Southern District of Georgia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Savannah Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Possession of a HandgunRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Savannah resident Ernest Jackson, 36, was sentenced on March 12, 2018, by Senior District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr., for his role in a counterfeiting scheme spanning Chatham, Bryan, Bulloch, and McIntosh Counties, as well as for his possession of a firearm. Judge Moore awarded Jackson 60 months’ confinement for the counterfeiting offense, and a concurrent term of 180 months’ confinement for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Evidence during the sentencing hearing emphasized that Jackson possessed the firearm at issue after earning multiple felony convictions for Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Carjacking, and Aggravated Assault upon a Police Officer. Jackson’s violent criminal history placed him in the category of an “Armed Career Criminal,” which designation requires a mandatory minimum 15-year term of confinement. Additionally, ballistics testing linked Jackson’s firearm to multiple unsolved Savannah-area shootings.
The case was investigated and prosecuted with assistance from the United States Secret Service, the Savannah Police Department, the Richmond Hill Police Department, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.
Glen Kessler, the Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service said, “The U.S. Secret Service, with its local and state partners, will continue to work towards protecting our communities from gun violence by aggressively targeting those gun carrying felons that come onto our radar for criminal offenses like counterfeiting, credit card fraud or other federal violations.”
United States Attorney Bobby Christine said, “Law enforcement’s top priority is the safety of our citizens. We will bring the full force of justice on dangerous criminals who possess firearms. Those dangerous felons who possess firearms will be investigated, prosecuted, and can expect to serve lengthy sentences in federal prison.”
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer G. Solari prosecuted the case against Jackson for the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Savannah Drug Dealer Sentenced to 200 Months for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: NATHANIEL THOMAS PUGH, III, 35, of Savannah, Georgia, was sentenced on March 15, 2018, to 200 months in federal prison by United States District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. Pugh was convicted on December 12, 2017, by a federal jury of possessing a firearm as a felon, possession of ethylone, commonly referred to as "Molly," with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Pugh was involved in a shooting in the Oak Forest neighborhood of Savannah on November 4, 2015. After sustaining a gunshot wound, Pugh drove his bullet riddled car to the hospital. Savannah Chatham-Metro Police recovered a Glock firearm, loaded with a 30-round extended magazine in the glove compartment, which had Pugh’s DNA on it. Also in the car, officers recovered a treasure trove of drug paraphernalia, including almost an ounce of “Molly,” cocaine, pills, baggies and a scale. Text messages recovered from Pugh’s cell phone revealed that Pugh had engaged in several drug transactions prior to the shooting incident, and also revealed photographs of Pugh holding the firearm that was ultimately recovered from Pugh’s car.
Pugh’s criminal history dates back almost two decades and includes prior convictions for Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Controlled Substances, Terroristic Threats, Simple Battery and Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “Gun-toting drug dealers like Nathaniel Pugh have no place in our community, except behind bars. Pugh’s lengthy sentence should stand out as a stark example of our office’s determination and commitment to aggressively prosecute and disarm those who plague our neighborhoods with drugs and violence.”
This case was brought as part of Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local initiative to combat gun violence and ensure that repeat offenders are subject to stiffer federal sentences, all without the possibility of parole.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Savannah Chatham-Metro Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kirkland and Carlton Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Joint Federal-State Investigation Results in Second Arrest in Armed Bank Robbery CaseRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: On March 13, 2018, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force arrested Robert Kimble, also known as “Bam” and “Ibn Yusuf,” on federal charges of armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to a superseding indictment that the federal grand jury returned last week, Kimble brandished a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol and used force, violence, and intimidation to steal $15,647.00 from a Navy Federal Credit Union branch on October 11, 2017.
Kimble is the second of two individuals to be charged with offenses related to the Navy Federal Credit Union robbery. On January 10, 2018, the federal grand jury charged Jerrell Antonio Roberts, also known as “Zaiky Abdul Nabil,” with the same offenses for which Kimble was indicted more recently. Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department detectives and officers apprehended Roberts within approximately 30 minutes of the robbery. Roberts was arrested in the backyard of Kimble’s home in the Forest Park neighborhood of Savannah after Roberts ran from a vehicle that he had crashed while attempting to flee from police. From Roberts’s vehicle, police officers recovered $15,647.00 in cash and a loaded nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol.
If convicted of armed bank robbery, Kimble could be sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, the defendant faces a consecutive sentence of seven years’ imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by 10 years in prison. All federal sentences must be served without the possibility of parole.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine praised the FBI and Savannah Police Department for working together to combat firearms-related violence: “This Office remains committed to protecting the citizens of this community through its partnerships with federal law enforcement and local police to ensure that armed robbers and those who abet them are brought to justice swiftly.”
Savannah Police Chief Mark Revenew stated, “This is an excellent example of our partnership with federal counterparts who join us in our commitment to remove armed criminals from our community.”
U.S. Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Both defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. FBI Task Force Officer Michael Rowan is leading the federal investigation. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
24 Defendants Charged by Federal and State Prosecutors for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Related OffensesRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA – Federal indictments were unsealed yesterday revealing that sixteen (16) residents from Glynn County and McIntosh County, in the Southern District of Georgia, and elsewhere, have been charged with federal firearms and drug-trafficking offenses. The Brunswick District Attorney’s Office has charged an additional eight defendants.
The federal and state charges are the result of joint federal and local efforts to dismantle a major cocaine trafficking organization that was operating in the Southern District of Georgia and elsewhere. After law enforcement received information about a drug dealer who was selling large quantities of cocaine in Glynn County, the McIntosh Sheriff’s Office teamed up with the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Investigators from local and federal law enforcement worked together to identify the members of the drug trafficking organization (DTO), their methods of operation, and where they stored and sold drugs. The team used a number of investigative techniques, including the use of informants, conducting surveillance, making undercover purchases of cocaine and crack cocaine, and the execution of search warrants.
Through search warrants and consensual searches conducted during this investigation, agents seized kilograms of cocaine, with a street value in excess of $150,000, over 30 pounds of marijuana, crack cocaine, over $60,000 cash, and dozens of firearms, including assault style rifles and substantial amounts of ammunition.
On March 13, 2018, a team of federal and local law enforcement investigators simultaneously executed over twenty (20) arrest warrants in the Southern District of Georgia and the Middle District of Florida. During the arrests, investigators seized an additional 21 firearms.
The following defendants have been charged in the thirty-six (36) page, thirty-six (36) count federal indictment:
JOHN EUGENE OVERCASH, a/k/a “Cowboy,” 52, Brunswick, GA,
KENNETH LEON BRADLEY, 50, Brunswick, GA,
JEREMY MCINTYRE, 37, Brunswick, GA,
RICHARD CARTER, 57, Brunswick, GA,
DARRIUS MERRELL, 38, Brunswick, GA,
ANDREW JACKSON, a/k/a “Drew,” 34, Orlando, FL,
KENEIL KING, 25, Brunswick, GA,
JESSICA TABUTEAU, 31, Orlando, FL,
TROY CROSBY, 49, Hortense, GA,
AMY MANSON, 37, Hortense, GA,
EDRIN TEMPLE, a/k/a “Pete McCiver,” 39, Darien, GA,
ANTHONY BERNARD LEWIS, a/k/a “Amp,” 46, Brunswick, GA,
JOSEPH SIMMONS, a/k/a “Bug,” 48, Brunswick, GA,
TOMMY MURRAY, 50, Brunswick, GA,
CLIFTON FOSTER, 64, Brunswick, GA,
MARCUS MUNGIN, 33, Brunswick, GA
The federal charges and maximum penalties include:
-Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, which carries a potential sentence of not less than 10 years of incarceration, up to life. If a defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, then the charge carries not less than 20 years of incarceration up to life. If a person has two or more prior felony drug convictions, then not less than life.
-The Distribution of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), which carries up to 20 years of incarceration. If a defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, then it carries not more than 30 years of incarceration.
-Felon in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which carries a potential sentence of 10 years incarceration. However, if a defendant has 3 prior convictions for violent crimes or serious drug offenses, then he/she faces not less than 15 years of incarceration up to life;
-Drug User in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which carries a potential sentence of 10 years of incarceration;
-Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crimes, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which carries not less than 5 years of incarceration up to life;
-Use of a Communication Facility to Facilitate Drug Crime, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b), which carries not more than 4 years of incarceration.
The indictment also seeks to forfeit tools used in the crimes and proceeds from the crimes, including a residence located at 1199 West Shore Drive, Brunswick, Georgia.
The following individual was charged under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act with Conspiracy to Purchase Marijuana and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony Involving Controlled Substances:
Kenneth Bradley, Jr. (age 21) of Brunswick.
The following were charged under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act with Conspiracy to Purchase a Controlled Substance and Use of Communication Facility in Commission of a Felony Involving Controlled Substances:
Dana Smith (age 40) of Brunswick;
Clyde Underwood (age 58) of Brunswick;
Sarah Myrick (age 35) of Brunswick;
Eric Lashawn Hall (age 45) of Brunswick;
Antonio Givens (age 46) of Brunswick;
Doug Coffey (age 45) of Brunswick; and,
Travis Collins (age 39) of Brunswick.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The federal government is committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations who are ruining our communities and endangering our citizens. Let this indictment serve as another warning that we will hunt you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
ATF Resident Agent in Charge Timothy Graden states: “These arrests are the product of concerted collaborative efforts on the part of ATF, the Glynn County Sheriff’s office, the McIntosh County Sheriff’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to target, investigate, and prosecute the perpetrators of a major drug trafficking organization. Many of the defendants are convicted felons with extensive criminal histories that date back more than 20 years. ATF and its law enforcement partners acted judiciously on information developed during this 1 ½ year investigation resulting in the seizure of large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, U.S. currency, firearms and ammunition. ATF is pleased with the success of this operation, but unfortunately this operation also highlights the persistence of narcotics traffickers and demonstrates that this type of crime must be continuously battled. ATF will continue to dedicate federal resources in partnership with other law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of reducing violent crime and armed drug trafficking.”
McIntosh County Sheriff Stephen D. Jessup states: “I could not be more pleased with the results. Even though the majority of those involved in the drug trafficking organization lived and operated in Glynn County, the amount of cocaine flowing into McIntosh County through this organization had a staggering effect on our community. The work done here is exemplary of the type of partnerships and teamwork that I hope continues between these agencies.”
Glynn County Sheriff E. Neal Jump states: “This has proven to be a very successful operation and I believe it will have a significant impact on the illegal drug trade here in Glynn County. This case has led to one of the largest seizes of cocaine and marijuana in this area in quite some time. I, along with the men and women of my office, look forward to partnering with these agencies as well as others to continue working towards a safer community for our citizens.”
Jackie Johnson, District Attorney for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, stated “Narcotics abuse and distribution is the driving force behind violent crime, theft and many other social ills in Glynn County. Our office is grateful for the work of our Sheriff, Federal law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney in targeting this problem.”
United States Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The operation was investigated by ATF, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, and the McIntosh Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Josephson and Greg Gilluly are prosecuting these cases for the United States. Assistant District Attorney Liberty Stewart is prosecuting these cases for the state of Georgia. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Five Men Sentenced for Illegally Possessing and Dealing Firearms in the Augusta AreaRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: On March 12, 2018, Mark Winston Pickrell and Aubrey Dean Bullard were sentenced for their respective roles in a conspiracy to illegally possess and sell unregistered firearms. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Chief Judge J. Randal Hall, United States District Court.
Pickrell and Bullard were two of five defendants indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2017 in an eighteen-count indictment charging controlled substance and firearms violations. All five defendants – Pickrell, Bullard, Danny Lee Thomas, Ralph Guemell Poole, and Christopher Earl Duckworth – entered into plea agreements in which they acknowledged committing crimes related to the illegal possession and sale of firearms.
According to his plea agreement, Pickrell admitted that between March 2, 2016 and May 10, 2016, he engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a license. Specifically, Pickrell admitted that he was responsible for selling seven firearms, to include four machine guns, knowing that the weapons would likely end up in the hands of those who would commit crimes. Pickrell pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A). Judge Hall sentenced Pickrell to 56 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
According to his plea agreement, Bullard admitted, that on May 10, 2016, he unlawfully possessed and transferred two Sten 9 mm machine guns, and that he test fired those machine guns in order to facilitate their illegal sale. Bullard pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5861(d) and 5871. Judge Hall sentenced Bullard to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release.
On February 26, 2018, Judge Hall sentenced Thomas, Poole, and Duckworth to 38, 120 and 188 months, respectively, for their roles in this conspiracy and related controlled substance violations.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “The United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Georgia is committed to aggressively prosecuting violations of gun laws currently on the books.”
“This investigation serves as a textbook example of the success that can be achieved when we blend our investigative experiences with our state and local partners as we continue to aggressively address the crimes that plague our communities,” said Resident Agent in Charge Timothy Graden. “Individuals who are brazen enough to sell machine guns and drugs pose a clear and present danger and they must be removed from our street.”
U.S. Attorney Christine commended the hard work and dedication of the ATF, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), North Augusta Department of Public Safety (NADPS), Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Aiken Department of Public Safety (ADPS), Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which investigated the case. Special Agent Ronald Rhodes led the ATF’s investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Chatham Area Transit Contractor Convicted of Twenty-Five Counts of Fraud and BriberyRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: On February 28, 2018, Anthony Florence, a contractor for the Chatham Area Transit Authority (“CAT”), was convicted by a federal jury on twenty-two counts of mail fraud, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of bribery of a program receiving federal funds. United States District Court Judge William T. Moore presided over Florence’s three-day jury trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Florence paid bribes and kickbacks to Chadwick L. Reese, formerly the Executive Director of CAT, and Joel T. Morris, formerly the Director of Maintenance of CAT. Florence paid for over $100,000 worth of work on the personal residences of Reese and Morris. In exchange, Reese awarded contracts to a company operated by Florence over a period of nearly two years. Even though Florence and his company provided little to no work, Reese and Morris approved over $200,000 in payments by Chatham Area Transit to Florence’s company.
