Middle District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Convicted Felons Plead Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms in Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigations in Macon and Middle GeorgiaRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two Georgians with criminal pasts pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms resulting from separate Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations.
Travis Marcia Davis, 45, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If determined by the Court to be an Armed Career Criminal, Davis faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine; if determined by the Court to not be an Armed Career Criminal, Davis faces a maximum of ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Johnny Grilliot aka “Julio,” 48, of Calhoun, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Grilliot faces a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The hearings occurred before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Aug. 26. The sentencing dates for the defendants will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“These cases demonstrate the ongoing efforts by federal, state and local law enforcement in Macon and across the Middle District of Georgia to protect communities from gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are thankful for the valuable work of our law enforcement partners to help us hold these individuals accountable for crimes that jeopardize the safety of our communities.”
“Among ATF’s top priorities is ensuring that firearms traffickers are aggressively investigated and swiftly brought to justice,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Atlanta Field Division Beau Kolodka. “This is an excellent example of such an investigation that was worked cooperatively by partner agencies with outstanding results.”
According to court documents and statements made in court in the Davis case, ATF began investigating Davis in May 2022 for firearms trafficking. Working with a confidential informant, agents conducted a series of controlled purchases of firearms and ammunition from the defendant in May and June at locations in the Macon area, including at Davis’s residence, acquiring 12 firearms. The firearms sold illegally by the defendant included a .380 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number and a sawed-off shotgun that Davis hid in a separate location from other firearms he was selling because he stated he was “scared” of that particular sawed-off shotgun as “it will get you Fed time.” Davis is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court in the Grilliot case, GBI agents took Grilliot into custody on a warrant in a pending narcotics conspiracy investigation on Sept. 1, 2023, at a rest stop off I-475. A search warrant was obtained for the 18-wheeler Grilliot was driving. Inside, agents found a loaded .40 caliber pistol along with a small plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine and a pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue. Grilliot was previously convicted for one count of possession of an unregistered firearm due to his possession of a rifle that had been sawed off on both the barrel and stock to below the legal length with a homemade silencer taped to the shortened barrel, in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia on July 7, 2021, and was serving supervised release at the time of this offense.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results
The Davis case was investigated by ATF. The Grilliot case was investigated by GBI and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the cases for the Government.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen Pistol with Extended MagazineRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Columbus resident with prior felony drug convictions who crashed his car into a fire station and was subsequently found to have a stolen pistol with a high-capacity magazine and illegal drugs entered a guilty plea in federal court.
Joseph Harold Taylor, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Aug. 20. Taylor is facing a minimum of five years up to a maximum of life imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“It is fortunate that that no one was injured when the defendant crashed his car into a fire station, and that police were able to remove a stolen firearm with a high-capacity magazine from the streets of Columbus,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe and upholding federal law, especially when it pertains to offenders caught with stolen assault weapons.”
“Criminals must understand that there are serious repercussions for the illegal possession of firearms and that ATF and our law enforcement partners will contribute all necessary time and effort to ensure criminals are brought to justice,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka.
"Joseph Taylor's reckless actions put lives at risk. Possessing a stolen firearm with a high-capacity magazine while engaged in illegal drug activity is a serious threat to our community. The Columbus Police Department remains committed to removing illegal weapons from our streets and holding offenders accountable,” said Columbus Police Department Chief Stoney Mathis.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, shortly before 2 a.m. on March 15, 2023, Taylor crashed the car he was driving into Fire Station 11 on Warm Springs Road in Columbus. Columbus Police Department officers were called to the single-vehicle crash and found that Taylor—who was uninjured in the crash and was the sole occupant of the sedan—had left the roadway, crashed into the fire station and hit a truck belonging to an employee of the fire department.
The officers observed what appeared to be a bullet hole in the vehicle and noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the car. Officers found a stolen 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended 21-round magazine attached on the front floorboard of the driver’s side. A satchel was found inside the car containing cocaine and suspected marijuana, as well as other commonly used drug distribution items. Taylor has two prior state felony drug convictions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by ATF and the Columbus Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.
Final Defendant Sentenced in $1M COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The final codefendant convicted of a fraud scheme that illegally sought more than $1 million from pandemic relief funds was sentenced to federal prison.
Sharmaine Simpson, 37, of Pelham, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Aug. 15, after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. On March 13, co-defendants Jeremy Russell, 38, of Pelham, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud; Travon Duhart, 40, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud; Mario Meadows, 46, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud; and Johnderrious Lovett, 31, of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner presided over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Pandemic relief funds were intended to provide critical help to small businesses, not enrich fraudsters,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “We will pursue justice against those who criminally abused this taxpayer funded program.”
“So many businesses needed federal emergency assistance to stay afloat during the pandemic, and Simpson and his co-defendants misdirected that assistance money to line their own pockets,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Albany office. “Their greed affects every American taxpayer, and the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who abused taxpayer dollars and diverted them from citizens who desperately needed them.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, from March 2020 to at least April 2021, the defendants joined a conspiracy to collectively submit at least 25 different fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of companies they controlled individually or together, seeking a total of $1,079,233.02 plus unemployment benefits. In all, the defendants received and deposited $411,657.02 from the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a result of these falsified claims. The various loan applications were for corporations the defendants established, and included all manner of concocted information, including fabricated revenues, employees, payroll costs, rent, operational expenditures and fraudulent tax returns. The defendants continued to make false statements after several loans were denied due to fraud alerts and continued their attempts to gain funds through the SBA and other government entities.
One example of the pandemic fraud scheme was a $100,000 loan received for J.T.L.S. Music Group. Russell, Duhart, Lovett and Simpson were listed as 25% owners of the business on their EIDL application and claimed to have ten employees. However, the Georgia Department of Labor reported that J.T.L.S. Music Group did not pay any wages or unemployment insurance to any employees from 2017 to 2022. J.T.L.S. Music Group also reported gross revenues of $250,000 for the 12-months prior to the “date of disaster” on its EIDL application but did not report any income or paid taxes to the State of Georgia from 2017 to 2022, nor did they file taxes with the IRS. After the $100,000 loan was deposited, Russell recalled someone texting “y’all betta get y’all money out because I got mine,” in a group text with him, Duhart, Lovett and Simpson.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted by Congress in March 2020, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this effort, the SBA was able to provide EIDLs to individuals, households and businesses in federally declared disaster areas. The PPP was established as a forgivable loan to small businesses for eligible expenses, like payroll.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG).
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.
National Constitutional Militia Member Sentenced for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A convicted felon and member of an anti-government extremist group who took part in online discussions to kidnap and attack federal officials on Thanksgiving Day 2022 was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing firearms during a trip to Georgia.
Joshua Colston, 50, of Corinth, Mississippi, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Aug. 15. Colston previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Oct. 18, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Safeguarding our communities from all threats is the top priority of our office and of law enforcement at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Illegally armed convicted felons will face federal prosecution when they are caught with guns in the Middle District of Georgia.”
“Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, Colston will spend time behind bars where he will not be able to carry out any of his extremist plans to harm members of our community,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Albany office. “FBI is determined to hold convicted felons illegally possessing firearms accountable for their crimes.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, FBI learned that Colston and others participated in discussions on a Zello chat channel titled “NCM Leadership.” Zello is an encrypted push-to-talk application used on cellular phones. “NCM” stands for National Constitutional Militia, an anti-government extremist organization. Colston and other NCM members discussed a plan to kidnap or attack elected federal officials on Thanksgiving Day 2022. Ultimately, the Thanksgiving Day plan was never developed due to the group’s lack of resources and the poor health of the members.
FBI agents took Colston into custody in Fitzgerald, Georgia, on Dec. 14, 2022, where Colston went to purchase horses. He told agents that he planned to travel horseback across the country for several years, and he was preparing to go “off the grid.” Colston, who has prior felony convictions, was found to be in illegal possession of five firearms: a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a .40 semiautomatic pistol, a .22 semiautomatic rifle, a semiautomatic shotgun and a .44 lever-action rifle. The semiautomatic rifle was reported stolen in Alcorn County, Mississippi. In addition to the firearms, Colston had a bulletproof vest and more than 3,500 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds, in his vehicle. FBI believed that Colston had training in explosives. Colston has prior state convictions in Texas for felony theft and felony criminal mischief. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess firearms.
This case was investigated by FBI and the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
National Constitutional Militia Member Sentenced for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
A convicted felon and member of an anti-government extremist group who took part in online discussions to kidnap and attack federal officials on Thanksgiving Day 2022 was sentenced to prison for illegally possessing firearms during a trip to Georgia.
Joshua Colston, 50, of Corinth, Mississippi, was sentenced today to serve 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Colston previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Oct. 18, 2023.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, the FBI learned that Colston and others participated in discussions on a Zello chat channel titled “NCM Leadership.” Zello is an encrypted push-to-talk application used on cellular phones. “NCM” stands for National Constitutional Militia, an anti-government extremist organization. Colston and other NCM members discussed a plan to kidnap or attack elected federal officials on Thanksgiving Day 2022. Ultimately, the Thanksgiving Day plan was never developed due to the group’s lack of resources and the poor health of the members.
FBI agents took Colston into custody in Fitzgerald, Georgia, on Dec. 14, 2022, where Colston went to purchase horses. He told agents that he planned to travel horseback across the country for several years, and he was preparing to go “off the grid.” Colston, who has prior felony convictions, was found to be in illegal possession of five firearms: a 9mm semiautomatic pistol, .40 semiautomatic pistol, .22 semiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic shotgun and .44 lever-action rifle. The semiautomatic rifle was reported stolen in Alcorn County, Mississippi. In addition to the firearms, Colston had a bulletproof vest and more than 3,500 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds, in his vehicle. FBI believed that Colston had training in explosives. Colston has prior state convictions in Texas for felony theft and felony criminal mischief. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess firearms.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch made the announcement.
The FBI and Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case with assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Atlanta Woman Sentenced to Prison for Supplying Fentanyl and Meth to Armed Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The supplier to an armed methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking organization who was providing kilogram quantities of narcotics out of her high-rise Atlanta condominium was sentenced today to serve 20 years in prison.
Heather Marie Breland, 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 14. Breland previously pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting others to possess with intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine on Oct. 5, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Heather Breland enjoyed the trappings of luxury by trafficking in deadly drugs, to include the scourge of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Her 20-year federal prison sentence demonstrates the dedication of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to halting the supply of deadly drugs into our communities and saving lives."
“Violent and dangerous drug traffickers are enriching their lives by profiting off someone else’s pain and addiction,” stated Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Heather Breland will now face significant federal prison time for her crime.”
“Heather Breland and her co-defendants were involved in an organized network designed to peddle poison onto the streets of our community. Most law enforcement agencies don’t have the resources to handle investigations to combat organizations like this one. We are fortunate to have federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in Middle Georgia that recognize the benefit of working together in order to keep our communities safe,” said Peach County Sheriff Terry W. Deese.
According to court documents and statements made in court, between Oct. 2021 and June 2022, DEA agents and local law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by co-defendant Raiford Reeves aka “RH,” 44, of Warner Robins. Breland—the supplier to this DTO—was distributing kilogram quantities of narcotics, primarily methamphetamine and fentanyl, to Reeves out of her condominium located in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from cell phones belonging to Breland and Reeves and conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Reeves. Reeves would supply other co-defendants with some of the narcotics to sell.
Agents observed Breland travel to Macon to provide narcotics to Reeves; she also had a self-storage unit in Macon on Riverside Drive to store drugs. On May 26, agents executed search warrants in Warner Robins, Macon, and at Breland’s Atlanta condominium. In her residence, agents seized 3.266 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, 14.72 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a .22 magnum caliber revolver, two cellphones and $78,353 cash. Agents seized eight pounds of marijuana in a Louis Vuitton duffle bag from her Macon storage unit.
Following the searches, Breland fled to North Carolina, created a fictitious license plate and changed her hair length and color. She was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Oct. 20, 2022, at a hotel and casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. When she was arrested, she had methamphetamine and ID cards with a similar appearance but false identifying information. Breland has seven prior felony convictions for forgery, possession of methamphetamine, burglary and identity fraud. Co-defendant Reeves was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison on May 15, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on March 29, 2023.
For more information about this case and additional codefendants, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/atlanta-resident-supplying-armed-meth-fentanyl-organization-pleads-guilty.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Warner Robins Police Department, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Crisp County Man Pleads Guilty after Stealing 62 Guns from Macon BusinessRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with a criminal past who broke into a Macon pawn shop in 2023 and stole 62 firearms has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.
Rontavious Jamal Jackson, 33, of Cordele, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 13. Jackson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Stolen firearms fuel crime and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we are committed to doing everything we can to both prevent illegal firearms from getting into the hands of criminals and hold those responsible for gun trafficking accountable.”
“We take this crime very seriously," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “There were 62 firearms on the street, with the strong potential of being sold to or used by other criminals. Stealing firearms is a serious offense which results in significant federal prison time for all those responsible.”
“We can hope this case sends a clear message to convicted felons of the serious consequences of the possession of firearms. I am grateful for the relationship between the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and our Federal partners to continue to remove these potentially dangerous individuals from our streets,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.
"I am incredibly proud of our agency's efforts and the successful collaboration between our local and federal partners. These stolen weapons could have been used to take innocent lives. Our commitment to protecting our community remains unwavering, and this case is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together," said Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Jackson and another individual were seen on surveillance footage entering the Howard’s Pawn & Jewelry—a federally licensed firearms dealer—at 3:00 a.m. on April 5, 2023, and collecting 62 firearms into garbage bags. There was a large hole smashed in from outside the store and pieces of concrete blocks on the floor inside. On April 12, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office investigators learned from three sources that Jackson had stolen weapons at his Cordele residence. A search warrant was executed that same day, and agents recovered 32 firearms. The firearms matched the serial numbers of the stolen guns. Nine gun price tags were found, along with assorted ammunition, firearm parts and accessories, including ten magazines. The remaining 30 firearms have not been recovered. Jackson has a prior felony conviction; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Community Supervision (DCS).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.
Atlanta Man Sentenced to 28+ Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl that Contributed to a Poisoning DeathRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – An Atlanta resident who was supplying large quantities of fentanyl and other controlled substances to distributors in Middle Georgia was sentenced to serve more than 28 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl in a case where investigators found evidence of an individual who overdosed and died from drugs supplied by the defendant.
