanier, of Seale, Alabama; Sharondra Johnson, of Phenix City, Alabama; Cynthia Johnson, of Phenix City, Alabama; Mequetta Snell-Quick, of Phenix City, Alabama; Talarious Paige, of Phenix City, Alabama; and Patrice Taylor, of Midland, Georgia were indicted for their roles in a $20 million dollar Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (“SIRF”) conspiracy, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. for the Middle District of Alabama following the unsealing of the superseding indictment.
According to the Superseding Indictment, between January 2011 and December 2013, the Defendants ran a large-scale identity theft ring in which they filed over 7,000 false tax returns that claimed in excess of $20 million in fraudulent claims. The Defendants obtained stolen identities from various sources to be used in filing false returns. Tracy Mitchell worked at the hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. As a hospital employee, Mitchell had access to the identification data of military personnel, including soldiers who were deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Tracy Mitchell and her daughter, Latasha Mitchell, also obtained stolen identities from an Alabama state agency. Keisha Lanier obtained stolen identities from the Alabama Department of Corrections. Talarious Paige and Patrice Taylor worked in a call center for a Columbus, Georgia company and stole identities. Paige, in turn, sold those identities and they were used by Tracy Mitchell, Keisha Lanier, and others to file false tax returns.
In order to file tax returns, according to the Superseding Indictment, the Defendants obtained several Electronic Filing Numbers (“EFIN”) in the names of sham tax businesses. On behalf of those sham tax businesses, the Defendants applied for bank products from various financial institutions, which mailed blank check stock to the Defendants’ homes. Tracy Mitchell, Latasha Mitchell, Keisha Lanier, Mequetta Snell-Quick, and others used the sham tax businesses and stolen identities to file false tax returns.
Furthermore, according to the Superseding Indictment, the Defendants directed anticipated tax refunds to prepaid debit cards, to U.S. Treasury Checks, and to financial institutions which in turn issued the refunds via checks or prepaid debit cards. As to the refunds sent through the financial institutions, the Defendants simply printed out the refund checks from the check stock sent to them. Regarding the U.S. Treasury Checks, the Defendants directed those checks to be mailed to several addresses in Alabama and then obtained them from the mail. To coordinate the cashing of the refund checks, the Defendants sent various text messages between themselves. The Defendants cashed the fraudulent checks at several businesses located in Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky. In addition to the conspiracy charge, the defendants are also charged with mail and wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
“To steal the identity of a soldier serving his/her country is the lowest form of thievery,” stated U.S. Attorney Beck. “If a soldier serving his country is not safe from identity theft, then none of us are safe from this crime. We will continue our efforts to stamp out this crime. Identity theft affects too many people in our communities and we must use all available resources under the law to destroy it. I want to commend the IRS Criminal Investigations Unit and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command for their dedication to destroying this criminal organization.”
Daniel Andrews, the director of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's Computer Crime Investigative Unit stated, “Today's indictments are not only a strong testament to our unwavering commitment to aggressively pursue cases of identity theft and protect the men and women serving this nation, but also our equal commitment to work shoulder-to-shoulder with other law enforcement agencies and the DOJ in helping to bring those to justice who commit cyber-crime and identity theft while stealing from the American taxpayer.”
“Identifying, investigating and vigorously prosecuting those individuals involved in tax related identity theft schemes, remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge with IRS Criminal Investigation. “These indictments and arrests are just a sample of what is to come as we join forces with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s office to put an end to identity theft.”
“The problem with identity theft is that the victims don’t know they have been subjected to the crime until well after the fact,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Michael Moore. “The prosecution of this case resulted from the great work of the U.S. Attorney in Montgomery and the Tax Division. I hope it sends a message to both our soldiers and to those who try to take advantage of them – while you are protecting us from bad guys abroad, we will be protecting you from the bad guys at home.”