Reese and Morris previously pled guilty and were sentenced to 84 months and 20 months, respectively.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “The lesson for contractors doing business in South Georgia is simple: paying a public official to obtain ‘no show’ work is a good way to end up in federal prison. This office will aggressively root out corruption at every level of government.”
“Just because public officials are willing to violate the trust of the people they serve, doesn’t mean contractors can take advantage of their lack of integrity,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to make public corruption cases, and all of those involved, a priority. We ask anyone with information regarding such matters to contact their nearest FBI field office or resident agency.”
U.S. Attorney Christine commended the hard work and dedication of the FBI, which investigated the case. Special Agent Joshua Hayes led the FBI’s investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys R. Brian Tanner and J. Thomas Clarkson prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Savannah Man Indicted for Historic District CarjackingRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Earlier today, a federal grand jury in Savannah charged Jaquan Shakur Singleton, 23, with perpetrating an armed carjacking near Forsyth Park on February 12, 2018. The indictment alleges that Singleton brandished a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol and used force, violence, and intimidation to steal a Honda sedan before transporting the car into South Carolina. Shortly after the robbery, Singleton was arrested at the scene of a single-vehicle accident involving the stolen sedan. A South Carolina Highway Patrol (“SCHP”) trooper recovered a nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol from the vehicle.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Savannah Police Department investigated the carjacking. Along with SCHP, Jasper County Fire-Rescue responded to the accident.
If convicted of carjacking, Singleton could be sentenced to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, the defendant faces a consecutive sentence of seven years’ imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines is punishable by 10 years in prison. All federal sentences must be served without the possibility of parole.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “Working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this Office has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to gun violence. We will respond – promptly and sharply – to those who threaten the safety and serenity of our community.”
U.S. Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Justice Department Coordinates Nationwide Elder Fraud Sweep of More Than 250 DefendantsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions and law enforcement partners announced today the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The cases involve more than two hundred and fifty defendants from around the globe who victimized more than a million Americans, most of whom were elderly. The cases include criminal, civil, and forfeiture actions across more than 50 federal districts. Of the defendants, 200 were charged criminally. In each case, offenders engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused losses of more than half a billion dollars. The Department coordinated its announcement with the FTC and state Attorneys General, who independently filed numerous cases targeting elder frauds within the sweep period.
Attorney General Sessions was joined in the announcement by FBI Acting Deputy Director David Bowdich; Chief Postal Inspector Guy Cottrell; FTC Acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen; and Kansas Attorney General and President of the National Association of Attorneys General Derek Schmidt.
“The Justice Department and its partners are taking unprecedented, coordinated action to protect elderly Americans from financial threats, both foreign and domestic,” said Attorney General Sessions. “Today’s actions send a clear message: we will hold perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable wherever they are. When criminals steal the hard-earned life savings of older Americans, we will respond with all the tools at the Department’s disposal – criminal prosecutions to punish offenders, civil injunctions to shut the schemes down, and asset forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains. Today is only the beginning. I have directed Department prosecutors to coordinate with both domestic law enforcement partners and foreign counterparts to stop these criminals from exploiting our seniors.”
The actions charged a variety of fraud schemes, ranging from mass mailing, telemarketing and investment frauds to individual incidences of identity theft and theft by guardians. A number of cases involved transnational criminal organizations that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims, while others involved a single relative or fiduciary who took advantage of an individual victim. The schemes charged in these cases caused losses to more than a million victims.
“Winners. That’s what so many of the people who received these solicitations in the mail thought they were. But they’re not. They are victims of scams that Postal Inspectors have seen and investigated for decades. In fact, some of the same operators we encountered 20 years ago are back. But so are we. Yesterday, Postal Inspectors around the country executed search warrants on 14 locations that some of these same operators used to run their scams. We’re letting the American public know – and especially our vulnerable older Americans – that Postal Inspectors are working hard to protect them and ensure their confidence in the U.S. Mail,” said Chief Postal Inspector Cottrell.
“Over the last year, the FBI has initiated more than 200 financial crimes cases involving elderly victims who were devastated financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. Picking up the pieces of these fraud schemes can be equally as traumatizing for the caregivers of these elderly victims,” said Acting Deputy Director Bowdich. “The FBI reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant. If any person believes they are the victim of, or have knowledge of fraud involving an elderly person, regardless of the loss amount, they should report it to the FBI.”
United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Bobby L. Christine said, “Our office will aggressively prosecute fraudsters and financial criminals who target elderly Americans. We take seriously our obligation to protect some of America’s most vulnerable citizens.” During the sweep period, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, working with investigative agencies, prosecuted individuals who stole the identity of an elderly Chatham County resident and withdrew thousands of dollars from the victim’s bank account. All of the participants in that scheme have pled guilty to felony offenses. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also charged four individuals with their roles in a $15 million oil investment fraud scheme that bilked numerous elderly Americans out of hundreds of thousands of dollars; many of those victims lost their life savings.
“One of the top priorities for the Secret Service continues to be combating the computer crimes and frauds perpetrated by domestic and international criminals that target the U.S. financial infrastructure,” said U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Glen Kessler. “When those crimes directly affect elderly victims, they don’t recover financially or emotionally. It can be devastating for them. The Secret Service, in conjunction with its many law enforcement partners across the United States and around the world, continues to successfully combat these crimes by working closely with experts from all affected sectors to constantly refresh and adapt our investigative methodologies.”
Actions against mass-mailing fraud industry
As part of the initiative, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and others, brought numerous cases this past week in a coordinated strike against more than 43 mass-mailing fraud operators, including criminal charges against six individuals. In addition, law enforcement agents executed 14 premises search warrants from Las Vegas to south Florida, served numerous asset seizure warrants, and coordinated with the Vancouver Police in Canada, who executed over 20 warrants, including search warrants on business premises.
“The defendants targeted elderly and vulnerable consumers both in the United States and abroad, using U.S. addresses and the U.S. mails to try to legitimize their fraudulent schemes,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard P. Donoghue. “They sold false promises of life-changing prizes that never came true. We will pursue the perpetrators of these mail schemes wherever they are located, and hold them accountable.”
These recently filed cases particularly targeted transnational criminal actors who collectively defrauded at least a million victims out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Indeed, just one of the schemes prosecuted criminally by the Consumer Protection Branch operated from 14 foreign countries to cost American victims more than $30 million. Click here for map showing a transnational, single fraud scheme.
Mass-mailing fraud inflicts hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to elderly U.S. victims each year. Department prosecutors and U.S. Postal Inspectors have taken a comprehensive approach to combatting this fraud, disrupting and prosecuting individuals who manage the schemes, artists who draft the fraudulent solicitations, list brokers who supply victim lists, and individuals who collect victim payments.
Actions against other elder fraud schemes
Prosecutors across the country from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Consumer Protection Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices have heeded the call to focus resources on elder fraud cases. Over 50 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department Components filed elder fraud cases in the last year. Some examples of the elder financial exploitation prosecuted by the Department include:
- “Lottery phone scams,” in which callers convince seniors that a large fee or taxes must be paid before one can receive lottery winnings;
- “Grandparent scams,” which convince seniors that their grandchildren have been arrested and need bail money;
- “Romance scams,” which lull victims to believe that their online paramour needs funds for a U.S. visit or some other purpose;
- “IRS imposter schemes,” which defraud victims by posing as IRS agents and claiming that victims owe back taxes;
- “Guardianship schemes,” which siphon seniors’ financial resources into the bank accounts of deceitful relatives or guardians.
Many of these cases illustrate how an elderly American can lose his or her life savings to a duplicitous relative, guardian, or stranger who gains the victim’s trust. The devastating effects these cases have on victims and their families, both financially and psychologically, make prosecuting elder fraud a key Department priority.
Public education
The Department has partnered with Senior Corps, a national service program administered by the federal agency the Corporation for National and Community Service, to educate seniors and prevent further victimization. The Senior Corps program engages more than 245,000 older adults in intensive service each year, who in turn, serve more than 840,000 additional seniors, including 332,000 veterans.
Using its vast network operating in more than 30,000 locations, Senior Corps volunteers will communicate about elder fraud to potential victims across the country and will use their skills, knowledge and experience to educate their peers and caregivers about the most prolific types of schemes and how to avoid them. Click here for information on Senior Corps’ efforts to reduce elder fraud.
Coordination with state officials
Kansas Attorney General Schmidt highlighted the cases filed by state Attorneys General targeting elder frauds within in the sweep period, and he emphasized efforts at the state level to combat elder abuse and protect seniors from fraud and exploitation. He encouraged all of the state Attorneys General to devote enforcement and public education resources to preventing financial exploitation of senior citizens.
Coordination with foreign law enforcement
Exceptional assistance from foreign law enforcement partners amplified the effectiveness of the Department’s initiative. The sweep announced today benefited greatly from the work of the International Mass-Marketing Fraud Working Group (IMMFWG), a network of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Europol, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The IMMFWG is co-chaired by the U.S. Department of Justice and FTC, and law enforcement in the United Kingdom, and serves as a model for international cooperation against specific threats that endanger the financial well-being of each member country’s residents. Attorney General Sessions expressed gratitude for the outstanding efforts of the working group, including law enforcement action taken as part of the sweep by the Vancouver Police Department in Canada to halt mass mailing schemes that defrauded hundreds of thousands of elderly victims worldwide.
Elder fraud complaintsElder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Savannah Resident Sentenced for Firearm and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Bobby L. Christine, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced today that Savannah resident, Joseph Nathaniel Blake, 34, was sentenced yesterday by Senior Judge William T. Moore, Jr. to 151 months imprisonment for federal drug and weapons charges. He was also sentenced to serve 3 years supervised release upon his release from prison.
Blake had previously pled guilty in October 2017, to the charges of possession of a firearm as a felon and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Evidence presented at the guilty plea and the sentencing hearing established that Blake had 6 previous drug convictions, 3 previous firearms convictions and 3 previous fleeing to elude convictions. Blake was classified as a career offender under the federal sentencing guidelines.
United States Attorney Christine said: We will not tolerate those who continuously break the law like this defendant did. We will be relentless in our pursuit and prosecution of those who illegally possess firearms and narcotics.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Blake as part of Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state and local initiative to combat gun violence and ensure that repeat offenders are subject to stiffer federal sentences, without the possibility of parole.
The case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Charlie Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Brunswick, GA: James Martin Graham, 62, was sentenced on January 22, 2018, to 188 months in prison by United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood following his plea of guilty to possession of child pornography. The prison term will be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. Graham will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Graham faced a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years because of a prior conviction in the State of Michigan relating to sexual abuse involving a minor.
The Southeast Georgia Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case. Forensic examination of Graham’s computer identified more than 150 video files containing depictions of child pornography, some of which involved victims as young as four years old.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice that is designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims of those offenses.
Assistant United States Attorney Marcela C. Mateo prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearm During Garden City Road Rage IncidentRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Anthony Jammoni Atkins, 26, a multi-convicted felon, was sentenced on January 16, 2018, by Senior U.S. District Judge William T. Moore, Jr. to 100 months in prison for possessing a loaded semiautomatic pistol. Atkins used that pistol to threaten a mother and her two children during a rush hour road rage incident. Upon completion of his prison sentence, Atkins will serve an additional three years on supervised release.
According to court documents and evidence presented at hearings, Atkins was traveling through Garden City, Georgia during the afternoon rush hour on November 4, 2016, when another motorist called 911 to report that the driver of an SUV had pulled alongside her car, pointed a gun at her and her two daughters, and slammed the gun into the SUV’s passenger-side window. After locating and stopping the SUV, police officers identified Atkins as the driver. Atkins admitted that there was a firearm inside the SUV, and officers recovered a semiautomatic 9mm pistol that was loaded with nineteen rounds of ammunition in a large capacity magazine. As a convicted felon, Atkins was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Atkins’ criminal history includes numerous convictions for violent and drug-related offenses. In 2010, Atkins pled guilty to trafficking marijuana in Chatham County. One year later, in 2011, Atkins was convicted of aggravated battery in connection with his attempt to rob a person to whom he had agreed to sell drugs. During the attempted robbery, Atkins ran over the victim with his car.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Georgia is committed to ending the scourge of violent crime that has plagued Savannah for far too long, and we are partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to do something about it. A key element of our strategy is ensuring that convicted felons who possess firearms illegally are punished appropriately for their misconduct. Make no mistake – this United States Attorney’s Office will not tolerate the possession and use of firearms by those who seek to threaten and endanger the community.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Atkins as part of Project Ceasefire, a joint federal, state, and local initiative to combat gun violence and ensure that repeat offenders are subjected to stiff federal prison sentences, all of which must be served without the possibility of parole.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Garden City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Bassett Mirror Company Agrees to Pay $10.5 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Virginia-based home furnishings company, Bassett Mirror Company, has agreed to pay the United States $10.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly making false statements on customs declarations to avoid paying antidumping duties on wooden bedroom furniture imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Justice Department announced today.
The United States alleged that between January 2009 and February 2014, Bassett Mirror evaded antidumping duties owed on wooden bedroom furniture that the company imported from the PRC by knowingly misclassifying the furniture as non-bedroom furniture on its official import documents. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on the U.S. market at prices below cost. The Department of Commerce assesses, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection collects, these duties to protect U.S. businesses and level the playing field for domestic products. Imports of PRC-made wooden bedroom furniture have been subject to antidumping duties since 2004. At the time of the alleged conduct in this case, wooden bedroom furniture from the PRC was subject to a 216 percent antidumping duty; non-bedroom furniture was not subject to an antidumping duty.
“Those who import and sell foreign-made goods in the United States must comply with the laws meant to protect domestic companies and American workers from illegal foreign trade practices,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by evading the duties owed on goods imported into this country.”
“This Office will not tolerate anyone who seeks to stack the deck against American workers and products,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, as well as our colleagues in the Civil Division, to pursue those who believe that their own profit justifies evasion of federal antidumping duties.”
“CBP is appreciative of information received from the public regarding fraudulent trade activity. This type of blatant disregard for trade laws and regulations severely impacts the US economy by giving these bad actors an unfair advantage over legitimate importers,” said Donald F. Yando Director of Field Operations for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Atlanta Field Office. “CBP is committed to working with our partners both inside and outside the government to help bolster the US economy by putting an end to this type of illegal activity.”