Lagary Williams aka “Frog,” 40, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 340 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Aug. 8. Williams pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances on Oct. 30, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Lagary Williams—who was recorded on wiretap mocking the death of a man who overdosed on his fentanyl supply—is now held accountable for providing kilograms of fentanyl and other deadly drugs to people living in Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat we’ve faced, and our office will continue to pour every available resource into addressing the fentanyl crisis alongside our federal, local and state law enforcement partners.”
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine have taken a terrible toll on our communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta Division. “This drug distributor and his associates will now face the consequences of their actions.”
“A large amount of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine was taken off the streets of Central Georgia, and a key supplier has been stopped,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Partnering with law enforcement at every level, GBI will continue to dedicate resources to investigating armed drug distribution activity in a collective effort to make the communities we serve safer.”
According to court documents, statements and evidence admitted in court, agents with the DEA Macon Resident Office (MRO), the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force (ODTF) and the GBI received credible and reliable information from multiple confidential sources regarding illegal drug activities occurring in the Milledgeville area in July 2020. Co-defendant Damon Hayes was identified as a multi-kilogram distributor of methamphetamine, powder cocaine and crack cocaine with Williams as his supply source. Through surveillance, agents observed Hayes acquire bulk quantities of narcotics from Williams’ luxury high-rise apartment in downtown Atlanta. During the course of the investigation, Williams and another distributor were recorded on wiretap discussing an overdose victim who died from fentanyl supplied by Williams. In the wiretap played during the sentencing hearing, Williams said, “You got one under your belt, boy [laughing]" to the distributor about the victim’s death by fentanyl poisoning. Williams also made statements demonstrating he was aware of the dangerously high strength of the fentanyl he was sourcing.
On Sept. 10, 2021, after intercepts on the wiretap indicated that Hayes was travelling to Atlanta to meet Williams for a drug re-supply meeting, a federal search warrant issued in the Northern District of Georgia was executed at Williams’ apartment. Agents encountered Williams and another person, who both jumped off the apartment’s balcony to evade capture. Both individuals were subsequently captured.
Agents recovered 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl in the apartment, as well as one kilogram of methamphetamine, two kilograms of cocaine, approximately 50 grams of cocaine base, approximately seven pounds of marijuana, a Glock 19 9mm pistol and a Ruger model 57 handgun. For information about the convictions of codefendants in this case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/atlanta-based-fentanyl-meth-supplier-central-georgia-pleads-guilty.
Over the past several years, the Justice Department has focused on breaking apart every link in the global fentanyl supply chain – from China to Mexico to the United States. To learn more, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/fact-sheet-justice-department-actions-counter-scourge-fentanyl-and-other-synthetic-drugs.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by DEA, GBI, the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office, the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Atlanta-Carolina’s HIDTA Office and the Gwinnett Metro Task Force.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Landlord Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A retired South Georgia school teacher and landlord was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison for possessing hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material after police first discovered hidden cameras he had placed inside his rental property’s bathroom recording young children bathing and undressing.
David Swanson, 61, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on July 31. In addition, Swanson will have to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. Swanson previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing child pornography. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“Child predators caught secretly filming unsuspecting and innocent young children and possessing all manners of child sexual abuse material will face justice for these crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement and prosecutors at every level across the Middle District of Georgia remain tireless in our pursuit of child predators out to harm our most vulnerable citizens.”
“The home should be a refuge for a family, particularly children. To violate that sanctuary is unforgivable, especially in such a reprehensible way,” said Jennifer Huerta, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that oversees Georgia and Alabama. “Let this sentence serve as a reminder that HSI and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating and holding offenders like Swanson accountable.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, a concerned citizen notified Ray City Police on March 1, 2023, that she found a hidden camera in the home she rented from Swanson. The responding officer located a camera hidden in the bathroom’s ceiling plugged into an extension cord that ran through the attic. The officer also found two more cameras hidden in electrical outlets in the same bathroom. The SD cards from the cameras contained images of four children between the ages of one to 12, changing clothes and using the toilet. There was also a video clip of Swanson stepping on the toilet, reaching towards the ceiling and then placing a small black object in his pocket. The numerous videos depicting nude minor children bathing and using the toilet were all recorded between Jan. 21, 2023, and Feb. 28, 2023.
Authorities checked Swanson’s other properties in Lowndes County and did not find additional cameras at the other residences. A search warrant was executed at Swanson’s Valdosta residence on March 3, 2023. Agents found approximately 750 images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—also known as child pornography—on his electronic devices. Some of the material included children nude in bathrooms, as well as minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. A review of Swanson’s laptop showed peer-to-peer programs had been loaded on the laptop and a search of the history revealed evidence of Swanson downloading pre-teen hardcore and evidence of a file named “child porn” that had been downloaded to what appeared to be an external drive. Swanson had recently retired as a teacher in the Lowndes County School System.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Ray City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Georgia Teacher Admits to Catfishing Students and Posting Child Sexual Assault Material on DiscordRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former Sandersville, Georgia, high school teacher pleaded guilty to producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM)—also known as child pornography—in federal court this morning.
Michael Allen Dendy, 33, of Milledgeville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 30. Dendy faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of thirty years in prison for production of child pornography and a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison for distribution child pornography. In addition, Dendy faces a maximum term of supervised release of life, and he will have to register as a child sex offender upon release from federal prison. Dendy faces a maximum fine of $250,000 and restitution to victims as determined by the Court. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
“It’s a nightmare for parents to imagine a trusted teacher catfishing students and then posting sexually explicit images of these kids on social media,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thanks to good police work, a child predator is off the streets and will be held accountable for the suffering and pain he has caused. Furthermore, this case is an important reminder that online predators are a real threat, and parents must exercise vigilance.”
“Teachers are supposed to be a safety net for our children, not target and exploit them,” said Jennifer Huerta, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that oversees Georgia and Alabama. “This plea represents the great work done by HSI and our partners to identify, investigate and prosecute these predators. HSI remains vigilant in protecting our children and holding those accountable those who exploit them.”
“Michael Allen Dendy’s guilty plea marks a significant step towards justice for the heinous crimes committed,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran. “We are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding our children and ensuring that those who prey on them are held accountable. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all law enforcement officers, prosecutors and support personnel who worked tirelessly on this case. Your dedication and hard work have made our community safer and brought us closer to justice for the victims.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) received multiple complaints in Dec. 2022 regarding child pornography being posted on the social media platform Discord and were informed that several local high school students had their images posted to the platform under “WACO Confessions” without their knowledge or approval. A WCSO investigation found “WACO Confessions” was created by an individual—later determined to be Dendy—under the username “TheOneYouLeftBehind.” The IP address most frequently used to access the account was tracked to Dendy’s residence. Dendy was a teacher at Washington County High School in Sandersville, Georgia, from Aug. 2020 until his arrest by WCSO deputies on Jan. 20, 2023.
Dendy admitted to obtaining nude images of individuals, particularly of underage students at Washington County High School. He confirmed that he would communicate with the students using fake Instagram accounts—posing as a young male and a young female on Instagram—and that he never met with any students in person. Dendy also admitted to creating “WACO Confessions.”
A search warrant executed at Dendy’s residence recovered numerous electronic devices containing CSAM and chat conversations between Dendy and several identified victims. Specifically, between Jan. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2023, Defendant persuaded a 16-year-old to engage in sexually explicit conduct, film the conduct and share it with Dendy through social media. In a separate incident, on Dec. 11, 2022, Dendy uploaded a video to “WACO Confessions” depicting a minor, who was between the ages of 14 and 15, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Dendy taught at three schools previously: Griffin High School in Griffin, Georgia, from 2018-2020; St. Charles High School in Waldorf, Maryland, from 2017-2018; and Starkville High School in Starkville, Mississippi, from 2014-2016. Parents and guardians of children who may have encountered Dendy and have concerns related to this investigation can contact the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-347-2423.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being investigated by WCSO and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with significant assistance from the Leesburg Police Department (Virginia), the Charles County Sheriff’s Office (Maryland) and the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Georgia Man with Seven Prior Felony Convictions Pleads Guilty to Armed Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Northeast Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history pleaded guilty to armed drug trafficking charges in federal court today.
Mandrell Antwoin Hull, 43, of Winterville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. Self, III on July 22. Hull faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life in prison. His sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Repeat offenders who continually disregard the law and whose actions harm our communities must be held accountable,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will continue to do everything in our power to support the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement to uphold the law and keep our neighborhoods safe.”
"Criminals like Hull continue to plague our communities with blatant disregard for the safety of others and reckless indifference to the law. It is only through our local and federal partnerships that we are able to put a stop to these violent repeat offenders,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Special Agent of FBI Atlanta's Athens office. “This case is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to keeping the streets of Georgia safe for everyone in our community.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Hull was serving supervised release for a 2018 federal conviction for marijuana distribution in Case No. 3:17-CR-24-CAR. On April 11, 2023, officers with the United States Probation Office (USPO) reached out to the FBI in Athens to request their assistance in conducting a search of Hull’s residence in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, because USPO believed that Hull was storing illegal drugs inside his residence. That same day, agents and officers searched his Winterville property and located cocaine, $32,826 in drug proceeds and a loaded 9mm pistol. Records show that Hull has five prior felony convictions in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County and one prior felony conviction in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County, in addition to his prior federal felony conviction for which he was serving supervised release at the time of this crime. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Bibb County Jail EscapeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon man who broke out of the Bibb County Jail in 2023 as he was awaiting federal sentencing for armed drug trafficking pleaded guilty to escaping from custody today.
Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of escape from custody before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on July 18. Barnwell faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. His sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Johnifer Barnwell cannot escape justice, no matter how hard he tries or how many people he puts at risk for his own self-interest,” U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will continue to support law enforcement by making every federal resource available to them in our collective effort to make our communities safer and hold the most dangerous repeat criminals accountable.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Barnwell was tried and convicted on Oct. 2, 2023, of armed drug trafficking in Case No. 5:22-CR-00009 (for more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/jury-convicts-macon-residents-armed-fentanyl-meth-heroin-trafficking; a sentencing date for Case No. 5:22-CR-00009 will be determined by the Court). Barnwell was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) to await sentencing and was housed at the Bibb County LEC, a facility contracted by USMS to house federal inmates.
Barnwell escaped from the Bibb County LEC on Oct. 16, with the assistance of several individuals. Co-defendant Janecia Green, 31, of Macon, purchased a four-pound mallet and a Mayhew Guardian 2-3/4x9” Handguard Electrician Chisel from Home Depot on Oct. 13, 2023. Green gave the items to Christian “Twin” Williams, an associate of Barnwell’s, who arranged to smuggle them inside the Bibb County LEC perimeter. The mallet and chisel were then used to create an opening in the jail wall, and Barnwell and three other prisoners escaped. Green pleaded guilty to one count of assisting escape of person committed to custody on May 14, and is facing a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Her sentencing date will be determined by the Court.
Barnwell was captured in Augusta, Georgia, on Nov. 12, 2023, by FBI and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office deputies. He was alone in the house and was allegedly in possession of an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine; a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 14 rounds; a .45 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine; an extended capacity magazine; a drum magazine; and 40 kilograms of suspected narcotics, the results of which are pending the completion of laboratory testing. To date, the results show Barnwell was in alleged possession of more than 23,000 grams of methamphetamine and more than 3,200 grams of fentanyl.
The case is being investigated by FBI, USMS and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Venezuelan Citizen Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fraudulent Green CardRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Venezuelan citizen admitted to possessing a fraudulent green card in federal court today and will be sentenced in October.
Diego Ibarra, 28, of Venezuela, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a fraudulent document before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. Self, III on July 15. Ibarra faces a maximum of ten years in prison to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine per count. Ibarra remains in federal detention. His sentencing date is scheduled for Oct. 7. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Diego Ibarra admitted to possessing a counterfeit United States Permanent Resident Card in the name of Diego Jose Ibarra in Athens, Georgia, on Oct. 27, 2023, and Feb. 23, 2024.
His sibling, Argenis Ibarra, 24, and former roommate, Rosbeli Flores-Bello, 29, both of Venezuela, are charged by federal indictment with two counts each of possession of a fraudulent document and face a maximum of ten years in prison to be followed by up to three years of supervised release and a $250,0000 fine per count. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the filed indictment, Argenis Ibarra and Flores-Bello are alleged to have each possessed a fraudulent United States Permanent Resident Card and a counterfeit United States Social Security Card in the names of Argenis Jose Ibarra Ibarra and Rodrianny Brito Brito respectively on Feb. 23, 2024, in Athens. Argenis Ibarra had his initial appearance in Macon on July 11, and was detained. Flores-Bello’s detention hearing is scheduled for July 16, in San Antonio, Texas.
A federal grand jury returned the superseding indictment charging all three co-defendants on June 11, 2024; the indictment was unsealed on July 2, 2024.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with critical assistance from FBI, GBI, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, University of Georgia Police Department and Clarke County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.
South Georgia Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. –A Valdosta, Georgia, resident was sentenced to serve 27 years in federal prison for coercing and enticing a 13-year-old child to a hotel room, where he gave her alcohol and sexually abused her.
Dewayne Howell, 50, was sentenced to serve 324 months in prison to be followed by 12 years of supervised release and also ordered to pay $4,050 in restitution to Minor Victim 1 (MV1) by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on July 11. In addition, Howell will have to register as a child sex offender upon release from prison. Howell was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of coercion and enticement of a minor on Feb. 6, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Child predators who target the most vulnerable members of our society will face severe punishment in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to thank the local law enforcement teams in the Valdosta community for helping us hold this defendant accountable for his crime.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dewayne Howell and his brother, Laronce Howell, picked up 13-year-old MV1 and her 16-year-old sister near their house on Oct. 2, 2020. They traveled to a liquor store, where Dewayne Howell purchased alcohol, and then to a hotel in Valdosta, where he rented a hotel room. Dewayne Howell took MV1 alone to the hotel room, where he sexually abused her. Surveillance video from the hotel showed that Dewayne Howell then let Laronce Howell and MV1’s sister into the room. The adult men gave the children alcohol before eventually bringing them back home.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Valdosta Police Department and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.
Central Georgian with Violent Past Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Loaded Gun During Stand-Off with PoliceRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Central Georgia resident with a violent criminal past who threatened to shoot and kill deputies attempting to execute an arrest warrant faces up to 15 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
Christopher Thomas Ford, 57, of Toomsboro, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 8. Ford faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms; our office will seek federal prosecution against people who disregard the law, especially those with violent criminal pasts,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods program is aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Our office is dedicated to supporting the efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to achieve this goal.”