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison for each wire and mail fraud count, a maximum potential sentence of 15 years in prison for each access device fraud count, and a mandatory two-year sentence for each aggravated identity theft count. The defendants are also subject to fines, forfeiture, and mandatory restitution if convicted.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Computer Crimes Investigative Unit of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. Trial Attorney Michael Boteler of the Department's Tax Division and Assistant United States Attorney Todd Brown of Alabama are prosecuting the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia provided assistance in this matter.Middle Georgia Methamphetamine Distributors SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that members of a major methamphetamine trafficking organization have been sentenced. On January 16, 2014, Shawn Foster Phillips, age 35, of Houston County, Chad Minter, age 40, of Houston County, Marty Bass, age 51, of Houston County, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Travis Walker McElhenny, age 40, of Houston County, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jon Rylander, age 28, of Houston County, pled guilty to possession of methamphetamine.As a part of their guilty pleas, the respective defendants admitted that between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012, Mr. Phillips traveled from Warner Robins, Georgia, to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain methamphetamine from a Mexican drug supplier. The drugs were transported by Mr. Phillips from Atlanta to Warner Robins where they were sold to Mr. Minter, Mr. Bass, Mr. McElhenny and others in the Warner Robins area. These men then sold the methamphetamine to street level dealers. Conservative estimates suggest that during its operation, the organization distributed more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. Federal and state authorities seized 250 grams of methamphetamine and three firearms.
The case was called for sentencing on May 7, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell. Chad Minter was sentenced to 10 years confinement. Travis McElhenny was sentenced to 7 years confinement. Marty Bass was sentenced to 15 years confinement. Jon Rylander was sentenced to 3 years probation. Sentencing on the remaining defendants has not yet been set.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and Houston County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case.
US Attorney Michael Moore stated, “My office will continue to target and dismantle these types of drug trafficking organizations. Methamphetamine use and distribution poses a significant threat to the public and must be vigorously prosecuted.”
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Crack Cocaine Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Javaris Bloodser, age 33, of Forsyth, Georgia, was sentenced on May 8, 2014, to 13 years in federal prison. Mr. Bloodser had previously entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. As part of the written plea agreement, Mr. Bloodser stipulated that on June 5, 2013, he was a passenger in a car which was stopped for a traffic violation in Forsyth. After Mr. Bloodser exited the vehicle, officers found a small quantity of marijuana in his pocket. Mr. Bloodser was detained and placed in the rear of a patrol vehicle. After he had been placed in the car, officers noticed that Mr. Bloodser appeared to be making suspicious movements inside the vehicle. One of the officers approached Mr. Bloodser and found him attempting to hide 29 grams of crack between the seats.The investigation was conducted by agents from the GBI and officers from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Calhoun appeared on behalf of the Government.
“This defendant, an admitted crack cocaine distributor, is off our streets because of the great cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement. The truth that Mr. Bloodser now realizes - and what any other drug dealers should learn - is that if you deal drugs in Middle Georgia, you are going to end up in jail,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Wesley White, Sr. Sentenced for Crack Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Wesley White, Sr., a/k/a “Westside”, 39, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced on May 5, 2014 to serve 16 years (200 months) for possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of “crack cocaine”. The sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta, Georgia.Mr. White entered a plea of guilty to the charge on January 13, 2014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. White admitted that on June 3, 2013, a search warrant was executed at his residence in Valdosta, Georgia, which yielded drugs intended for distribution. During the search, investigators discovered six (6) cookies of crack cocaine packaged in sandwich bags, seven (7) bags of powder cocaine, a one (1) gallon-sized bag of marijuana and a cocaine press which contained some of the cocaine, in the kitchen of the residence. In the living room, officers found two (2) quart-sized bags of marijuana, digital scales and $1216.00 in currency.
The case is the culmination of many years of investigation by the FBI Southwest Georgia Gang Task Force, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division, Valdosta Police Department and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.
“Every time we are able to get a drug dealer off our streets, it is proof that the cooperation between local and federal law enforcement agencies is working. With this lengthy sentence, we can take some comfort in knowing that at least one source of crack cocaine will be dried up for a very long time,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Former Lowndes County, Georgia Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Conspiracy ChargeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Jason Stacks, a former Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy, pleaded guilty to conspiring to use his law enforcement authority to unlawfully detain and take money from motorists.
In connection with his plea, Stacks admitted that he conspired with two civilians to subject Hispanic motorists to unlawful traffic stops so that the conspirators could demand the motorists pay money in order to avoid arrest and/or deportation. On Aug. 16, 2013, Stacks, while acting as a LCSO Deputy, unlawfully detained at least four motorists. One of the motorists, identified in the plea documents by the initials T.C., was unlawfully detained by Stacks and then approached by Stacks’s two Spanish-speaking co-conspirators, who explained to T.C. that he would be sent to jail or deported if he did not pay $500. When T.C. responded that he did not have $500 in his car, the co-conspirators drove T.C. to his residence and took $300 in cash from him. Stacks and the two co-conspirators divided the $300 among them.“Mr. Stacks admitted that he conspired to use his badge to unlawfully detain and take money from motorists,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who seek to profit from the violation of civil rights.”
