Northern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three ATF Agents Awarded for Victim Support during Jury Trial in Northern MississippiRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – Multiple agents in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were recognized yesterday by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Mississippi for their dedication to supporting victims during a jury trial last month.
Special Agent David Erhart, Special Agent Jackson Price, and acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Bridgmon with the ATF were awarded the Carolyn Clayton Victims’ Service Award in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week for going above and beyond with assisting victims throughout the prosecution of Korea McKay and forming relationships to build trust between the victim’s family and the government. This award is named for longtime victim’s rights advocate Carolyn Clayton.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Korea McKay, 44, shot and killed Davao Thomas on February 18, 2023. McKay killed Mr. Thomas after Mr. Thomas told him to slow down in the Kirby Estates apartment complex. Two shell casings were recovered at the scene.
A federal jury convicted McKay on March 26, 2025, for felon-in-possession of ammunition stemming from the homicide. He is set for sentencing on July 17, 2025. At the time McKay possessed the ammunition, he had multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for assault of a police officer and a federal drug conviction. He faces up to 15-years imprisonment.
Soon after Mr. Thomas was shot and killed in Tunica County, SA David Erhart established a relationship with the victim’s family and maintained that relationship throughout the case.
SA Jackson Price and acting ASAC Stephen Bridgmon ensured that the victim’s family was able to attend the trial in Oxford and maintained a presence with the victims throughout the trial.
“These agents would be worthy of commendation just for their outstanding work in putting a violent killer behind bars, but their efforts went much further than that,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “These agents exemplified a victim-centered approach, ensuring that the victim’s family was treated with dignity and respect while providing a sense of security when attending the trial.”
“A federal investigation can be both complex and lengthy, especially if the crime is very devastating to the victims and their families, but safety of the victim is of utmost importance for ATF,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “We are very proud of our Special Agents for their excellent investigatory work, but also for their compassion for these victims. We also congratulate them on being honored with this award.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Stringfellow and Julie Addison are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Olive Branch Woman Sentenced to Five Years and Ordered to Pay Millions after PPP Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Zipora Hudson, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills to five years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering following her trial conviction in January.
Judge Mills sentenced Zipora Hudson to a 60-month jail sentence followed by five years of supervised release for her role in a PPP fraud scheme that was presented to a federal jury and resulted in a guilty verdict on January 17, 2025. Hudson was also ordered to pay $3,526,517 in restitution.
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to provide funding for small businesses affected by the economic downturn associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic. According to court documents, Zipora Hudson, her son, Montreal Hudson, and Deandre Jones utilized Zippy Bee, LLC as a tax preparation business in Charleston, MS, to create and file hundreds of PPP loan applications on behalf of borrowers that were not eligible to receive the loans. The defendants created fraudulent Schedule C tax documents to claim gross income amounts that far exceeded the real income for a particular business or claimed gross income amounts for businesses that never existed. The documents were created in order to receive PPP loans in amounts ranging from $19,000 to $20,833 per loan. For their efforts, the defendants required the borrowers to pay them a kickback out of the proceeds of each loan. The defendants used the illegally obtained money to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate, among other things.
“By exploiting a government program designed to aid businesses during a national crisis, Zipora Hudson stole millions of dollars from American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The sentence imposed today should send a message to those responsible for pandemic fraud that we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served.”
“Zipora Hudson committed PPP loan fraud and is now paying the price for her crime,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette of the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office. “She is one of many individuals being held accountable for defrauding a program intended to assist small businesses economically survive the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Montreal Hudson was convicted alongside Zipora Hudson in the January jury trial, and he is set to be sentenced on June 26, 2025. Deandre Jones, also of Olive Branch, MS, previously pled guilty in the case.
The scheme was initially uncovered during the course of a civil investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Leary and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Wright prosecuted the case on behalf of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division along with investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department's response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
Former High School Teacher Found Guilty of Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – A federal jury convicted a Booneville man for possessing child sexual abuse materials after hearing evidence for three days in a trial before Senior District Judge Glen H. Davidson in Aberdeen, Mississippi.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Andrew Murphy, 36, a former high school science teacher, was found guilty today for possessing child pornography. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 28, 2025, at the U.S. Courthouse in Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Over two days of testimony, the government presented evidence to establish that Murphy collected images of child exploitation material, child nudity, child erotica, and images of children engaged in sexual activity, using a peer-to-peer network online.
