Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Defendant Sentenced for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that
Josh Ensley, age 52, of Tucker, Georgia, was sentenced today by the Honorable Charles A. Pannell, Jr., United States District Judge, in Atlanta, Georgia, for receipt of child pornography. Judge Pannell sentenced Mr. Ensley to 180 months imprisonment, to be followed by supervised release for life, and mandatory registration as a sex offender.Mr. Ensley entered a plea of guilty on May 16, 2013 to Count One of an Indictment charging him with Receipt of Child Pornography. In entering a plea of guilty, Mr. Ensley admitted that between September 18, 2008, and March 20, 2011, he ordered and received DVDs containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct which had been shipped to him in interstate commerce. He also admitted that on October 25, 2012, he possessed additional material on his computer which contained visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct which had been obtained by him over the internet. Some of the visual depictions possessed by Mr. Ensley depicted minors who were younger than twelve (12) years old. Mr. Ensley was an employee of a school in Dekalb County, Georgia, which had students under the age of eighteen (18) years, and he further acknowledged that on October 25, 2012, he possessed videos that he had produced which depicted minor students of the school using the restroom. He admitted surreptitiously placing video cameras in the boys’ and girls’ restrooms at the school and videotaping students’ genitals without their knowledge or consent.
“Our child pornography laws are on the books to protect our children from people like Mr. Ensley. Every time he viewed one of his DVDs containing child pornography, he re-victimized these children. This case reminds us that we, as parents and educators and anyone else caring for children, must be mindful of those who prey on them,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Atlanta Division, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul C. McCommon III and Robert D. McCullers.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Guilty Verdict Reached in Trial Against Drug DealerRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the conviction of William Campbell, age 62, of Woodville, Georgia, after a three day jury trial before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia in Athens, Georgia on August 8, 2013.
Mr. Campbell was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute and one count of actual distribution of crack cocaine, a Scheduled II controlled substance.
Testimony at trial revealed that Mr. Campbell was involved in a drug dealing enterprise from January 1995 through September 2012 in the Woodville, Greene County, Georgia area, where he dealt in crack cocaine. The evidence showed that Mr. Campbell would receive orders for crack cocaine from interested buyers and then direct them to where the purchases could be made.
Mr. Campbell faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five (5) years to a maximum forty (40) years imprisonment on the charge of distribution of crack cocaine and up to five (5) years imprisonment on the conspiracy charge.
Sentencing for Mr. Campbell will be set by the Court at a later date.
The case was investigated by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Tamara Jarrett and Julia Bowen prosecuted the case for the Government.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Former Georgia Tax Return Preparers Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that former professional tax return preparers Greene Wylie Sheppard, Sabrina Johnson-Lavant and Chandra Henderson were sentenced this month to serve 56 months, 18 months, and 8 months in prison, respectively, for conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns in order to receive fraudulently-inflated refunds for their clients. In addition to conspiracy, Sheppard was also sentenced for aggravated identity theft. Sheppard was sentenced on July 11, 2013, and Johnson-Lavant and Henderson were sentenced yesterday.
According to court documents, Sheppard owned and operated Quick Tax, a tax preparation business in Cordele, Ga. He conspired with his employees Johnson-Lavant and Henderson to obtain higher refunds on clients’ returns by falsely inflating clients’ wages in order to exploit certain tax credits. The co-conspirators sold other people’s identifying information to their clients, and these other identities would then be claimed as dependents on their tax returns in order to manipulate the size of the refund. The three return preparers acquired dozens of identities by purchasing them. They maintained notebooks that kept track of the identities and how much clients owed them for the false dependents. Over the course of the conspiracy, which spanned four years, Quick Tax claimed over $400,000 in fraudulent refunds.
Assistant Attorney General Keneally commended the efforts of Special Agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Charles Edgar Jr. of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007 or direct your inquiries to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Guilty Plea Entered to Dealing and Passing Counterfeit Reserve NotesRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Mr. Jonathan Moody, age 25, of Nashville, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on July 31, 2013, to two counts of counterfeiting involving United States currency. The guilty plea was entered before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, in Valdosta, Georgia.
In his plea of guilty Mr. Moody admitted that he knowingly passed counterfeit $100 and $20 bills, using the counterfeit money to make purchases and receive change in genuine currency from merchants in the Valdosta area, causing financial losses to those businesses.
Sentencing for Mr. Moody has been set for October 28, 2013, in Valdosta. Mr. Moody faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine on each of the two counts.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Guilty Plea EnteredRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Mr. Kenneth E. Henderson, age 49, of Tifton, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty, on July 29, 2013, to one count of receipt of child pornography before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, in Valdosta, Georgia.
A search of Mr. Henderson’s computer by law enforcement revealed videos and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the videos and images involved prepubescent minors and minors under the age of twelve. Mr. Henderson admitted that he searched for and viewed child pornography on the internet during a seven month period while he was assigned as an employee of the United States Armed Forces in Kuwait.
Sentencing for Henderson has been scheduled for October 28, 2013, in Valdosta. Mr. Henderson faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years in prison, and could be sentenced to a maximum of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, to be followed by a term of supervised release of not less than five (5) years, or life, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS). Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore to Take Part in National Night OutRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore will join law enforcement and community leaders on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Macon City Hall as part of the 30th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
National Night Out is designed to: Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; Generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts; Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
“National Night Out is a perfect opportunity for neighbors to join with their law enforcement and community partners to demonstrate that crime does not rule the night and that criminals have no safe haven when the sun goes down. I look forward to joining my colleagues on Tuesday to help continue to spread the important message that we are all in this together,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people nationwide to take part in community events on Tuesday.Defendant Possessing Child Pornography SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael JMoore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Michael Dawes Hall, age 25, a resident of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced on July 29, 2013 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson in United Sates District Court, Valdosta Division, to sixty-one (61) months imprisonment, to be followed by twenty-five (25) years supervised release.Mr. Hall entered a plea of guilty on July 29, 2013 to Possession of Child Pornography. He admitted to possessing computers containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A "cyber tip" provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children from an internet service provider associated Hall's e-mail address to uploading images and a video of child exploitation onto an online social networking group. These images involved prepubescent minors and minors under the' age of twelve (12) years and depicted minors engaged in sexual conduct of a sadistic and masochistic nature.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, "Every time Mr. Hall looked at these images and every time he uploaded the pictures and videos, here-victimized these children. My office will use every resource we have to find and prosecute defendants like Mr. Hall. After all, if we are not willing to fight to protect our kids, what is worth fighting for?''
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Defendant Possessing Child Pornography SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Otto G. Pena, age 46, a resident of Valdosta, Georgia and Hialeah, Florida, was sentenced on July 29, 2013 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson in United States District Court, Valdosta Division, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by twenty-five (25) years of supervised release.
Mr. Pena entered a plea of guilty on July 29, 2013 to Possession of Child Pornography. Court records showed that a search conducted on Mr. Pena's residence revealed numerous computers containing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Mr. Pena admitted that he was in possession of more than 600 images of child pornography, that the images on the computers had been mailed, shipped or transported in interstate and foreign commerce and that the depictions of the minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct were produced using materials which had been mailed, shipped, or transported by means of interstate and foreign commerce. Evidence was presented at sentencing showing that Mr. Pena had also engaged in a pattern of activity involving sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, "Mr. Pena re-victimized the children in these images every time he looked at the pictures. Possession of this disgusting material is not a victimless crime, and Mr. Pena, or anyone else who exploits children in Middle Georgia, need to know that we will use every resource we have to make sure they go to federal prison."
The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers for the Government.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Conspirator Sentenced for Possession of Stolen U.S. Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
Michael JMoore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Sherry Lynn Osborne, age 45, a resident of Tifton, Georgia, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court, Valdosta Division, on July 29, 2013 by the Honorable Hugh Lawson to thirty seven (37) months imprisonment. Judge Lawson also ordered Ms. Osborne to pay $735,454.75 in restitution.
Ms. Osborne entered a plea of guilty on February 25, 2013, to conspiracy to Possess Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks, Uttering Forged Securities and Embezzling Public Monies. In her plea, Ms. Osborne admitted to receiving and depositing stolen and fraudulently obtained tax refund checks or fraudulently obtained refund anticipation loan checks into her bank accounts and then withdrawing the proceeds, retaining a portion for herself and providing the rest to the individual who had originally provided her with the checks. Court records showed that Ms. Osborne admitted that she deliberately avoided knowing the specific source and nature of the checks even though she should have known this information. In total, from September to November 2011, Ms. Osborne presented approximately $1,200,000 in stolen and fraudulent tax refund checks and refund anticipation loan checks for deposit into her accounts.