“Today’s guilty plea is another example of the zero tolerance the Department of Justice has for law enforcement officers who violate individuals’ civil rights,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia.
This case has been investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Seven Indicted and Arrested in Dogfight Gambling EnterpriseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that Arthur Lee Clark, age 41, of Sumner, Georgia; Demitri Jackson, age 37; Tedrick Jackson, age 38; William Burns, age 41; Otha Hopkins, age 47, all of Albany, Georgia; Timothy Hopkins, age 41, of Hiram, Georgia; and Michael Bass, age 40, of Ashburn, Georgia were indicted for one count of conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture and three counts of sponsoring and exhibiting a dog in an animal fighting venture.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.
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.
If convicted, the seven individuals face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
An indictment is only an allegation and the accused are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The indictment 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 is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Pair Sentenced in Child Support Collection Business and Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Mark C. Simpson, 51, of Lake Park, Georgia, and Stuart C. Cole, age 59, of St. Petersburg Beach, Florida, were sentenced on May 1, 2014 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in one case, and Mr. Simpson was sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in a separate case. Mr. Simpson was sentenced to 160 months in federal prison on each of the three counts, to be served concurrently. Mr. Cole received a sentence of 188 months in federal prison. Mr. Cole’s imprisonment was ordered to be served following the completion of a federal sentence he is currently serving for a drug distribution conviction in the Southern District of Texas. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Court Judge J. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia. A District Court Judge also ordered that a later hearing will be set within 90 days to address the issue of restitution for the victims of the fraud conspiracy.Mr. Simpson had entered a plea of guilty to the charges on January 22, 2014. Mr. Cole entered a plea of guilty to the fraud and money laundering charges on January 17, 2014 in Valdosta, Georgia. As a part of his plea the pair admitted that from September 2007 through August 2009, they, and others conspired to operate a fraudulent private child support collection business in Lake Park, Georgia, and in other locations, known as Child Support Services of Atlanta and Child Support Services. Mr. Simpson, Mr. Cole and their associates defrauded custodial parents who were to receive child support payments by inducing them to sign collection agreements with their company and offering to assist them in collecting child support payments from non-custodial parents, claiming that all fees connected with the collections would be the responsibility of the non-custodial parent. They would then use fraud, deception and coercion to get non-custodial parents and their employers to send funds for “child support” to their business. Only a portion of the funds was ever given to the parents for the use of the children. The remainder was retained by Mr. Simpson, Mr. Cole and their associates to fund their lifestyles including leases of homes, cars and boats. The conspiracy collected more than $2.3 million and retained approximately $1.2 million. Additionally, Mr. they admitted to laundering the collected funds through bank accounts including an account for a corporation, purported to be a church, as “love gifts”.
In a separate case, Mr. Simpson admitted to conspiring with a number of other individuals, including Cole, between 2007 and October 21, 2011, to distribute cocaine in Georgia. Simpson was stopped on I-85 in Troup County, Georgia on December 15, 2010, carrying approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine in furtherance of the conspiracy. The drugs were found in a hidden compartment around the transmission of the vehicle he was driving, which had Texas tags and had crossed the border into Mexico as recently as the day before the stop. The Defendant and the Government stipulated that Mr. Simpson possessed with intent to distribute between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride as a part of the drug distribution conspiracy.U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Mr. Simpson and Mr. Cole took advantage of victims who needed help the most. These were parents trying to raise children on their own and having to do it without the financial support these children were due from parents who were not living up to their financial obligations. On the one hand, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Cole offered hope to the custodial parents, and then with the other hand, they snatched the money that they were counting on to support their children away from them. While Mr. Simpson was taking money meant for children, he was also involved in putting cocaine on the street. At least while these gentlemen are in federal prison, they won’t be able to prey on their communities.”
“The cooperation of state and federal officials in this case resulted in bringing to an end the despicable activities of these defendants, who caused virtually incalculable harm to many of our citizens who could least afford to be victimized. I am especially proud of the work of Investigator Calvin Thomas of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection and I congratulate the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Georgia for initiating a successful prosecution and bringing these criminals to justice,” said John D. Sours, Administrator, Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection.“Mr. Cole and Mr. Simpson exploited unsuspecting individuals and lined their pockets with money gained through deception and lies,” stated Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot. “The sentence today is a vital element in maintaining public confidence that these individuals and others who commit similar crimes will be held accountable.”