“Wilkinson County is safer now that guns are out of the hands of this person. If Ford had put finger to trigger, the entire community would have been in danger. We are thankful for the actions of the Wilkinson County deputies and Ford’s father,” said FBI Atlanta’s Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the Macon Office Robert Gibbs. “We are firmly committed to working with all of our partners and using all tools available to curb the violence impacting the American people – here in Georgia, and across the country.”
“The GBI will continue to leverage our partnerships with local, state and federal agencies that are working to reduce violent crime. We will not tolerate acts that put our communities and law enforcement in danger, and we will work to make sure that dangerous criminals like Ford are off the streets,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey.
According to documents and statements referenced in court, Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to Ford’s Toomsboro, Georgia, residence on Dec. 20, 2022, to execute an arrest warrant for terroristic threats. When deputies encountered Ford in a shed on the property, Ford threatened to shoot them while holding a loaded black Omega 12-gauge shotgun. Ford told the officers, “I ain’t playing with y’all, I ain’t going back to prison, you can kill me or I’m going to kill y’all.” Ford escaped into the woods and was arrested the next day when he returned to the property. Ford’s father took the shotgun from him while he was sleeping. Ford explained that he “wanted suicide by police,” and that he knew he was not allowed to have guns because he is a convicted felon. Ford has previously been convicted of possession of cocaine, terroristic threats, aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree.
This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) and the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Former Teacher and Volunteer Youth Ministry Leader Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former teacher and volunteer leader of a youth ministry admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in federal court today and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for his crime.
Christian Baumgarth, 27, of Atlanta and formerly of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 8. Baumgarth faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. In addition, he will have to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. Baumgarth was taken into custody pending sentencing after entering his guilty plea. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Sadly, those who perpetuate the online abuse of children can sometimes be found hiding in plain sight and interacting with children,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office and law enforcement at every level are working tirelessly to protect children from predators, and I commend the investigative work done in this case.”
“Those who view and distribute child sexual abuse material perpetuate the victimization of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Anthony J. Patrone, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta that oversees Georgia and Alabama. “Those in positions of public trust are held to a higher standard as guardians of the innocent and HSI Atlanta, with our law enforcement partners, will continue to seek justice for these victims by pursuing and holding accountable the predators dealing in this material.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were investigating people using encrypted applications to distribute CSAM during the summer of 2023. Baumgarth was identified; at the time, he was a teacher and a coach at First Presbyterian Day (FPD) School in Macon, a position he held from 2018-2023. Additionally, he was a volunteer small group leader in the student ministry at Northway Church in Macon from 2019-2023.
On Aug. 1, 2023, agents executed a federal search warrant at Baumgarth’s residence in Macon, seizing numerous electronic devices. Agents notified FPD about the execution of the search warrant, and Baumgarth’s employment was terminated. Two of Baumgarth’s iPhones were forensically examined and found to contain 20 images and 13 videos of CSAM, including some that depicted the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler. Baumgarth was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted to the conduct.
The case is being investigated by HSI with assistance from the FBI.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon Guilty of Shooting at Police Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A man with a violent criminal past was sentenced to serve 25 years in prison for shooting at federal and local law enforcement officers attempting to take him into custody on felony warrants during an hours-long stand-off at a residence located in a Warner Robins, Georgia, neighborhood.
Renaldo Smith, 33, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve a total of 300 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on July 3. Smith previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Renaldo Smith put the lives of many people at risk when he opened fire on law enforcement officers attempting to take him safely into custody,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These highly trained officers are to be commended for their display of bravery in the line of duty and for safely bringing the defendant into custody.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force is composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals and specially deputized and highly trained state and local officers whose primary mission is to arrest violent state and local fugitives. This is dangerous work that keeps our communities safe,” said U.S. Marshal Stephen Lynn. “This incident highlights the risks that these dedicated professionals face every day. It was a job well done.”
According to documents and statements referenced in court, Smith was wanted on state felony warrants when the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) learned that Smith was located at a residence on Somerset Drive in Warner Robins on Jan. 31, 2023. The USMS Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force (SERFTF) attempted to execute a search warrant at the location. Smith opened the door and quickly shut it; multiple gun shots were rapidly fired from inside the residence as SERFTF team members attempted to enter lawfully. The Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) SWAT team arrived on scene, and the WRPD Hostage Negotiator Team communicated with Smith for hours in an attempt to get him to peacefully stand down and exit the home. After hours of negotiations, the SWAT team deployed pepper spray into the home, and gunfire was exchanged between Smith and the SWAT team. Smith was taken into custody. Inside of the residence, law enforcement recovered a Glock 9mm pistol with a 30-round drum magazine and a rifle. Smith has been convicted of several prior felonies including robbery by force and possession of methamphetamine.
This case is a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the Warner Robins Police Department (WRPD) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica L. Daniels prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Office Manager of Middle Georgia Health Care Business Convicted of Bank Fraud in EIDL Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The former office manager of a Middle Georgia chiropractic office was found guilty by a federal jury this week of committing bank fraud and other federal crimes in an embezzlement scheme involving federal loans that cost the established spinal center more than $200,000 in losses.
Emiliya Radford, 33, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was found guilty of one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud and federal program theft following approximately one hour of deliberations by a federal jury on June 27. Radford was taken into federal custody after the guilty verdict. Radford faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for bank fraud; a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud; and a maximum possible sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine for federal program theft, in addition to any restitution imposed by the Court. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court. U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Emiliya Radford chose greed and deceit with her embezzlement scheme that victimized a small business that had operated in the Warner Robins community for many decades,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Financial crimes devastate hard-working, law-abiding citizens and will not be tolerated by this office or our law enforcement partners.”
“Radford violated the trust of the company that hired her and elevated her to a position of leadership,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Macon office. “Because of her self-interest and greed, she has not only thrown away her career, but will spend time in prison for her crime.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Radford’s company, Cyber Pinecone, was hired in Sept. 2019 under a one-year contract to perform marketing work for Smith Spinal Care Center (SSCC) in Warner Robins. In May 2020, Radford was hired as Office Manager at the business, and her new salary was to include marketing work. Radford was given signatory authority over the SSCC bank account with Wells Fargo Bank. As part of her duties, she was responsible for issuing and signing all biweekly payroll checks, including her own. Radford collected her salary as office manager and, without authorization of SSCC, continued to write and endorse checks to her business, Cyber Pinecone, for extensive marketing work totaling more than $200,000. In addition, she gave herself an unauthorized pay raise. Some of these funds came from COVID-19 Federal Economic Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition to issuing these checks to herself and Cyber Pinecone, Radford also used money from the SSCC bank account to purchase a total of $11,015.67 worth of items from the Apple store that were shipped to her residence. When Radford quit on Dec. 19, 2022, none of these items could be located at SSCC, but some were later found inside her home when federal agents executed a search warrant on May 4, 2023.
The case was investigated by FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Felons Plead Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms in Separate Project Safe Neighborhoods Investigations in AlbanyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Two Albany residents with criminal pasts are facing up to fifteen years in prison each for illegally possessing firearms in separate Project Safe Neighborhoods investigations.
Marcus Ryan Telfair, 30, and Kentravious Montrell Ware, 36, both pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on June 26. Both defendants face a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencings will be scheduled by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“These convicted felons not only illegally possessed firearms but also threatened citizens with those guns,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Project Safe Neighborhoods helps keep our community safer due to strong partnerships between local, state and federal law enforcement in Albany and across the Middle District of Georgia united by our shared goal to reduce violent crime.”
“Mr. Telfair and Mr. Ware both terrorized an entire community," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Their actions threatened the lives of citizens and law enforcement alike. In the Middle District of Georgia, we will continue our relentless pursuit of dangerous felons who possess firearms, especially those who show no regard for human life. We must hold them accountable."
"Here is another example of the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia and the Albany Police Department working to address the criminal actions of others,” said APD Chief Michael Persley. “These defendants have proven that they are repeat offenders and do not value the life of others. I hope that the victims have received the support they deserve, and this will be another lesson learned that crime doesn’t pay."
According to documents and statements referenced in court in the Telfair case, Albany Police Department (APD) officers responded to a disorderly conduct call on Oct. 23, 2023, on West Society Avenue. A landscaper working nearby called 911 after he observed Telfair dragging a woman by her hair in the street, who was screaming for help. The landscaper attempted to intervene, but Telfair drew a gun, pointed it at the man and threatened to shoot him if he did not step away. When the police arrived, Telfair ran off and was found hiding underneath a porch. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol and a knife were located in Telfair’s backpack; the gun was stolen out of a truck earlier in the year. In addition, another citizen contacted police on Oct. 14, 2023, after a man matching Telfair’s description flashed a gun at him while stealing items from his truck. APD recovered some of the stolen items from inside the backpack Telfair had in his possession during his arrest. Telfair has several prior criminal convictions in the Superior Court of Dougherty County including robbery, entering auto and interfering with government property. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
According to documents and statements referenced in court in the Ware case, APD officers responded to a disorderly conduct call at a business on Ledo Road in Albany on July 22, 2023. The reporting individual stated that Ware and another customer were arguing in the store when Ware pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the man. The interaction was captured on video surveillance. The officers located Ware at the nearby Country Inn and Suites. Ware told officers he was carrying a firearm, and officers located a .380 semiautomatic pistol on his waistband. Ware told officers he got into the argument after the man bumped into him at the store. Ware has prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in the Superior Court of Cobb County, Georgia, and theft by receiving stolen property in the Superior Court of Dekalb County, Georgia. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
Both cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The Telfair and Ware cases were investigated by the Albany Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting both cases for the Government.
Columbus Man with Lengthy, Violent Criminal Past Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with previous convictions for aggravated assault and other felonies was sentenced to serve more than nine years in prison after he admitted to illegally possessing a firearm.
Devontae Jammell Morris, 29, was sentenced to serve 115 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on June 11. Morris previously pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a firearm on Jan. 29. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Felons with lengthy violent criminal histories who illegally possess guns can expect federal prosecution and should count on stiff sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level and across the Middle District of Georgia is working to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer.”
“This is a clear example of what happens when a convicted felon is caught possessing a gun. It’s illegal,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to remove guns from the hands of violent offenders.”
According to documents and statements filed in court, a deputy with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle after it exited a parking lot on Buena Vista Road in Columbus at a high rate of speed on Nov. 19, 2022. The vehicle, driven by Morris, did not stop and continued on Old Buena Vista Road before stopping. Morris exited the car, ran across the road and entered a store. Deputies found him in a bathroom located in the back storage area of the store. Morris had a small amount of illegal drugs on him and $1,752 in cash. Officers found a semi-automatic Glock pistol with a TruGlo laser, a Glock magazine, an extended magazine, bullets and a digital scale in his vehicle.
Morris has many prior criminal convictions in the Superior Court of Muscogee County, Georgia, including for aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and aggravated battery. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals prosecuted the case for the Government.
Georgian Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking in MaconRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A confirmed member of a local criminal street gang was sentenced to life in prison this week for his role in a prolific armed drug organization in Middle Georgia dealing kilograms of fentanyl and other deadly street drugs often mixed with the lethal synthetic opioid.
Kenneth Emanuel Pertillo, Jr. aka “Fat Boy,” 40, of Gray, Georgia, and formerly of Macon, West Virginia and North Carolina, was sentenced to serve life in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Ashley Royal on June 12. Pertillo was found guilty at trial on Oct. 2, 2023, of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base. His co-defendant at trial, Johnifer Dernard Barnwell, 37, of Macon, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Barnwell faces a maximum of life in prison and his sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“This armed criminal organization was pushing large amounts of fentanyl and other lethal combinations of street drugs mixed with fentanyl into our neighborhoods, putting many people at risk of death and degrading the safety of all,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working alongside law enforcement at every level, our office will continue to leverage every available investigative and prosecutorial tool to reduce violent crime and keep communities safe.”
“Gangs wreak havoc on local residents by engaging in violence and peddling dangerous drugs that devastate communities and families," said Senior Supervisory Special Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Macon. "As this lengthy sentence demonstrates, the FBI and our partners will do whatever is necessary to dismantle violent criminal enterprises and keep our communities safe."
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, FBI began investigating a large-scale fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine distribution organization in Macon and the Central Georgia region in March 2020. Federal agents identified Pertillo and Barnwell as distributors and part of the MOB (Money Over Bitches) sect of the Mafia criminal street gang. To advance the investigation, agents conducted multiple controlled purchases from various defendants in the case and obtained orders authorizing wiretaps on five phones used by members of the organization, including Barnwell. Controlled purchases occurred at trap houses on Mimosa Drive and Culver Street, and at a local nightclub, among other locations. Illegal drugs being sold as “heroin” often tested as a fentanyl mix.
On July 20, 2021, FBI executed search warrants at eleven Macon addresses identified as trap houses or distribution locations on Mimosa Drive, Culver Street, Forest Hill Road, Riverside Park Boulevard, Lucerne Drive, Shurling Drive and Kingsview Drive. Agents found approximately eight kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base plus 20 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, large-capacity firearm magazines and more than $50,000 cash. At one location—an apartment identified as a drug “lab” at 3990 Riverside Park Blvd. where Barnwell and Pertillo would mix fentanyl and heroin in a kitchen blender before selling it—agents found approximately 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly one kilogram of pure fentanyl, more than one kilogram of a pure fentanyl chemical analogue and more than two kilograms of blends containing fentanyl, heroin and fentanyl analogue mix. Agents also found nearly half a kilogram of pure heroin, more than 280 grams of cocaine base, 80 grams of cocaine and 64 grams of ketamine. Agents seized several firearms, a fully loaded AR14 drum magazine, ammunition and $5,778 cash at that location.
In all, the organization is responsible for distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute more than three kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl analogue, 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly two kilograms of heroin and significant quantities of cocaine base and cocaine.
The following co-defendants have been sentenced:
Troy Truelle Williams, Sr., aka “Ty, 55, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on March 13, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and heroin;
De’Kerio Ja’mel Coleman aka “Dee,” 36, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 220 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Feb. 13, after he previously pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl;
Christopher Leon Coleman aka “Slim,” 41, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Feb. 13, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Gregory Bernard Jolly aka “Stank,” 38, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on May 15, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Joshua Antoine Green aka “J” or “Jay,” 33, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 160 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Jan. 24, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Romello Campbell, 22, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on May 9, 2023, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Diamond Monique Thomas, 28, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 96 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on July 11, 2023, after she previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Jameliha Shalonda Coleman aka “Juicy,” 27, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 9, 2023, after she previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Recardo Keon Ray aka “Keon,” 39, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Feb. 13, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine;
Johnnie B. Lowe, 68, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 13, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl;
Michael Clifford White, 41, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 13, after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl;
Tiara Thomas aka “Red,” 23, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on Jan. 24, after she previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl; and
Rochelle Oliver aka “Chelle,” 40, of Macon, was sentenced to three years of probation on Feb. 13, after she previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from numerous agencies who participated in executing search warrants and conducting arrests, including the DEA, the GBI, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Perry Police Department and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Georgian with Lengthy History of Making Death Threats Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Middle Georgia resident with a criminal history of arson and sending death threats was sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of 60 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications.