"When Ms. Osborne stole from the Treasury, she stole from us all. My office will continue to use our efforts to enforce the law. This case should remind people of the lesson we were all taught as children cheaters never win," said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Tift County Sheriffs Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealer Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Deldrick D. Jackson, 37, a resident of metro Atlanta, Georgia, July 30, 2013, in Macon, Georgia, before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Judge Treadwell sentenced Mr. Jackson to serve one hundred thirty (130) months imprisonment, followed by four (4) years supervised release, and a $200.00 mandatory assessment fee.
In entering his plea of guilty, Mr. Jackson admitted that he was involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms, but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine, to a drug dealer in the Macon, Georgia area. Court documents revealed that Mr. Jackson used a courier to deliver the kilograms of cocaine to Macon. The courier would accept the payments for the illegal drugs on behalf of Mr. Jackson and then return the money to him in metro Atlanta. During his plea, Mr. Jackson also admitted to participating in a money laundering conspiracy which was a result of him receiving the proceeds from illegal drug sales and then using the proceeds to purchase additional cocaine to continue his unlawful drug distribution enterprise.
“This case is an example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies, in this instance the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, work together to get a drug dealer off the streets. At least for the next 130 months, Mr. Jackson will not be polluting our communities with cocaine,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“The illegal distribution of cocaine is a plague to our communities in Georgia, and the Drug Enforcement Administration values our strong partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation that made the dismantlement of this drug trafficking conspiracy possible,” said Harry S. Sommers, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlanta Field Division.
“The attack on money laundering is an essential front in the war on narcotics,” stated Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “We are proud to have contributed our financial expertise in order to ensure that those who engage in these illegal activities are vigorously investigated and brought to justice.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Bacari McCarthren, 37, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced on July 31, 2013 by Senior U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta, Georgia to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by three (3) years supervised release, after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.
In entering his plea of guilty, Mr. McCarthren admitted that on August 16, 2012, he fled across the state line from Florida into Georgia at speeds in excess of 125 mph, with his car at times crossing the median into oncoming traffic in an attempt to elude the police. At various points, the car driven by Mr. McCarthren nearly crashed into both civilian and police vehicles before ultimately being forcibly disabled by law enforcement. A subsequent search of Mr. McCarthren’s car revealed a plastic wrapped package concealed behind the dashboard containing 84.8 grams of cocaine, which was seized and tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“A drug dealer is bad enough, but a drug dealer who puts the public in harm’s way while running from the law, that’s inexcusable. Mr. McCarthren put drugs in our communities and danger on our streets, and I think it is fitting that his next ride on the public roadways won’t be for twenty years,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“Mr. McCarthren demonstrated a reckless disregard for public safety in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities and the Drug Enforcement Administration is grateful for our partnership with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office that resulted in the removal Mr. McCarthren from our streets,” said Harry S. Sommers, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Atlanta Field Division.
“The law abiding citizens of this community are safer because of yesterday’s sentence which will ensure the incarceration of Mr. McCarthren and contribute to the restoration of order and peace to this area,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Christopher Shaefer.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Jasper, Florida. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary handled the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Christine Rahl Sentenced for Health Care Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christine Rahl, 46, a resident of Social Circle, Georgia, was sentenced July 31, 2013 before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge in Macon, Georgia, to fifty-seven (57) months imprisonment, to be followed by three (3) years supervised release, and a $500.00 mandatory assessment. Additionally, Judge Royal ordered Ms. Rahl to pay $1,586.847.14 in restitution.
Ms. Rahl entered a plea of guilty on May 9, 2012, to a multi-count Information charging her with one count of Embezzlement in Connection with Health Care and four counts of Money Laundering.
Ms. Rahl was an employee with Marmalade Health which operates Abbey Hospice in Social Circle, Georgia. Ms. Rahl was in charge of payroll for Marmalade Health. The payroll and expense information was electronically submitted to Paychex who would then make electronic deposits into the accounts of employees. In order to receive extra pay, Ms. Rahl gave herself unauthorized raises and submitted false expenses for herself. Ms. Rahl continued this activity during a five and a half year time period. In her plea, she admitted that she illegally appropriated for her own use and benefit $1,586,847.14 from Marmalade Health. The money she received was deposited into the Wells Fargo Bank, where she would then write checks and use credit cards to purchase items for her personal use.
“When Ms. Rahl committed health care fraud and embezzlement, she stole from a system designed to help those who are critically or terminally ill. We will continue to use our investigative resources to vigorously prosecute individuals who defraud the health care system. We will continue to use our resources and efforts to collect full restitution from Ms. Rahl, just as we put our efforts into making her accountable for her fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“Ms. Rahl exploited her position as office manager of the Abbey Hospice for her own personal financial gain,” stated Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. "It is our hope that today's sentence will send a strong message, that embezzlement and avoiding your tax obligations can result in jail time and that the government will hold accountable those who commit these types of crimes."
The case was investigated by agents of the Human Health Service and Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sharon Ratley.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Sentencing Extortion by A Public OfficialRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Jarrod “J. D.” Murkerson, 35, a resident of Blakely, Georgia, on July 18, 2013, by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia. On March 27, 2013, Mr. Murkerson entered a plea of guilty to Extortion by a Public Official.
Judge Sands sentenced Mr. Murkerson to serve twenty-four (24) months imprisonment, followed by two (2) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee. There is no parole in the federal system.
As part of his plea, Mr. Murkerson admitted that in July 2011, while he was employed with the Early County Sheriff’s Office as an Investigator, he provided information and protection to an illegal drug dealer. Court records revealed that Mr. Murkerson was not aware that the drug dealer was working as a confidential informant with law enforcement. Mr. Murkerson admitted that he received $1000.00 in exchange for the information and protection that was provided to the informant when he transported nine (9) ounces of cocaine through Early County. Mr. Murkerson also admitted that in August 2011, he agreed to sell the confidential informant steroids for $1200.00.
“Anytime a law enforcement officer violates the law that they have taken an oath to uphold, it causes the trust of the people they promised to protect and serve to erode,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney K. Alan Dasher.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
US Army Sergeant Pleads Guilty in Georgia to Stealing Identity Information from US Army Computer SystemRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ammie Brothers, 29, of Columbus, Ga., a sergeant in the U.S. Army, pleaded guilty today to unlawfully obtaining personal information from the U.S. Army’s Army Knowledge Online computer system.
The guilty plea was announced by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Neil H. MacBride; U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Michael J. Moore; and Director Daniel T. Andrews of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s Computer Crime Investigative Unit.
Brothers pleaded guilty before U. S. District Judge Clay Land in Columbus, Ga., to one count of unauthorized access to information from a U.S. Army computer system. She was charged on Feb. 14, 2013, in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va.
In a statement of facts filed with the plea agreement, Brothers admitted that between April 24, 2009, and Oct. 5, 2011, she repeatedly and intentionally accessed two victims’ Army Knowledge Online accounts, which contain personnel files for members of the armed services. Brothers initially gained access by calling the Army Knowledge Online help desk in the Eastern District of Virginia and providing the victims’ Social Security numbers and dates of birth in order to obtain temporary passwords.
When law enforcement searched Brothers’s home in Columbus, they recovered numerous documents printed from the Army Knowledge Online system that contained victims’ Social Security numbers, bank account numbers and employment history, including the Social Security number of one minor child. Brothers admitted to law enforcement that, in addition to illegally accessing the victims’ Army Knowledge Online accounts, she regularly harassed the victims by telephone and accessed several credit card accounts belonging to one victim, and in one case authorized charges without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
At sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 24, 2013, Brothers faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Computer Crime Investigative Unit of U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Peter V. Roman of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay Kelly of the Eastern District of Virginia and Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford L. Seals of the Middle District of Georgia.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to The Office Of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007 or Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Sidney L. Hall Sentenced to 48 Months Imprisonment for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Sidney L. Hall, age 63, of Atlanta, and formerly of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge, W. Louis Sands, in Albany, Georgia, to 48 months imprisonment. Hall was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,979,291 to seven different banks in Southwest Georgia who loaned monies to him under fraudulent pretenses. Hall must serve five years of supervised release after serving his sentence. Hall remains on bond pending surrender to the Bureau of Prisons.
On December 10, 2012, Hall pled guilty to counts 1 and 14 of a 15 count indictment. Count 1 charged the defendant with bank fraud and carried a maximum possible sentence of 30 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and five years of supervised release after imprisonment. Count 14 charged the defendant with “aggravated identity theft,” that is, using the personal identify data of a person, here, the forged signature of a bank officer, in order to commit bank fraud. Aggravated identity theft carried a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release.
Defendant Hall admitted in his plea agreement that he obtained 70 bank loans at 7 different banks in the total amount of $2.8 million. Hall devised a scheme to lead the lending bank to believe it would have a valid first position lien on the aircraft being financed. In fact, the aircraft in question had already been pledged as collateral to another bank. The government estimated in the plea agreement that at the end of the scheme to defraud Hall had failed to repay approximately $2.7 million to the seven banks who had loaned him money under false pretenses.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane handled the prosecution.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Embezzlement of Government Property and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Dontreal Jenkins, age 31, and Trevayne Jones, age 37, both residents of Albany, Georgia, on July 11, 2013, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
On January 11, 2013, a jury found Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Jones guilty of Conspiracy to Embezzle Public Monies, Embezzlement of Government Property, and Aggravated Identity Theft. In addition, Mr. Jenkins was found guilty of Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Mr. Jones was found guilty of Misleading Statements.