“U.S. Postal Inspectors have protected the sanctity of the U.S. mails for over 200 years. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we were persistent in our investigative efforts to bring to justice those responsible for victimizing the families in this particular case. The use of U.S. mail to defraud the American public cannot and will not be tolerated,” said Keith A. Fixel, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.
Harry S. Sommers, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “Drug traffickers who distribute illegal and dangerous drugs are a true menace to society. These crack distributors have now been removed from the streets, largely because of the true spirit of cooperation that exists between all of the law enforcement agencies involved.”
The money and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is handling that prosecution for the Government. The drug conspiracy case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is handling that prosecution for the Government.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Georgia Dentist Sentenced to Jail for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dr. Dayo Obebe of Muscogee County, Georgia, was sentenced today to serve 12 months and one day in prison for tax evasion and ordered to pay $189,661 in restitution, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia. Obebe pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on Feb. 6, 2014.According to court documents, Obebe is a dentist licensed in Georgia and Alabama, where he operated the Moon Road Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Columbus, Georgia, and the Brent Dental Dentistry in Brent, Alabama. In 2004, Obebe began intentionally concealing money he earned from patients who paid with credit cards from his accountants and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by placing credit card payments into a separate bank account from cash and check receipts. Consequently, Obebe intentionally underreported his total income from the dental practices on his 2004, 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns by more than $500,000 and falsely claimed a tax refund.
According to court documents, during an IRS audit of Obebe’s tax return, he lied to the IRS revenue agent conducting the audit when he stated that the dental practices did not accept credit cards as a form of payment for dental services when, in fact, the dental practice did accept credit cards. In total, Obebe evaded paying over $185,000 in taxes to the IRS on his 2004, 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns.
The case was investigated by special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation and Trial Attorney Charles Edgar for the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Dr. Robert B. Sperrazza Sentenced for Tax Evasion and Currency StructuringRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced today that Robert Sperrazza, M.D., age 61, currently a resident of Panama City Beach, Florida, and formerly a resident of Lee Co. Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge W. Louis Sands to serve 36 months in Federal prison. The Court also ordered Dr. Sperrazza to forfeit $870,238.99 to the United States.
Dr. Sperrazza was convicted by a jury on June 7, 2013 of 5 felony offenses, 3 counts of tax evasion and 2 counts of currency structuring. Currency structuring is a criminal offense in which a person intentionally makes cash transactions in amounts under $10,000 in order to avoid the Currency Transaction Reporting Requirement of the Internal Revenue Service.The government’s evidence at trial proved that Dr. Sperrazza personally cashed over one million dollars in patient checks at the counter of a local bank, in Albany, Georgia. Dr. Sperrazza structured the cash transactions in amounts under $10,000 for the purpose of evading the bank reporting requirements of federal law and for the purpose of furthering his tax avoidance scheme.
Dr. Sperrazza was formerly an anesthesiologist in Albany, Georgia. He later moved to Panama City Beach, Florida where he briefly operated a pain clinic. Dr. Sperrazza is not currently involved in the practice of medicine.
“Our tax and currency reporting laws simply require that we play by the rules. Dr. Sperrazza tried to get around the rules and was caught by his own greed. He may have been able to evade the tax laws, but now he faces a considerable prison sentence because the criminal law caught up with him,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was jointly investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division and the Special Enforcement Program of the Internal Revenue Service and by the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James N. Crane.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Guilty Verdict Reached in Trial Against Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the conviction today of Walter Butler, Jr., aged 45, of Gainesville, Georgia, of bank robbery. Orlando Brock, aged 43, of Hartwell, Georgia was found guilty of armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The guilty verdicts were handed down following a four day trial before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Court Judge, in Athens, Georgia.Evidence presented at trial showed that on Thursday, September 22, 2011, at approximately 2:40 pm, Allen Colbert, a/k/a “Juicy”, and Juan Vladimir Camp entered the North Georgia Credit Union in Lavonia, Ga. Both men carried firearms; one of them brandished a firearm. Both men wore gloves and covers over their heads. The pair forced the tellers to hand over approximately $310,000 and then sprayed them with pepper spray. After stealing the money, both Mr. Butler and Mr. Colbert left the scene in a truck driven by Mr. Butler. Orlando Brock planned the robbery, supplied the firearms and dropped Mr. Colbert and Mr. Camp off at the bank that day.