The statutory penalties are up to ten years imprisonment, five years to life on supervised release, and registration on the sex offender registration.
“The case presented to the jury by AUSAs Parker King and John Herzog clearly established the guilt of this teacher who possessed images that demonstrated his sexual interest in children,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I cannot overstate the importance of our partnership with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, the FBI, and our local law enforcement partners, such as the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department, in protecting children, and this partnership will continue to do just that.”
“For every image of child pornography there is a child who is a victim and who will relive his or her abuse over and over again while that image circulates. We are committed to holding all predators who exploit Mississippi children accountable, and particularly those that hold positions of trust and care for our children,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I appreciate the strong partnership our office has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. Together, we are dedicated to serving justice for the victims in this case and all others.”
"Safeguarding our society's future begins with protecting children in our community from predatory individuals like, Andrew Murphy,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office. “Murphy held a position of trust and violated that trust that our communities had in him with these heinous crimes against our youth; it will not be tolerated. The FBI maintains a steadfast commitment, in working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, to protect the innocence of our minors, and aggressively investigate predators, like Murphy, to hold them accountable and make sure they are brought to justice."
The case was investigated and conducted by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Parker S. King and John Herzog are prosecuting the case.
The case against Andrew Murphy was brought as part of the Project Safe Childhood nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Marshall County Couple Both Sentenced to Prison for COVID PPP FraudRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Lakisha Pearson, 48, and Robert Pearson, 54, both of Holly Springs, Mississippi, yesterday in connection with their leadership role in a multi-million-dollar PPP fraud scheme. Judge Aycock sentenced Lakisha Pearson to a 75-month jail sentence to run consecutively to a previous 52-month sentence, totaling 127 months, and Robert Pearson to a 110-month sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in connection with fraudulent PPP loans. Judge Aycock also ordered the Pearsons to repay $3,364,052 in restitution.
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other related business expenses. The Pearsons owned Unity Tax Express and helped numerous individuals file for and receive fraudulent PPP loans in return for a kickback. The PPP loan applications included false information regarding the number of employees and the extent of the claimed business operations.
In a related prosecution in January of this year, U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Lakisha Pearson to a 52-month jail sentence for mail fraud in connection with falsely claimed IRS Employee Retention Tax Credit for others. Judge Mills also ordered Pearson to repay $15,942,586.77 in restitution in that case.
“These defendants are thieves who used a national crisis to steal money from the American people, and they richly deserved the sentences that were handed down,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I want to state unequivocally that this case should serve as a reminder to those who committed PPP fraud that investigations into your criminal acts have not ended, and will not end, until we uncover all of those in our district who defrauded the American people during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“This sentencing demonstrates the commitment of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate and bring to justice those who victimize the American taxpayer," said Joel Weaver, TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge. “Fraudulently applying for loans through a federal program meant to assist Americans in need will be met with aggressive investigation and prosecution. I want to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their commitment to this goal.”
Special Agent in Charge Mark Switzer with the U.S. Secret Service Memphis Field Office stated “Both the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program were established to ensure employees of small businesses did not lose their jobs during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Individuals preying on the generosity these programs provided, stole money from the US taxpayers for personal gain without regard to the economic losses felt throughout the country. Yesterday’s sentencing demonstrates those who stole from COVID-19 relief programs for personal gain will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Secret Service continues to work steadfastly with our partners in the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect and safeguard the nation’s financial infrastructure.”
“When we advise taxpayers to do their research to avoid engaging with unscrupulous tax preparers, the individuals sentenced yesterday are the example,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Those who defrauded the programs under the CARES Act are still being held accountable. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will continue investigating and forwarding to the U.S. Attorney’s Office these individuals for prosecution.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
Lowndes County Man Sentenced in OCDETF Illegal Gun Possession CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Lowndes County man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possessing a firearm while being a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, John Alan Glover, Jr., of Columbus, Mississippi pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Glover was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson on Monday to 60 months in prison for the illegal gun charge. He was further sentenced to three years supervised release following his release from prison.
“We will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.