Judge Sands sentenced Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Jones to each serve one hundred thirty-three (133) months imprisonment, followed by three (3) years supervised release, a $400.00 mandatory assessment fee, and restitution in the amount of $713,000.00 to the victim. In addition, Mr. Jenkins was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $335,693.00 to the U.S. Department of Education.
Court records revealed that Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Jones both participated in a scheme to steal and cash United States Treasury checks. In addition, they committed identity theft by unlawfully using the names and signatures of the intended payees without the permission of the payee.
“My office will continue to use the necessary resources to prosecute individuals who steal from the taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore. “When these defendants stole from our student aid program, they didn’t just take money, they threatened the dreams of deserving students.”
“Federal student aid exists so that individuals can pursue and make their dream of a higher education a reality. As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring that those who steal student aid or game the system for their own selfish purposes are stopped and held accountable for their criminal actions is a big part of our mission,” said Yessyka Santana, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General's Southern Regional Office. "That’s why I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for holding these individuals accountable for their criminal actions.”
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
2013 School Safety ConferenceRead the Press Release
Safety in Our Schools: Education, Prevention, Management
July 16-18, 2013
Columbus Convention & Trade Center - Columbus, GeorgiaConference Agenda
Tuesday, July 16th
8:00 - 9:00 am Registration Registration Desk
9:00 - 9:30 am Welcome and Introductions Ballroom C
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney Middle District of Georgia
Dr. Garry McGiboney, Georgia Department of Education
Director Charley English, Georgia Emergency Management Agency –
Homeland Security
9:30 - 11:15 am Terrorism: The Lone Wolf Threat Ballroom C Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney
Greg Armes, National Security Specialist
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Georgia11:15 – 11:30 Carbon Monoxide Detection Update Ballroom C
Ted Miltiades, Director of Construction Codes & Research
Dee Leclair, Project Manager
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
11:30 – 12:30 pm Lunch (Provided) Ballrooms A & B
12:30 – 1:45 pm Breakout Sessions
The School Resource Officer’s Role Ballroom C
Karen Gray, Executive Director/Founder
Georgia Association of School Resource OfficersBus Safety Issues Foundry Room A
Garry Puetz, Director of Transportation
Forsyth County SchoolsBeslan, Russia School Terrorism Incident Foundry Room B
Greg Armes, National Security Specialist
United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Georgia
1:45 - 2:00 pm Break2:00 - 3:15 pm Breakout Sessions
Active Shooter Response for Law Enforcement Ballroom C
Sgt. Jon M. Posey
Georgia State Patrol
Active Shooter Response for K-12 Schools Foundry Room A
Anna Lumpkin, School Safety Coordinator
James Westbrook, School Safety Coordinator
Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland SecurityPlan, Prepare, React: Foundry Room B
Active Shooter Response for Colleges/Universities
Steve Harris, Director of Security and Emergency Preparedness
The University of Georgia
3:15 - 3:30 pm Break3:30 - 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions
The School Resource Officer’s Role Ballroom C
Karen Gray, Executive Director/Founder
Georgia Association of School Resource OfficersBus Safety Issues Foundry Room A
Garry Puetz, Director of Transportation
Forsyth County SchoolsDisguised and Concealed Weapons in Schools Foundry Room B
Pete Golden, Emergency Operations Coordinator
The University of GeorgiaWednesday, July 17th
8:30 - 9:00 am Registration and Information Desk Open
9:00 - 9:30 am “Now Is the Time” Ballroom C David Esquith, Director - Office of Safe and Healthy Students
U.S. Department of Education9:30 - 11:30 am School Threat Assessments Ballroom C
ATSAIC Michael Sweazey
United States Secret Service
11:30 – 12:30 pm Lunch (provided) Ballrooms A&B
12:30 – 1:45 pm Breakout SessionsSafety and Security at Athletic Events Ballroom C
Dr. Ralph Swearngin, Executive Director
Georgia High School Athletic AssociationChild Sex Offenders Foundry Room A
SSA William Donaldson, Behavioral Analysis Unit 3
Federal Bureau of InvestigationLegal Issues in Schools Foundry Room B
Billy Mixon, Training Manager
Georgia Public Safety Training Center1:45 - 2:00 pm Break
2:00 - 3:15 pm Breakout Sessions
New Department of Education Ballroom C
Discipline Reporting System
Marilyn Watson, Program Manager
Jeff Hodges, Program Specialist
Dennis Kramer, Senior Research and Policy Analyst
Georgia Department of EducationChild Sex Offenders Foundry Room A
SSA William Donaldson, Behavioral Analysis Unit 3
Federal Bureau of InvestigationFBI Child Abduction Response Team Foundry Room B
S/A Joseph Fonseca
Federal Bureau of Investigation
3:15 - 3:30 pm Break3:30 - 4:45 pm Breakout Sessions
Safety and Security at Athletic Events Ballroom C
Dr. Ralph Swearngin, Executive Director
Georgia High School Athletic AssociationLegal Issues in Schools Foundry Room A
Billy Mixon, Training Manager
Georgia Public Safety Training CenterFBI Child Abduction Response Team Foundry Room B
S/A Joseph Fonseca
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Thursday, July 18th9:00 - 10:15 am Breakout Sessions
Understanding the Exercise Process Ballroom C
Tod Keys, Exercise Program Manager
Cory Bushway, Exercise Program Coordinator
Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland SecurityDisguised and Concealed Weapons in Schools Foundry Room A
Pete Golden, Emergency Operations Coordinator
The University of GeorgiaEmergency Operation Plans for Schools Foundry Room B
Kristen Higgs, School Safety Coordinator
Danielle Graham, School Safety Coordinator
Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security10:15 - 10:30 am Break
10:30 – 11:45 pm Understanding the Exercise Process Ballroom C
Tod Keys, Exercise Program Manager
Cory Bushway, Exercise Program Coordinator
Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland SecurityBeslan, Russia School Terrorism Incident Foundry Room A
Greg Armes, National Security Specialist
United States Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Georgia
Emergency Operation Plans for Schools Foundry Room B
Kristen Higgs, School Safety Coordinator
Danielle Graham, School Safety Coordinator
Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Homeland Security
11:45 – 12:45 pm Lunch (Provided) Ballrooms A&B12:45 – 2:30 pm Newtown Massacre: Lessons Learned Ballroom C
Lt. J. Paul Vance
Commanding Officer, Public Information Office
Connecticut State Police2:30 – 3:00 pm Closing Remarks & Certificate Distribution
Additional IMPORTANT Conference Information
Breakout Sessions: Please be aware that seating in each of the rooms will be limited. If the session is already full, please attend a different session. Many breakouts will be offered twice.
Georgia P.O.S.T. Credit Hours: Law Enforcement attendees will receive 14 hours Georgia P.O.S.T. Credit. Your attendance at each session is expected in order to comply with U.S. Department of Justice expectations and sponsoring state regulations. Georgia P.O.S.T. training forms will be available in each session. You will need your Officer Key Number (OKEY #) in order to get credit for your hours.
Certified Emergency Management (CEM) Credit Hours: Anyone interested in receiving CEM credit hours can submit a copy of your certificate to GEMA training in order to obtain the hours.
Certificates of Training: Certificates will be available on Thursday afternoon.Evaluations: Please participate in critiquing this conference by completing the evaluation form attached and submitting it to us at the conclusion of the conference.
For questions and assistance, please see any of the conference planning team and staff, who will be wearing BLUE badges.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Multi-Kilogram Cocaine Trafficker Enters Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Bertin Rivera, age 43, of Lumber City, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty today to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 382 kilograms of cocaine. The plea was entered in the United States District Court in Macon, Georgia, before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal.
As part of his guilty plea, Rivera stipulated that on September 12, 2012, he orchestrated the shipment of 382 kilograms of cocaine from a warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia to his residence in Lumber City, Georgia. The drugs were concealed in boxes of tomatoes. Federal and local authorities executed a search warrant at the residence. The search uncovered 191 kilograms of cocaine inside the tomato boxes and 191 kilograms buried in a plastic container on land adjacent to Rivera’s property. The wholesale value of the drugs is estimated to be ten million dollars.
Rivera faces a maximum statutory penalty of a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is expected to take place on September 17, 2013.According to the United States Attorney, this is the largest single seizure of cocaine in the district in the last 20 years.