Mr. Colbert and Mr. Camp entered guilty pleas to their part in the robbery on March 20, 2013. The Court has set their sentencing hearing for May 27, 2014 in Athens, Georgia.Mr. Butler faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both. Mr. Brock, Mr. Colbert and Mr. Camp face a maximum sentence of twenty- five (25) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both. Mr. Brock faces an additional minimum mandatory sentence of seven (7) years up to a maximum sentence of life, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both, on the firearm charges. The Court will set a sentencing date for Mr. Butler and Mr. Brock following the completion of a pre-sentence investigation and report.
“This case is a fine example of a cooperative investigation by the Federal, State and local authorities. These defendants face lengthy terms of imprisonment without parole as the result of their violent criminal activity,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“The GBI is committed to working with our local and federal law enforcement partners to insure those who commit crimes such as this are brought to justice,” said GBI Director Vernon Keenan.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Lavonia Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Graham Thorpe and Sonja Profit 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.
Georgia Husband and Wife Tax Return Preparers Sent to Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Detrick and Natashia Tucker, a husband and wife who owned and operated a tax preparation business named T&T Express Tax located in Pine Mountain, Ga., were sentenced to serve 12 months and one day and 46 months in prison, respectively, for crimes relating to the preparation of false tax returns, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia. Detrick Tucker previously pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and Natashia Tucker pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns. Natashia Tucker was ordered to pay $1,483,025 in restitution and Detrick Tucker was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $66,235.According to court documents, the Tuckers conspired to fraudulently inflate refunds on their clients’ tax returns in order to increase the popularity of T&T Express Tax and secure more business. Detrick Tucker contributed to the conspiracy by registering T&T Express Tax with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so that the false returns could be electronically filed and by performing managerial duties. He also knowingly allowed Natashia Tucker to use his IRS registration numbers to file her own false tax returns. As the main tax return preparer at T&T Express Tax, Natashia Tucker prepared the majority of the false returns at the business. She primarily obtained the artificially high refunds by abusing the Earned Income Tax Credit and by creating false business information for her clients. During its three years of operation, T&T Express Tax filed at least 268 fraudulent federal tax returns that claimed over $1,000,000 in false refunds.
The case was investigated by special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Georgia Depatment of Revenue. Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Charles Edgar Jr. of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Major Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Curtis Bernard Donaldson, aged 33, of Camilla, Georgia, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, to serve 27 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, cocaine and cocaine base. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.Mr. Donaldson entered a guilty plea to the charges on September 25, 2013. In his plea agreement, Mr. Donaldson admitted that he was a major distributor of cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in Southwest Georgia. His organization maintained drug ties with Mexican nationals who were importing illegal drugs into the United States. After a hearing, the Court held Mr. Donaldson responsible for distributing over 2.5 kilograms of crack cocaine, one-half kilogram of powder cocaine, 272 kilograms of marijuana and 6.8 grams of MDMA.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, "It is obvious from the quantities and diversity of the drugs Mr. Donaldson was distributing that he was essentially a 'one man crime wave' in Southwest Georgia. It was the effective cooperation and collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement in this case that resulted in bringing to an end his trade in illicit drugs."
The case was investigated by agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Pelham Police Department, Thomas County Sheriffs Office Vice and Narcotics Squad, Georgia State Patrol and Webster County Sheriffs Office. 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.
Hazardous Waste Transporter SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Robert Lewis, aged 42, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, March 20, 2014, to serve 10 months in federal prison for unlawful storage of hazardous waste. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.Mr. Lewis entered a guilty plea to the charges on September 26, 2013. In his plea agreement, Mr. Lewis admitted that he owned and operated a waste hauling business under the name of Simple Solutions, Inc. From about May 2007 until April 2008, Mr. Lewis transported hazardous waste, generated by a local manufacturing plant, to a licensed disposal facility.
On February 26, 2009, forty 55-gallon drums and sixteen 275-gallon totes of this hazardous waste material were found to be improperly stored at a self-storage facility in Macon, Georgia. The units had been rented by Mr. Lewis in July 2007. Mr. Lewis rented four additional units in August 2007. It was also determined that Mr. Lewis had improperly stored hazardous waste ,.including highly flammable solvents and highly toxic cyanide wastes, in Rex, Georgia
and at his home in Albany, Georgia.U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, "The improper and illegal storage of these extremely dangerous materials in areas where members of the public could unsuspectingly be placed in great danger is a matter of particular concern in this case."