The settlement with Bassett Mirror resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Georgia and is captioned United States ex rel. Wells v. Bassett Mirror Company, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 4:13-CV-000165. As part of today’s resolution, Ms. Wells will receive approximately $1.9 million.
The investigation was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Bassett Mirror Company Agrees to Pay $10.5 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Virginia-based home furnishings company, Bassett Mirror Company, has agreed to pay the United States $10.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly making false statements on customs declarations to avoid paying antidumping duties on wooden bedroom furniture imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Justice Department announced today.
The United States alleged that between January 2009 and February 2014, Bassett Mirror evaded antidumping duties owed on wooden bedroom furniture that the company imported from the PRC by knowingly misclassifying the furniture as non-bedroom furniture on its official import documents. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on the U.S. market at prices below cost. The Department of Commerce assesses, and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection collects, these duties to protect U.S. businesses and level the playing field for domestic products. Imports of PRC-made wooden bedroom furniture have been subject to antidumping duties since 2004. At the time of the alleged conduct in this case, wooden bedroom furniture from the PRC was subject to a 216 percent antidumping duty; non-bedroom furniture was not subject to an antidumping duty.
“Those who import and sell foreign-made goods in the United States must comply with the laws meant to protect domestic companies and American workers from illegal foreign trade practices,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler for the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by evading the duties owed on goods imported into this country.”
“This Office will not tolerate anyone who seeks to stack the deck against American workers and products,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, as well as our colleagues in the Civil Division, to pursue those who believe that their own profit justifies evasion of federal antidumping duties.”
“CBP is appreciative of information received from the public regarding fraudulent trade activity. This type of blatant disregard for trade laws and regulations severely impacts the US economy by giving these bad actors an unfair advantage over legitimate importers,” said Donald F. Yando Director of Field Operations for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Atlanta Field Office. “CBP is committed to working with our partners both inside and outside the government to help bolster the US economy by putting an end to this type of illegal activity.”
The settlement with Bassett Mirror resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Georgia and is captioned United States ex rel. Wells v. Bassett Mirror Company, Inc. et al., Civil Action No. 4:13-CV-000165. As part of today’s resolution, Ms. Wells will receive approximately $1.9 million.
The investigation was handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Louisiana Company Pleads Guilty to Transporting and Dumping Hazardous Waste in Savannah NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Boasso America, Inc., headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and with a facility in Garden City, Georgia was sentenced to 5 years of organizational probation last week by United States District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. for its actions in the illegal transportation and dumping of hazardous waste. Additionally, Boasso was ordered to pay full restitution, including cleanup costs; to pay the maximum criminal fine penalty of $500,000; and to establish, implement, and enforce an effective environmental compliance plan, so that future dumping incidents do not happen.
Boasso pled guilty to a felony violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a law regulating the storage and transportation of hazardous waste. Boasso’s conviction follows the convictions of two of its former employees, Ray Mitchell, 52, of Pooler, Georgia, and Maurice Miller, 40, of Savannah, for their individual roles in the illegal transportation and dumping of hazardous waste. Earlier this year, Miller was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison. Mitchell was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison.
According to evidence presented during multiple guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Boasso provides transportation services for tank containers containing hazardous wastes. Boasso’s Garden City facility stored and transported its customers’ tanks containing hazardous waste. In 2015, rather than properly transporting and safely disposing of drums and totes at its Garden City facility that contained the hazardous chemical naphthalene, Boasso employees Mitchell and Miller illegally transported and dumped a significant amount of naphthalene into the ground of a nearby Savannah neighborhood. Exposure to amounts of naphthalene, a main ingredient found in mothballs, can cause serious health issues. Once discovered, law enforcement and environmental officials quickly removed the hazardous waste before it caused any health concerns. Further investigation by law enforcement officials uncovered that Boasso employees fabricated invoices in an effort to hide their illegal dumping of hazardous waste.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The Southern District of Georgia is an historic and beautiful land. Companies doing business in our great District will be held accountable for any and all harm they cause and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to enforce our federal laws and keep Savannah beautiful.”
“The actions of the defendants in this case resulted in hazardous waste being illegally dumped in Savannah’s Carver Village community,” said Andy Castro, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program for Georgia. “This case shows that EPA and its law enforcement partners will prosecute those who put public health at risk by avoiding the cost of handling or disposing of dangerous chemicals properly.”
The investigation of this case was led by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, with assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, and the Savannah Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Tania D. Groover and Charlie Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Three Armed Bank Robberies Lead to Multiple Federal Indictments and ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Javel Roberts, 17, of Valdosta, Georgia, entered a guilty plea Thursday, December 14, 2017, before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr., for the armed robbery of the SunTrust Bank in Garden City, Georgia, on September 7, 2017, and for brandishing a firearm during the bank robbery. In addition to the SunTrust Bank robbery, Roberts was charged with the armed robberies of the Wells Fargo Bank at 10422 Abercorn Street in Savannah on July 25 and August 8, 2017. Although a juvenile under federal law, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted Roberts as an adult. He faces up to life imprisonment.
Roberts’ guilty plea follows the guilty pleas of India Janette Henderson, 31, and Ira King, 39, of Savannah, both of whom pled guilty before Judge Moore on November 28, 2017, to aiding and abetting the SunTrust armed robbery, and both of whom face up to twenty-five years in prison. Jamal Henderson, 30, of Savannah, previously pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun and faces up to ten years in prison.
Oraefein Jabre King, 20, of Savannah, Georgia, was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama on December 12, 2017. King was charged in an eight-count indictment by a federal grand jury in Savannah with conspiring to rob the Wells Fargo Bank and SunTrust Bank, aiding and abetting the armed bank robberies committed on July 25, August 8, and September 7, 2017, aiding and abetting the carrying of a firearm during the bank robberies, and unlawfully transferring a handgun to a juvenile. If convicted, King faces not less than 57 years in prison and up to life imprisonment.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “Our office will aggressively prosecute those who commit violent crimes in our neighborhoods and anyone who aids and abets them. Those who think they may avoid federal prosecution because of their youth, let this prosecution serve notice.”
“It very disconcerting that anyone would brandish a weapon during a bank robbery, let alone a 17-year old youth,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The disregard for employees and customers is reprehensible. These arrests and prosecution of this case demonstrate the determination of the FBI Southeast Georgia Violent Crime Task Force and its local law enforcement partners to make our community a safer place.”
United States Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilty. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation into the three bank robberies was led by the FBI Southeast Georgia Violent Crime Task Force, along with assistance from Savannah-Chatham Police Department, and Garden City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Howard is prosecuting these cases for the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Former Grovetown City Clerk Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Nearly $900,000 DollarsRead the Press Release
Augusta, GA – Vicky Vinson Capetillo, from Grovetown, Georgia, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall to two federal felonies related to her embezzlement of nearly $900,000 from the City of Grovetown.
According to the factual basis presented for her guilty plea, Capetillo worked for the City of Grovetown as the City Clerk. Her duties as Clerk included the preparation of the regular bank deposits of the City. Capetillo developed a scheme to steal the cash from the deposits: first, she intercepted checks sent in by citizens as payment for utility bills; then, after developing a cache of checks, she would pocket cash from the regular deposit and replace the stolen cash with the intercepted checks to make the deposit ticket balance.
Between January 2011 and April 2016, Capetillo stole and deposited $890,000 in cash into her and her family’s accounts.
Capetillo faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, and five years of supervision following release from prison. Capetillo was released on bond pending sentencing, which will be set after the U.S. Probation Office completes a presentence investigation.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The citizens of this district should be able to rely on the honest service of their public officials. Corruption and embezzlement by those in positions of government trust will be met with federal prosecution and jail time.”
The charges against Capetillo resulted from an investigation led by IRS Special Agent Jeff Hale and FBI Special Agent Charles McKee. Assistant United States Attorney Patricia G. Rhodes prosecuted the case for the Government. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Savannah Drug Dealer Convicted by a Federal Jury of Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: NATHANIEL THOMAS PUGH, III, 35, of Savannah, Georgia, was convicted on December 12, 2017 by a federal jury after a two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. Pugh was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon, possession of ethylone, commonly referred to as "Molly," with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Pugh was involved in a shooting in the Oak Forest neighborhood of Savannah on November 4, 2015. After sustaining a gunshot wound, Pugh drove his bullet riddled car to the hospital. Savannah Chatham-Metro Police recovered a Glock firearm, loaded with a 30-round extended magazine in the glove compartment, which had Pugh’s DNA on it. Also in the car, officers recovered a treasure trove of drug paraphernalia, including almost an ounce of “Molly,” cocaine, pills, baggies and a scale. Text messages recovered from Pugh’s cell phone revealed that Pugh had engaged in several drug transactions prior to the shooting incident, and also revealed photographs of Pugh holding the firearm that was ultimately recovered from Pugh’s car.
Pugh’s criminal history dates back almost two decades and includes prior convictions for Driving Under the Influence, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Controlled Substances, Terroristic Threats, Simple Battery and Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement.
For possessing a firearm as a felon, Pugh faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Additionally, Pugh may be sentenced up to 20 years on the drug trafficking offense, and also faces a consecutive sentence of 5 years to life imprisonment, for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. There is no parole in the federal system. Pugh’s sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The number one priority of this office is to keep our citizens safe, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kirkland and Carlton Bourne are doing just that with this trial victory. The Department of Justice and this United States Attorney’s Office will continue to partner with our local and federal agencies to work tirelessly to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who commit violent crimes, or threaten to commit violent crimes in this district.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Kirkland and Carlton Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Missouri Man Indicted for Making Threats Against Augusta MosqueRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Preston Q. Howard, 49, of Wright City, Missouri, was indicted last week by a federal grand jury in Savannah for transmitting threats in interstate commerce to members of the Islamic Society of Augusta, Georgia. Today, Howard was arrested on those charges, the indictment against him was unsealed, and he will make an initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Missouri.
The indictment alleges that, between June 22, 2017 and August 8, 2017, Howard made numerous telephone calls to the mosque during which he threatened to “kill,” “shoot,” “behead,” “slaughter,” “execute,” “light on fire,” and “murder” members of the mosque, to “hunt down” and “zone in” on Muslims, and to “blow up the mosque.”
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “Those who make detestable and hateful threats against members of our community in violation of federal law will be held accountable, as we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who terrorize our citizens.”
“No one has the right to rob citizens of their sense of safety in their communities and where they practice their faith,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Threats intended to instill fear in religious communities are an attack on the very fabric of our society and will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to vigorously investigate anyone who engages in such violent acts.”
The indictment against Howard charges ten counts of interstate communication with intent to threaten to injure. If convicted, Howard faces up to five years’ imprisonment on each count.
Mr. Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment of Howard arises out of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy Greenwood is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Waycross Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Tracy Wayne Crosby, 42, of Waycross, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury for his role in sex trafficking of a minor. The indictment alleges that, from at least August 2017 to November 29, 2017, Crosby recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, maintained, patronized, and solicited a minor to engage in commercial sex acts.
Crosby is further alleged to have used facilities of interstate commerce, namely a cellular telephone and the internet, to persuade, induce, entice and coerce a minor to engage in prostitution and sexual activity, and to have possessed one or more images depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “Those who solicit children online and pay to have sex with them are a horrible, driving force behind the dark underground of child sex trafficking. By holding these people accountable for their actions, we can help end this scourge. We continue to relentlessly work with our law enforcement partners to strike blows against this sick industry, to rescue children, and to put traffickers and customers behind bars.”
“Sexual exploitation steals the innocence of children, and the criminals who engage in these acts often inflict life-long trauma on their victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Wiest of the Atlanta field office of Homeland Security Investigation (“HSI”), a directorate of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). “As this case shows, ICE HSI is committed to investigating and seeking prosecution of child exploitation cases as one of the agency’s highest priorities.”
The indictment against Crosby charges three counts: sex trafficking of a minor, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Crosby faces not less than 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
Mr. Christine emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment of Crosby arises out of an ongoing investigation led by ICE HSI. Anyone who suspects instances of child sexual exploitation is encouraged to call 1-800-843-5678, which is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with HSI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Tania D. Groover is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Savannah Man Sentenced to Twenty Years for Sex Trafficking ChildrenRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Timothy Dequon Lewis, 34, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. to 240 months in federal prison for his role in sex trafficking eight minor children between the ages of 13 and 17.
Lewis was convicted of 19 felony counts by a federal trial jury in March 2017. According to evidence presented at that trial, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received a lead in October 2015 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”) that a thirteen-year-old child had run away and was missing.
A telephone analysis conducted by NCMEC of telephone numbers previously associated with the missing child revealed various online escort advertisements with images that appeared to depict the missing child. The FBI’s investigation led agents to the Gateway Hotel on Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia, where Lewis was staying. At the hotel, FBI located and rescued three children, including the missing thirteen-year-old. The FBI arrested Lewis at the hotel, and agents ultimately located five additional minors victimized by Lewis.
Lewis created and posted online prostitution advertisements for all eight of his minor victims. He transported these children to his customers and profited from the commercial sex acts they performed. Lewis employed coercion and physical abuse to compel some of his victims to engage in this activity.
United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “Lewis turned our most precious and most vulnerable citizens into property and sold them over and over again to satisfy his own depravity and greed. I am proud of the swift, thorough, and professional work of our law enforcement partners and Assistant United States Attorneys Tania D. Groover and Carlton R. Bourne, who put Lewis behind bars where he belongs. As demonstrated by this case, predators like Lewis will be brought to justice. We will fight day and night to ensure the safety of our nation’s children.”
Anyone who suspects instances of child sexual exploitation is encouraged to call 1-800-843-5678, a hotline operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
The investigation of this case was led by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Tania D. Groover and Carlton R. Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
30 Savannah Residents Charged with Federal Firearms, Drug Trafficking, Robbery, and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Federal indictments and criminal complaints were unsealed yesterday against 30 Savannah residents charged with federal firearms, drug trafficking, robbery, and related offenses. The charges are the result of joint federal, state, and local efforts to reduce violent crime and drug activities in the Savannah area. The focus of this joint operation was the historic Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood, a small neighborhood near downtown Savannah that has seen a significant rise in crime in the past year.
The Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Savannah, Georgia, roughly bounded by Anderson Lane, West 31st Street, Montgomery Street, Victory Drive, Ogeechee Road, and Hopkins Street. It is a residential neighborhood that was designed shortly after the Civil War, and it is recognized as a National Register Historic District. The neighborhood contains homes, churches, schools, and businesses. Over the last year, there has been an increase in violence and drug activity in the neighborhood. Some Cuyler-Brownsville residents have expressed to local police that they fear sitting on their own porches because of shootings.
To address the apparent increase in violent crime and drug activities, the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), began a joint investigation to identify and arrest the criminals operating in and around the neighborhood. Law enforcement used a number of investigative techniques to identify the targets, including undercover purchases of drugs and firearms and extensive surveillance.
In early November 2017, the federal grand jury for the Southern District of Georgia indicted 13 of the 30 defendants identified as a result of this investigation. Those indictments initially were returned under seal. Last week, a federal Magistrate Judge issued sealed criminal complaints and arrest warrants against the other 17 defendants.
On November 28, 2017, local, state, and federal law enforcement officers executed four federal search warrants, two state search warrants, and dozens of arrests warrants. Federal detainers additionally were placed on a number of defendants who are presently incarcerated on state charges. Today, the indictments complaints, and federal warrants were unsealed, and many of the charged defendants made their initial appearance in federal court.
The federal charges and maximum penalties include:
- Felon in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which typically carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. However, if a defendant has three prior convictions for violent crimes or serious drug offenses, then the minimum sentence is 15 years’ imprisonment and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
- Drug User in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Distribution of Controlled Substances, and Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), which typically carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, but may carry increased minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment based on the quantity of controlled substances involved and the prior drug convictions of the defendant.
- Interference with Commerce by Robbery of a Business, 18 U.S.C. § 1951, which carries a potential sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment.
- Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation To a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which carries a potential sentence of not less than 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
During the investigation, law enforcement investigators seized dozens of firearms, including semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, assault-style rifles, shotguns, and firearms with extended magazines, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Many of the firearms seized during this investigation had previously been stolen and were connected to prior shootings in Savannah. One stolen firearm that was recovered was used in four separate shootings within the Cuyler-Brownsville neighborhood. Another firearm recovered was used in eleven prior shootings in and around Savannah. Additionally, investigators seized body armor and quantities of numerous controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), heroin, and oxycodone.
The Savannah residents charged with federal crimes include:
Jamall Brightwell, age 22,
Frederick Brown, a/k/a “Freddie B,” age 36,
Derrick Butler, a/k/a “Rico,” age 29,
Animahaun Cole, age 43,
Trishon Collins, age 23,
Andre Cooper, a/k/a “Minuteman,” a/k/a “Coop,” age 30,
Deandre Davis, age 31,
Omesimus Franklin, 42,
Baheem Frazier, age 25,
Jadonte Gadsden, a/k/a “Jadonte Hood,” age 20,
George Graham, age 38,
Lorenzo Graham, a/k/a “Zo,” age 32,
Eshon Grant, age 25,
Dennis Grubbs, a/k/a “Lil Red,” age 33,
Julian Harris, a/k/a “Ju Ju,” age 50,
Nathaniel Harvey, age 20,
Darrell McRae, a/k/a “General,” a/k/a “Ghetto,” age 44,
George Truman Polite, age 29,
Joseph Price, age 32,
Emmitt Scott, a/k/a “Scooda,” 32,
John Scott, age 20,
Shawn Seibert, age 26,
Leonard Washington, a/k/a “Guzzi,” age 37,
Floyd Williams, a/k/a “Ricardo Williams,” age 65,
Raheem Williams, a/k/a “Bucket,” age 25,
Raynard Williams, age 20,
Tyrone Williams, a/k/a “T Y,” age 42,
Quentin Wright, age 35,
Deonta Young, a/k/a “Fluid,” a/k/a “Flow,” a/k/a “Lil D,” a/k/a “D,” age 27, and
Larry Young, age 39.
Some of the defendants are alleged in the pending federal charges to have actively employed firearms during criminal activity. For example, Quentin Wright, is charged with brandishing and using a firearm during a robbery of a Savannah business. Deonta Young is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition that he allegedly used to kill one victim and injure another at a Savannah residence. (Mr. Young also faces additional state charges, including murder, arising from this incident.)
United States Attorney Attorney Bobby L. Christine said, “The federal government is committed to working with local and state law enforcement agencies to make our neighborhoods safe again. Families should be able to sit on their own porches and children able to play in front yards without fear of being hit by a stray bullet. Citizens called for help, and we responded. Let this prosecution serve as notice: violent crime in Savannah will equal lengthy federal jail time.”
“This operation has dismantled a serious criminal enterprise which funneled guns and drugs into our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Wayne Dixie. “ATF and its law enforcement partners acted quickly and judiciously on information developed during this ten month long investigation. The safety of the public is at the core of ATF’s mission, and we stand at the front line eradicating violent crime from our streets.”
GBI Special Agent in Charge Jamie Jones said, “Cases and outcomes like this are a true testament to the fortitude of agents to pursue and diligently investigate all avenues presented to them. This case is also an example of the teamwork and collaborative efforts that exist among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.”
“This operation highlights the importance of the partnerships between law enforcement agencies,” said Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap. “I would like to thank them for the time and energy that went into making this project successful. The dedication of all the partners has contributed to the reduction of crime in some of the most crime-ridden neighborhoods in our community.”
SCMPD Chief Joseph H. Lumpkin, Sr., said, “The SCMPD certainly appreciates the collaboration, cooperation, and engagement of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. We value and appreciate the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office and their commitment to aggressively addressing violent criminals. Many violent offenders were taken off the street in this joint operation, and those numbers will continue to climb. We will keep a laser focus on criminals, groups, and gangs in this community that commit violent acts. We will arrest and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law to make Savannah-Chatham a safer place.”
Everett Ragan, Director of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, said, “The success of this investigation further solidifies the importance of partnerships in the fight to rid this community of dangerous drugs and individuals.”
United States Attorney Christine emphasized that an indictment or criminal complaint is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The operation was investigated by ATF, GBI and SCMPD, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Gilluly, Tania Groover and Matthew Josephson are prosecuting these cases for the United States.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced last month a recommitment of the United States Department of Justice to Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program dedicated to bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. The United States Attorney’s Office incorporated key components of the PSN strategy into the Cuyler-Brownsville operation, including strong federal involvement, the cultivation of partnerships with local law enforcement and community stakeholders, targeted enforcement in those areas most affected by violent crime, and outreach efforts designed to prevent violent crime before it occurs.
For any questions, please contact Appellate Chief R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
- Felon in Possession of Firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which typically carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. However, if a defendant has three prior convictions for violent crimes or serious drug offenses, then the minimum sentence is 15 years’ imprisonment and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Meadows Regional Medical Center, Inc. and Affiliates to Pay up to $12.875 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Meadows Regional Medical Center, Inc. (“Meadows”) and others have agreed to pay the United States and Georgia a total of up to $12,875,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act. The United States and State of Georgia contended that Meadows and others violated and conspired to violate the False Claims Act by submitting claims referred by physicians with whom Meadows had improper compensation arrangements, in violation of the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute. As part of the settlement, Meadows has also entered into a corporate integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
“This Office prioritizes the investigation of improper financial relationships between health care providers and referral sources because services reimbursed by federal health care programs should be based on the patients’ best interests, and not on the financial interests of their doctors. We will continue to use all available resources at our disposal to pursue culpable providers, executives, and physicians,” said United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner. “In the early stages of this investigation, Meadows made available its executive team, voluntarily produced large numbers of documents, self-identified potential issues, proposed monetary and non-monetary corrective actions, and followed through on those proposals. Meadows should be commended for its response, which resulted in a resolution that acknowledged the substantial efforts Meadows made on its own accord.”
“Once Meadows learned of payments to providers for hospital referrals they quickly acknowledged the wrongdoing and took positive steps to correct the problems,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “It is essential that patients and taxpayers be confident medical decisions have not been tainted by illegal financial considerations.”
“Georgia’s Medicaid program depends upon the integrity of referral sources for healthcare services,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “Our office, through the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, will continue to safeguard our citizens from activity that places profits above patients. Providers like Meadows who voluntarily cooperate with investigations and take proactive remedial steps make protecting our programs much more effective.”
This investigation was conducted by Special Agent David Graupner, Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Investigator Kimberly Reinken, United States Attorney’s Office, and Law Clerk Alison Slagowitz. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney J. Thomas Clarkson. The State of Georgia was represented by Assistant Attorney General James Mooney with assistance from Investigative Auditor Denise Colson. The claims resolved by the settlement agreement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. For additional information, please contact United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Hosts the 65th Annual Attorney General Awards Honoring Department Employees and Others for Their ServiceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions recognized 202 Department of Justice employees for their distinguished public service today at the 65nd Annual Attorney General’s Awards Ceremony. This annual ceremony recognizes individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to carrying out the missions of the Department of Justice.
Four honorees received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism for their actions in Allenhurst, Georgia, on November 18, 2016. That day, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, led by Deputy Commander Patrick T. Carothers, conducted an investigation to apprehend a fugitive at a residence in Allenhurst. The fugitive was wanted in South Carolina on multiple counts of attempted murder of police officers. When the fugitive was located in a room inside the residence, he opened fire on Deputy Commander Carothers, striking him multiple times. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Commander Carothers gallantly continued to return accurate fire in an attempt to protect his team and himself from the fugitive’s attack. As additional task force members entered the gunfight, others removed Deputy Commander Carothers from the residence and rendered medical aid. Tragically, Deputy Commander Carothers succumbed to his wounds.
For these events, the Attorney General presented the Award for Exceptional Heroism posthumously to Deputy Commander Carothers, and to three members of his team: Supervisory Criminal Investigator Ramiro Suarez, Jr., Criminal Investigator James F. Turner, and Deputy United States Marshal Robert C. Doherty.
“Every single day, the 115,000 men and women of the Department of Justice work to protect our national security against terrorist threats, defend the civil rights of all Americans, reduce violent crime in our communities, stop deadly drug dealers and their organizations, and strengthen the rule of law,” said Attorney General Sessions. “This work benefits every American, and each Department of Justice employee plays a role that helps us accomplish our objectives. Today, we take a moment to recognize those who have distinguished themselves by exemplary service to the Department. Each one of these men and women—through their dedication and commitment—has made a difference. Meeting with them and their families today, I am more confident than ever that the Department—and the safety of the American people—are in good hands.”
During the ceremony, Attorney General Sessions talked specifically about Deputy Commander Carothers. “We must remember some who couldn’t be with us because they gave the last full measure of devotion. That includes Deputy Commander Patrick Carothers of the Marshals Service. After more than 25 years in law enforcement, Pat could have gotten a desk job or retired. But that just wasn’t who he was. And so, when it was time to serve a warrant for a fugitive wanted for attempting to kill police, Pat was the first one through the door,” said Attorney General Sessions, “We are going to remember Patrick Carothers’ story for a long time. And he is going to inspire us to live up to his example of selflessness and bravery.”
Said United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner, “Every member of Deputy Commander Carothers’s team exhibited profound courage, but he made the ultimate sacrifice. We rightly should take this moment to recognize Deputy Commander Carothers and his entire team for their exceptionally heroic actions under extreme duress. That team not only included the three federal Marshals recognized with him by the Attorney General today, but also a number of state and local law enforcement agents that with no less gallantry were on the scene in Allenhurst returning fire and rendering aid. All these men and women voluntarily took on the mantle of public service, putting themselves in harm’s way in order to keep us all safe. Today, and every day, they deserve our gratitude and respect.”
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Announces Reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Other Actions to Reduce Rising Tide of Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced several Department of Justice actions to reduce the rising tide of violent crime in America. Foremost of those actions is the reinvigoration of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
In announcing this recommitment to Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Attorney General issued a memo directing United States Attorneys to implement an enhanced violent crime reduction program that incorporates the lessons learned since Project Safe Neighborhoods launched in 2001.
In a statement on the program, the Attorney General said: “According to the FBI, the violent crime rate has risen by nearly seven percent over the past two years, and the homicide rate has risen by more than 20 percent. We cannot be complacent or hope that this is just an anomaly: we have a duty to take action.
“Fortunately, we have a President who understands that and has directed his administration to reduce crime. The Department of Justice today announces the foundation of our plan to reduce crime: prioritizing Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that has been proven to work.
“Let me be clear – Project Safe Neighborhoods is not just one policy idea among many. This is the centerpiece of our crime reduction strategy.
“Taking what we have learned since the program began in 2001, we have updated it and enhanced it, emphasizing the role of our U. S. Attorneys, the promise of new technologies, and above all, partnership with local communities. With these changes, I believe that this program will be more effective than ever and help us fulfill our mission to make America safer.”
R. Brian Tanner, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, commented, “Of necessity, our Office and many of our local law enforcement partners have already developed aggressive programs within the district to address violent crime, including, for example, the End Gun Violence initiative here in Savannah. Those programs draw in many ways on principles that are at the heart of the Attorney General’s reinvigoration of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN): strong federal involvement, the cultivation of partnerships with local law enforcement and community stakeholders, targeted enforcement in those areas most affected by violent crime, and outreach efforts designed to prevent violent crime before it occurs. PSN 2.0 will serve to bolster our existing efforts with additional federal resources, expertise, and training. I continue to pledge our full support and commitment to this critically important work.”
Chatham County District Attorney Meg D. Heap stated, “I fully support the U. S. Attorney’s Project Safe Neighborhood program. It continues to provide tools to the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department and my office that are integral in fighting violent crime in our community. This teamwork has already seen an improvement in violent crime. This initiative just renews and strengthens our commitment to the partnership.”