Travis Leroy Ball, 56, of Barnesville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on June 12. Ball previously pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications on Jan. 19. Ball is not eligible for parole.
“We will not tolerate threats of violence against public servants and other similar criminal intimidations that disturb peace and order,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Travis Ball has threatened government workers at every level and even their families. Keeping people safe is the highest priority of our office and our law enforcement partners.”
“Threats against public servants are not only illegal, but also a threat against our democratic process,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “While Mr. Ball’s continued criminal conduct clearly illustrates his lack of concern and compassion for others, it also illustrates his unwillingness to be rehabilitated. Hopefully, this additional sentence will finally send the message that the FBI will not tolerate his hate fueled hoaxes and will continue to hold him accountable.”
According to documents and statements filed in court, the FBI obtained a letter on March 10, 2023, addressed to U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in which the writer was purporting to be a U.S. Secret Service agent who investigated one of the defendant’s prior cases. In the letter—later determined to be written by the Ball—the writer demanded that the charge in Ball’s most recent federal case be dismissed, and he be let out of federal custody.
Ball—using the name of a former cell mate—also wrote letters to the U.S. District Court in Valdosta, Georgia, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., in March and May 2023 respectively, threatening to kill employees and their families, as well as burn down property.
Ball wrote a letter to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office in July 2023, purporting to be an FBI agent working on a top-secret case and demanded that Ball’s photos and personal information be removed and deleted from jail records.
The FBI compared the letters, handwriting, letterhead, postage stamps, verbiage and the “INMATE MAIL” stamp on each letter and determined that Ball wrote the letters while in custody. The defendant’s DNA was compared against the letters sent to the U.S. Courthouse in Valdosta and the letter impersonating a U.S. Secret Service Agent sent to U.S. District Chief Judge Treadwell. The results confirmed Ball’s DNA on both letters. Officers found the writing material and stamps in Ball’s cell. For more information about Ball’s prior convictions for threats, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-man-sentenced-federal-prison-threats-against-president.
The case was investigated by FBI with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Services, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Two Life Sentences for DTO Leader Guilty of Massive Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The leader of a violent drug trafficking organization (DTO) who directed approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the U.S.—much of which was distributed into the Middle District of Georgia—was sentenced to two life sentences in prison for his crimes today.
Albert Ross aka “Big,” 53, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to serve the statutory maximum of life imprisonment for each count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana for which he pleaded guilty on Jan. 22. In addition, Ross was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a $1 million fine by U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self III on June 10. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Keeping our communities safe is our office’s highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These life sentences for Albert Ross help to accomplish this goal, thanks to the incredible dedication and courage displayed by our law enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level to shut down this violent drug trafficking organization and hold its leader accountable.”
“Albert Ross deserves every day in prison that he has been sentenced after distributing such a huge amount of drugs into Middle Georgia,” said FBI Atlanta’s Macon Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs. “FBI Atlanta and our partners across the state will continue to work non-stop to put drug dealers behind bars and stop them from inflicting pain and violence in our communities.”
“The guns, drugs and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of drug traffickers,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation in our communities.”
“Cases like this exemplify the value of partnerships between local, state and federal agencies,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “The volume of dangerous drugs, not to mention the firearms and acts of violence, impact our communities beyond comprehension. The sentence in this case should be a stern message to the traffickers who bring their poison into our community and threaten the livelihood of our residents.”
According to the stipulation of fact read in court and other documents, Ross admitted that he was the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization, which was responsible for importing approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine into the U.S. from Mexico, along with other illegal drugs. Large amounts of cocaine was distributed by Ross’s DTO into the Middle District of Georgia. The FBI-Athens Resident Agency initiated a long-term investigation focused primarily on Ross’s cocaine distribution activities. Through the use of many investigative techniques including wiretaps, physical surveillance, vehicle trackers and confidential informants, agents identified a network of individuals associated with Ross’s DTO.
Working with co-conspirators, investigators discovered that Ross directed individuals to transport large quantities of cocaine from Texas to be distributed to Ross’s customers and associates. Ross’s DTO was supplied cocaine by a source in Mexico affiliated with the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). Money for the cocaine purchases was given to couriers in Atlanta who would then deliver the money to Ross’s cocaine supplier in Mexico.
Agents learned that Ross and co-conspirators flew to Mexico City in August 2019 to meet with Ross’s CJNG cocaine supplier and his cartel boss to negotiate a deal where they would supply Ross’s DTO with 200 additional kilograms of cocaine per month. A text string found on Ross’s seized iPhone detailed that in under a one-month period between March 14 and April 4, 2020, Ross was supplied with 112 kilograms of cocaine. During the same period, Ross sent more than $2.5 million in payment for the drugs to his cocaine source in Mexico. Additional evidence revealed that in a three-month period in 2018, Ross received 1,300 kilograms of cocaine from a different Mexican supplier. Once the cocaine arrived in the Atlanta area, Ross stashed the dope at an elderly family member’s home, who had previously been shot picking up drug proceeds at Ross’s direction.
Co-defendants Lonnie Bennett, 44, of Atlanta, and Brandon Payne, 30, of Atlanta, sold cocaine supplied by Ross out of their stash house on Pittman Road in College Park, Georgia. Co-defendant TaMichael Darden, 43, of Athens, Georgia, made over twenty trips from Athens to the Pittman Road stash house to purchase cocaine that he later sold throughout the Middle District of Georgia.
Ross is tied to past large drug seizures in Georgia. In March 2018, Ross and his business partner purchased approximately $4 million of cocaine for transport from Texas to Georgia; a tractor trailer was stopped on I-20 by a Georgia trooper, who found 152 kilograms of cocaine in a false wall inside the transport truck. Following the cocaine seizure, Ross asked another co-conspirator to kill the person responsible for overseeing the intercepted drug load. The co-conspirator refused the murder order. In Dec. 2018, DEA agents received information from a confidential source that Ross was moving a large amount of cash from illegal drug sales from Atlanta to California using private aircraft. Agents observed men leave Ross’s Bouldercrest Road stash house and board a plane at Peachtree Dekalb Airport with four suitcases and two backpacks. DEA and FBI agents in California were waiting and seized more than $2 million in drug proceeds from the luggage.
In addition, Ross tasked co-conspirators with transporting and distributing large shipments of marijuana from “Murder Mountain,” a region in Humboldt County, California, known for its marijuana production. For example, 24,000 pounds of marijuana was shipped over eight trips from California to Georgia as directed by Ross. Significant amounts were distributed to dealers in the Middle District of Georgia, including co-defendant Reginald Battle, Sr., 49, of Statham, Georgia.
Ross was ultimately arrested on Sept. 23, 2021, at his home in Stone Mountain. Agents found more than $300,000 in cash wrapped in tinfoil and vacuum sealed in black trash bags inside Ross’s bedroom closet. Inside an Atlanta area bar owned by Ross, agents seized more than $600,000 in drug proceeds. As part of this entire investigation, law enforcement seized $3,164,210 cash, 73 firearms, 165.22 kilos of cocaine, 1.32 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.25 ounces of heroin, 1.39 kilograms of crack cocaine, 12.57 lbs. of crystal methamphetamine, 25.35 lbs. of marijuana and 198 dosage units of controlled pharmaceuticals. Ross admits his DTO is responsible for importing approximately 2,000 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the U.S. for distribution in Georgia. Ross has a prior felony drug conviction in Fulton County, Georgia, Superior Court and numerous felony arrests for drug trafficking.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by FBI Atlanta – Athens RA Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, DEA, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force, GBI, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Revenue, Georgia State Patrol, Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Police Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Office, Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, Atlanta Police Department, Brookhaven Police Department, Cobb County Police Department, DeKalb County Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Marietta Police Department and South Fulton Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Morrison and Tamara Jarrett prosecuted the case for the Government.
Macon Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A multiple-time convicted felon has been sentenced to serve 18 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Antonio Jenord Whitehead, 37, of Macon, was sentenced to serve a total of 216 months in prison (168 months imprisonment to be served consecutively to the revocation sentences of 24 months imprisonment in Case No. 5:23-CR-16 and 24 months imprisonment in Case No. 5:23-CR-17) to be followed by five years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on June 5. Whitehead previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on April 3. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Those who push fentanyl into Middle Georgia risk lives and make our communities more dangerous places to live and work,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case reflects that the penalties for such conduct will be steep, especially when the perpetrators are repeat felons.”
“Despite previous convictions, Whitehead continued to plague our communities with fentanyl, fueling the deadliest drug epidemic our country has ever seen,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisor Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and remove the leaders of these drug trafficking operations from our streets.”
According to court documents, on Feb. 20, 2023, the car Whitehead was traveling in was stopped for multiple violations on Georgia Highway 401 by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy. The officer smelled drugs, and the driver had a suspended license. As backup arrived, and a probable cause search was being conducted on the vehicle, Whitehead ran to the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away. An officer shot out the rear tires of the vehicle to prevent a high-speed chase, and Whitehead was arrested. Inside the vehicle, deputies located a suitcase which contained plastic bags filled with fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. Whitehead also had several bags of marijuana and a bag of fentanyl on him. In total, Whitehead possessed 207 grams of fentanyl, 554 grams of methamphetamine and 101 grams of cocaine. At the time of this traffic stop and arrest, Whitehead was under supervised release for two prior federal drug distribution convictions in the Southern District of West Virginia.
The case was investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.
Macon Resident Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Justice in Civil InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The owner of Middle Georgia Family Rehab has admitted in federal court to ordering two employees to illegally alter documents during a federal civil investigation into alleged improper healthcare billing by the business.
Brenda Hicks, 58, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on June 5. Hicks faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and $250,000 fine. In addition, the plea agreement stipulates that Hicks will pay restitution to TRICARE, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Anyone who attempts to alter or destroy documents requested as part of a federal investigation will face federal penalties for breaking the law,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “For the sake of justice and truth, it is imperative that the integrity of the investigation is maintained for the benefit of all parties.”
According to court documents, Middle Georgia Family Rehab, LLC (MGFR)—an outpatient rehabilitation facility owned by Hicks with locations in Byron and Macon—was served with a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) requesting various patient records on Oct. 7, 2019. After its receipt, Hicks set up a meeting about the CID with two MGFR employees. Hicks told them it was an “audit” and explained that MGFR did not have the records that were requested. She then instructed them to go into the system and pull any portions of the requested files, looking for hard copies of the records in MGFR’s storage unit if needed.
Many of the requested records were either blank or missing. Hicks explained that if the records were not there or had not been signed, the employees were supposed to create or sign the records. For example, if the records were missing progress notes, Hicks instructed the employees to make them up by copying and pasting the narrative language from other progress notes to fill in the missing information. These narrative sections were supposed to contain unique information from each session, such as the patient’s pain level and what exercises were performed at the visit. One employee expressed concern to the other employee that what they were doing was illegal and quit. The other employee complied with Hicks’ instructions and added notes and signatures to patient records as needed. These doctored patient records were then produced to the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Dec. 2, 2019, in response to the CID. Hicks now admits that she conspired to corruptly alter patient records with the intent to impair the integrity of those records and their availability for use in a civil action. For more information about the civil action, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/judge-orders-middle-georgia-family-rehab-pay-96-million-damages-submitting-hundreds.
The case was investigated by the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DOD-DCIS); the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU); and the Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG); with substantial assistance from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government, with previous assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Dietrick.
Macon Man Sentenced to Prison for Robbing a Truist Bank BranchRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The Macon resident who robbed a Truist Bank Branch on Riverside Drive in Macon in 2023 while on federal supervised release was sentenced to federal prison today.
Gabriel Bell, 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve a total of 111 months imprisonment (87 months in prison for bank robbery and 24 months in prison for violating his supervised release in Case No. 5:23-CR-39) to be followed by five years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on June 5. In addition, Bell was ordered to pay $3,000 restitution to Truist Bank. Bell was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of bank robbery on March 12. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Two tips from concerned citizens helped law enforcement quickly track down Gabriel Bell, who was on federal supervised release at the time for illegally possessing a gun,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level is committed to keeping our communities safe from violence and seeking justice for victims.”
“Bell’s prior prison time was apparently not enough for him because he returned to his robbing ways while he was still on supervised release for the last crime he committed,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon Office. “Thanks to the assistance of our partners with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, he now will have more time in prison to think about what he’ll do when he is released from prison this time.”
“Our citizens can be grateful that dedicated investigative work from Bibb deputies and FBI agents have resulted in a repeat offender receiving prison time as a result of choosing crime as a career,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis.
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Bell walked into the Truist Bank at 2998 Riverside Drive in Macon on Feb. 16, 2023, at approximately 3:17 p.m., wearing a blue surgical mask. There were no customers in the business at the time. Bell handed a demand note to a teller that stated: “PUT ALL BIG BILLS IN ENVELOPE (ROBBERY) Do anything stupid, and I’ll shoot you!” The teller put her hands up and told Bell she did not have money and passed the note to another teller. This second teller gave Bell cash, after which he fled. Tellers at the bank said Bell lifted his shirt and they saw something that was described as dark, silver, with a handle and that could have been a gun. In surveillance video, Bell is seen grabbing at his hip where tellers reported they saw the object. No weapon was recovered.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office released photographs taken from surveillance video to the public and received two tips identifying the suspect as Bell. The FBI processed the demand note for latent fingerprints and developed two latent prints that were determined to belong to Bell. The FBI also obtained location information from Bell’s cell phone and Google account which confirmed he was in the area near the bank at the time of the robbery. Bell was taken into custody on Feb. 20, 2023. Bell was previously convicted of armed robbery of the Huddle House in Jeffersonville, Georgia, in 2015. He was also found guilty in the Eastern District of North Carolina of one count of convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm in 2021 and was on federal supervised release for that offense at the time of the Truist Bank robbery.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Southern Pine Credit Union President Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay Nearly $4.5 Million RestitutionRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – The former President of Southern Pine Credit Union in Valdosta was sentenced to serve four years in prison and pay back nearly $4.5 million in restitution after she admitted to a long-running multimillion-dollar bank loan and aggravated identity theft scheme.