“Taking drugs off the street and putting drug dealers in jail remains a top priority for us. The people of Middle Georgia should feel good that the 191 kilograms of cocaine that were seized will never make it into the hands of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the DEA, Department of Homeland Security, and the Lumber City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Calhoun.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Christopher J. Daniels, 30, a resident of Colquitt, Georgia, on June 27, 2013 by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia. Judge Sands sentenced Mr. Daniels to serve eighty-seven (87) months confinement in the Bureau of Prisons following his plea of guilty on March 25, 2013, to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. There is no parole in the federal system.
During a traffic stop for speeding, a drug detection canine on the scene alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle. Upon searching Mr. Daniels' vehicle, a quantity of cocaine and a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun was found. Mr. Daniel admitted that both the cocaine and the handgun belonged to him. He stated that he needed the gun to protect his drugs while traveling.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Johnnie Kenon, 39, of Quincy, Florida, on June 27,2013, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Judge Sands sentenced Mr. Kenon to serve two hundred ninety-four (294) months confinement in the Bureau of Prisons following his plea of guilty on March 19, 2013, in the Albany Division of the Middle District of Georgia, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute more than five (5) kilograms of cocaine.
Court records revealed that Mr. Kenon telephonically arranged illegal drug transactions with another drug dealer, who was his supplier operating in the Donalsonville area, for cocaine purchases. Because a wiretap had been placed on the other dealer's telephone, agents intercepted numerous calls between Mr. Kenon and his dealer when Mr. Kenon was requesting the illegal drugs for distribution to his customers.
A firearm was recovered during a search conducted on Mr. Kenon's residence.
"This sentence is what armed drug dealers can expect when they are prosecuted for federal drug and firearms offenses stemming from their illegal activities. There is no parole in the federal system, so Mr. Kenon will serve almost twenty-five years for these crimes," said United States Attorney Michael Moore.The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Selling Prescription Pills for ProfitRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Marshall Bradford, 68, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced today before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia in Macon, Georgia.
Mr. Bradford had earlier entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam (Xanax), a Schedule IV controlled substance. Mr. Bradford also admitted that he was selling the Alprazolam (Xanax) for profit.
Court records revealed that Mr. Bradford was under state supervision for unlawful possession of prescription pills, which allowed authorities to search his residence after receiving information from a reliable source, that Mr. Bradford was selling prescription pills from his residence. During the search of the home, officers located $7,000.00 in cash, digital scales, and a tally sheet along with 339 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills.
Judge Royal imposed a sentence of thirty-seven (37) months imprisonment to be followed by two (2) years of supervised release and a $100.00 mandatory assessment fee. The federal sentence will run consecutive with Mr. Bradford’s probation revocation sentence in Elbert County, Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Elbert County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tamara Jarrett prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Identity Thief SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Maurice Hester, of Milledgeville, Georgia, was sentenced today by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia, to serve a total of sixty-four (64) months in prison and three (3) years of supervised release following his guilty plea to Filing False Claims Against the Government and Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Theft of Government Property. The Court ordered Mr. Hester to pay restitution in the amount of $32,129.00 and a $700.00, mandatory assessment fee.
On April 8, 2013, Mr. Hester entered a guilty plea to Filing False Claims against the Government and Wire Fraud by filing false income tax returns and fraudulent claims for refunds, including one claim for a fraudulent refund of over $600,000. In addition, Mr. Hester pleaded guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft by filing tax returns in the names of others and then transmitting false refunds into his own bank accounts. Mr. Hester also pleaded guilty to Theft of Government Property for the false income tax refunds that were deposited into his bank account. The Indictment also charged Mr. Hester with Mail Fraud for unlawfully diverting the mail of another taxpayer, so the he could wrongfully intercept a U.S. Treasury check.
Income verification documents showed that Mr. Hester did not earn the wages he reported on his personal income tax return and the returns were completely false. He fraudulently listed his profession as “authorized agent” when in fact, he was a barber filing illegal tax returns.
“The prison time received by Mr. Hester should serve as a strong warning that tough punishment awaits those who embark on a similar criminal path,” said Veronica 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.”
“When Mr. Hester stole from the government with his tax and identity theft scheme, he didn’t steal from some faceless entity; he stole from every good, law-abiding tax-paying citizen. We won’t allow our Treasury to be raided, just like we would not allow our personal bank accounts to be robbed, by Mr. Hester or anyone else,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The investigation was handled by the United States Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealing Armed Career Criminal SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Timothy McNeal, 31, of Moultrie, Georgia, today before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Macon, Georgia.
On March 5, 2013, after a two-day trial, a jury convicted Mr. McNeal of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base (“crack” cocaine), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Court records reveal that Mr. McNeal was determined to be both a Career Offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and an Armed Career Criminal under federal law.
The case developed when agents learned through complaints and interviews that Mr. McNeal was selling illegal drugs from his residence. A search warrant was executed at the residence which revealed quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, which were packaged and ready for distribution. In addition to the illegal drugs, a Hi-Point 9mm pistol and ammunition was also discovered in the residence.
Judge Lawson sentenced Mr. McNeal to two hundred sixty-two months imprisonment to be served consecutively to an existing State of Georgia sentence on a separate crime, followed by six years of supervised release.
“The federal sentencing guidelines have special provisions to substantially increase sentences for repeat offenders such as Timothy McNeal. As with all federal sentences, this sentence will be served without parole. Being a consecutive sentence, Mr. McNeal will not even begin serving this lengthy federal incarceration until he has served the full remaining time on his current sentence with the State of Georgia. It is extremely unlikely that he will ever again have the opportunity to sell illegal drugs in this community or anywhere else,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, and the Colquitt County Drug Enforcement Team. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter D. Leary and Robert McCullers.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Plea of Guilty Entered to Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Gary Patton Hall, Jr., 47, of Tifton, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge in Macon, Georgia.
In entering his plea of guilty, Mr. Hall admitted that from 2005 continuing through 2010, he committed bank fraud involving the Tifton Banking Company during his employment as President and CEO of the bank. Mr. Hall admitted that he conspired with others to obtain money, funds, credits, assets, securities, and other property of the Tifton Banking Company while carrying on a practice of replacing non-performing loans with new loans, including a Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan, to make the bank appear financially stronger than it was. The actions caused monetary losses to the bank and SBA of approximately $2.8 million. Mr. Hall continued these illegal activities even during the time that the bank applied for and received assistance from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), a government program established to help financial institutions during a financial crisis in an attempt to save the failing bank.
The plea agreement entered into by Mr. Hall and the United States Attorney calls for a sentence of sixty-five months in federal prison based upon an agreement as to what would be the appropriate calculations for determining sentence length under the federal sentencing guidelines. The decision as to whether or not to accept this recommendation will be made by the Court at the time of sentencing. The maximum possible sentence under the law is thirty years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, or both, a term of supervised release of up to five years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is currently set for September 30, 2013.
The case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Special Inspector General for TARP (SIG-TARP), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Kelvin Johnson, age 35, of Donalsonville, Georgia, Carlos Johnson, age 29, of Donalsonville, Georgia, Antonio Winbush, age 30, of Leary, Georgia, and Raymond Sutton, age 38, of Albany, Georgia, on June 13, 2013, before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Carlos and Kelvin Johnson had earlier pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute both cocaine powder and cocaine base (“crack” cocaine). Carlos Johnson had also pled guilty to money laundering, as well. Winbush and Sutton had both pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Court records reveal that the four defendants were part of a large group operating in the Seminole County, Georgia, area between 2008 and 2011 distributing multi-ounce quantities of cocaine powder and cocaine base (“crack” cocaine).
Carlos and Kelvin Johnson both received sentences of life imprisonment. Sutton was sentenced to one hundred sixty-eight months imprisonment and Winbush received a sentence of eighty-seven months in prison. All four men were also sentenced to five years supervised release and a $100.00 mandatory assessment fee per count of conviction.
“There is no parole in the federal system. These life sentences mean that Carlos and Kelvin Johnson shall never be dealing drugs in our community again. All four of these sentences should send a strong message to those who deal drugs illegally of the fate that awaits them if prosecuted in federal Court,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Albany-Dougherty County Drug Unit, South Central Drug Task Force, and the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Indictment Filed for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, and Extortion by Interstate Communications; Money Laundering; Money Laundering Conspiracy; And Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Stuart C. Cole, 58, of St Pete Beach, Florida, Mark C. Simpson, 50, of Lake Park, Georgia, and Stephanie M. Simpson, 30, of Lake Park, Georgia, were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Macon, Georgia on June 12, 2013 for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud (Count One) and Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Interstate Communications and by Mail (Count Two). Mr. Cole and Mr. Simpson were also indicted for Money Laundering Conspiracy (Count Three), Money Laundering (Count Four through Six), and Obstruction of Justice (Count Seven). These charges stem from activities connected with the operation of a business known as Child Support Services and occurring between 2007 and 2009. A copy of the indictment is attached.If convicted, the defendants face the following penalties:
Count One – Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud (all three defendants), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.
Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, fine of up to $250,000.00, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.
Count Two – Conspiracy to Commit Extortion by Interstate Communications and by Mail (all three defendants), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 i/c/w Sections 875(d) and 876(d).
Imprisonment up to five (5) years, $250,000.00 fine or both, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.
Mr. Cole and Mr. Simpson also face the following:Count Three – Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(h).
Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, fine of up to twice the amount laundered (alleged at $655,896.76), or both, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.
Count Four through Six – Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United State Code, Section 1957 and Section 2.
Imprisonment up to ten (10) years, $250,000.00 fine or both, followed by a term of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.
Count Seven – Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(c) and 2.
Imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, fine of up to $250,000.00 or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00
An indictment is only an accusation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, along with the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
County Commissioner Sentenced for Attempted Extortion and BriberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Al J. Hurley, a former county commissioner in Sumter County, Ga., was sentenced today to 36 months in prison stemming from his acceptance of illicit payments in exchange for his official efforts to secure government contracts for a private contractor, Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Middle District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore announced.Hurley, 55, of Americus, Ga., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. On Dec. 3, 2012, a federal jury sitting in the Albany Division of the Middle District of Georgia found Hurley guilty of one count each of attempted extortion and federal program bribery.
Hurley was first elected to the five-member Sumter County board of commissioners in 1999. As the primary governing body for the county, the board presided over a variety of official matters, including the bidding process for and award of various county contracts.
Evidence at trial showed that from September to December 2011, Hurley, in his capacity as a county commissioner, solicited and agreed to accept cash payments – including $5,000 on Oct. 23, 2011, and $15,000 on Dec. 19, 2011 – from a private contractor, in exchange for Hurley’s repeated promises to use official action and influence to help facilitate the award of county contracting work to the contractor.
In particular, Hurley told the contractor that he would help him win a $100,000 depot renovation contract in a city within Hurley’s district. Trial testimony also established that, in order to drive up the bribe amount, Hurley invented two inside contacts that he claimed to have at a new racetrack project in his district, and claimed the contacts could influence the award of related contracting work in favor of the contractor. Hurley, who testified, admitted the contacts did not exist.
“An indispensable part of a democracy is the right of citizens to choose their leaders. Inherent in that process is the ability of the public to trust the people they elect. Instead of honoring that trust and serving his constituents, Mr. Hurley chose to exploit his position and enrich himself. When elected leaders put their positions up for sale, my office will be there to make sure they are held accountable,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
This case was investigated by the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Eric G. Olshan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Dr. Robert B. Sperrazza Convicted of Tax Evasion and Currency StructuringRead the Press Release
Today, June 7, 2013, Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the conviction after a jury trial of Dr. Robert B. Sperrazza, age 60, formerly a resident of Lee County, Georgia. Dr. Sperrazza was convicted in United States District Court after a four day trial before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia.
Dr. Sperrazza was convicted of all five counts in the indictment against him. Counts 1-3 of the indictment charged Dr. Sperrazza with felony tax evasion. Counts 4 and 5 charged him with currency structuring. 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 always 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, for many years. 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.
Dr. Sperrazza remains out on bond after the verdict. He will be sentenced in about three months. He faces a maximum possible sentence of five years for each count of tax evasion and a maximum sentence for ten years for each count of currency structuring, together with a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the five separate counts of conviction. The government will seek restitution and forfeiture at the sentencing hearing, as well.
“In these difficult economic times, the evasion of taxes is especially damaging to the United States and this office will pursue vigorously those who seek to enrich themselves by evading their lawful obligation to the Government,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“Financial crimes, especially structuring, are oftentimes a method used to evade payment
of taxes lawfully owed to the United States,” stated Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “The guilty verdict returned today clearly reaffirms that knowingly defying the tax laws will not be tolerated by the American people.”
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 for the Middle District of Georgia.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.
Three Georgia Residents Sentenced for Their Roles in Bribery Scheme Related to the Award of Government ContractsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former employee at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLB-Albany) and two local businessmen were sentenced today for their roles in a bribery scheme related to the award of contracts for machine products that resulted in approximately $907,000 in fraudulent overcharges to the U.S. Marines, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia.Michelle Rodriguez, 32; Thomas J. Cole, 43; and Fredrick W. Simon, 55, all of Albany, Ga., were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands in the Middle District of Georgia. Rodriguez was sentenced to 70 months in prison and ordered to pay $161,000 in restitution; Cole was sentenced to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay $209,000 in restitution; and Simon was sentenced to 32 months in prison and ordered to pay $74,500 in restitution. Each is also subject to a $907,000 forfeiture order and three years of supervised release.
During her guilty plea in February 2013, Rodriguez, a supply technician in the Maintenance Center Albany (MCA), admitted to participating in a scheme to award contracts for machine products to Company A and Company B, companies operated by Cole and Simon. Cole and Simon pleaded guilty to bribery charges related to the same scheme in January 2013 and cooperated with the government’s criminal investigation. The MCA is responsible for rebuilding and repairing ground combat and combat support equipment, much of which has been utilized in military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other parts of the world. To accomplish the scheme, Rodriguez would transmit bid solicitations to Simon via facsimile or email, and then usually follow that communication with a text message specifying how much Company A should bid. Simon, on Company A’s behalf, and with Cole’s knowledge, bid the amount specified by Rodriguez on each order, which was normally in excess of fair market value. Rodriguez was then paid $75 in cash for each order awarded to Simon and Cole during the previous week. According to court records, during the relevant period Rodriguez awarded Cole and Simon’s companies nearly 1,300 machine product orders, all of which were in exchange for bribes paid to Rodriguez.
Rodriguez further admitted that in 2011, she began routing some orders through a second company, Company B, owned by Cole, because the volume of orders MCA placed with the first company was so high. Company A, however, continued to perform the required services. Court records state that Rodriguez received approximately $161,000 in bribes during the nearly two-year scheme, while Cole and Simon personally received $209,000 and $74,500, respectively. Court records also indicate that the total loss to the U.S. Marines from overcharges associated with the machine product orders placed during the scheme was approximately $907,000.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office Economic Crime Unit and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and J.P. Cooney of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia.
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Valdosta Man Sentenced for Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Robert Kier, Jr.,age 30, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced on June 4, 2013 by Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson to 168 months in prison to be followed by six (6) years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession and Sale of Stolen Firearms and Possession of Stolen Firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2) and Section 2. Mr. Kier was ordered by the Court to pay restitution in the amount of $54,145.04.
According to the plea agreement, Mr. Kier admitted that in October of 2010, he stole a Shearwater boat in Marion County, Florida, which he later sold in Coffee County, Georgia. He also admitted that he burglarized two homes in Echols County, Georgia, in October and November of 2010, where he stole 22 weapons, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, and three Polaris all-terrain vehicles. The weapons from one burglary were recovered in Coffee County and in Florida after a co-defendant attempted to sell some of them. The ATVs were later recovered in Madison County, Florida, in a trailer stolen from Lanier County, Georgia. Mr. Kier also admitted that on Christmas Day of 2011 he stole a Ford truck in Madison County, Florida, which was later recovered following a wreck in Lowndes County, Georgia. Mr. Kier admitted that he had stolen and been involved in the sale of numerous stolen vehicles and other items of equipment from various locations in Georgia and Florida. Mr. Kier stipulated that he possessed and stole 22 firearms and other stolen property constituting a loss to the owners of that property of between $120,000.00 and $200,000.00.
“When Mr. Kier stole these guns, he guaranteed that my office would use our resources to find him and send him to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Echols County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with a number of other South Georgia and Florida local law enforcement agencies, including the Lowndes County and Coffee County Sheriff’s Offices and the Madison and Marion County Sheriff’s Offices in Florida. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Adrian Leary, age 33, of Eatonville, Florida, was sentenced on June 3, 2013 to 105 months in prison to be followed by four (4) years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(ii)(II) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. The Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge, sentenced Mr. Leary in Valdosta, Georgia.
In entering of his plea of guilty on February 22, 2013, Mr. Leary admitted that on August 18, 2012, in an effort to evade law enforcement while driving southbound on Interstate 75, he drove at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Mr. Leary admitted damaging two vehicles during the pursuit after exiting Interstate 75. Mr. Leary was apprehended shortly after his attempt to flee the second crash site. A search of the vehicle revealed 525.7 grams of cocaine which were seized and tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“Mr. Leary’s actions both as he distributed cocaine and as he recklessly fled from the Sheriff’s deputies, put the public in danger. He won’t be a threat to public safety while he is in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary, who is not related to the defendant, handled the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Woman Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Nicole Bogan, age 39, of Tennessee, was sentenced by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Judge in Columbus, Georgia, on May 30, 2013 for health care fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 1347(a)(2). After entering a plea of guilty to health care fraud, Judge Land sentenced Ms. Bogan to ten (10) months to serve in a federal prison followed by three (3) years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $87,355.00 to American Family Life Assurance Corporation (AFLAC), and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.