“The illegal possession of firearms by convicted felons is often intertwined with other criminal activities, including drug trafficking,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. “The involvement of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force in this case underscores our commitment to targeting the nexus between firearms and drug offenses to enhance public safety.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Illegal Alien Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS– A Mexican national, illegally in the United States, was ordered detained by a Federal Magistrate Judge on Tuesday after he was arrested last week on a criminal complaint related to his alleged possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Adolfo Raul Vasquez-Santana, 32, of Southaven, Mississippi, downloaded and shared videos that depicted the sexual abuse of children, some of whom appear to be younger than thirteen years of age. Vasquez-Santana is charged with the receipt or distribution of those images using the internet. If convicted of these charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Vasquez-Santana was investigated initially by the Southaven Police Department responding to a tip that they received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He had been arrested and charged by the Southaven Police Department, but prior to his prosecution for these offenses in state court, he was released to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal from the United States. The Department of Homeland Security charged the defendant with the federal offenses at issue in the complaint.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi made the announcement. Joyner said, “The Department of Justice will fully prosecute any alien that violates the laws of our great country. Possession of child sexual abuse images leads to further abuse of the most vulnerable members of our society: our children. The DOJ will do everything in our power to protect them and to that end, I appreciate the Southaven Police Department for their thorough investigation of this matter.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Addison is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tunica County Man Convicted for Possession of Ammunition in Connection to a HomicideRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A federal jury convicted a Tunica County Man today for illegally possessing ammunition after having been convicted of a felony.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Korea McKay, 44, shot and killed Davao Thomas on February 18, 2023. McKay killed Mr. Thomas after Mr. Thomas told him to slow down in the Kirby Estates apartment complex. Two shell casings were recovered at the scene.
McKay fled the scene in his truck. A few days later, local investigators discovered the truck hidden behind a trailer in Dundee, Mississippi. After being released from state custody on the state arrest warrant for Murder, a federal complaint was issued, and McKay was arrested for felon-in-possession of a firearm related to a prior Desoto County arrest in 2020. McKay was detained and held without bond in federal custody. In May 2023, he was indicted for felon-in-possession of ammunition stemming from the homicide. McKay is currently serving a 48-month sentence on the Desoto County case. He will be sentenced on the felon-in-possession of ammunition on July 17, 2025.
Records reflect that at the time McKay possessed the ammunition, he had multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for assault of a police officer and a federal drug conviction. He faces up to 15-years imprisonment.
“We appreciate the jury’s careful deliberation of the evidence and their guilty verdict, and we hope this brings some sense of justice to the victim’s family,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute violent felons in our communities who possess weapons and ammunition, and we will use all of the tools at our disposal to prosecute those individuals to the maximum extent allowed by law.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tunica County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Stringfellow and Julie Addison are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Starkville Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for violation of federal firearms laws.
According to court documents, Antonio Johnson, 49, pled guilty to possession of one or more firearms by a previously convicted felon as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Johnson today to 120 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Johnson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
“The public has every right to expect repeat offenders to receive significant sentences, and this defendant will now have 10 years in a federal prison to reconsider his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Robert Mims and our partners at the FBI, ATF and Starkville Police Department worked seamlessly to bring justice to an individual who earned every day of this sentence.”
“Protecting the safety of our communities is one of the cornerstones of what ATF seeks to accomplish every day,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “To convicted felons and others making our streets unsafe with gun violence and drugs – law enforcement is here. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”
“Mr. Johnson’s sentencing demonstrates a steadfast commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those individuals who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes,” stated FBI Jackson Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “Criminals possessing and using firearms in the commission of any crime are threats to our communities, for those who seek to threaten and intimidate Mississippians through these egregious crimes will be aggressively pursued by the FBI and brought to justice. We will continue our collective efforts through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities across Mississippi.”
"Strong convictions matter; they have a lasting impact and require hard work,” said Chief Mark Ballard of the Starkville Police Department. “Our community is safer as a result of these agencies’ efforts. On behalf of the Starkville Police Department, we are very thankful for our working relationship with FBI Jackson, the ATF New Orleans, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi."
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Starkville Man Sentenced to Three Years for Possession and Sale of Illegal Glock DeviceRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to three years in prison for possession and transfer of a “Glock switch,” which is a device that converts a semi-automatic handgun to fully automatic.
According to court documents, Kylen Ingram, also known as “KTM Prime,” 22, previously pled guilty to possession and transfer of a “Glock switch” which constitutes a machinegun under federal law. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Ingram today to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Ingram was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson; and FBI Jackson Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Grenada County Man Sentenced in Ocdetf Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Grenada County man was sentenced today to over twelve years in prison for selling methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Billy Wayne Winters, of Grenada County, Mississippi pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to distribution of methamphetamine. Winters was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson on Tuesday to 151 months in prison for drug trafficking. He was further sentenced to three years supervised release following his release from prison.