Leah Lehman, 63, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 24 months imprisonment for aggravated identity theft and 48 months imprisonment for bank fraud, for a total of 72 months in prison, on May 30. In addition, Lehman was ordered to pay $4,491,253.97 in restitution to Southern Pine Credit Union. Lehman pleaded guilty to these charges on Oct. 26, 2023.
Co-defendant Teresa Paulo, of Valdosta, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on Nov. 2, 2023. Paulo faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, and a mandatory two years in prison in addition to any other prison term imposed for aggravated identity theft, to be followed by a maximum of five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11.
U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands is presiding over this case. The defendants are not eligible for parole.
“Lehman chose greed and deception, abusing her trusted leadership role to steal millions of dollars at this credit union over the course of many years,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, take financial crimes seriously, and we will work to hold fraudsters accountable.”
“This sentencing is the direct result of a diligent investigation by hardworking FBI employees and our partners at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General,” said Rich Bilson, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta office. “Lehman’s greed driven scheme stole hundreds of thousands of dollars and damaged the financial security of innocent victims. They will now be held accountable for their blatant misuse of the power of their positions.”
“The criminal behavior in this case represents the most egregious betrayal of trust by two of this institution’s leaders, resulting in years of ill-gotten gains for the defendants, all while violating the faith that SPCU’s members placed in them,” said Kyle A. Myles, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Region. “We are grateful to our regulatory and law enforcement partners in this case and will continue to vigorously investigate allegations of financial crime at FDIC-supervised institutions and in support of our fellow financial regulators.”
According to court documents, Lehman served as President of Southern Pine Credit Union (SPCU) in Valdosta from 1990 to 2020. Paolo was SPCU’s controller from Oct. 2011 to June 2020. The Credit Union’s members are employees of the local paper mill and their families. Lehman and Paolo were both authorized to originate all types of loans, were responsible for filing quarterly reports to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and had access to all SPCU employees’ usernames and passwords for all SPCU computers and software.
Lehman began her fraud in June 2003, when she created a share secured loan in a SPCU account using the name and social security number of a member without that individual’s knowledge. From Feb. 2012 to May 31, 2020, Lehman paid off the loan and rebooked it multiple times with additional advances. She would take the proceeds and put them in a joint share draft account she had with the individual, using the proceeds to pay for a boat, a hunting club share, personal expenses and gifts to family members. This loan was repaid in full. However, Lehman created another share secured loan in another individual’s name without their knowledge and would also pay off the loan and rebook it multiple times for personal spending. To conceal these activities, Lehman created false credit transactions using the names and passwords of SPCU employees. These transactions would advance the due date on the loans, which prevented these loans from appearing on quarterly call reports to the NCUA and allowed Lehman to defer or not make payment on these loans. Following these transactions, Lehman created debit entries to put the loans back on the accounts, which would often include interest accrued on the outstanding loans. She made additional fraudulent loan advances simultaneously with those entries to advance the loan dates. She reflected the loans as being paid off at the end of the quarter to prevent possible detection of artificial growth in the SPCU loan portfolio. In total, the drafts needed to pay off the loan balances at each quarter grew to $4,112,870.63, excluding payments and interest, as of May 31, 2020.
Paulo committed a similar fraud scheme to Lehman. In Oct. 2011, Paulo created a share secured loan in a SPCU account using the name and social security number of a member without that individual’s knowledge. From Nov. 2011 until May 29, 2020, Paulo took out additional advances on the loan as well as additional loans from the account. Paulo would transfer the loan proceeds into a joint account for personal spending purposes. She created another share secured account using the personal identity of another individual and would pay off the loan and rebook it multiple times with additional advances, using the proceeds for her own personal expenses or electronically transfer money into her family’s accounts. Paulo concealed her schemes as Lehman concealed hers: creating false credit transactions using the usernames and passwords of SPCU employees to simulate the payoff of the loans, which would advance the due date on the loans. Paulo also created debit entries using other people’s usernames and passwords to put the loans back on the accounts, which would often include interest accrued on the outstanding loans. The drafts needed to pay off the loan balances at each quarter grew to $1,233,201.77, excluding payments and interest, as of May 31, 2020. Paulo made $7,736.16 in legitimate payments to the loan balances.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch is prosecuting this case for the Government.
Lee County Probationer Sentenced for Distributing Meth, FentanylRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident serving federal supervised release and state probation for prior drug distribution convictions was sentenced to serve more than 23 years in federal prison for supplying methamphetamine and fentanyl in the community, including to a woman who had recently given birth to his child.
Brian Chadwick Jeffcoat, 40, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 286 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release on May 23. Jeffcoat previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine on Feb. 20; in addition, this sentence includes revocation of his federal supervised release in Case No. 1:19-CR-5. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“Individuals who repeatedly disregard the law and continue to distribute the deadliest illegal substances into our communities—feeding addiction and affecting innocent lives—will be held accountable for their crimes at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is a tragedy on many levels, and we appreciate the willingness of a concerned citizen to speak up.”
“Our communities remain under attack by criminal drug trafficking organizations with no regard for the harm and destruction they cause,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This investigation and subsequent arrest of this individual demonstrate DEA’s commitment to protecting our community.”
According to court documents, Jeffcoat was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and was released on Nov. 2, 2022, to serve federal supervised release. In addition to being on federal supervised release, Jeffcoat was on state probation for a prior state drug conviction. DEA received information in April 2023 that Jeffcoat was continuing to distribute illegal drugs in the Leesburg area. Law enforcement suspected Jeffcoat was also supplying his pregnant girlfriend with fentanyl and heroin after a concerned citizen contacted local law enforcement that she was using drugs heavily, despite her pregnancy. On Nov. 5, 2023, two days after his girlfriend delivered their child, agents conducted surveillance and contacted Jeffcoat at an Albany motel where the couple was residing. Jeffcoat told officers he had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his vehicle and was on his way to meet a drug customer. Agents located three bags of methamphetamine, a bag of fentanyl, a digital scale and a clear glass smoking pipe in his car. His girlfriend told officers their baby was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and that she had shot up with heroin and fentanyl a few hours earlier.
The case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI.
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Southwest Georgia Man Convicted of Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
VALDOSTA, Ga. – A Moultrie, Georgia, resident previously convicted of armed robbery was found guilty by a federal jury this week of illegally possessing a firearm.
Maurice A. Ridley, 47, was found guilty of one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on May 14. The trial began on May 13 before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands at the federal courthouse in Valdosta. Ridley faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine.
“It is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms, and a repeat offender caught with a loaded gun will face federal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level and across the Middle District of Georgia is working to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer.”
“The FBI is proud to work with our local partners to prevent violence in our communities by removing repeat offenders illegally possessing firearms from the streets by any legal means necessary,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta Office. “We remain steadfast in reducing violent crime in Moultrie and throughout the state.”
“The Moultrie Police Department is pleased to once again to join with our federal partners to make our city streets a little safer. Project Safe Neighborhoods has been an overwhelming success, and we are extremely proud to contribute to that success with our own FBI Task Force Officer, Captain Steve Exum. We would like to thank everyone involved with this case and acknowledge their commitment to our great community,” said Moultrie Police Chief Chad L. Castleberry.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Moultrie Police Department officers were patrolling a neighborhood on Feb. 21, 2020, and observed Ridley paying close attention to the marked police vehicles as they drove by him. Officers in an unmarked police vehicle observed Ridley toss a plastic bag of suspected narcotics in a yard. When officers in that unmarked car pulled up behind Ridley to speak with him, Ridley fled on foot. He was given verbal commands to stop, and he refused. A firearm fell from Ridley as he ran away. Ridley ran through the back yards of two private residences on Second Avenue Northwest. Other officers joined the chase and apprehended Ridley after a brief struggle on the ground. The firearm that fell from Ridley was a loaded semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number. Ridley was convicted in 1996 for armed robbery in Colquitt County, Georgia, Superior Court for which he was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Moultrie Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Former Central Georgia Teacher Charged with Distributing, Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A former teacher and volunteer leader of a church youth ministry had his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon after a grand jury returned a four-count indictment this week charging him with allegedly distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Christian Baumgarth, 27, of Atlanta and formerly of Macon, is charged with two counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. If convicted, Baumgarth faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison up to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of distribution of child pornography and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count of possession of child pornography. In addition, Baumgarth faces a maximum $250,000 fine per count and up to a lifetime of supervised release. The federal grand jury returned the indictment on May 14. The indictment was unsealed today. Baumgarth had his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle.
The indictment alleges that Baumgarth distributed digital video files on July 23, 2023, depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also alleges that Baumgarth possessed child pornography of a prepubescent minor and a minor under the age of 12 years old on his cellular devices on Aug. 1, 2023.
Baumgarth was a teacher and coach at First Presbyterian Day (FPD) School in Macon from 2018-2023. Additionally, he was a volunteer small group leader in the student ministry at Northway Church in Macon from 2019-2023. Parents and guardians of children who may have encountered Baumgarth and have concerns related to this investigation can contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at 1-866-347-2423.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the FBI. Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.
An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Leader of Armed Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The leader of an armed drug trafficking organization responsible for acquiring at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine from a prisoner and then distributing the drugs into west central Georgia was sentenced to serve 40 years in federal prison.
Cornelius Leonard aka “Tae,” 29, of Grantville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 480 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on May 14. Leonard previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of distribution of methamphetamine; and one count of conspiracy to tamper with a witness. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“Cornelius Leonard and those involved in pushing more than 250 kilograms of methamphetamine into Thomaston and Columbus have been held accountable for their part in this armed drug trafficking organization causing harm in these communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local law enforcement collaborated throughout this lengthy and complex investigation to successfully stop a significant criminal organization.”
“This sentencing serves to put criminals on notice that if you bring illegal drugs into our communities, we will employ whatever means necessary to find you and bring you to justice no matter where you are,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of the Macon Office Robert Gibbs. “This sentencing closes a significant pipeline for dangerous drugs running through the streets of Georgia. We are grateful to the many law enforcement agencies whose coordinated efforts achieved this sentence.”
“This successful investigation and prosecution is the result of many law enforcement agencies dedicated to securing our communities; we are grateful for the collaboration and hopeful it will make a difference,” said Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore.
The following co-defendants have been sentenced:
Pedro Barragan Valencia aka “Casper” aka “Bossman,” aka “Mexican Hitman Pete,” 47, of Calhoun, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 400 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
Ramone Zorn aka “Big Razor,” 54, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine;
Kedric Fuller aka “Blakk Ru,” 43, of Woodbury, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
Horatio Venable aka “Ray Ray,” 27, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 144 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Markevious Snipes aka “Big Dawg,” 33, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 136 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Mechile Hobbs, 50, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Darius Wellmaker, 41, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Joshua McAfee, 36, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 50 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances;
Rashard Moreland, 38, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 40 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to use of a telecommunications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Antovious Hunter aka “Ant,” 41, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 37 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Dustin Robbins, 34, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Sabrina Smith, 34, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine;
Natashai Antley, 36, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility;
Nehemiah Johnson, 30, of Thomaston, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Jennifer Moss, 39, of Molena, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Dixie Bailey, 34, of Thomaston, was sentenced to time served after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Mark Dean, 46, of Manchester, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Ashley Ingram, 37, of Cataula, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
Krystal Juarez Norman, 34, of Thomaston, was sentenced to time served after she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin;
S. Carlton Power, 27, of Manchester, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and
D. Justin Whitten, 38, of Hogansville, Georgia, was sentenced to time served after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, FBI was investigating Leonard for leading an armed drug distribution organization supplying controlled substances in late 2021 and early 2022. Agents made four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Leonard during that time period. The investigation led to multiple wiretaps on Leonard’s phones. Through these wiretaps, law enforcement agents learned that Leonard was conspiring with co-defendant Valencia—who was an inmate at Calhoun State Prison and a member of the Sureños criminal gang—to acquire large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and other illegal drugs for distribution in Thomaston, Columbus and other Georgia cities. Valencia supplied Leonard with at least 250 kilograms of methamphetamine.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Upson County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC).
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.
Mafia Criminal Gang Founder Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – The founder of the Mafia criminal street gang who has a lengthy criminal history in the Middle Georgia community is facing up to 15 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.
Alphonzo Clyde, 45, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on April 10 before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell. Clyde is facing a maximum of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Clyde’s sentencing is scheduled for July 3. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The Mafia criminal gang is tied to violent crime and large-scale fentanyl distribution in Macon and Middle Georgia, causing grave harm to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Federal, state and local law enforcement is focused on dismantling all violent criminal enterprises and holding their associates accountable in our collaborative effort to keep people safe.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Clyde is the documented founder of the Mafia, a criminal street gang operating in Middle Georgia and West Virginia. Clyde was wanted on an outstanding probation violation warrant when officers from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody on Oct. 8, 2023. At the time of his arrest, officers spotted a digital scale with a white powdery substance located on the front passenger seat of the SUV that Clyde was driving. Officers also detected a marijuana odor emanating from his vehicle. Officers found a Taurus G2S 9-millimeter handgun inside the glovebox. Clyde has multiple prior felony convictions; it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.
North Carolina Man Charged with Mailing Antisemitic Threat Targeting Middle Georgia RabbiRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A North Carolina man is in custody and federally charged with allegedly mailing an antisemitic threat to a Middle Georgia Rabbi.
Ariel E. Collazo Ramos, 31, of High Point, North Carolina, is charged with one count of mailing threatening communications. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on April 9 and was unsealed on May 2. Collazo Ramos was taken into custody at his High Point residence today; his initial appearance will occur in the Middle District of North Carolina at a time determined by the Court.
According to the indictment, Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar of Temple Beth Israel in Macon received a threatening postcard at her home via the U.S. Postal Service on Feb. 1, 2024, allegedly from Collazo Ramos. On one side of the postcard, there was a handwritten message: "Is there a child rape, torture, and murder tunnel under your house? We have the Zyklon B. Use Code "GASTHEJEWS" for 10% off!" The reverse side of the postcard displayed a hand-drawn image depicting a purported Jewish male wearing a rat costume and the words “JEWS ARE RATS.”