In entering a plea of guilty to Count One of the Information, Ms. Bogan admitted that between the dates of October 12, 2009, and February 9, 2012, she fraudulently collected $87,355.00 from American Family Life Assurance Corporation ( AFLAC). During the relevant time period, Ms. Bogan submitted numerous fraudulent claim forms on a cancer policy as well as a disability policy relating to medical expenses and missed work stemming from a purported bout with cancer. As part of her plea, Ms. Bogan admitted that she never, in fact, had cancer and had lied about having the disease in order to collect payments to which she was not entitled from American Family Life Assurance Corporation (AFLAC).
“As we continue to prosecute health care fraud cases, we are forcing defendants like Ms. Bogan to pay for their crime and rooting out fraud one defendant at a time” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Drug Dealer and Armed Career Criminal SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Travis Lokey, age 32, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on May 30, 2013, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia in Columbus, Georgia. Judge Land sentenced Mr. Lokey to seventeen and one-half (17 ½) years in prison for distribution of crack cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 41(b)(1)(B)(iii), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e).
In entering his plea of guilty to Count One of the Superseding Information, Mr. Lokey admitted that on May 10, 2011, he distributed over twenty-eight (28) grams of crack cocaine to a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, Mr. Lokey entered a guilty plea to Count Two of the Superseding Information, admitting that on October 27, 2011, he was stopped for a speeding violation which revealed that he had a suspended driver’s license. During a search by an officer with the Columbus Police Department, a Charter Arms model Undercover.38 Special caliber revolver was found in Mr. Lokey’s right front pants pocket.
As a result of Mr. Lokey’s prior convictions, he faced a sentence of five (5) to forty (40) years for the distribution of crack cocaine and a sentence of fifteen (15) years to life for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon as mandated by the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 (which requires a mandatory minimum of fifteen years (15) years to life for individuals with three prior convictions for either drug trafficking crimes or crimes of violence).“When repeat offenders are taken off the streets it is a win for us all, and in this case especially for the people of Columbus,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Armed Career Criminal SentencedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Charles Solomon Glover, age 48, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on May 30, 2013 in Columbus, Georgia by the Honorable Clay D. Land, District Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Mr. Glover was sentenced to seventeen and one-half
(17 ½) years imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e).In entering his plea of guilty to Count One of the Superseding Information, Mr. Glover admitted that on August 3, 2011, he possessed eight (8) firearms in connection with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. Mr. Glover admitted that during a traffic stop for driving with a suspended license, a large quantity of narcotics was found in his possession. At a later date, a search was also conducted at a business registered in Mr. Glover’s name and his residence which yielded additional illegal drugs and firearms.
Mr. Glover’s prior convictions for burglary, several felony drug trafficking crimes, as well conspiracy to commit murder resulted in Mr. Glover facing a sentence of fifteen (15) years to life for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon as mandated by the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984 (which requires a mandatory minimum of fifteen years (15) years to life for individuals with three prior convictions for either drug trafficking crimes or crimes of violence).
“Repeat offenders like Mr. Glover, need to be in prison for a long time, and as we continue to pursue these cases, that is exactly where they are going to find themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
This case was investigated by the Metro Narcotics Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Trucking Company Owner IndictedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Devasko Dewayne Lewis, age 34, of Lowndes County, Georgia, was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Macon, Georgia on May 16, 2013 for two counts of making False Statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of a Federal agency in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 1001 and 2, as well as Conspiracy to Continue Operations After Imposition of an Out-of-Service Order, in violation of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 386.72 and in in connection with Title 49, United States Code, Section 521(B)(6)(A). A copy of the indictment as filed in United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia is attached.
The indictment alleges that Mr. Lewis and his prior company, Lewis Trucking, was the subject of an Imminent Hazard Operations Out-of-Service Order issued by the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which was served on Mr. Lewis on October 6, 2008 and has remained in effect since. Mr. Lewis violated the Order by continuing to operate commercial motor vehicles and concealing his true involvement by filing the applications for Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Numbers under names other than his own.
If convicted, Mr. Lewis faces imprisonment up to five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years supervised release, a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00 as to each of the false statement counts. With regard to the conspiracy count, the maximum penalty in the event of conviction is one (1) year imprisonment, up to $25,000.00 fine or both, and up to one (1) year supervised release, $25.00 mandatory assessment fee of $25.00.An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The case was investigated by United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Plea of Guilty Entered to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Josh Ensley, age 52, of Tucker, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty to Count One of an Indictment charging him with Receipt of Child Pornography, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). Mr. Ensley entered his plea before the Honorable Charles A. Pannell, Jr., United States District Judge in Atlanta, Georgia on May 16, 2013.In entering a plea of guilty, Mr. Ensley admitted that between September 18, 2008, and March 20, 2011, he ordered and received DVDs containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and which had been shipped to him in interstate commerce. He also admitted that on October 25, 2012, he possessed additional material on his computer which contained visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and which had been obtained by him over the internet using a facility in and affecting interstate commerce. Some of the visual depictions possessed by Mr. Ensley depicted minors who were younger than twelve (12) years old. Mr. Ensley was an employee of a school in Dekalb County, Georgia, which had students under the age of eighteen (18) years, and he further acknowledged that on October 25, 2012, he possessed videos that he had produced which depicted minor students of the school using the restroom. He admitted surreptitiously placing video cameras in the boys’ and girls’ restrooms at the school and videotaping students’ genitals without their knowledge or consent.
Mr. Ensley faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years imprisonment up to a maximum sentence of twenty years (20) imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years up to life, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is scheduled for July 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
“Our child pornography laws are on the books to protect our children from people like Mr. Ensley. Every time he viewed one of his DVDs containing child pornography, he re-victimized these children. This guilty plea reminds us that we, as parents and educators and anyone else caring for children, must be mindful of those who prey on them,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Atlanta Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Paul C. McCommon III and Robert D. McCullers.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Health Care Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christine Rahl, age 46, a resident of Social Circle, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty today to a multi-count Information before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Judge in Macon, Georgia. Count One charged Ms. Rahl with Embezzlement in Connection with Health Care, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 669. Counts Two through Five charged Ms. Rahl with Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1957.
Ms. Rahl was an employee with Marmalade Health which operates Abbey Hospice in Social Circle, Georgia. Ms. Rahl was in charge of payroll for Marmalade Health. The payroll and expense information was electronically submitted to Paychex who would then make electronic deposits into the accounts of employees. In order to receive extra pay, Ms. Rahl gave herself unauthorized raises and submitted false expenses for herself. Ms. Rahl continued this activity during a five and a half year time period. In her plea, she admitted that she illegally appropriated for her own use and benefit $1,586,847.14 from Marmalade Health. The money she received was deposited into the Wells Fargo Bank, where she would then write checks and use credit cards to purchase items for her personal use.
Ms. Rahl faces a maximum possible sentence of ten years imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine and a $100.00 mandatory assessment fee per count.
“When Ms. Rahl committed health care fraud and embezzlement, she stole from a system designed to help those who are critically or terminally ill. We will continue to use our investigative resources to vigorously prosecute individuals who defraud the health care system,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by agents of the Human Health Service and Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sharon Ratley.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.
Georgia Man Plead Guilty to Receiving Bribes in Transportation Scheme at Local Military BaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two former employees at the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (MCLB-Albany) have pleaded guilty to receiving bribes related to a scheme to funnel freight hauling business to a local transportation company resulting in the loss of millions of dollars to the United States government, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia.Mitchell D. Potts, 48, and Jeffrey S. Philpot, 35, both of Sylvester, Ga., each 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 their guilty pleas, Potts, the former Traffic Office Supervisor for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at MCLB-Albany, and Philpot, the former Lead Transportation Assistant in the Traffic Office, admitted to participating in a scheme whereby Potts and Philpot assisted Person A, the owner of several local commercial trucking companies, in obtaining trucking business from the DLA in exchange for the payment of cash and other things of value. Both defendants admitted that they took a variety of steps designed to push business to Person A and his companies, including: 1) delaying shipments for a period of hours or days, thereby reducing the time available to fulfill the shipping request and assuring that it would be awarded to a local trucking company, usually one owned by Person A; 2) “short loading” shipments awarded to Person A’s companies so that it would appear to require more trucks than necessary to move the subject freight, resulting in additional loads being awarded to Person A’s companies; 3) indicating that removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers were required for shipments, which resulted in many loads being directed to Person A’s companies because they always had RGNs available; and 4) creating “ghost shipments” where Person A billed the DLA for shipments that were never made. Both Potts and Philpot admitted that their actions led to millions of dollars of overcharges to the government.Potts and Philpot admitted that they received cash payments from Person A when he visited the traffic office, sometimes multiple times per week. They also admitted receiving lunches provided by Person A several times a week during the relevant period and that they also received gift cards and other things of value. Potts admitted receiving approximately $209,000 in kickbacks from Person A during the roughly three-year scheme. Philpot admitted receiving approximately $523,000 in cash and other things of value from Person A during the same period.