"The defendant knowingly stored highly flammable hazardous waste without regard to the dangers it posed," said Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA's criminal program in Georgia. "Handling and storing hazardous waste illegally can put public health at serious risk, threaten groundwater supplies, and run the destructive risk of fire. Today's sentencing demonstrates that violators who disregard our nation's environmental laws will be prosecuted."
The case was investigated by agents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Paul C. McCommon III 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.
Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Bobby Charles Taylor, a/k/a “Big Fifty”, aged 38, of Leary, Georgia, was sentenced on Wednesday, March 19, 2014, to serve 30 years imprisonment in a case of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Taylor was convicted of the charges on September 5, 2013 following a 20 day jury trial. Testimony at trial revealed that Mr. Taylor was involved in a large-scale cocaine and crack cocaine distribution organization responsible for the distribution of over 750 kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “This brings to an end the criminal career of a major drug distributor in Southwest Georgia. There is no parole for those convicted and sentenced in the federal courts, so it will be three decades before Mr. Taylor will have the opportunity to ply his trade again.”
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.
Alabama Pest Control Company and Its Owner Plead Guilty to Unlawful Application of Pesticides at Georgia Nursing HomesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Steven A. Murray, 54, of Pelham, Ala., and his company, Bio-Tech Management Inc., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Macon, Ga., to charges of conspiracy, unlawful use of pesticides, false statements and mail fraud in connection with the misapplication of pesticides in Georgia nursing homes, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Robert G. Dreher of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia.According to the plea agreement, from October 2005 to June 2009, Murray and Bio-Tech provided monthly pest control services to nursing homes in Georgia by spraying pesticides in and around their clients’ facilities. Bio-Tech employees routinely applied the pesticide Termidor indoors, contrary to the manufacturer’s label instructions. After the Georgia Department of Agriculture made inquiries regarding Bio-Tech’s misuse of Termidor and other pesticides, Murray directed several of his Bio-Tech employees to alter company service reports with the intent to obstruct an investigation.
“These defendants misapplied potentially harmful pesticides around senior citizens and conspired to obstruct and investigation by state and federal law enforcement,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Dreher. “It is essential that companies and individuals who handle pesticides do so lawfully and honestly, and those that fail to do so will be held accountable under the law.”
“When our loved ones make the transition to a nursing home, the last thing any of us wants to worry about is whether our parents or grandparents are being subjected to improperly applied chemicals,” said U.S. Attorney Moore. “When Mr. Murray and his company used this pesticide like they did, they created a potentially harmful situation for the residents and another reason to worry for the residents’ families.”
“The defendants took advantage of some of our most vulnerable citizens by deliberately applying pesticides contrary to federal law in nursing homes around the state of Georgia,” said Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA's Criminal Enforcement Program in Georgia. “What is even more shameful is they then took steps to conceal it. This plea agreement shows that we will not tolerate individuals or companies who put profit over protection.”
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Postal Employee Sentenced for Stealing Treasury Checks from the MailRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Nathaniel M. Johnson, aged 57, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on Thursday, March 13, 2014, in Albany, to serve 15 months in the Bureau of Prisons for theft of mail by a postal employee.Mr. Johnson previously entered a guilty plea to the charge on October 4, 2013. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Johnson admitted that, while he was a postal employee, he rifled through, opened and stole United States mail, including U.S. Treasury checks, during April 2013. There were 10 identified victims who experienced losses totaling more than $30,000.
“We all count on our postal employees to handle and deliver some of our most important things. From wedding invitations to tax returns and payroll checks, a great deal of trust is placed in postal workers. Most of the good folks at the post office care deeply about the people they serve, making sure that nothing stands in the way of the mail delivery. Unfortunately, Mr. Johnson cared more about enriching himself than serving the public and, in doing so, dishonored the many others whose dedication is legendary,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“The United States Secret Service will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate the theft and negotiation of U.S. Treasury checks. We will work closely with prosecutors to ensure offenders, like Mr. Johnson, who abuse public trust are put behind bars,” 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 Postal Inspection Service and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Four Indicted for Federal Prescription Drug FraudRead the Press Release
U. S. Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that Celeste Smith, aged 38, of Statham, Georgia, as well as Jessica Wise, aged 28, Antwan Byrd, aged 30, and Jerry Cooper, aged 64, of Athens, Georgia, were charged, on March 12, 2014, in United States District Court in Macon, in multiple-count indictments of illegally acquiring thousands of Schedule II, III, and IV, prescription pills, such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, and Alphrazolam (Xanax).