If convicted, Collazo Ramos faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by FBI.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government with assistance from Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Eight Individuals Charged with Attempted Child Enticement Resulting from Operation Red Rover InvestigationRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Eight Georgia residents are charged by federal indictment with allegedly attempting to coerce and entice a child for sex resulting from Operation Red Rover, an investigation targeting online child predators. The final defendant was arraigned in federal court today.
Naimilkumar Dadawala, 35, of McDonough, Georgia, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor;
Rashon Griggs, 28, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor;
Darryl Lockett, 29, of Macon, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor;
Jose Santiago Longoria Alvarez, 45, of Fort Valley, Georgia, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor;
Dewan Mitchell, 35, of Kathleen, Georgia, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography;
Jon Wiltberger, 33, of Manchester, Georgia, and formerly of Phenix City, Alabama, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor;
Marquaze Williams, 31, of Eatonton, Georgia, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of committing a sexual offense as a registered sex offender; and
Steven Williams, 44, of Bonaire, Georgia, is charged with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of life imprisonment for their crimes.
The indictments allege that the individuals attempted to entice children they met online to engage in sexually explicit acts in Feb. 2024. The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in March and April 2024.
Defendant Dadawala was arraigned in federal court this afternoon; all defendants have had their arraignment hearings.
The case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations Child Exploitation & Cyber Investigations Group (HSI-CECIG) and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 105, located at Robins Air Force Base.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach.
An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Southwest Georgia Resident Sentenced to Prison for Meth Possession and DistributionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Pelham, Georgia, resident with a lengthy criminal history in Southwest Georgia who admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine was sentenced to serve more than 15 years in federal prison today.
Skeeter Eugene Weeks, 41, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on April 23. Weeks previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Sept. 8, 2023. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant’s high-speed attempt to evade capture endangered himself, responding law enforcement and other drivers,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Individuals with lengthy criminal histories who continue to disregard the law will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and other evidence, a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to pull Weeks over for a traffic violation on I-75 on Sept. 12, 2021. Weeks, who was driving a motorcycle, didn’t stop but accelerated to speeds of more than 90 mph. Additional officers joined the pursuit, as Weeks weaved between vehicles to avoid law enforcement. Weeks exited at Rumble Road, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He began to run away and across the interstate but was taken into custody as he attempted to jump the center median guardrail. Weeks was driving with a suspended license and had several active warrants. He was wearing a cross-body bag, which held a semi-automatic pistol. Inside the cross-body bag and in his pockets, Weeks was carrying 993 grams of methamphetamine. Weeks has a lengthy criminal past in Southwest Georgia including convictions for burglary, harassing phone calls, manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.
Southwest Georgia Resident Faces Life in Prison for Armed Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with a lengthy criminal history pleaded guilty to armed drug distribution charges today and faces life in prison for admitting to distributing large quantities of fentanyl.
Larry Roger Sparks, Jr., 46, of Albany, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a heroin and fentanyl mixture; one count of distribution of methamphetamine; three counts of distribution of methamphetamine at a place where a person under age 18 resides; one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute at a premises at which a person under 18 resides; one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (a Sig Sauer Model P365 SAS 9mm pistol). The defendant is facing a maximum of life in prison. U.S. District Judge Leslie A. Gardner is presiding over the case. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court.
“Fentanyl is one of the deadliest drugs on the streets today, and our office will go to every length to halt its distribution and hold fentanyl traffickers accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “This case is an example of strong and effective partnerships between law enforcement, who are dedicated to ridding our communities of armed fentanyl dealers and working with our office to prosecute the most dangerous individuals.”
“Locking away criminal drug dealers who choose to push poison on our streets will literally save lives as fentanyl is the number one killer among Americans aged 18-45,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.
“Drug traffickers are poisoning our communities with drugs like fentanyl,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This case serves as an example of our continued efforts to stop the drug traffickers who ruthlessly target Georgia communities. The GBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue working toward ridding our state of these deadly drugs.”
According to court documents, a 2023 undercover GBI investigation into armed fentanyl trafficking in Southwest Georgia led agents to Sparks, who was distributing large quantities of fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine from his Albany residence, where three minor children resided. Agents, working with a confidential source under surveillance and electronic recording, purchased controlled substances from Sparks five times, beginning on March 9, 2023, and ending with a final undercover purchase on May 3, 2023, when Sparks sold 478.2 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine.
Agents executed a federal search warrant on May 16, 2023, at Sparks’ residence located at 1501 Pinecrest Drive in Albany. As agents made their approach, three suspected drug customers in the yard fled; one of the individuals discarded a small quantity of suspected heroin and fentanyl mixture. Inside the home, agents found 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl, approximately three kilograms of methamphetamine, needles, scales, Narcan, cash and other items associated with drug use and distribution. Agents found six firearms, including the Sig Sauer 9mm pistol. Lab results for the drugs seized at the residence are: 1,205.7 grams of fentanyl, 1,775.5 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine and 963.1 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine.
The defendant was taken into custody during a traffic stop on May 16, and was in possession of a loaded Glock 10 mm semiautomatic handgun, a loaded 50-round drum magazine, a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and more than $5,000 in cash. Sparks admitted to receiving a four-kilogram shipment of fentanyl before the search, and said that he had sold all of it, less the 1.2 kilos recovered by agents in his home.
Sparks has a lengthy criminal history and has been previously convicted for armed robbery and delivery of a controlled substance in Saginaw, Michigan, as well as for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in the Superior Court of Crisp County, Georgia.
The case was investigated by the Worth County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the GBI Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office (SWRDEO) and the DEA.
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Columbus Men Sentenced for Helping Supply Stolen Guns to Rival GangsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Two Columbus residents who admitted to helping supply stolen guns to warring criminal street gangs in the community were sentenced to federal prison today.
Daquan Braxton, 20, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Jan. 23.
Tarcus Sanders, aka “TJ,” 22, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Jan. 24.
U.S. District Judge Clay Land handed down the sentences on April 9. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Our office prioritizes the prosecutions of gun traffickers supplying stolen firearms to criminal organizations, which pose a serious threat to a community’s safety,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Firearms traffickers and straw purchasers—individuals who purchase guns for those who are prohibited from possessing them—will be held accountable at the federal level for illegally providing guns to dangerous people.”
“The unlawful acquisition and selling of firearms are serious crimes that feed and intensify the violence that plagues so many communities," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. "This investigation illustrates the collective resolve of ATF and our law enforcement partners working together to make a safer community.”
The following co-defendants entered guilty pleas:
Joshua Holland aka “Lou” aka “Luke,” 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Jan. 24, and faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count;
Robert Holman, 34, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Feb. 13, and faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine;
James David Lowery, 28, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Feb. 27, and faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and
Jerry Starks aka “John Hill,” 31, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on Feb. 24, and faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, the co-conspirators admitted to stealing firearms from area businesses in 2022 to sell to warring criminal street gangs in Columbus, including the Zohannon and the Marlo organizations. Sanders admitted to taking part in the burglary of the Northside Money Mizer Pawn Shop on Manchester Expressway in Columbus on Aug. 9, 2022. At approximately 1:35 a.m., co-defendant Holland crashed a stolen car through the front door of the pawn shop. Holland entered the business and stole five firearms, while Sanders and other co-conspirators assisted by carrying the stolen guns or acting as lookouts. Five firearms were stolen: two pistols and three rifles.
On Sept. 7, 2022, around 1:46 a.m., Holland and his co-conspirators—including Braxton—forced entry into A Better Pawn on 2nd Ave in Columbus and stole 19 firearms. Prior to the burglary, Sanders admitted that he and some of his co-conspirators scoped out the store and checked its locks to prepare for and carry out the burglary. The co-conspirators stole 11 rifles, seven shotguns and one pistol from the store.
On Sept. 16, 2022, the Money Mizer Pawn shop in Phenix City, Alabama, was burglarized. Six burglars, including Braxton, forced entry into the store and stole eight firearms. The Phenix City Police Department (PCPD) responded to an alarm call at the store and encountered a white Ford- F-150 truck backed up to the front door. The truck sped off and the chase ended when the truck got stuck in a ditch. Braxton and Holland were arrested, and the firearms were recovered.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, the Phenix City Police Department and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Columbus Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with prior felony convictions was sentenced to serve more than 11 years in prison today for injuring a federal officer as he attempted to flee arrest during an investigation into armed drug trafficking in the community.
Christopher Upshaw aka “Trouble,” 24, was sentenced to serve 136 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on April 8. Upshaw pleaded guilty to one count of forcible assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon on Jan. 23. Upshaw is not eligible for parole.
“Chris Upshaw acted with utter disregard for the lives and safety of others when he injured law enforcement and endangered community members during his frantic flight,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Ultimately, Upshaw couldn’t evade justice, thanks to the tireless efforts of the FBI and others to hold him accountable.”
“This case shows the risk law enforcement officers face on a daily basis” said FBI Atlanta’s Columbus Resident Agency Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson. “Upshaw violently assaulted both our Task Force Officer and a Special Agent. The FBI stands ready to investigate any crimes against officers. More than anything, we are thankful that the injuries were not more severe, and that this incident did not result in a loss of life.”
According to court documents and the plea agreement, authorities identified a suspicious package from Northern California that was addressed to Upshaw’s residence on Buxton Drive in Columbus; it was set for delivery on Aug. 4, 2023. Upshaw was wanted on outstanding warrants at the time. FBI, DEA, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and Coweta County Sheriff’s Office members conducted physical surveillance at Buxton Drive on Aug. 4. The suspicious parcel was delivered at 3:30 p.m. and left on the front porch. The defendant drove up in his Dodge Charger approximately 30 minutes later to retrieve the package, which he put inside his vehicle and then entered the driver’s side.
At this time, multiple unmarked law enforcement vehicles with at least one flashing its emergency lights approached Upshaw. Law enforcement officers and federal agents—all of whom were wearing agency issued body armor equipped with law enforcement insignia—exited their vehicles and advanced towards Upshaw’s car in an attempt to arrest him. Upshaw began forcibly operating his vehicle in an effort to evade arrest. FBI Special Agent (SA) M.M. attempted to open the passenger side door. Rather than complying with law enforcement’s demands to stop, Upshaw accelerated instead. Simultaneously, as a result of the vehicle’s acceleration, FBI SA M.M. was unable to release the passenger door handle and was forcibly pulled into a nearby stationary vehicle. Upshaw also struck and damaged three occupied law enforcement vehicles. Other members of law enforcement were injured on scene.
Upshaw sped away at a high rate of speed through the residential area and escaped but was captured several days later. During his flight from law enforcement, he discarded the suspicious package which was recovered by agents and contained approximately 17 pounds of marijuana divided into 14 bags. Upshaw has prior felony convictions for drug possession in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court. Upshaw is charged with attempted murder in Phenix City, Alabama, and is wanted for resisting arrest in Miami, Florida. These charges in Alabama and Florida are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by FBI, DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A convicted felon with two prior federal drug distribution convictions pleaded guilty to fentanyl trafficking and faces up to 40 years in prison for his crime.
Antonio Whitehead, 36, of Macon, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl before Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on April 3. Whitehead faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. The sentencing and revocation hearing is June 5. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“Fentanyl kills, pure and simple. Those who choose to traffic this deadly drug into our communities will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will do everything we can to support our law enforcement partners’ efforts to rid our communities of fentanyl and make them safer for everyone.”
“Despite previous convictions, Whitehead continued to plague our communities with fentanyl, fueling the deadliest drug epidemic our country has ever seen,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisor Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and remove the leaders of these drug trafficking operations from our streets.”
According to court documents, Whitehead was under supervised release for two prior federal drug distribution convictions in the Southern District of West Virginia when the car he was traveling in was stopped for multiple violations on Georgia Highway 401 by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic enforcement on Feb. 20, 2023. The officer smelled drugs and the driver had a suspended license. In addition, both the driver and Whitehead, who was a passenger, made inconsistent statements. As backup arrived, and a probable search was being conducted on the vehicle, Whitehead ran to the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away. An officer shot out the rear tires of the vehicle to prevent a high-speed chase and the defendant was arrested. Inside the vehicle, officers located a suitcase which contained plastic bags filled with 207 grams of fentanyl, 554 grams of methamphetamine and 101 grams of cocaine. Whitehead also had several bags of marijuana and a bag of fentanyl on him. Whitehead told officers the driver had nothing to do with the found drugs.
The case was investigated by the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office and the FBI.
Deputy Criminal Chief Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government with support from Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Daniels.
Co-Conspirators Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Gang-Related Murders of Three Athens ResidentsRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two metro Atlanta residents who pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges for their roles in the gang-related shooting deaths of three Athens, Georgia, residents were sentenced to prison this week.
Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka “Lil Larry,” 29, of Decatur, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy.
Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka “Different,” 37, of Lithonia, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy.
Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell handed down the sentences on March 27. There is no parole in the federal system.
“These sentences conclude a lengthy investigation and complex prosecution of all those involved in the murderous conspiracy that took the lives of three Athens men whose murders have caused unbearable pain for their families and friends,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.
“While these sentences won’t ease the pain felt by the victim’s families and friends, this does send a message of hope to our community that we will fight for the rights of those targeted by violent street gangs,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Dismantling violent criminal organizations is a priority for the FBI, and a goal we share with our law enforcement and prosecution partners across the country.”
“While these sentences will never undo the loss of the affected families, it sends a message that justice will prevail,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “We are grateful to our officers for their continued support of this case and those involved in the prosecution. Our community is safer because of your efforts.”
Three co-conspirators were found guilty on all counts on Aug. 17, 2023, and were sentenced to prison this year:
Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka “Dolla Phil,” 35, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve two consecutive Life terms plus 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on March 20. Chambers was found guilty of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); Carry and Use of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm.
Andrea Paige Browner, aka “Drea,” 29, of Athens, was sentenced to serve two concurrent sentences of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on March 20. Browner was found guilty of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm; and
Lesley Chappell Green, aka “Grip,” 35, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to life in prison on Feb. 20. Green was found guilty of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy.
According to court documents, Chambers held a “Position of Authority” within the national Gangster Disciples criminal organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement Team.” Enforcement Teams within the Gangster Disciples are directed to discipline gang members for violations of gang rules through physical assault or murder. Co-defendant Green was a member of the Enforcement Team and held the title of “Assistant Chief Enforcer.” Co-defendant Browner was a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” (SOS), a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciples, and held a leadership position in the gang.