At sentencing, Potts and Philpot each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of not more than twice the pecuniary loss to the government. As part of their plea agreements with the United States, both Potts and Philpot have agreed to forfeit the bribe proceeds they received from the scheme, as well as to pay full restitution to the Department of Defense. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15, 2013.
“Not only were Mr. Potts and Mr. Philpot lining their pockets with bribe money, they were stealing from the American people. I have no tolerance for this type of corruption and theft, and my office will continue to investigate this type of criminal activity, plucking bad apples from the barrel whenever we find one,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.
The case is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office Economic Crime Unit, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Logistics Agency Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and J.P. Cooney of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Former Wilcox County, Georgia, Sheriff and Others Sentenced for Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department announced that former Sheriff of Wilcox County, Ga., Stacy Bloodsworth was sentenced to 10 years in prison for assaulting an inmate inside the Wilcox County Jail and for conspiring to cover up the assault. Four other people have also been sentenced for their roles in the same assault and cover-up. Bloodsworth’s son, Austin Bloodsworth, was sentenced to 18 months in prison; former Wilcox County inmate-trustee Willie James Caruthers was sentenced to 18 months in prison; former South Central Georgia Drug Task Force Agent Timothy King Jr. was sentenced to 6 months in prison and former Wilcox County Jailer Casey Owens was sentenced to probation.
Stacy Bloodsworth pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2012. During his plea hearing, Stacy Bloodsworth admitted that on July 23, 2009, while he was the sheriff, he was inside the Wilcox County Jail with several other individuals, including Austin Bloodsworth, Caruthers, King and Owens. Stacy Bloodsworth ordered three inmates out of their cells because he was angry that one of them reportedly had a cell phone, in violation of Wilcox County Jail regulations. Bloodsworth hit all three inmates, and also watched as other participants struck and kicked the inmates. After it appeared that one inmate’s jaw had been broken, Stacy Bloodsworth used a wrench in an attempt to put his broken jaw back into place. Approximately one week later, the inmate was brought to a local hospital, where his jaw had to be wired shut. The other two inmates who had been assaulted suffered lacerations, bruising and pain.
During the plea hearing, Stacy Bloodsworth further admitted that he concocted a false cover story about the assaults in order to cover up the involvement of the law enforcement officials. Specifically, Stacy Bloodsworth ordered Caruthers, Austin Bloodsworth, King and Owens that, if they were ever questioned about the incident, they should say that Caruthers and the victim got into a fight after the inmate called Caruthers a racial slur. Stacy Bloodsworth, knowing that this statement was false, also instructed Caruthers and Owens to write this false cover story in a report. In addition, in August 2010, after learning that the inmate whose jaw had been broken had hired an attorney and had initiated a lawsuit, then-Sheriff Bloodsworth met with King and Owens and again instructed them that to relay the false story about the cause of the inmate’s broken jaw. In April 2011, then-Sheriff Bloodsworth relayed the false cover story regarding the cause of inmate’s broken jaw to FBI Special Agents.
“Today’s sentence reflects that law enforcement officers who assault inmates in their custody and make false statements erode the trust of the people they have sworn to protect,” said Roy L. Austin Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting law enforcement officers who abuse their power and violate the constitutional rights of individuals in their custody.”
“We expect our law enforcement officers to protect and serve the public, but in this case the defendants did neither,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Michael Moore. “The sentences handed down today bring closure to an alarming case, where those sworn to uphold the law now feel the full weight of it.”
Caruthers pleaded guilty to assaulting the inmate, and to conspiring to cover up the assault. Austin Bloodsworth and Timothy King Jr. each pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the assault, while Owens pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard V. Hogan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
13-524DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.
United States Attorney's Office Supports Drug Enforcement Administration's National Take-Back InitiativeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Michael J. Moore, Middle District of Georgia, announces the commitment of resources to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Take-Back Initiative which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in various locations throughout the district. This is an opportunity for those who have subsequently accumulated unwanted and unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.In the five previous Take-Back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, have collected more than two million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medication from circulation. The National Prescription Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of these medications.
“We understand that prescription medicine abuse is a serious issue that is affecting an entire generation,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore. “We have joined this important effort because we are committed to fighting prescription medicine abuse. As prosecutors of narcotics cases, we understand that the need to endorse this effort is crucial. Cleaning out medicine cabinets and securing medications will reduce the chance of someone abusing prescription medication that is not intended for them, and will protect surplus drugs from theft.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages everyone to take part in the National Prescription Take-Back Initiative on Saturday, April 27, 2013 where the Drug Enforcement Administration, state, local, and community partners will be collecting unwanted medicines. In addition, we urge everyone to report drug dealers and unscrupulous medical personnel who provide prescription medicines to our citizens.
Take-Back events will be held in various locations, including Eatonton, Macon, Forsyth, Leesburg, Athens, Ft. Benning, and Blakely.To join the effort, find a location near you and take the pledge to stop prescription medicines abuse go to: Locate Collection Site Near You
Collection site locations are now available. Check back often; sites are added daily. Please contact the Call Center at 1-800-882-9539 if you require assistance.Former Bank Teller Sentenced to Prison for Embezzlement of Government Funds and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced the sentencing of Victoria Metz, age 26, formerly a resident of Albany, Georgia, on April 25, 2013, by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, Albany, Georgia.
Ms. Metz was sentenced by Judge Sands to serve 48 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons and 3 years of supervised release after serving her sentence. She was also ordered to pay restitution to Colony Bank in the amount of $79,361.00.
On January 16, 2013, Ms. Metz was found guilty by a jury of Counts One through Twelve, Sixteen, Eighteen, Nineteen and Twenty. Counts One through Ten charged Embezzlement of Government Property, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 641. Counts Eleven through Twenty charged Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1028A.
“When Ms. Metz stole her victims’ identities, she took something from every one of us. The message should be clear, when you commit identity theft, you are going to jail,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
Ms. Metz while employed as a teller at Colony Bank, Leesburg, Georgia, knowingly cashed $79,361.00 in stolen Internal Revenue Service refund checks. Ms. Metz admitted to law enforcement agents that on some occasions she received a cut of the proceeds from the third party that supplied her with the stolen checks.The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, and the Leesburg Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Air Conditioner Thief Sentenced to Six-And-A-Half Years in Federal Prison for Damaging EnvironmentRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Alexander Morrissette, age 27, of Monroe, Georgia was sentenced today in Macon, Georgia, by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. Morrissette had earlier pleaded guilty to two counts of knowingly releasing ozone-depleting substances into the environment. Chief Judge Royal sentenced Morrissette to 78 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system and the term of imprisonment is to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Morrissette was ordered to make restitution of $178,846.81, the amount of money needed to repair several commercial air conditioners illegally harvested for scrap metal. Randall Scott Wimpey, a Co-Defendant, age 31, of Snellville, Georgia, was previously sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by Chief Judge Royal on February 20, 2013, in Athens, Georgia.
"These defendants destroyed several industrial-sized air conditioning units to steal copper and aluminum parts to sell for scrap metal," said United States Attorney Michael Moore. "Their crimes not only caused property damage to a business and a church, it resulted in harm to the environment by releasing ozone-depleting refrigerant into the atmosphere, harming all of us."
"All life on earth depends on a healthy ozone layer in the stratosphere. If that layer is depleted, the sun's ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, cataracts and suppression of the immune system," said Maureen O'Mara, Special Agent in Charge of EPA's criminal enforcement program in Georgia. "Through the illegal selling of air conditioner parts, the defendants violated the Clean Air Act, whose primary purpose is to protect human health. This case is another good example of EPA's continuing efforts with state and local partners to investigate and prosecute illegal activity that places public safety in jeopardy."
The case was investigated by the Special Agents of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Monroe Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Danial E. Bennett.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Ponzi Scheme IndictedRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that GREGORY L. CRABTREE of Proctorville, Ohio, and JAMES M. DONNAN, III, of Athens, Georgia, have been charged in an eighty-five count indictment returned against them last week and unsealed today. The indictment charges the two men with operating an alleged pyramid or “Ponzi” scheme between 2008 and 2010 in the Middle District of Georgia and elsewhere.CRABTREE and DONNAN are scheduled to appear at 3:30 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle for an initial appearance as to these charges.
Count one of the indictment charges conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud in violation of United States Code Title 18, Sections 1349, 1341 and 1343. It carries a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine upon conviction, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Counts two through thirteen charge mail fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2 . Counts fourteen through thirty-six charge wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2. Each count of mail or wire fraud carries a maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000, together with three years of supervised release per count.
Counts thirty-seven through fifty-one each charge the unlawful transportation of interstate securities and carry a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of three years per count.