If convicted, Ms. Smith, Ms. Wise, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Byrd face a maximum penalty of four (4) years imprisonment and a fine of 250,000.The indictment is only an allegation and the accused are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
These indictments were the result of a joint federal/local investigation involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Monroe Police Department. Assistant U. S. Attorney Danial E. Bennett is prosecuting the case for the government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Stillwell Sentenced for Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that James L. Stillwell, aged 45, from Cordele, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, February 27, 2014, to serve nine years (108 months) in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Stillwell entered a plea of guilty to the charge on November 15, 2013. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Stillwell admitted that he was arrested on November 17, 2012 by a Georgia Department of Natural Resources officer who found him in possession of a rifle while deer hunting.Mr. Stillwell also admitted that on November 11, 2010, he had been arrested by deputies from Crisp County Sheriff’s Office after he pulled a gun on an employee of Hubbard’s Salvage Yard in Crisp County and threatened to “blow him away” because the salvage yard would not haul away certain items of junk from Mr. Stillwell’s yard. The officers found a revolver and two long barrel rifles in Mr. Stillwell’s vehicle. *Mr. Stillwell was prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm because of his previous convictions.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Convicted felons are prohibited from having guns. In this case, not only did Mr. Stillwell unlawfully possess a firearm, he used it to threaten innocent people”.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
*The press release was updated to reflect an error in the original release.
Father and Son Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Brad Heard, Sr., aged 57, of Camilla, Georgia, and Brad Heard, Jr., aged 35, of Leesburg, Georgia, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands on Thursday, February 27, 2014, for bank fraud. Brad Heard, Sr. was sentenced to serve 30 months in federal prison. Brad Heard, Jr. received a sentence of 33 months in prison. They were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5 million.Mr. Heard, Sr. and Mr. Heard, Jr. entered guilty pleas to the charges on September 26, 2013. As part of their plea agreements, Mr. Heard, Sr. and Mr. Heard, Jr. admitted that they paid bribes and kickbacks to a banker and his wife, located in Bainbridge, Georgia, to influence and reward the banker for making loans to them. The total amount of loans made by the banker to them was $13,000,000.00.
“The defendants in this case used kickbacks and bribes from loan proceeds from a bank, whose primary purpose is to help farmers, to induce the lending officer to make improper loans. They tried to game the system, and will now find themselves in federal prison for their crimes, ” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Thomasville and the United States Secret Service, Albany. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim Crane and Leah McEwen.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Bank Robber SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Recco Roger Collins, aged 45, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, February 27, 2014, to serve nearly eighteen years (210 months) in Federal prison for armed bank robbery by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia. Co-defendants Tony Key and Anthony Facon were sentenced earlier for their part in the robbery. The Court also ordered Mr. Collins to pay restitution to repay the money stolen and repay costs associated with vehicle repair for vehicles stolen or damaged while apprehending the trio and medical costs of persons affected by their crimes.
Mr. Collins entered a plea of guilty to the charge on November 4, 2013. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Collins admitted that on February 28, 2013, he drove a get-away vehicle during the robbery of PeoplesSouth Bank located on Tennille Avenue in Donalsonville, Georgia.Mr. Collins also admitted to robbing the Trust Bank located at 607 W. 4th Street in Adel Georgia of approximately $9,279 and preparing to rob the Citizen’s Bank in Ray City, Georgia on February 7, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Mr. Collins provided the get-away ride for two violent criminals and, while doing so, he put human lives and property in jeopardy. He has well-earned his lengthy stay in federal prison.”
Ricky Maxwell, Acting Special Agent-In-Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “While we are thankful that these dangerous individuals are no longer a threat to the public, we cannot underestimate the impact of what their violence did to the bank tellers, customers and community. They may not have physically harmed anyone, but the psychological harm that these victims have undergone because of these subjects is immeasurable. We will continue to pursue these violent offenders in cooperation and collaboration with our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of our community”.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Donalsonville Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Monroe Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Joshua Smith, aged 29, of Monroe, Georgia, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, to serve over 12 years (151 months) in Federal prison for distribution of oxycodone.Mr. Smith entered a plea of guilty to the charges on September 9, 2013. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Smith admitted that on July 12, 2012, he sold Roxicodone (oxycodone hydrochloride) tablets to an undercover detective. Mr. Smith also admitted to other similar drug transactions with the undercover detective.