Evidence presented at trial proved that on Dec. 10, 2018, Gangster Disciples member Walter Brown was murdered in Athens, Georgia. Chambers and Browner sought retaliation for Brown’s death and believed three unnamed Athens residents were responsible. On Dec. 14, 2018, Browner met Rodriquez Apollo Rucker, of Athens, at a downtown Athens hotel and learned that Rucker was related to one of the individuals she believed killed Brown. Browner sent text messages directing Chambers to travel to the motel, which he did. Chambers then followed Rucker home and shot and killed him. Browner notified an associate of the Gangster Disciples that she and Chambers would be leaving town because the police would be looking for them.
Browner was taken into custody in Mt. Enterprise, Texas, on Dec. 15, however Chambers, who had been in the vehicle with Browner, fled from law enforcement. Chambers was suspicious that someone was cooperating with law enforcement and focused his suspicions on Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson who were, in fact, not cooperating with law enforcement. Chambers incorrectly concluded that Ruff and Jackson were “snitches” and directed Green, who held a subordinate position on the Enforcement Team, to carry out the murders of Ruff and Jackson.
Text messages and intercepted phone calls between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry revealed that Ruff and Jackson were lured by Green, as directed by Chambers, to drive from Athens to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to break into storage sheds and steal items to send to Chambers as “aid and assistance” as he was hiding out from law enforcement in a Gangster Disciple “safe house” in Killeen, Texas. The ruse worked, and Ruff and Jackson were murdered on Dec. 19 and their bodies concealed in the storage unit until March 17, 2019, when police with the assistance of cadaver sniffing dogs located them. Additional messages between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry showed that they conspired to dispose of the victims’ bodies, which included potentially burning the bodies or dumping the bodies in a landfill. Law enforcement recovered the bodies and made arrests before these plans could be carried out.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Kenneth Kaplan, formerly of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, are prosecuting the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Walker of the Middle District of Georgia.
Gangster Disciples and Sisters of the Struggle Members Sentenced for Gang-Related MurdersRead the Press Release
A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples and a leader of its parallel female organization, the Sisters of the Struggle (SOS), were sentenced yesterday for their roles in a murder conspiracy stemming from gang-related retribution that resulted in the shooting deaths of three men.
Philmon Deshawn Chambers, also known as Dolla Phil, 35, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve two consecutive life terms in prison plus 10 years in prison. Andrea Paige Browner, also known as Drea, 29, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to serve two concurrent sentences of 30 years in prison.
According to court documents, Chambers held a “Position of Authority” within the national Gangster Disciples criminal organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement Team.” Enforcement teams within the Gangster Disciples are directed to discipline gang members for violations of gang rules through physical assault or murder. Co-defendant Lesley Chappell Green, also known as Grip, 35, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was a member of the Enforcement Team and held the title of “Assistant Chief Enforcer.”
On Dec. 10, 2018, a Gangster Disciples member was murdered in Athens. Chambers and Browner sought retaliation for the member’s death and believed three unnamed Athens residents were responsible. On Dec. 14, 2018, Browner met an individual at a downtown Athens motel and learned that he was related to one of the individuals she believed killed the Gangster Disciples member. Browner sent text messages directing Chambers to travel to the motel, which he did. Chambers then followed the individual home and shot and killed him. Browner notified a Gangster Disciples associate that she and Chambers would be leaving town because the police would be looking for them.
On Dec. 15, 2018, Browner was taken into custody in Mt. Enterprise, Texas; however, Chambers, who had been in the vehicle with Browner, fled from law enforcement. Chambers was suspicious that someone was cooperating with law enforcement, and incorrectly concluded that two individuals were “snitches.” Chambers directed Green to carry out the murders of those two individuals. The two individuals were lured by Green, as directed by Chambers, to drive from Athens to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to break into storage sheds and steal items to send to Chambers as “aid and assistance” as he was hiding out from law enforcement in a Gangster Disciple “safe house” in Killeen, Texas. On Dec. 19, 2018, the two individuals were murdered and their bodies were concealed in the storage unit. Chambers and Green, along with Robert Maurice Carlisle, also known as Different, 37, of Lithonia, Georgia, and Shabazz Larry Guidry, also known as Lil Larry, 29, of Decatur, Georgia, conspired to dispose of the victims’ bodies, which included potentially burning the bodies or dumping the bodies in a landfill.
A federal jury convicted Chambers in August 2023 of racketeer influenced and corruption organization (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, carry and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and causing the death of a person using a firearm. Browner was also convicted in August 2023 of RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and causing the death of a person using a firearm.
Carlisle and Guidry both pleaded guilty on June 8, 2023, to RICO conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on March 22. Green was sentenced on Feb. 20 to life in prison after a federal jury convicted him on Aug. 17, 2023, of RICO conspiracy.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; Supervisory Senior Special Agent Robert Gibbs of FBI Atlanta Field Office; and Chief Jerry Saulters of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department made the announcement.
The FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and Gwinnett County Police Department investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Kenneth Kaplan, formerly of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Walker for the Middle District of Georgia.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Justice Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Gangster Disciples, Sisters of the Struggle Members Sentenced to Prison for Gang-Related MurdersRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples and a leader of its parallel female organization, the Sisters of the Struggle, were sentenced to prison today for their roles in a murderous conspiracy stemming from gang-related retribution that resulted in the shooting deaths of three Athens, Georgia, men.
Philmon Deshawn Chambers, aka “Dolla Phil,” 35, of Atlanta was sentenced to serve two consecutive Life terms plus 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Chambers was found guilty of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); Carry and Use of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm.
Co-defendant Andrea Paige Browner, aka “Drea,” 29, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to serve two concurrent sentences of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Browner was found guilty of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) Conspiracy; Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering - Murder (VICAR-Murder); and Causing the Death of a Person Using a Firearm. The co-defendants were convicted on all counts by a federal jury on Aug. 17, 2023. Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case and handed down these sentences on March 20. The defendants are not eligible for parole.
“Philmon Chambers and his co-conspirators’ murderous crimes caused intense pain and suffering for three Georgia families whose loved ones were taken from them in a heinous manner,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “While no court can restore the lives that were lost, we hope these sentences provide some measure of justice and underscore our office’s commitment – working alongside our law enforcement partners – to combatting violent crime.”
“While these sentences won’t ease the pain felt by the victim’s families and friends, this does send a message of hope to our community that we will fight for the rights of those targeted by violent street gangs,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Dismantling violent criminal organizations is a priority for the FBI, and a goal we share with our law enforcement and prosecution partners across the country.”
“While these sentences will never undo the loss of the affected families, it sends a message that justice will prevail,” said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. “We are grateful to our officers for their continued support of this case and those involved in the prosecution. Our community is safer because of your efforts.”
Two co-defendants previously entered guilty pleas and will be sentenced on March 27 in Macon:
Robert Maurice Carlisle, aka “Different,” 37, of Lithonia, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on June 8, 2023, and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison; and
Shabazz Larry Guidry, aka “Lil Larry,” 29, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on June 8, 2023, and is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The following co-defendant was sentenced to prison on Feb. 20:
Lesley Chappell Green, aka “Grip,” 35, of Stone Mountain, was sentenced to life in prison on Feb. 20 after he was convicted by a federal jury of Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization (RICO) conspiracy on Aug. 17, 2023.
According to court documents, Chambers held a “Position of Authority” within the national Gangster Disciples criminal organization, which included overseeing members of the “Enforcement Team.” Enforcement Teams within the Gangster Disciples are directed to discipline gang members for violations of gang rules through physical assault or murder. Co-defendant Green was a member of the Enforcement Team and held the title of “Assistant Chief Enforcer.” Co-defendant Browner was a member of the “Sisters of the Struggle” (SOS), a parallel female component of the Gangster Disciples, and held a leadership position in the gang.
Evidence presented at trial proved that on Dec. 10, 2018, Gangster Disciples member Walter Brown was murdered in Athens, Georgia. Chambers and Browner sought retaliation for Brown’s death and believed three unnamed Athens residents were responsible. On Dec. 14, 2018, Browner met Rodriquez Apollo Rucker, of Athens, at a downtown Athens hotel and learned that Rucker was related to one of the individuals she believed killed Brown. Browner sent text messages directing Chambers to travel to the motel, which he did. Chambers then followed Rucker home and shot and killed him. Browner notified an associate of the Gangster Disciples that she and Chambers would be leaving town because the police would be looking for them.
Browner was taken into custody in Mt. Enterprise, Texas, on Dec. 15, however Chambers, who had been in the vehicle with Browner, fled from law enforcement. Chambers was suspicious that someone was cooperating with law enforcement and focused his suspicions on Derrick Ruff and Joshua Jackson who were, in fact, not cooperating with law enforcement. Chambers incorrectly concluded that Ruff and Jackson were “snitches” and directed Green, who held a subordinate position on the Enforcement Team, to carry out the murders of Ruff and Jackson.
Text messages and intercepted phone calls between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry revealed that Ruff and Jackson were lured by Green, as directed by Chambers, to drive from Athens to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to break into storage sheds and steal items to send to Chambers as “aid and assistance” as he was hiding out from law enforcement in a Gangster Disciple “safe house” in Killeen, Texas. The ruse worked, and Ruff and Jackson were murdered on Dec. 19 and their bodies concealed in the storage unit until March 17, 2019, when police with the assistance of cadaver sniffing dogs located them. Additional messages between Chambers, Green, Carlisle and Guidry showed that they conspired to dispose of the victims’ bodies, which included potentially burning the bodies or dumping the bodies in a landfill. Law enforcement recovered the bodies and made arrests before these plans could be carried out.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Athens Resident Agency Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison of the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Kenneth Kaplan, formerly of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, are prosecuting the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Walker of the Middle District of Georgia.
Two Middle Georgia Repeat Offenders Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CasesRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – Two Georgia residents with lengthy criminal histories were sentenced to prison for their criminal involvement in separate armed drug trafficking investigations in the Middle District of Georgia.
Rodrick Taylor, aka “RT,” 40, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 292 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release on March 13 in Case No. 3:20-CR-62-CAR after he pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Antonio Reid, 48, of Walton County, Georgia, was sentenced as a career offender to serve 212 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 13 in Case No. 3:21-CR-25-CAR after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal handed down the sentences. The defendants are not eligible for parole.
“These cases involve repeat felony offenders who disregarded the law time and again, endangering citizens and law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Both cases demonstrate how our office is teaming up with local, state and federal law enforcement across the Middle District of Georgia to identify those individuals who are causing the most chaos in their communities and hold them accountable for their crimes.”
According to court documents in the Taylor case, federal and local agents identified Taylor as a heroin dealer in the Athens community during a wiretap investigation into an armed drug trafficking organization controlled by Rickshun Willingham in 2019. During their investigation, FBI agents learned that Taylor assisted Willingham in a robbery of two kilograms of heroin in an Athens parking lot. A search warrant was executed at Taylor’s Bogart, Georgia, home on May 27, 2020. Agents found a .40 caliber pistol, along with drug distribution items. Taylor has multiple prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. FBI agents received information in Aug. 2020 that Taylor was selling heroin from his home and was bragging about having a new firearm and posting a video of himself with a Glock 9mm pistol at a shooting range on his social media account. A search warrant was executed at Taylor’s home on Sept. 24, 2020, and agents found a loaded 9mm Glock pistol, 105 grams of heroin as well as evidence that Taylor flushed heroin down the toilet before agents made entry into his home.
According to court documents in the Reid case, Monroe Police Department officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Reid’s vehicle on Oct. 5, 2020. When a police officer approached the vehicle, Reid sped away at a high rate of speed and eventually crashed into a curb and fled on foot into the woods. An adult woman and a three-year-old child remained in Reid’s vehicle; both were physically unharmed and released from the scene. When located in the woods by an officer, Reid continued to resist arrest, but ultimately was taken into custody. Reid was in possession of crack cocaine. Reid has multiple prior felony convictions including a 2014 conviction for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia. As a result, Reid was sentenced as a career offender.
The Taylor case was investigated by the FBI Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the DEA.
The Reid case was investigated by the Monroe Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuted the cases for the Government.
Pennsylvania Resident Sentenced to Statutory Maximum of 30 Years in Prison for Shooting Death of Oconee County ManRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Pennsylvania resident convicted of federal charges resulting from the lengthy investigation into the shooting death of an Oconee County, Georgia, man was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 30 years in prison for his crimes in federal court today.
Ahkil Nasir Crumpton aka “Crump,” 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 240 months in prison for interference with commerce by attempted robbery and 120 months in prison for false statement during the purchase of a firearm for a total of 360 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman “Tripp” Self, III on March 18. Crumpton was found guilty by a federal jury of all counts on Oct. 25, 2023. The defendant is not eligible for parole. Crumpton is facing state charges for murder and other offenses in Georgia.
“Ahkil Crumpton’s violent crime ended Elijah Wood’s young life and has been the cause of immeasurable pain to many people in the Oconee County community and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Local, state and federal agencies have worked tirelessly to seek justice on behalf of Elijah. Our hope is the conclusion of the federal case offers some peace for all those who have been affected by this tragedy.”
“Crumpton’s crime was senseless, tragic and irreversible,” said Robert Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Athens office. “This sentencing reflects the commitment of the FBI to working with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable to greatest extent the law allows. We hope that Elijah Wood’s family can find some sense of healing and justice in this sentence.”
“NIBIN is proven technology used to link the criminal use of firearms with the person who pulled the trigger,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “In this case, NIBIN allowed investigators to successfully connect both shootings to the defendant. Working alongside our local, state and federal partners, ATF is committed to using every resource at our disposal to reduce violent crime and hold violent offenders accountable.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Crumpton was alone when he entered the RaceTrac gas station and convenience store on Macon Highway in Watkinsville, Georgia, on March 19, 2021, where Elijah Wood was working as the store clerk, filling in for a sick coworker. Crumpton’s face was covered, and he was wearing dark clothing and football gloves. There was another customer in the store; Crumpton is seen on surveillance video exiting and then returning at 1:15 a.m. Upon his return, Crumpton approached Wood, who was standing behind the counter at the cash register. Crumpton pointed a Glock 19 pistol with a weapon mounted light at Wood, firing one round at close range towards Wood, striking him in the chest. Wood’s girlfriend testified at trial that she was on a FaceTime call with Wood at the time. Crumpton ran out of the store without taking any money or merchandise. Wood died at the scene. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) located one 9mm shell casing from the counter between two of the cash registers.