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Chief Joseph H. “Jack” Lumpkin stated, “The SCMPD is certainly pleased and proud of the exemplary crime fighting partnerships we have established with our local, state, and federal partners. The U. S. Attorney’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office are integral to our crime reduction efforts and sustaining crime decreases. We are making a difference.”
The Attorney General also announced the following Department of Justice initiatives to help reduce violent crime:
-Additional Assistant United States Attorney Positions to Focus on Violent Crime – The Department is allocating 40 prosecutors to approximately 20 United States Attorney’s Offices to focus on violent crime reduction.
-More Cops on the Streets (COPS Hiring Grants) – As part of our continuing commitment to crime prevention efforts, increased community policing, and the preservation of vital law enforcement jobs, the Department will be awarding approximately $98 million in FY 2017 COPS Hiring Grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.
-Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) National Gang Strategic Initiative –The National Gang Strategic Initiative promotes creative enforcement strategies and best practices that will assist in developing investigations of violent criminal groups and gangs into enterprise-level OCDETF prosecutions. Under this initiative, OCDETF provides “seed money” to locally-focused gang investigations, giving state, local, and tribal investigators and prosecutors the resources and tools needed to identify connections between lower-level gangs and national-level drug trafficking organizations.
-Critical Training and Technical Assistance to State and Local Partners –The Department has a vast array of training and technical assistance resources available to state, local and tribal law enforcement, victims groups, and others. To ensure that agencies in need of assistance are able to find the training and materials they need, OJP will make available a Violence Reduction Response Center to serve as a “hot line” to connect people to these resources.
-Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGIC) – The Department has provided grant funding to support a comprehensive approach to identifying the most violent offenders in a jurisdiction, using new technologies such as gunshot detection systems combined with gun crime intelligence from NIBIN, eTrace, and investigative efforts. These FY 2017 grants were awarded to Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO.
-Expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program – The Department will expand ATF’s NIBIN Urgent Trace Program nationwide by the end of the year. Through this program, any firearm submitted for tracing that is associated with a NIBIN “hit” (which means it can be linked to a shooting incident) will be designated an “urgent” trace and the requestor will get information back about the firearm’s first retail purchaser within 24 hours, instead of 5 to 6 business days.
Last Member of Brunswick Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA – Yesterday, the last of eight defendants involved in a Glynn County-area drug trafficking organization was sentenced in federal court. Derrick J. Young, 41, of Atlanta, Georgia was sentenced to 52 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood following his guilty plea to possessing cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute in violation of federal law. That sentence was ordered to run consecutive to a 24-month prison term earlier imposed by Judge Wood in June for Young’s violation of supervised release stemming from a prior federal conviction.
In addition to Young, the other persons convicted and sentenced as part of this investigation included:
· James Lee Roberts, aka “Bootney,” age 44, Atlanta, Georgia, 88 months in prison;
· Gladys Marie Moran, age 46, Brunswick, Georgia, 57 months in prison;
· Bruce Lenard Polite, aka “Loose Bruce,” age 36, Brunswick, Georgia, 24 months in prison;
· Oscar Cummings, III, age 40, Brunswick, Georgia, 30 months in prison (consecutive to a 33-month term of imprisonment from an earlier revoked term of supervised release);
· Joe Ferdinando Bryant, age 41, aka “Joe Joe,” Brunswick, Georgia, 13 months in prison;
· Donald Eugene Wesley, aka “Duck,” age 57, Brunswick, Georgia, 18 months in prison; and
· Sidney Devore Harrison, age 42, Savannah, Georgia, 18 months in prison.
During a lengthy investigation, law enforcement agents conducted multiple wiretaps to gather evidence sufficient to dismantle the drug organization. Through the wiretap and other investigative steps, agents determined that Young, Roberts, and other conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine in the Brunswick area. More than two kilograms of cocaine and 17 pounds of marijuana were seized in operations related to this organization between May 15 and August 17, 2016.
United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner said, “Nearly all of the persons indicted in this case were raised in Brunswick or Savannah and exploited their ties to the community to establish a robust drug business. The drug seizures are illustrative of the capabilities of the organization. I commend the perseverance and dedication of members of the investigative team who worked long hours to ensure this successful outcome.”
The convictions in this matter resulted from a joint investigation by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. The investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which is comprised of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karl Knoche. The investigation was led by DEA Special Agents Rodney Holloway and James Jaskolka, and DEA Task Force Agents Ryan Alexander and Brian Slate. For additional information, please contact United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner at (912) 652-4422.
The United States Attorney’s Office Announces Its On-Going Efforts to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA- The Federal Human Trafficking Task Force for the Southern District of Georgia (“Task Force”), led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, announces its recent and on-going efforts to combat human trafficking.
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used.
The Task Force was created in 2015 as a partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies with a common goal of discovering and rescuing victims of human trafficking while identifying and prosecuting the criminals responsible. The Task Force achieves that goal through heightened law enforcement and victim service presence in the community, through devotion of resources to intensive investigations designed to dismantle trafficking organizations, and by providing training for law enforcement and conducting outreach awareness campaigns in the community. The Task Force also partners with non-government agencies to provide necessary services and basic needs for victims of human trafficking, including counseling, emergency shelter, clothing, and medicine.
The Task Force recently has provided training on ways to recognize and prevent human trafficking to a number of local groups, including: at-risk youth at Park Place Outreach, a youth emergency shelter (June 2017); medical staff at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Georgia (July 2017); social workers, guidance counselors, school nurses and alternative school staff with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (July 2017); the Coastal Area Traffic Enforcement Network, an organization that includes law enforcement from Appling, Bacon, Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce, Tattnall, Ware, and Wayne Counties (September 26, 2017); and medical staff at Southeast Georgia Health System in Camden County (September 28, 2017).
Over the past four years in the Southern District of Georgia, at least 31 human trafficking victims were rescued based on the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the Task Force. In March 2017, a federal grand jury convicted Timothy Lewis of nine counts of child sex trafficking and eight counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, among other felony charges, in relation to a child sex trafficking ring he operated in the Savannah, Georgia area. That case began as a rescue operation to find a missing 13-year-old girl. The investigation revealed, and trial evidence showed, that Lewis was selling the 13-year-old and seven other children for commercial sex through online prostitution advertisements. Lewis’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2017, and he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for his crimes.
United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner said, “Human traffickers prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and they must be brought to justice. Working together with our law enforcement and community partners can only increase our success in identifying victims and in investigating and prosecuting these cases. We will continue to bring the full power of the federal government to this important fight.”
David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “The FBI continues to be a steadfast partner with federal prosecutors in the fight against human trafficking as we dedicate significant resources toward the identification, investigation, and presentation for prosecution of those involved and providing the much needed services to those being exploited. It takes many agencies working together to make a difference in eradicating this scourge and the FBI is proud of the part that it plays in addressing this in an aggressive but cohesive manner.”
“Human trafficking is quite simply a form of modern-day slavery, and the threats and abuse inflicted on these particular victims only adds to the heinous nature of the crime,” said Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Nick Annan. “HSI made a record number of more than 2,000 human trafficking arrests in 2016 and rescued more than 400 trafficking victims nationwide, with many of them often hidden in plain sight. HSI will continue our relentless pursuit to investigate and seek prosecution of criminal traffickers while ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.”
If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888. Anti-trafficking advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take reports of potential human trafficking. All reports are confidential, and you may remain anonymous. Interpreters are available. The information you provide will be reviewed by the National Hotline and forwarded to specialized law enforcement and/or service providers where appropriate.
To request training for your organization and for additional information, please contact Assistant United States Attorney Tania Groover, U. S. Attorney’s Office, at (912) 652-4422.
Public Corruption Indictments Returned Against Three Former Correctional Officers for BriberyRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA – United States Attorney R. Brian Tanner announced the return of federal indictments charging Tyre Holzendorf, age 27, of St. Mary’s, Georgia, Phillip Smith, age 37, of Kingsland, Georgia, and Glynn Allen Sea, age 29, of Reidsville, Georgia, with multiple counts of bribery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 201.
In the indictments filed against Holzendorf, Smith and Sea, it is alleged that all three defendants were corrections officers at the D. Ray James Correctional Institution in Folkston, Georgia, and that each defendant accepted bribes in exchange for allowing inmates to smuggle contraband into the facility.
Holzendorf and Smith are charged with two counts of bribery, while Sea is charged with three counts of bribery. The maximum sentence for each count is fifteen years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of not more than three years.
All three defendants were arraigned on the indictments today before United States Magistrate Judge R. Stan Baker of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. The indictments are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant United States Attorney Brian T. Rafferty is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Acting U.S. Attorney Durham Resigns; Interim U.S. Attorney AppointedRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA- James D. Durham resigned effective September 22, 2017, as the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Mr. Durham served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Office’s Criminal Division from 2002 to 2007, as the Office’s Criminal Chief from 2007 to 2010, and as First Assistant United States Attorney from 2010 to March 2017, when he became the Acting United States Attorney.
Effective upon Mr. Durham’s departure, R. Brian Tanner was appointed as the interim United States Attorney by the Attorney General of the United States. Mr. Tanner has served as the Office’s Appellate Chief since 2010 and as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division from 2006 to 2010.
U.S. Attorney Tanner said, “Jim Durham has been a relentless and formidable advocate for the people of the United States for over fifteen years. From the start of his career here, Mr. Durham has prosecuted the most complex and important criminal cases in our district, rightly earning the full respect of our law enforcement partners. His leadership has made this Office stronger and the people of the Southern District of Georgia safer. We thank him for his selfless public service, and we wish him great success in his future endeavors.”
Former Army Soldier Sentenced to 74 Months in Prison and 20 Years of Supervised Release for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA: Win Hang Vong, 26, a former Fort Stewart Army soldier, was sentenced earlier this week by United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 74 months in federal prison to be followed 20 years of monitored supervised release.
According to evidence presented during the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, in December 2016 members of the FBI and the GBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted undercover investigations to identify child predators involved in the distribution of child pornography. Agents came into contact with Vong and downloaded from his shared files approximately 830 still images and video files containing of child pornography. Agents thereafter executed a search warrant at Vong’s residence, his enlisted quarters on the Fort Stewart Military Reservation. Agents seized electronic devices, including Vong’s computer, and external hard-drives. From these devices, agents located over 100,000 files involving child pornography. Some of the child-pornography contained images of babies being raped by adults. Vong admitted he had been downloading child pornography on the internet for more than five years. Vong was later discharged from the U. S. Army.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the GBI, and the Army’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID). Assistant United States Attorneys Marcela C. Mateo and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For questions, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
3 Defendants Charged with Distributing Kilogram Quantities of CocaineRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA – A federal indictment was unsealed last week charging Rafeal Lateef Baker, also known as “Channel 4,” age 42, of Brunswick, Georgia, Takashia Atkinson, age 31, of Brunswick, Georgia, and Kenneth Anthony Moore, also known as “Smooth”, age 47, of Freeport, Texas, with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Baker, who was already serving a supervised release sentence for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, was arrested last week in Brunswick, Georgia, and was detained pending trial. Moore was arrested last week by FBI agents in Freeport, Texas, and remains in custody pending transport from Texas to the United States District Court in Brunswick, Georgia. Atkinson remains a fugitive despite efforts by law enforcement to locate and arrest her. Anyone with information about the location of Atkinson are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Brunswick Police Department.
The indictment of Baker, Atkinson and Moore was part of “Operation Bloody Prince,” a law enforcement operation targeting gang activity and drug trafficking in and around Brunswick. Acting United States Attorney Durham noted that the indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of Baker, Moore and Atkinson was led by the FBI’s Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department and the Brunswick Police Department, with assistance from the FBI in Houston as well as the Houston Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian T. Rafferty is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Brunswick Gang Leader Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA -- Calvin Lewis, 38, from Brunswick, Georgia, was sentenced earlier this week by United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a violent gang and drug trafficking organization that operated in Southeast Georgia and elsewhere.
Evidence presented during numerous hearings revealed that Calvin Lewis was the Brunswick-area leader of the Rolling 20’s Bloods gang, whose members endured “beat ins” as part of their initiations. During a lengthy undercover investigation, FBI agents and Glynn County Police Department investigators conducted multiple wiretaps to gather evidence and to dismantle Lewis’ drug organization. Wire intercepts revealed that Lewis encouraged his fellow gang members to gather firearms to protect their drug trafficking organization and to retaliate against threats, both perceived and real. Investigating agents were also able to determine that Lewis and other conspirators sold kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine from “trap” houses located throughout Brunswick, Georgia.
Lewis was one of 19 conspirators in Brunswick convicted as part of an investigation dubbed by law enforcement as “Operation Bloody Prince.” The operation was investigated through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which is comprised of local, state and federal law enforcement agents. Melvina Lewis, Calvin Lewis’ wife, was previously sentenced to 165 months in federal prison; their step-son, Jamar Bradley, was sentenced to 215 months in prison. Agencies that participated in the FBI-led investigation included the Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department and the United States Marshal’s Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. and Tania D. Groover prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States. For questions, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Louisiana Company Pleads Guilty to Transporting and Dumping Hazardous Waste in Savannah NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Boasso America, Inc. (Boasso), headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and with a facility in Garden City, Georgia, entered a guilty plea yesterday before Senior U. S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. for the illegal transportation and dumping of hazardous waste. Boasso pled guilty to a felony violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a law regulating the storage and transportation of hazardous waste. Boasso’s guilty plea follows the convictions of two of its former employees, Ray Mitchell, 52, of Pooler, Georgia, and Maurice Miller, 40, of Savannah, for their individual roles in the illegal transportation and dumping of hazardous waste. Earlier this year, Miller was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison. Mitchell was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison.