“Unfortunately, the Middle District of Georgia is not immune from the scourge of illegal prescription drug distribution. At least we can take some comfort in knowing that for the next 12 years, Mr. Smith won’t be peddling his pills on our streets or in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the City of Monroe, Georgia Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Danial E. Bennett.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Keith Bowers Sentenced for Bomb ThreatsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Keith Bowers, aged 59, of Jessieville, Arkansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, to serve 1 year and 1 day in federal prison for transmitting threats in interstate commerce.Mr. Bowers entered a plea of guilty to the charge on December 18, 2013. As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Bowers admitted that on August 16, 2012, he placed two threatening telephone calls from Longview, Texas to Carmike Cinema’s Columbus, Georgia, headquarters. Using a Hispanic accent, Mr. Bowers expressed his displeasure with Carmike’s alleged practice of underpaying immigrant workers for cleaning services and stated that he was going to detonate an explosive during Carmike’s screening of a movie called “the Expendables”. At the time, Mr. Bowers was in the business of providing cleaning services to businesses, including Carmike, and was bitter about rival cleaning companies who allegedly hired illegal immigrant labor and were therefore able to undercut Mr. Bowers’ contract bids.
“We take threats seriously. In this case, Mr. Bowers not only caused unnecessary fear, he caused us to have to use precious law enforcement resources to track him down. He will have time to consider just how reckless he was as he sits in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by S/A Gordon Hurley and S/A Gabe Coulter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Georgia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Phipps Addresses United States Attorney's OfficesRead the Press Release
As part of their commemoration of Black History Month, the staff of the United States Attorney’s offices in Macon, Albany and Columbus enjoyed a presentation by Georgia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Herbert Phipps.Judge Phipps opened his presentation with a quote from Helen Keller, “The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of the heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.” He then proceeded to relate stories about the unknown honest workers who toiled and sacrificed during the civil rights struggle in the South.
Judge Phipps spoke of watching trials during his teenage years in the state and federal courthouses. He related incidents where court security officers tried to keep him from entering the courthouse and the racial slurs and other abuses he witnessed of black defendants and witnesses.
While in college, Judge Phipps was active with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the civil rights movement. He told of an incident where he was working on voter registration in Albany, Georgia and was jailed for several days in a cell next to Dr. Martin Luther King. Judge Phipps’ only crime was being in a phone booth at night. He was never charged and was ultimately released. Dr. King shared the meals, brought to him by church ladies, with Judge Phipps.
Judge Phipps spoke of C.B. King, his former law partner. Today, the Federal Courthouse in Albany, Georgia is named for him although Mr. King was not allowed to go to law school in Georgia because he was black.
His final illustration of tiny shoves by honest workers was of an uneducated sharecropper and civil rights pioneer from Mississippi named Fannie Lou Hamer. She took the risk of many acts of civil disobedience during the 60’s and, when asked about the risk said, “If I fall, I will fall 5 feet 4 ½ inches forward in the journey for equal justice.”
“Black History Month is a time for us not only to reflect on the past; it is a time to remember and honor the many unsung heroes who literally risked everything in the pursuit of equal rights. As I listened to Judge Phipps, I was inspired by his courage and reminded that each of us, in our own way, is responsible for continuing the commitment to equal justice for everyone,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.
Former Georgia Tax Return Preparer Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –Irene Tamika Smith, a former professional tax-return preparer, was sentenced yesterday to serve 33 months in prison for conspiring with her co-workers to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns in order to receive fraudulently-inflated refunds for clients, Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia announced today. Smith was also ordered to pay $566,171 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to court documents, Smith worked at Quick Tax, a tax preparation business in Cordele, Ga. From 2006 through 2009, Smith conspired with her co-workers Greene Wylie Sheppard, Sabrina Johnson-Lavant and Chandra Henderson to obtain higher refunds on their clients’ returns by falsely inflating clients’ wages in order to exploit certain tax credits. Smith and her co-conspirators also purchased other people’s identities which they then offered to sell to clients so that the clients could obtain higher refunds by falsely claiming additional dependents on their tax returns. Smith and her co-conspirators maintained notebooks that kept track of the identities they sold and how much clients owed them for the false dependents. Over the course of the conspiracy, which spanned four years, Quick Tax claimed over $500,000 in fraudulent refunds.Smith’s co-conspirators each pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy and were sentenced in 2013. Sheppard was sentenced to serve 56 months in prison, Henderson was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison and Johnson-Lavant was sentenced to serve eight months in prison.
The case was investigated by special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Charles Edgar Jr. of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.