Four months later, on July 17, 2021, Crumpton was seen exiting the South Street Diner at 140 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 3:18 a.m. to retrieve a Glock 43 pistol from a vehicle and was approached by Anthony Jones. Surveillance video from a nearby business captured the encounter between Jones and Crumpton. Jones brandished a silver handgun and pointed it at Crumpton, then appeared to grab the car keys out of Crumpton’s left hand. Jones forcefully removed the Glock 43 pistol from Crumpton’s right pocket while simultaneously holding him at gunpoint. When Jones turned around following the robbery and began to run away, Crumpton pulled a Glock 19 pistol from his waistband and fired 13 gunshots that ultimately struck and killed Jones. The spent 9mm shell casings ejected from Crumpton’s handgun were collected by law enforcement and later submitted to ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for comparison testing. The analysis confirmed that the firearm used in the RaceTrac murder in Oconee County, Georgia, was the same firearm used in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, shooting.
On the morning of March 16, 2022, FBI and ATF agents arrested Crumpton in Philadelphia on a murder warrant issued out of the Superior Court of Oconee County, Georgia. Crumpton jumped out of his bedroom window to escape arrest, but he was taken into custody by FBI SWAT following a chase. Inside Crumpton’s bedroom, agents located the Glock 19 pistol in his backpack that was confirmed in ballistics testing to be the one used in the shooting deaths of Elijah Wood in Oconee County and Anthony Jones in Philadelphia. In addition, agents found items of clothing worn by Crumpton in both shooting deaths and a loaded AR-15 rifle.
Crumpton was a former member of the University of Georgia (UGA) football team, where he played wide receiver during the 2017 and 2018 season and attended UGA as a student from the fall of 2017 to the spring of 2021, although he did not graduate. At the time of Elijah Wood’s murder, Crumpton resided at an apartment in Watkinsville, Georgia, less than two miles from the RaceTrac, with his teammate Juwan Taylor. Taylor testified at trial that Crumpton came to their apartment after the shooting holding the pistol and was visibly upset saying, “I didn’t mean to do it – I just wanted the money, I just shot him at the store, at the store.” Crumpton explained further that when he lifted the gun up, it “just went off.” Taylor said he was frightened for his own safety and did not tell anyone. In July 2021, Crumpton returned to live in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Co-defendant James North Armstrong, 35, of Commerce, Georgia, testified that Crumpton was a client of his at his tattoo studio. Armstrong testified that Crumpton asked him to purchase a gun for him. Armstrong admitted that he illegally purchased the Glock 19 for Crumpton on Feb. 8, 2021, at the Franklin Gun Shop in Athens, Georgia, by falsely claiming to be the buyer on the Firearms Transaction Record-Form 4473 when Crumpton was the actual buyer. It is a federal offense to lie on Form 4473. Armstrong pleaded guilty to one count of false statement during the purchase of a firearm on Oct. 3, 2023, and faces a maximum of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Armstrong is March 20.
Crumpton was originally indicted on four federal charges (for more information, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/federal-murder-attempted-robbery-firearms-charges-filed-shooting-death-oconee-county). The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in United States v. Taylor, handed down a month and ten days after Crumpton’s federal indictment, found that attempted Hobbs Act robbery was not a crime of violence. Therefore, Counts Two and Three in Crumpton’s original indictment were dismissed prior to trial.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, please visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
The case was investigated by the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, GBI, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Morrison and Daniel Peach prosecuted the case for the Government.
Inmate Guilty of Pandemic Fraud During Incarceration Sent Back to PrisonRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Valdosta, Georgia, resident who was serving a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking and gun convictions when he illegally obtained money from a pandemic unemployment program was sentenced to prison this week for his crime.
Isaac Camon, 49, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison for one count of wire fraud plus 36 months in prison for revocation of his supervised release for a total of 72 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 14 by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“Our office has prosecuted individuals responsible for millions of dollars of CARES Act fraud, money earmarked to help sustain hard-working and law-abiding citizens during the historic pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to root out fraud and hold individuals accountable for these criminal schemes.”
“Camon clearly has no regard for the law, as he decided to defraud the State of Georgia during a national emergency while he was still serving time for drug trafficking,” said Rich Bilson, Supervisory Senior Resident of FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta office. “This lengthy sentence demonstrates the FBI’s relentless pursuit of justice and will hopefully put an end to Camon’s career as a criminal.”
According to court documents, on June 16, 2020, Camon filed a fraudulent online claim for federal and state pandemic unemployment assistance with the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). In the claim, Camon falsely asserted he worked for two companies during a time period when he was actually serving a federal sentence in a prison, a halfway house or on home confinement for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance in the Middle District of Florida. Camon never reported any work income for tax purposes and one of the companies Camon claimed to work for wasn’t in operation at the time he stated he was employed by them. Camon is being held accountable for an intended fraud loss of $19,452; the restitution amount payable to the Georgia Department of Labor is $16,322.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta Resident Agency, the U.S. Department of Labor-OIG, the U.S. Department of Transportation-OIG and the Lanier County Sheriff's Office.
Criminal Chief Leah McEwen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.
Three Georgians Sentenced for Roles in Americus Meth Trafficking RingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – Three Southwest Georgia residents were sentenced this week for their criminal involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking ring distributing controlled substances in Americus, Georgia.
Kasie Lawarron Monson, 43, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 12 after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base. Co-defendant Eran Devon Sims, 30, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on March 12 after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Co-defendant Briana Latrice Lawson, 26, of Americus, was sentenced to serve five years of probation today after she pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The following co-defendants pleaded guilty and have been sentenced:
Chasmon Deon Smith, 36, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison on Oct. 20, 2023, after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base;
Randy Allen Cole, 31, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison on Oct. 20, 2023, after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine; and
Logan James Tookes, 35, of Americus, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner handed down the sentences. The defendants are not eligible for parole.
“This case is a strong example of how federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are collaborating in Americus and similar communities across the Middle District of Georgia to prevent the distribution of dangerous illegal substances like methamphetamine, which harm people and exacerbate other criminal activity,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office will continue to support their efforts by working with them to hold repeat criminals accountable for their crimes.”
“Drug traffickers drive addiction and destroy communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA efforts ensure these criminals will be removed from our streets.”
“The GBI takes drug investigations very seriously and understands the significant negative effects that dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine have on Georgia communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “We are committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to combat drug distribution and keep our communities safe.”
According to court documents, DEA and GBI agents initiated an undercover drug distribution investigation in Americus beginning in 2021. Between Oct. 2021 and Jan. 2022, an undercover GBI agent conducted numerous purchases of cocaine base and methamphetamine through Sims from his various sources of supply, including Monson, Cole and Tookes. In total, law enforcement purchased approximately 367 grams of methamphetamine and 28 grams of cocaine base during the conspiracy investigation. A search warrant was executed at Monson’s residence on Brookdale Drive in Americus on Jan. 25, 2022. Inside a closet in Monson’s bedroom, agents found a bag containing 11 individually packaged plastic baggies containing methamphetamine, along with crack cocaine and powder cocaine. Agents seized 422 grams of actual methamphetamine and distributable quantities of cocaine and cocaine base.
Five defendants have criminal histories in the community: Smith was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior convictions for the sale of cocaine, conspiracy to sell cocaine and obstruction of a law enforcement officer; Monson has a lengthy criminal history in the region, including prior convictions for possessing controlled substances, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of law enforcement officers and battery; Sims has prior convictions, including theft by taking and burglary; Cole has prior convictions for entering an automobile and obstruction of law enforcement officers; and Tookes has a prior conviction for obstruction of law enforcement officers.
This case was investigated by DEA and GBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Worth County Tax Commissioner Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – The former long-time Worth County, Georgia, Tax Commissioner has admitted to not reporting earnings from work she did for four cities on her tax return.
Tabetha DuPriest, 57, of Poulan, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return before U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner today. The maximum sentence is three years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. The defendant is not eligible for parole.
“There is no excuse for a long-time Tax Commissioner to fail to report earnings on personal income taxes, just like other citizens must do,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These kinds of schemes undermine the public’s trust and simply won’t be tolerated by our office or our law enforcement partners.”
“Tax evasion undermines the integrity of our tax system and harms honest taxpayers,” said Rich Bilson, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Albany office. “The FBI remains committed to upholding tax compliance and pursuing those who attempt to evade their tax responsibilities.”
“As a tax commissioner, Tabetha DuPriest breached the public trust by willfully failing to report all of her income as required by law,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS special agents are committed to ensuring everyone pays their fair share of taxes to protect the integrity of the tax system.”
According to court documents, DuPriest was the Worth County Tax Commissioner since 2001; she also served as the President of the Georgia Association of Tax Officials from 2019-2021. In her role as Tax Commissioner, DuPriest oversaw the collection of motor vehicle taxes and property taxes for the Worth County cities of Sylvester, Poulan, Warwick and Sumner. For that work, she earned approximately $80,000 in wages a year and received a Form W-2 from the Worth County Board of Commissioners. In addition to her salary, each of these municipalities separately contracted with DuPriest to collect city taxes, and she was paid separately by each city for that work. An FBI and IRS investigation revealed that DuPriest failed to declare any of the additional income she had received from her independent contracts with the four municipalities in Worth County on her federal tax returns since she became Tax Commissioner. It was not until after she was interviewed by the FBI in 2022 that she began to declare the additional income. During the first FBI interview, DuPriest initially claimed she reported the additional income on her tax returns, however, during a subsequent interview she admitted she did not. DuPriest knew she was required to report these fees as self-employment income on her yearly tax returns. DuPriest received $99,293.65 from the four cities between 2016 and 2021 and did not report it as income, as required, on her tax returns. DuPriest is responsible for causing at least a $27,924.22 tax loss to the IRS and required to pay $22,482.22 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Convicted Felon Found Guilty at Trial of Robbing Truist Bank in MaconRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident was found guilty by a federal jury today of robbing the Truist Bank on Riverside Drive in Macon in 2023 while on federal supervised release for illegally possessing a firearm.
Gabriel Bell, 29, of Macon, was found guilty of one count of bank robbery on March 12 following a two-day trial that began on Monday, March 11. Bell faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. District Chief Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court.
“Gabriel Bell terrorized Truist employees when he entered the bank and demanded money while threatening to shoot them,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “People should be safe to conduct their everyday business without fear or intimidation; sending Bell back to federal prison will further that goal.”
“Bell’s prior prison time was apparently not enough for him because he returned to his robbing ways while he was still on supervised release for the last crime he committed,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta’s Macon Office. “Thanks to the assistance of our partners with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, he’ll have up to 20 years in federal prison to think about what he’ll do the next time he is released from prison.”
“We want to thank those tipsters who gave information identifying Gabriel Bell as the robber,” said Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis. “Committed public involvement coupled with good investigative follow-up resulted in this repeat offender being held accountable for yet another unlawful deed.”
According to court documents and evidence submitted at trial, Bell walked into the Truist Bank at 2998 Riverside Drive in Macon on Feb. 16, 2023, at approximately 3:17 p.m., wearing a blue surgical mask. There were no customers in the business at the time. Bell handed a demand note to a teller that stated: “PUT ALL BIG BILLS IN ENVELOPE (ROBBERY) Do anything stupid, and I’ll shoot you!” The teller put her hands up and told Bell she did not have money and passed the note to another teller. This second teller gave Bell cash, after which he fled. Tellers at the bank said Bell lifted his shirt and they saw something that was described as dark, silver, with a handle and that could have been a gun. In surveillance video, Bell is seen grabbing at his hip where tellers reported they saw the object. No weapon was recovered.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office released photographs taken from surveillance video to the public and received two tips identifying the suspect as Bell. The FBI processed the demand note for latent fingerprints and developed two latent prints that were determined to belong to Bell. The FBI also obtained location information from Bell’s cell phone and Google account which confirmed he was in the area near the bank at the time of the robbery. Bell was taken into custody on Feb. 20, 2023. Bell was previously convicted of armed robbery of the Huddle House in Jeffersonville, Georgia, in 2015. He was also convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina of convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm in 2021 and was on federal supervised release for that offense at the time of the Truist Bank robbery.
The case was investigated by FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Gun Supplier to Warring Gangs in Columbus Pleads Guilty to Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
A gun supplier who was stealing firearms from area pawn shops to sell to warring criminal street gangs in the Columbus community entered a guilty plea for his crimes in federal court last week, along with two co-defendants.
Joshua Holland aka “Lou,” 24, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count; co-defendants James David Lowery, 28, of Columbus, and Jerry Starks aka “John Hill,” 31, of Columbus, both pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and face a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The pleas were entered on Tuesday, Feb. 27. U.S. District Judge Clay Land is presiding over the cases. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. The defendants are not eligible for parole.
“Our office has zero tolerance for individuals caught supplying violent criminal organizations with firearms and will pursue federal charges for gun traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “As exhibited in this Project Safe Neighborhoods’ case, making our streets safer and holding individuals accountable for their crimes requires the partnership of law enforcement and community stakeholders at every level.”
“The unlawful acquisition and selling of firearms are serious crimes that feed and intensify the violence that plagues so many communities," said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. "This investigation illustrates the collective resolve of ATF and our law enforcement partners working together to make a safer community.”
According to court documents, Holland admitted to stealing firearms from area businesses in 2022 to sell to warring criminal street gangs in Columbus, including the Zohannon and the Marlo organizations. On Aug. 9, 2022, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Holland and his co-conspirators burglarized the Northside Money Mizer Pawn Shop on Manchester Expressway in Columbus. One of the burglars crashed a stolen car through the front door of the store. Holland entered the business and stole five firearms, while other co-conspirators assisted by carrying the stolen guns or acting as lookouts. Holland and the others ran away; some of the burglars were picked up by another car and driven away. On Sept. 7, 2022, around 1:46 a.m., Holland and his co-conspirators forced entry into A Better Pawn on 2nd Ave in Columbus and stole 19 firearms. On Sept. 16, 2022, the Money Mizer Pawn shop in Phenix City, Alabama, was burglarized by Holland and five others, who forced entry into the store and stole eight firearms. Holland and two others were captured and taken into custody by Phenix City Police Department officers.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Columbus Police Department, Phenix City Police Department and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Diego Ibarra Ordered to Remain in Federal Custody at Detention HearingRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Venezuelan citizen charged by federal criminal complaint with possessing a fraudulent green card will remain in federal custody as requested by the Government at a detention hearing this morning.
Diego Ibarra, 28, of Venezuela, is charged by criminal complaint with possession of a fraudulent document. If convicted, Ibarra faces a maximum of ten years in prison. U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Weigle ordered Ibarra to be detained pending trial based on evidence of the defendant being a flight risk.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with critical assistance from FBI, GBI, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, University of Georgia Police Department and Clarke County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.