According to evidence presented during multiple guilty plea hearings, Boasso provides transportation services for tank containers containing hazardous wastes. Boasso’s Garden City facility stored and transported its customers’ tanks containing hazardous waste. In 2015, rather than properly transporting and safely disposing of drums and totes at its Garden City facility that contained the hazardous chemical naphthalene, Boasso employees Mitchell and Miller illegally transported and dumped a significant amount of naphthalene into the ground of a nearby Savannah neighborhood. Exposure to amounts of naphthalene, a main ingredient found in mothballs, can cause serious health issues. Once discovered, law enforcement and environmental officials quickly removed the hazardous waste before it caused any health concerns. Further investigation by law enforcement officials uncovered that Boasso employees fabricated invoices in an effort to hide their illegal dumping of hazardous waste.
The investigation of this case was led by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with assistance from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), and Savannah Fire Department’s Haz-Mat team.
As part of its plea agreement, Boasso has agreed to pay full restitution, including cleanup costs; has agreed to pay the maximum criminal fine penalty of $500,000; and has agreed to establish, implement, and enforce an effective environmental compliance plan, so that future dumping incidents do not happen.
Acting United States Attorney James Durham said, “This company and some of its employees callously dumped hazardous waste into a local community, all to save a little time and money. Because of their dangerous decisions, the company will be paying a significant amount of money and their employees are spending a lot of time in a federal prison. I want to thank the EPA, Georgia’s DNR, SCMPD and the Savannah Fire Department for quickly investigating this case, and for ensuring Boasso’s hazardous waste was properly removed before anyone was injured.”
“This corporate defendant and some of its employees knowingly allowed hazardous waste to be illegally dumped without regard for the potential dangers that its release could pose to public health,” said Andy Castro, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program for Georgia. “These corporate and individual convictions show that those who put public health and the environment at risk by violating the law will be held to account.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Tania D. Groover and Carlton R. Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
2 Defendants Plead Guilty, 2 More Arrested in $15 Million Oil Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – A federal indictment was unsealed yesterday charging Richard Paul Underwood, 65, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Colin P. Purcell, 56, of Simpsonville, Kentucky, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud in connection with a $15 million oil investment Ponzi scheme. Both Defendants were arrested by Special Agents of the United States Secret Service.
The arrests of Defendants Underwood and Purcell follow the guilty pleas of David R. Greenlee, 41, of Seguin, Texas, andDavid A. Stewart, 46, of Portland, Kentucky. Greenlee and Stewart pled guilty earlier this month in Savannah before United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood for their roles in the Ponzi scheme. Greenlee and Stewart will be sentenced after the United States Probation Office completes a presentence investigation.
The federal Indictment unsealed yesterday alleges the following:
From 2012 to 2016, Underwood, Purcell, Greenlee, Stewart and others claimed to investors nationwide that they operated companies selling supposed investments in oil and natural gas projects in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The Defendants assumed false identities during contacts with investors; they provided false information about the experience and background of the management of the companies; they failed to reveal that the individuals truly responsible for the management of the companies were convicted felons who had perpetrated other investment scams; and they repeatedly made other false statements in order to fraudulently obtain over $15 million from investors. Underwood, Purcell, Greenlee, Stewart and others then used the monies defrauded from investors for their own benefit.
Acting United States Attorney James D. Durham stated, “While this U. S. Attorney’s Office works hard with our federal and state law enforcement partners to shutter investment fraud schemes and to hold fraudsters accountable, our work often follows the disappearance of an unsuspecting victims’ life savings. Investment ideas sounding too good to be true usually are. Be vigilant when investing your money. And when you see a scam, let law enforcement know.”
"There are two points in common with most investment schemes – an exceptionally attractive rate of return and a great backstory on why the company or the return is so great,” said Glen Kessler, Savannah Resident-Agent-in-Charge of the United States Secret Service. “Use caution when approaching any investment. A company’s use of national advertising or glossy brochures should not serve as proof that they are offering legitimate investments. If the subject or company pushing the investment is promising consistently high returns with little or no losses and you are being told overly complicated methods of how the investment works, that should raise a red flag for any investor,” Kessler added.
"Unfortunately, investment fraud is pervasive and entrenched in our society as it promises the golden ticket to instant wealth. While we may not be able to make all the victims whole we can and will hold the perpetrators accountable,” said James Dorsey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our law enforcement partners providing its financial expertise to bring criminals to justice."
Underwood and Purcell are both charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Greenlee and Stewart face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiring to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. Upon conviction, the Defendants would also be required to forfeit the proceeds of their crimes and pay restitution to their victims for the losses they caused.
Acting U. S. Attorney Durham emphasized that the indictment filed against Underwood and Purcell is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Underwood and Purcell are entitled a fair trial at which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation that led to today=s arrests was the result of a multi-agency team of federal, state, and local agents working together to combat investment fraud. The team was led by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Acting U. S. Attorney Durham also expressed appreciation for assistance provided by the Indiana Securities Division, the Office of the Floyd County (Indiana) Prosecutor, the Texas State Securities Board, the Tennessee Securities Division, the Texas Railroad Commission and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brian T. Rafferty and Theodore S. Hertzberg are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
36 Defendants Indicted in Massive South Georgia Drug Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
WAYCROSS, GA – Two federal indictments were unsealed yesterday and today which charged 36 South Georgia, North Florida and California residents with conspiring to traffic large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs. The indictments follow a joint federal and state investigation into violent gang and drug trafficking activities in Ware, Pierce and Glynn Counties, Georgia. The drug trafficking activities are alleged to have occurred throughout Georgia, Florida and elsewhere. The more than one-year undercover investigation was led by the FBI, the Waycross Police Department and the Ware County Sheriff’s Office. The Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, the Blackshear Police Department, the U. S. Marshal Service, the U. S. Probation Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision also assisted.
The 36 Defendants charged are:
CEDRIC L. KING (37, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Ced” and “Sanchez,”
CARLOS RUELAS (35, Bakersfield, CA),
GIOVANNI ESQUIVEL (36, Bakersfield, CA),
A/K/A “Worm” and “Gio,”
TERRACA PARKER (24, Jacksonville, FL),
MARKEY PITTMAN (28, Jacksonville, FL),
A/K/A “Jap,”
PAUL DIXON (45, Waycross, GA),
BEN DUKES (80, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Pops,”
CALVIN IVEY (61, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Tex,”
JOHN HOWARD (54, Waycross, GA),
TARENCE WASHINGTON (40, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “T,”
QUANSHARD DUKES (27, Waycross/Brunswick, GA),
A/K/A “Shad,”
SHAMPOIRE ORANGE (35, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Po,”
WILBUR HIGHTOWER (38, Waycross, GA),
ISHMIL STRICKLAND (26, Blackshear, GA),
A/K/A “Ish,” and “Convertible Ish,”
STEFAN WILLIAMS (33, Waycross, GA)
MYRON BOLDEN (36, Waycross/Homerville, GA),
A/K/A “Snap,” and “Snapp Paid,”
COREY RIGGS (32, Waycross, GA),
ELMO ROBINSON (33, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Gutta Kolombo” and “Macon MO,”
ESQUADRICK WILLIAMS, (35, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Lamon,”
LASHADRE SMITH (26, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Shafa” and “Shaffa Billythekid Smith,”
JASON COOPER (24, Waycross, GA),
ANTWAN CLARK, (32, Waycross, GA),
DUSTIN STEEDLEY (31, Waycross, GA),
TYLER COUNCIL (22, Blackshear, GA),
CHRISTOPHER WELLS (29, Alma, GA),
A/K/A “Jugg,”
PHILLIP JOHNSON (25, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Gunplay,”
CLARENCE KELLY (29, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Buckshot,”
RANDY HAWKINS (45, Waycross, GA),
JOSHUA BEVERLY (28, Blackshear, GA),
ALVERTIS GEDDIS (27, Waycross, GA),
AKA “Man Man” and “Draco,”
JA’LYN KINCEY (22, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Monk,”
JERONE MARTIN (26, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Rome” and “Jermone,”
ZYTREVIS ROBINSON (27, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Webbie,”
IKEYA JONES (21, Waycross, GA),
A/K/A “Juvie Mona,”
LAKENDRA NORTON (28, Waycross, GA),
AND
TANYA JOHNSON (29, Blackshear, GA).
Most of the Defendants have been arrested and were brought yesterday and today before a federal Magistrate Judge sitting in Waycross, Georgia for their initial appearances. Defendants Esquadrick Williams, Quanshard Dukes, Jason Cooper, Anyway Clark, Giovanni Esquivel and Zytrevis Robinson remain at large. Upon conviction, many of the Defendants face up to life in a federal prison. Acting United States Attorney James Durham emphasized that the indictments are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. The Defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorneys Marcela C. Mateo and Jennifer J. Kirkland are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States. Please contact the United States Attorney’s Office for any questions at (912) 201-2522.
Savannah Convicted Murderer and 19 Others Indicted for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA- Eugene Allen (aka “Poncho”), 41, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder, was one of 20 defendants indicted earlier this week by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah, Georgia for allegedly operating a drug trafficking organization in Chatham County and elsewhere.
The 22-count indictment alleged that the defendants conspired to traffick powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana. The indictment also charges numerous firearm offenses. According to allegations in the indictment, members of the conspiracy used drones to smuggle cellular telephones to other conspirators incarcerated in a Georgia Department of Corrections facility. The phones were then used from state prison to facilitate drug trafficking crimes. Members of the conspiracy also allegedly used cotton candy machines and other packages to transfer money for the payment of drugs and to transfer proceeds made from the drug trafficking activities. Publically available records reveal that Eugene Allen is serving life without parole in a Georgia prison for a murder that he committed in Savannah.
The following people were indicted in this case:
EUGENE ALLEN, (41, Savannah)
A/K/A “PONCHO,”
A/K/A “JIG,”
AARON CRAIG HUBBARD, (29, Savannah)
A/KA/ “YUP,”
A/K/A “YAP,”
A/K/A “RED,”
KARTEU OMAR JENKINS, (40, Atlanta)
A/K/A “YAY,”
DANIEL MARTIN, (36, California)
A/K/A “WHITEBOY,”
A/K/A “STACKS,”
RAYMOND NEIL WALLEN, (37, California)
A/K/A “ADDY MAN,”
CHARMAINE NICOLE SIMS, (34, Savannah)
RON BERNARD ALLEN, (41, Savannah)
A/K/A “RON LOW,”
A/K/A “LOW,”
KEITH JAMAL BRIGHAM, (43, Savannah)
A/K/A “GLOCK,”
EDWARD MAURICE TYLER, (41, Savannah)
A/K/A “SKIP,”
ORANDA RASHEED WALKER, (36, Savannah)
A/K/A “ROCK,”
CARLOS EDJUAN ELDER, (40, Savannah)
DEVIN RENARD DABNEY, (39, Savannah)
BRITTANY LATISHA JAMES, (31, Atlanta)
A/K/A “KB,”
TASHA GOODWIN, (36, Savannah)
COLIS JERMAINE ALLEN,
A/K/A “KARLIS JERMAINE,” (39, Savannah)
A/K/A “BUTCH,”
TASHA FELICIA GARDNER, (43, Savannah)
SHAUNTE STAFFORD, (35, Lithonia)
MIA WILLIAMS,
A/K/A “MIA HALL,”
TATONYA SHARI HAILES, (45, Atlanta) andTINA MARIE ADKINS, (34, Savannah)
The Defendants face up to life in prison upon conviction of the crimes charged in the indictment. Acting U. S. Attorney James Durham cautioned that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it is the Government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, which is comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement. Agents with the FBI and the Chatham County Counter Narcotics Team (CNT), as well and members of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD) conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Noah Abrams and Assistant U. S. Attorney E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For questions, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Armed Con Artist Convicted of Bank Fraud and Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Yesterday, following a two-day trial before U. S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, a federal jury convicted Savannah resident Maynard Sanders, 33, of 15 counts of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting theft by a bank employee. Sanders’ convictions came on the heels of a one-day trial before Senior U. S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. during which a different federal jury found Sanders guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the evidence presented at the trials, Sanders befriended two former Wells Fargo bank tellers in late 2015, and convinced both of them to help him obtain and use other people’s identities in order to steal cash from Wells Fargo bank accounts. Text messages recovered from Sanders’ cell phone revealed that Sanders intentionally targeted elderly customers, including an 86-year-old widow who testified against Sanders at the July trial. Between December 2015 and February 2016, Sanders caused his accomplices to withdraw thousands of dollars from compromised accounts and to provide him with most or all of the embezzled funds. Both accomplices have pled guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentence.
When Sanders was arrested on federal fraud charges, he was in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Due to his previous convictions for theft, fraud, and unlawful possession of a firearm dating back to 2002, Sanders was prohibited under federal law from possessing guns or ammunition.
On the firearms charge, Sanders faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Additionally, Sanders may be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud and aiding and abetting theft by a bank employee. Sanders’ commission of aggravated identity theft will add between 2 and 10 years of imprisonment onto his total sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
Acting United States Attorney James D. Durham stated, “For over a decade, Maynard Sanders preyed upon the hardworking citizens of this community and embraced deception and manipulation as his stock-in-trade. Despite several stints in prison, he continued to hatch fraudulent schemes, and he persisted in carrying weapons that he had no right to possess. This United States Attorney’s Office will ensure that Sanders and other career criminals like him will be held accountable for their misdeeds.”
“Technology has forever changed the way we do business, making every day financial transactions a prime target for fraud,” said U. S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Glen Kessler. “Customers are always urged to monitor their bank accounts and credit cards closely for fraudulent transactions and to use automated banking alerts available at most financial institutions. The Secret Service, in conjunction with its many law enforcement partners, continues to successfully combat these crimes by adapting our investigative methodologies and educating the public.”
The charges against Sanders and his accomplices resulted from a Secret Service investigation. That investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests are expected. Various law enforcement agencies, including ATF, U. S. Marshals Service, Savannah State University Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Armstrong State University Police Department Cyber Forensics Division, and the Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force, provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Violent Savannah Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – DeVonte Shyheem Green, 23, from Savannah, Georgia, pled guilty earlier this week before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr. for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Green remains in U.S. Marshal custody and will be sentenced after the U.S. Probation Office completes a presentence investigation.