Count fifty-two charges conspiracy to launder the proceeds of unlawful activity in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956 (h) and carries a maximum sentence of up to twenty years imprisonment and a maximum fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the funds or financial instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greater, to be followed with up to three years of supervised release.
Counts fifty-three through seventy charge conducting financial transactions with unlawful proceeds of mail and wire fraud (money laundering) to promote the commission of that fraudulent activity in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(1)(A)(I) and 2. These counts each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds or financial instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greater, together with up to three years of supervised release.
Counts seventy-one through eighty-five charge engaging in monetary transactions with property criminally derived from wire and mail fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1957 and 2. Each of these counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the value of the criminally derived property that is the basis of the transaction, whichever is greater, together with up to three years of supervised release.
The indictment also has notice provisions that the United States intends to forfeit various properties and assets of the defendants pursuant to the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Section 981(a)(1)(C) and Title 28, United States Code, Section 2461(c).
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations of criminal activity by the government and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The case was jointly investigated by Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Eight Current or Former Macon State Prison Officers Charged in Conspiracy to Assault InmatesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Deputy Warden James Hinton and seven former members of the Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Ga., were charged with federal civil rights, conspiracy or obstruction offenses arising out of incidents in which inmates were allegedly assaulted by officers in order to punish the inmates for prior misconduct. The indictment alleges that former CERT members Christopher Hall, Ronald Lach Jr., Delton Rushin, Kerry Bolden, Derrick Wimbush, Kadarius Thomas and Tyler Griffin, conspired to assault inmates, and that the seven former CERT members conspired with Deputy Warden Hinton and others to cover up their misconduct by writing false reports and providing misleading information to investigators.The defendants face statutory maximum sentences of 10 years for the civil rights conspiracy charge; 10 years for the civil rights violation; and 20 years for each count of obstruction.
Three former CERT members: Emmett McKenzie, Darren Douglass-Griffin and Willie Redden, previously entered guilty pleas in related cases before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation initially conducted an investigation at Macon State Prison. The investigation by the Macon Resident Agency of the FBI is ongoing. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Forrest Christian and Trial Attorney Tona Boyd of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Dr. George Robert Vito, who formerly practiced as a Podiatrist in Macon, Georgia, was indicted April 11, 2013 for four counts of Bankruptcy Fraud, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 152(2).
The indictment alleges that Dr. Vito committed bankruptcy fraud by making false statements under oath by filing documents in his Chapter 7 bankruptcy case which were signed by him under penalty of perjury but intentionally omitted certain financial affairs, including Dr. Vito’s financial interests, control and ownership of a number of corporations. Dr. Vito is also charged with Bankruptcy Fraud for filing an Amendment to Statement of Financial Affairs Schedule in his bankruptcy case which intentionally omitted certain assets including cash, income, furniture, jewelry, real property and corporations.
The indictment further alleges that Dr. Vito knowingly and fraudulently made a false oath in his bankruptcy case by falsely asserting that his bankruptcy petition and supporting documents were true and correct. He is also charged with bankruptcy fraud by making a false oath for providing false testimony at the Creditor’s Meeting in connection with his Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition.
An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial. An Initial Appearance hearing will be scheduled by the Court.
If convicted, Dr. Vito faces a maximum penalty on each count of five years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and $100 mandatory assessment fee.
This case was the result of a joint investigation with the United States Bankruptcy Trustee and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin is prosecuting the case for the Government.Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Eric Colbert, age 38, of Albany, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty today to Count One of an Indictment charging him with Armed Robbery, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2113(a) & (d) and Count Two charging Mr. Colbert with Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c) (1). Mr. Colbert entered his plea before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge in Albany, Georgia.
As part of his plea of guilty, Mr. Colbert admitted that on the morning of November 18, 2011, he entered First State Bank in Albany, Georgia, held up a gun, fired a shot into the ceiling, and shouted, “This is a robbery!” Mr. Colbert also admitted firing an additional shot at an Albany Police Department officer who was in the bank, and then firing several shots behind him as he fled from the bank with the officer in pursuit. Mr. Colbert was apprehended shortly after his attempt to rob the First State Bank. No money was stolen from the Bank, and no one was hurt.
The maximum penalty for Count One is twenty-five (25) years in prison and a fine of $250,000.00, or both, followed by a term of supervised release of five (5) years. Count Two carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both, followed by a term of supervised release of five (5) years. The sentence imposed pursuant to Count Two will run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Albany Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary is handling the prosecution for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Identity Thief Enters Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Maurice Hester, of Milledgeville, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on April 8, 2013, to Counts One, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Ten, and Eleven of a Superseding Indictment.
Count One of the Indictment charged Mr. Hester with Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1341; Count Five charged Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1343. The defendant faces a statutory penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years.
Counts Six through Eight charged False Claims Against the Government, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 287. The maximum possible sentence is 5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000 followed by a term of supervised release of 3 years.
Count Ten charged Theft of Stolen Government Money and Property, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 641. The maximum possible sentence is 10 years imprisonment with a maximum fine of $250,000.
Count Eleven charged Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1028A. The mandatory minimum sentence is 2 years imprisonment, to run consecutive to all other sentences. The defendant is subject to a mandatory assessment of $100.00 for each count.
Mr. Hester entered a guilty plea to Filing False Claims against the Government and Wire Fraud by filing false income tax returns and fraudulent claims for refunds, including one claim for a fraudulent refund of over $600,000. In addition, Mr. Hester pleaded guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft by filing tax returns in the names of others and then transmitting false refunds into his own bank accounts. The Indictment also charged Mr. Hester with Mail Fraud for unlawfully diverting the mail of another taxpayer, so the he could wrongfully intercept a U.S. Treasury check.
“When Mr. Hester committed these acts of fraud and identity theft, he stole from honest tax-paying citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Moore. Sentencing is set for June 25, 2013.
The investigation was handled by the United States Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Defendants Indicted for Filing False Federal Tax Returns, Theft of Government Property, and Identify TheftRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that a federal grand jury in Macon, Georgia has charged Michelle Blankenship of Upson County, Georgia, age 32, and Edna Yvonne Orr Goff of Sumter County, Georgia, age 37, in a multi-count Indictment with Conspiracy to Defraud the Federal Government in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 286. Ms. Blankenship is also charged in Counts two (2) through fourteen (14) with Theft of Public Money in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 641 and Section 2. Ms. Blankenship and Ms. Goff are charged in Counts fourteen (14) through seventeen (17) with Identity Theft in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1028A and (2).
If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Ms. Blankenship and Ms. Goff face a maximum possible sentence of five (5) years incarceration. A conviction for theft of government property carries a maximum possible sentence of ten (10) years for each charge. Each count of Identity Theft carries a maximum possible sentence of two (2) years imprisonment.
The Indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme and conspiracy to defraud the United States by filing false federal income tax returns using names and identity information of other individuals without their knowledge.
An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
Ms. Goff entered a plea of not guilty on March 25, 2013, and Ms. Blankenship, a former employee of the Internal Revenue Service, entered a plea of not guilty on April 9, 2013. Both defendants are awaiting trial, which will be scheduled by the Court.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Calhoun.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Thanh Quoc Hoang, age 49, a resident of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced on March 28, 2013, on six counts of Bank Fraud against American Express and Fleet Credit Card Services, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, United States District Court, Macon, Georgia after being found guilty by a jury trial on August 28, 2012.
Mr. Hoang was sentenced to twenty-eight months imprisonment, to be followed by five years supervised release, a mandatory assessment fee of $600.00. Mr. Hoang was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $25,000.00.
Mr. Hoang devised a scheme to defraud merchants and credit card companies in obtaining goods, services and cash by presenting checks drawn on his personal checking account at Security Bank of Bibb County. Mr. Hoang knew that there were insufficient funds for payment to these various businesses and credit card companies. As a result of his scheme to defraud he obtained more than $200,000.00 worth of cash, goods, and services.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verda M. Colvin.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.
Georgia Husband and Wife Tax Return Preparers Indicted for Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
On March 14, 2013, a federal grand jury in Macon, Ga., returned an 18 count indictment alleging that Natashia and Detrick Tucker, a husband and wife couple who owned and operated a tax preparation business named T&T Express located in Pine Mountain, Ga., conspired to defraud the United States by preparing and filing fraudulent tax returns that illegally claimed inflated tax refunds for their clients. The indictment also charges both of the Tuckers with specific counts of aiding the filing of false tax returns, including Natashia Tucker’s personal returns. The Tuckers were arrested and made their initial appearances in court today.An indictment is merely a formal charge by the grand jury. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Natashia and Detrick Tucker each face a maximum potential sentence of ten years’ imprisonment. Further, they face maximum of three years in prison for each count of conviction for aiding the filing of false tax returns.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Charles Edgar Jr. of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Michael Solis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The case was investigated with the assistance of special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Georgia Department of Revenue.
More information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/tax.
Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2601.