“The defendant, a meth dealer, was willing to destroy lives in return for a profit,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Our office will continue our outstanding partnership with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics to get dangerous narcotics, and the people who sell them, off of our streets.”
“Great job to everyone involved in this case,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Another drug dealer taken off the streets, preventing further harm to the livelihood of our citizens."
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Starkville Man Sentenced to Five Years for Possession and Sale of Illegal Glock DeviceRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for possession and transfer of a “Glock switch,” which is a device that converts a semi-automatic handgun to fully automatic.
According to court documents, Austin Hudson, also known as “Mop Sossa,” 23, previously pled guilty to possession and transfer of a “Glock switch” which constitutes a machinegun under federal law. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Hudson yesterday to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Hudson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
“Illegal machine guns make criminals more lethal, and criminal possession of them will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We and our partners at the FBI, ATF, and the Starkville PD will continue to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals.”
“The illegal possession of handgun conversion devices is a significant threat to our communities,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed yesterday sends a message to anyone who possesses a switch that we will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess these devices, remove another violent criminal from our streets, and keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
"Mr. Hudson’s sentencing should serve as a warning to those bad actors who unlawfully possess and perpetrate the transfer of a Glock switch,” stated Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Field Office of the FBI Robert Eikhoff. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners, through impactful programs such as Project Safe Neighborhood, will continue to identify, investigate, and deliver justice to anyone violating federal laws designed to protect our communities.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Starkville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Lowndes County Man Sentenced in Ocdetf Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Lowndes County man was sentenced on Thursday to over eight years in prison for selling methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Jeremy Winston, of Columbus, Mississippi pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to distribution of methamphetamine. Winston was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills on Thursday afternoon to 100 months in prison for the drug trafficking. He was further sentenced to five years supervised release following his release from prison.
“The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is committed to working alongside law enforcement agencies at all levels to dismantle drug trafficking operations and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs within our communities,” stated Lowndes County Sherriff Eddie Hawkins. “This effort underscores the effectiveness of the OCDETF program. Our partners at the federal, state, and local levels have done an outstanding job.”
“This successful prosecution is a testament to the effectiveness of the OCDETF program,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. “By leveraging the combined resources and expertise of multiple agencies, we can dismantle complex drug trafficking organizations and bring those who profit from them to justice. This individual’s sentencing is a significant step in our ongoing fight against methamphetamine distribution.”
“The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) continue to prove their success. Thank you to all agencies involved for their tireless efforts in enhancing and ensuring public safety and security in Mississippi,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell.
“This defendant was willing to spread poison to individuals and his community, destroying lives for a profit,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Clyde McGee and our federal, state and local partners did outstanding work in this case and continue to do outstanding work to protect our community from drug dealers like this defendant.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case in partnership with state and local law enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is also a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to 147 months for Fentanyl and Gun ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Jarvis Wright, 46, was sentenced today to 147 months in prison following his guilty plea to distribution of fentanyl, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in Bolivar County, Mississippi.
Wright was sentenced following a guilty plea to a multicount indictment which charged him for the sale of a substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant in Cleveland, Mississippi in 2022. Wright also pled guilty to a separate possession of fentanyl with intent charge. In that instance, Wright possessed a handgun at the time of his arrest. He admitted as part of his plea that he possessed the handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Wright to 147 total months imprisonment followed by a 60-month term of supervised release. 60 months of the total sentence imposed was for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. That charge requires that a mandatory minimum sentence be imposed.
“The distribution of fentanyl and other illegal drugs has had a devastating impact on the Mississippi Delta region and our country. The risks that these poisons hold is amplified when drug dealers carry firearms.” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This prosecution and sentence should send a message that those who distribute poison into the community will be held to account and punished accordingly. Fentanyl cannot be tolerated in our state.”
“This sentence sends a clear message: those who peddle deadly fentanyl in our communities, especially while armed, will face severe consequences,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. “We are dedicated to protecting the citizens of Mississippi from the devastating impact of these narcotics. This lengthy sentence reflects our commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable and restoring safety to our neighborhoods.”
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotic and the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated this matter.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Herzog Jr. prosecuted the case.