According to the evidence presented during the guilty plea hearing, a State arrest warrant was issued for Green in connection with his possession of multiple firearms, drugs and digital scales. On March 31, 2017, officers with Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD) attempted to arrest Green on the outstanding warrant, but Green fled from the police. After a chase, Green was eventually arrested. Yet again, Green was found to be in possession of another firearm, more drugs, and another digital scale. Despite only being 23 years of age, Green has been involved in multiple prior incidents involving firearms or shootings, including a 2015 incident in which Green shot at a car full of people. Green pled guilty to the 2015 shooting incident, but he was given status under Georgia’s First Offender Act.
Under his federal guilty plea, Green faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and maximum of life. There is no parole in the federal system. Green also faces a fine up to $250,000 and 5 years of supervised release upon release from prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney James Durham said, “Most of the violent crime in Savannah is committed by a small number criminals. We’re working closely with SCMPD, the District Attorney’s Office and our federal partners to remove those violent criminals like Mr. Green from our community.”
David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “One of the more significant components of law enforcement’s approach toward reducing the spread of violent crime is to aggressively deal with those with firearms who, through prior criminal conduct, shouldn’t have them. That is the case with Mr. Green. Mr. Green’s guilty plea is a direct result of a combined law enforcement effort by the FBI’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crime Taskforce, whose overall mission is to make the community in which it serves a safer place to live.”
The charges against Green resulted from an investigation led by the FBI’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crime Taskforce, an interagency partnership dedicated to attacking gangs and violent crime in Savannah and the surrounding communities. Assistant United States Attorney Brian T. Rafferty prosecuted the case for the Government. For questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Southern District of Georgia Announces Participation in National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: On Thursday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) Secretary Tom Price, M.D., announced the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, involving 412 charged defendants across 41 federal districts, including 115 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $1.3 billion in false billings. Of those charged, over 120 defendants, including doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics.
The operation also highlighted the great work being done by the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. In the past fiscal year, the Department of Justice, including the Civil Division, has collectively won or negotiated over $2.5 billion in judgments and settlements related to matters alleging health care fraud. In addition, HHS has initiated suspension actions against 295 providers, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists.
The Department of Justice’s nationwide enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force partners, a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG. In addition, the operation includes the participation of the DEA, DCIS, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units. Thirty state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated. The operation focused on unlawful distribution of prescription narcotics, like opioids, and holding medical professionals responsible accountable for their wrongdoing.
As part of this national enforcement action, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia announced the following enforcement actions:
The United States filed a Criminal Information against Sherry McCormick alleging one count of Health Care Fraud. In the information, the United States alleged that from 2013 to 2015, McCormick defrauded Medicare, Tricare, and the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program of approximately $500,000 by submitting and causing the submission of fraudulent claims for medications that were not medically necessary and not prescribed by a doctor.
The United States reached a civil settlement with Allcare Pharmacy, a pharmacy operating out of Lyons, Georgia, totaling $175,000. Based on the actions of its former employee, McCormick, the United States contended that Allcare Pharmacy submitted claims and received payment for prescriptions for compounded medications that were not medically necessary and not prescribed by a doctor.
The United States intervened for the purposes of civil settlement in a qui tam filed against Atlantic Foot & Ankle, P.C., a physician practice previously operating out of several locations in Georgia, as well as an owner of the practice, Melissa Robitaille, D.P.M. The United States contended that Atlantic Foot & Ankle and Dr. Robitaille submitted claims and received payment for services that did not qualify for payment by misrepresenting the services actually rendered.
The United States reached a civil settlement with Ramachandra Paidi, M.D., a physician practicing out of Vidalia, Georgia, totaling $303,950. The settlement resulted from an investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), the State of Georgia, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Based on its investigation, the United States contended that, on several occasions, Dr. Paidi submitted claims to Medicare and Medicaid for psychotherapy services for twenty-four (24) hours or more of services in any given day.
The United States reached a civil settlement with Andrea Chancey, a physician assistant residing in Augusta, Georgia, totaling $10,000. The settlement resulted from an investigation by the DEA and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Based on its investigation, the United States contended that, acting in concert with a physician, Andrea Chancey dispensed Schedule II controlled substances without legal authority using pre-signed prescriptions.
The United States reached a civil settlement with Medical Center Pharmacies, based out of Statesboro, Georgia, and its owners, totaling $85,000. The settlement resulted from an investigation by the DEA and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Based on its investigation, the United States contended that Medical Center Pharmacies and certain pharmacists violated the Controlled Substances Act by negligently failing to make, keep, or furnish certain records regarding highly addictive Schedule II controlled substances, including opioids, as required by federal law.
The United States reached a civil settlement with Medical Villa Apothecary, based out of Augusta, Georgia, and certain pharmacists, totaling $75,000. The settlement resulted from a joint investigation by HHS-OIG, DEA, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Based on its investigation, the United States contended that Medical Villa Apothecary and certain pharmacists violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for drugs that it did not dispense to patients. The United States further contended that Medical Villa Apothecary violated the Controlled Substances Act by negligently failing to make, keep, or furnish certain records regarding highly addictive Schedule II controlled substances, including opioids, as required by federal law.
The United States recently announced a civil settlement Rhine Drug Company, based out of Rhine, Georgia, and its owner, totaling $2,175,000, which involved similar allegations.
Acting United States Attorney James Durham said, “The Office will continue to hold accountable those who take advantage of federal health care programs and those who fail to act responsibly when prescribing or safeguarding opioids. Any such fraudsters or hucksters should steer clear of our district, or else expect to face jail time and substantial financial penalties for their acts.”
“Through our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, our office will continue coordinating with federal partners to safeguard the integrity of Georgia’s Medicaid program,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “Improper billing inflates costs and causes unnecessary waste in our healthcare system, and we remain dedicated to seeking out and eliminating these issues on behalf of our citizens.”
“We expect doctors and other medical professionals who bill Medicare and Medicaid to provide quality services to those served by the programs, not rip off scarce government health care funds," said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Coordinating with our law enforcement partners, our agents work hard to ensure those who steal from federal health care programs are brought to justice.”
"The top priority of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service is to preserve the integrity of critical Department of Defense programs, such as primary health care for our Warfighters and their families,” said John F. Khin, Special Agent in Charge, DCIS - Southeast Field Office. "DCIS will vigorously pursue and thoroughly investigate any health care provider or contractor who submits false or fraudulent claims to the DoD, so that limited tax payer dollars can be better spent on the most urgent needs for our national defense.”
The cases announced today were investigated by HHS-OIG Special Agents Martin Rowe and David Graupner; DCIS Special Agents Randall Temples and Mark Lewis; DEA Diversion Investigators Josh Barnes, Saul Melendez, George Taylor, Dwayne Jeffcoat, and George Zuban; Investigator Kimberly Reinken-Creamer of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia; and Law Clerk Alison Slagowitz of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia; Investigative Auditor Denise Colson and Investigator Kevin White. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon Statkus, Tricia Rhodes, Scarlett Nokes, J. Thomas Clarkson, Jason Blanchard, Anica Jones, and Bradford Patrick. The State of Georgia was represented by James Mooney. For additional information, please call the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201- 2522.
A complaint, information or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The claims resolved by civil settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. Investigations remain ongoing as to others arising out of these announced actions.
Violent Felon Sentenced to 29 Years in Federal Prison for Running Drug Empire from Georgia State PrisonRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA - Daniel Roger Alo, 46, a Georgia penal resident, was sentenced earlier this week by U. S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 29 years in federal prison for his role in running a drug trafficking ring from a Georgia prison cell that operated throughout the Southeast.
According to evidence presented during the guilty plea, sentencing and other hearings, Alo, while serving a life sentence in the Georgia Department of Corrections for armed robbery, aggravated assault and kidnapping, formed a drug trafficking organization that trafficked in pounds of crystalized methamphetamine. Alo recruited members from inside and outside prison, including members of the Ghost Face Gangsters, Bloods and Gangster Disciple gangs. Alo and members of his conspiracy used drones and corrupt guards to smuggle phones and other contraband inside prison, which were used to facilitate drug trafficking activities. Members of the conspiracy distributed large quantities of crystal meth throughout the Southeast. Following a 2015 sting operation in Brunswick, Georgia, law enforcement agents seized from Alo’s organization over 11 pounds of meth, 15 firearms, and over $600,000. Coconspirator and former Georgia lottery winner, Ronnie Music, purchased meth for Alo’s organization with some of the $3 million Music won playing the lottery. Music was previously sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for his role in the drug trafficking organization.
Alo’s criminal history is shocking. Almost 30 years ago, at age 17, Alo earned his first felony burglary conviction. He was placed on probation, and the next year he committed and was convicted of burglarizing sixteen other homes. At 19, Alo committed and was convicted of another felony burglary charge. At 23, he kidnapped a doctor, stole his vehicle, shot the doctor in the leg, and then ran him over in an automobile. He was convicted by a jury and sentenced to life in prison.
At his sentencing before Judge Wood, Alo explained that the “devil” tattoo that adorns his left shoulder serves as a reminder of the “markings of the high cost of low living.”
Acting United States Attorney James D. Durham said, “Even the bars of a state prison cell have not deterred Mr. Alo from committing horrendous crimes. From a federal prison cell far, far away, it appears Mr. Alo will now have most of the rest of his live to ponder the high cost of low living.”
ATF Resident Agent in Charge Timothy S. Graden, stated, “Daniel Alo was one part of a large criminal organization. He and others will now spend lengthy parts of their life behind bars because of their criminal activity. Criminal organizations and individuals that commit violent crime, take notice, you could be next. ATF will continue to work closely with other agencies to make communities a safer place.”
Alo was one of over 20 other defendants who were charged and convicted in this investigation. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies. The case was investigated by the ATF, the DEA, the FBI, the United States Marshal Service, the GBI, the Glynn-Brunswick Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, the Glynn County Police Department, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, the Haralson-Paulding Drug Task Force and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. and Tania D. Groover prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For questions, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Nine Additional Savannah Residents Indicted with Federal Gun Crimes as Part of Efforts to Combat Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Last week, as part of numerous ongoing investigations being conducted by the ATF and the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah charged 9 more Savannah residents with a variety of firearms offenses and drug crimes:
Eron Ventura, 24, of Savannah, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
Tevin Lawton, 25, of Savannah, charged with receipt of a firearm while under indictment, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and being a drug user in possession of firearms;
John Young, Jr., 26, of Savannah, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Timothy Kendall Stewart, 30, of Savannah, charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Eric Brown, 39, of Savannah, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Robert Anthony Frazier, 35, of Savannah, charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, ecstasy, and marijuana and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
Daryl Jackson, 40, of Savannah, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;
Dominick Jackson, 33, of Savannah, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute ecstasy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and,
Kevin Reevey, 32, of Savannah, charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Acting U. S. Attorney James Durham said, “Earlier this year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions instructed U. S. Attorneys' Offices to identify those responsible for significant violent crime in our communities, and, if the decision is made to pursue federal charges, to utilize the substantial tools available under federal law to prosecute those offenders. We’re working closely with SCMPD and the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office on a number of fronts to address violent crime problems in Savannah. The indictments returned last week aren’t the first federal indictments and they certainly won’t be the last, as we work together to take back this great city from those spreading violence and fear.”
All federal defendants charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, any defendant who has at least three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses will face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years in prison. Additionally, defendants who possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking face a consecutive sentence of at least 5 years in prison. Parole has been abolished in the federal system.
Acting U. S. Attorney Durham emphasized that indictments are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carlton R. Bourne, Jr., Tania D. Groover, Marcela C. Mateo, Bradford C. Patrick and Jennifer G. Solari are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Traffick DrugsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Akeiran Lawson, a former federal correctional officer from Lumber City, Georgia, was sentenced earlier this week to 46 months in prison by Senior U. S. District Judge William T. Moore, Jr., for attempting to traffick cocaine for a federal prisoner. After serving his prison sentence, Lawson will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings revealed that Lawson, while working at the McRae Federal Correctional Facility in McRae, Georgia, approached an inmate and offered to transport cocaine for an unknown drug organization in exchange for money. The inmate contacted other law enforcement officials to let them know of Lawson’s offer. In a sting operation, undercover agents communicated with Lawson, who agreed to transport a kilogram of cocaine from Savannah to Atlanta for $2,000. On November 3, 2016, shortly after Lawson received from undercover agents fake cocaine and half of his anticipated payment, Lawson was arrested without incident.
Acting United States Attorney James D. Durham said, “This officer was willing to sell his badge for personal payoffs from supposed drug dealers. Not only did he betray the institution he was sworn to protect, he also betrayed the ideals that honest, hard-working correctional officers uphold every day.”
"We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, and the New York City DEA Task Force in this investigation, which helped bring this correctional officer’s corrupt conduct to light and ensured that he would be held accountable,” stated Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Bourbon of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General’s Miami Field Office.
The case was investigated by special agents of the DOJ Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team and the New York City Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force. Assistant U. S. Attorney Marcela C. Mateo prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For questions, please call the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Savannah Pastor Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding His ChurchRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Corey Megill Brown, 47, the former Pastor of Second African Baptist Church in Savannah, was sentenced today by District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 28 months in prison for defrauding his former church and its parishioners of money for over 6 years. In addition to his prison sentence, Brown was also ordered to pay the Second African Baptist Church $178,140 in restitution. After serving his prison sentence, Brown will be on federal supervised release for 3 years. There is no parole in the federal system.
Brown pled guilty late last year to mail fraud. The evidence presented at Brown’s guilty plea and the sentencing hearings revealed that from 2008 to February 2014, Brown intercepted checks and others moneys sent to the church as tithes and offerings; then deposited the stolen money into an account that only he controlled and that other church leaders did not know existed. Brown opened his shadow bank account under the name “Romans 12 Ministries.” Brown used the stolen tithes and offerings for his own benefit, by withdrawing cash; by writing checks to himself that were deposited in his personal bank accounts; and, by using the debit card tied to the shadow account to make purchases from such places as leather goods stores and lingerie shops.
Acting United States Attorney Durham said, “Brown’s parishioners thought they were offering their hard earned savings so their church could do good works. Little did they know, Brown’s idea of good work was to line his own pockets. Whether you’re an attorney or accountant, a physician or pastor, if you steal from the good folks that trust you the most, then you’ll next serve time at a federal prison.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Charlie Bourne and Scarlett S. Nokes prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For questions, please call (912) 201-2522.
South Georgia Farmers to Pay up to $675,000 to Resolve False Claims Act SuitRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Bacon County (Georgia) farmers Julian Rigby, Jasper Allen and Benjamin Swain, as well as several entities owned by Rigby, agreed to pay up to $675,000 to resolve allegations that they violated and conspired to violate the False Claims Act. This settlement is the first False Claims Act recovery involving the United States Department of Agriculture’s crop insurance program in the history of the Southern District of Georgia.
This settlement resulted from an investigation initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). On July 1, 2016, the United States filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia captioned United States of America v. Julian Rigby, et al., 5:16-CV-53. In its complaint, the United States contended that Rigby, Allen, and Swain misrepresented and conspired to misrepresent the individuals who had an insured interest in an attempt to obtain more favorable coverage. The United States also alleged that, after filing a claim for losses they supposedly suffered, Rigby, Allen, and Swain submitted and conspired to submit false and fraudulent documents to the USDA to ensure payment.
Acting United States Attorney James D. Durham said, “The federal crop insurance program serves an important role supporting farmers who suffer crop losses due to natural disasters. This United States Attorney’s Office will root out anyone who seeks to manipulate the crop insurance program for personal gain.”
“Today’s announcement shows how, working alongside our partners in the Department of Justice, we will ensure the integrity of the crop insurance program for American taxpayers and producers alike,” said Heather Manzano, Acting Administrator for USDA’s Risk Management Agency.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. The case was investigated by USDA- Risk Management Agency Investigator Randy Upton, Special Agents Andrew Ridgeway and Robin Wilcox of USDA-Office of the Inspector General, and Law Clerk Alison Slagowitz of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney J. Thomas Clarkson. For questions, please call the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Dodge County Pharmacy and Pharmacist Agree to Pay over $2 Million to Resolve False Claims Act and Controlled Substances Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA: Rhine Drug Company and Andrew “Carter” Clements, Jr. agreed to pay a total of $2.175 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and the Controlled Substances Act. This settlement is the largest False Claims Act recovery with a pharmacy or pharmacist and largest recovery of civil penalties under the Controlled Substances Act in the history of the Southern District of Georgia.
The settlement resulted from a joint investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Based on its investigation, the United States contended that Rhine Drug Company and Clements violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for drugs that Rhine Drug Company did not dispense to patients. The United States further contended that Rhine Drug Company and Clements violated the Controlled Substances Act by negligently failing to make, keep, or furnish certain records as required by federal law.
Acting United States Attorney James Durham said, “Pharmacists are supposed to bill only for what they dispense and they’re to keep accurate records of the prescription drugs they let walk out of their pharmacies. This U. S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable those pharmacists and pharmacies that seek financial gain at the expense of the public by cutting corners.”
“Billing Medicare for prescription drugs that were never dispensed to patients is a serious allegation,” said Derrick L Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the HHS-OIG Office in Atlanta. “Our agency, in concert with our law enforcement partners, is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of all federally funded health care programs.”
“Americans rely on medical professionals, to include pharmacists and pharmacy owners, to keep accurate records of controlled substances, and the DEA is committed to stopping individuals from engaging in such unlawful acts,” said Daniel R. Salter, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “We are satisfied that Rhine Drug Company and Clements are being held accountable for their alleged violations of the law.”
Rhine Drug Company and Clements fully cooperated with the investigation and promptly approached the United States to reach a resolution. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. While this settlement fully resolves the allegations against Clements and Rhine Drug Company, investigations remain ongoing as to others.
The case was investigated by HHS-OIG Special Agent Martin Rowe; DEA Diversion Investigators Josh Barnes and Saul Melendez; Investigator Kimberly Reinken-Creamer of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia; and Law Clerk Alison Slagowitz of the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Georgia. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney J. Thomas Clarkson. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Army Colonel and Others Indicted in $20 Million Bribery and Fraud Scheme Arising Out of Fort Gordon, GeorgiaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Anthony Tyrone Roper, 55, an active duty Colonel with the U. S. Army stationed at Fort Gordon; Audra Roper, 49, the wife of Colonel Roper; and Dwayne Oswald Fulton, 58, a former employee of a defense contracting firm, were indicted this week by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah, Georgia for their alleged roles in a bribery and kickback scheme. Each of the Defendants reside in Augusta, Georgia. According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, beginning in 2008 and lasting almost a decade, Colonel Anthony Roper conspired with his wife, Fulton and others to solicit and accept cash bribes in exchange for rigging the award of over $20 million in U. S. Army contracts to selected individuals and companies. The indictment further alleges that in an attempt to hide their bribery and fraud schemes, the Defendants attempted to obstruct an official investigation into their criminal conduct.
Colonel Roper was charged with one count of conspiracy, three counts of bribery, four counts of false statements and one count of obstruction, with a maximum sentence of 85 years in prison and a $1.75 million fine. Audra Roper was charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of false statements and one count of obstruction, with a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a $750,000 fine. Fulton was charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of obstruction, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. An indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The Defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case has been investigated by Special Agent Preston T. Johnson of the U. S. Army, Criminal Investigations Division; Special Agent Randall J. Temples of the U. S. Department of Defense, Criminal Investigative Service; and, Special Agent Bryan M. Cofer of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General. The investigation of this case remains ongoing. Assistant U. S. Attorney C. Troy Clark and Acting U.S. Attorney James D. Durham are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. Any questions should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Federal Government Contractor in Georgia Charged with Removing and Mailing Classified Materials to a News OutletRead the Press Release
A criminal complaint was filed in the Southern District of Georgia today charging Reality Leigh Winner, 25, a federal contractor from Augusta, Georgia, with removing classified material from a government facility and mailing it to a news outlet, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 793(e).
Winner was arrested by the FBI at her home on Saturday, June 3, and appeared in federal court in Augusta this afternoon.
“Exceptional law enforcement efforts allowed us quickly to identify and arrest the defendant,” said Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein. “Releasing classified material without authorization threatens our nation’s security and undermines public faith in government. People who are trusted with classified information and pledge to protect it must be held accountable when they violate that obligation.”
According to the allegations contained in the criminal complaint:
Winner is a contractor with Pluribus International Corporation assigned to a U.S. government agency facility in Georgia. She has been employed at the facility since on or about February 13, and has held a Top Secret clearance during that time. On or about May 9, Winner printed and improperly removed classified intelligence reporting, which contained classified national defense information from an intelligence community agency, and unlawfully retained it. Approximately a few days later, Winner unlawfully transmitted by mail the intelligence reporting to an online news outlet.
Once investigative efforts identified Winner as a suspect, the FBI obtained and executed a search warrant at her residence. According to the complaint, Winner agreed to talk with agents during the execution of the warrant. During that conversation, Winner admitted intentionally identifying and printing the classified intelligence reporting at issue despite not having a "need to know," and with knowledge that the intelligence reporting was classified. Winner further admitted removing the classified intelligence reporting from her office space, retaining it, and mailing it from Augusta, Georgia, to the news outlet, which she knew was not authorized to receive or possess the documents.
An individual charged by criminal complaint is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.
The prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorney Julie A. Edelstein of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Solari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI.
2017 06 05 Winner Criminal Complaint Form 2017 06 05 Winner Criminal Complaint AffidavitSavannah Resident Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Medicaid FraudRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, GA – Barbara Wallace, 52, of Savannah, Georgia, was sentenced by Senior United States District William T. Moore, Jr. yesterday to 41 months in prison for her role in a scheme to defraud Medicaid. Judge Moore also ordered Wallace to serve 3 years of supervised release upon her release from prison, and to pay $948,361 in restitution and forfeiture.
Wallace, the former manager of MBA Diabetic Footwear Solutions, pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud on September 13, 2016. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Wallace caused bogus claims to be submitted to Medicaid for medical equipment that was not medically necessary, not prescribed by a physician, and, on many occasions, never provided to a patient. Wallace then used the moneys defrauded from Medicaid for her own personal benefit. Wallace has prior federal convictions for bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and social security fraud.
Acting United States Attorney James D. Durham stated, “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute healthcare fraud in its many different forms. This defendant is no stranger to fraud schemes, having now racked up another federal conviction. Those who attempt to steal the taxpayer’s money through healthcare fraud and other scams can expect to join this defendant in a federal prison cell.”
“The Office of the Attorney General will not stand by and allow those who commit fraud to take advantage of programs that are intended to support our state's most vulnerable citizens,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “Our Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will continue to provide vital investigative and prosecutorial support to our partners at the federal and local levels, so that we can guarantee those who seek to undermine the integrity of the Medicaid system are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Medicaid fraud is a selfish, greed driven act that takes public funds away from those who truly need them. The sentencing of Ms. Wallace to federal prison will provide much time and opportunity for her to reflect on her self-centered and, more importantly, criminal conduct. The FBI will continue to work with its law enforcement partners in identifying, investigating, and presenting for prosecution those individuals engaged in such healthcare based fraudulent schemes.”
“The Court’s substantial sentence demonstrates that those who commit health care fraud and use the funds gained from that fraud for their own personal benefit will ultimately pay a very high price,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for the Atlanta region. “The Office of Inspector General, in concert with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue all such cases.”
This case was investigated by the Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI, and HHS-OIG. Assistant United States Attorney Scarlett S. Nokes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Love prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
South Georgia Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
Statesboro, GA – Jeramie Thomas Leslie, 31, of Guyton, Georgia, was sentenced earlier this week by United States District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to 112 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Leslie was the last of 13 defendants convicted as part of a joint federal and state operation targeting methamphetamine trafficking in South Georgia.
The additional 12 defendants sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the meth trafficking ring included:
John Christopher Paulson, 40, of Rincon, who was sentenced to 132 months and 3 years supervised release;
William Preston Gibbs, 22, of Glennville, who was sentenced to 82 months and 3 years supervised release;
Jeremiah Jones Richardson, 29, of Statesboro, who was sentenced to 70 months and 3 years supervised release;
Jason Todd Smith, 44, of Fleming, who was sentenced to 230 months and 3 years supervised release;
Jeremy Nicholas Taylor, 27, of Ellabell, who was sentenced to 82 months and 3 years supervised release;
Samori Jodan Smokes, 35, of Eden, who was sentenced to 132 months and 3 years supervised release;
Scott Lamont Pointer, 35, of Ellabell, who was sentenced to 52 months and 3 years supervised release;
Timothy Wayne Davis, 49, of Ellabell, who was sentenced to 48 months and 3 years supervised release;
Christopher Gage Floyd, 21, of Pembroke, who was sentenced to 46 months and 3 years supervised release;
Kenneth Jordan Lane, 24, of Pembroke, who was sentenced to 52 months and 3 years supervised release;
Jeffery James Taylor, 28, of Ellabell, who was sentenced to 48 months and 3 years supervised release; and,
Casandra Rae Hendrix, 24, of Ellabell, who was sentenced to 24 months and 3 years supervised release.
Acting U. S. Attorney Jim Durham commended the work of the agencies involved in the joint federal-state investigation, including the DEA, GBI, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, the Statesboro-Bulloch Crime Suppression Team, the Richmond Hill Police Department and the Pembroke Police Department. Assistance was also provided by the Rincon Police Department and the United States Marshal’s Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Charlie Bourne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Motor Home Thief & Career Fraudster Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Savannah, GA – Timothy Bryce, 40, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 70 months in prison by Senior United States District Court Judge William T. Moore, Jr., after pleading guilty to transporting a stolen motor vehicle across multiple state lines, from North Carolina, to South Carolina, to Georgia.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Bryce stole a luxury motor home worth nearly $600,000 from a dealership in Charlotte, North Carolina, and then fled with the vehicle to Guyton, Georgia. Bryce pretended to be interested in purchasing the motor home; swapped the real key with a fake one; then later returned to the dealership after closing time in order to steal it. In imposing the 70 month sentence, Judge Moore emphasized Bryce’s long criminal history. Bryce has three prior convictions for stealing motor vehicles as well as multiple convictions for impersonating law enforcement officers. After prison, Bryce will be on federal supervised release for three years. He was also ordered to pay $153,047.73 in restitution.
Acting United States James D. Durham stated, “No number of felony convictions has apparently kept this defendant from continuing a career in crime. With eight years under the watchful eyes of federal prison officials and United States Probation Officers, maybe he’ll finally learn the lesson that crime doesn’t pay.”
“Bryce made his biggest mistake when he crossed state lines during the commission of the crime,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge David J. LeValley. “Now, thanks to the efforts of FBI agents and the U. S. Attorney’s Office, he must face the impact of federal penalties that will keep him from continuing to prey on innocent victims for a very long time.”
This case was investigated by Special Agents with the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Scarlett S. Nokes and former Assistant United States Attorney Fred Kramer prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact the U. S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.
Glennville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Massive FireRead the Press Release
STATESBORO, GA: Jonathan Shane Culbreth, 21, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U. S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to serve 5 years in federal prison for starting a fire last summer that destroyed a historic building in the heart of downtown Glennville. The fire, which Culbreth began before dawn on June 5, 2016 by igniting a junk pile in a back alley, required more than 13 hours to control. Firefighters from nearly a dozen agencies in four counties responded to extinguish the blaze.
Culbreth will serve his federal sentence without the possibility of parole. Following his release from prison, the United States Probation Office will supervise him for three years. Additionally, Culbreth will be required to make restitution of $892,410 to the businesses affected by his crime.
Acting U. S. Attorney James D. Durham stated, “With one foolish decision, this defendant not only endangered the lives of dozens of firefighters, but he also stole from Glennville a structure nearly as old as the town itself. This U. S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its federal and local partners to bring to justice arsonists and other violent offenders who threaten the safety and security of law-abiding citizens.”
The arson was investigated by the ATF, the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Tattnall County Fire Department, the Glennville Police Department, the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Long County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg prosecuted the case. For additional information, please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (912) 201-2522.