Cleveland Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Cleveland man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, Bryant Antonio Hester, 55 previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl as well as possession of one or more firearms by a prohibited person. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Hester today to 180 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Hester was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
“This defendant is a convicted felon who has once again committed crimes, and he has more than earned his sentence today,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to remove criminals from our streets and prevent them from illegally possessing firearms.”
“The ATF is working closely with local and state police agencies to address firearm trafficking by convicted felons and the scourge of deadly drugs, including fentanyl, flooding our communities,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF is dedicated to pursuing and combating these criminals to prevent them from doing harm to our communities and neighborhoods.”
“Great work by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and all other agencies involved in bringing this case to justice,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Thanks to these combined efforts, this dangerous criminal is off of our Mississippi streets.”
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, Cleveland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Calhoun County Man Sentenced to 52 Months for Role in the Burglary of a Local Firearms StoreRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, MS – Bryson Latavion Walker, 22, was sentenced today to over four years for his role in the burglary of a federally licensed firearms store.
According to court documents, just after midnight on August 13, 2024, Walker and three other individuals broke into a federally licensed firearms store in Calhoun City, Mississippi and stole more than a dozen firearms as well as ammunition.
On March 19, 2025, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Walker to 52 months in federal prison for the offense, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The Court further ordered Walker to pay restitution to the store.
“Every stolen firearm has the potential to wind up in the hands of a criminal, threatening the safety of our citizens and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We are proud to stand with our state and federal partners to demonstrate unequivocally that thieves who burglarize federal firearms licensees will face prosecution.”
“Getting guns out of the hands of criminals before it is used in a violent crime is an essential part of our efforts to prevent, reduce, and solve violent crime,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “We continue to identify and hold accountable those who want to illegally obtain firearms. The sentence imposed today sends a message that we will continue to focus our efforts to remove another violent criminal from our streets and keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
The case was investigated by the Oxford Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
llegal Alien Sentenced for Large-Scale Phone ScamsRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – An illegal alien from India was sentenced on March 7, 2025 to five years in prison followed by five years of supervised release and ordered to pay more than $104,000 in restitution for committing wire fraud in connection with scamming victims.
According to court documents, Nooruddin Bhai Nasruddin, 52, was involved in a wire fraud conspiracy where the callers contacted victims and notified them that their bank accounts and/or social security numbers were compromised. The callers instructed the victims to withdraw the cash, which would be picked up by an alleged “federal agent,” which was in realty Nasruddin. The caller provided the victim with a special code to give to the “federal agent” (Nasruddin).
In May of 2024, Victim #1 in North Carolina received notification from a caller co-conspirator that Ticketmaster had a data breach, and Victim #1 was in the group of compromised accounts. The caller co-conspirator told the victim that the money in the victim’s bank account was not safe and instructed the victim to first deposit thousands of dollars into a Bitcoin (digital currency) machine, which the caller co-conspirator said was controlled by the government. In reality, the money went to the fraudsters. Then, the caller told the victim to withdraw all the money into the bank account and provide the money and a special code to a federal agent, who in reality was co-conspirator, Nasruddin. The victim withdrew the cash and gave it and the special code to Nasruddin, who was posing as a federal agent.
In August 2024, Victim #2 in Oxford, Mississippi, was contacted by the caller co-conspirator, posing as member of the Federal Trade Commission. The caller co-conspirator stated that the victim’s social security number and bank account was compromised. The caller co-conspirator instructed the victim to withdraw the money and give it to the federal agent for safekeeping. The caller co-conspirator also instructed the victim to send a picture of the money to the caller co-conspirator. Nasruddin (posing as the federal agent) showed up to pick up the money and was arrested by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department.
U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Nasruddin to serve 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $104,000 in restitution to his victims.
Following the sentencing, both state and federal leaders acknowledged the importance of this investigation and prosecution to the State of Mississippi and condemned the defendant’s fraudulent actions.
“The United States of America will never tell citizens over the phone to withdraw their hard-earned money and send it to the government in cryptocurrency or for safekeeping. Too many fraudsters take advantage of the trust that Americans have in their government and government agencies. Those that abuse that hard earned trust will be prosecuted, and in this case marked for removal from our country as well.” U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said. “The Lafayette County Sheriff and HSI did truly outstanding work in responding as quickly as they did in this case, and we appreciate the partnership that brought some measure of justice to this defendant.”
“This case highlights law enforcement partnerships addressing the criminal illegal alien issues in our communities,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “Our communities are safer today with this criminal being held accountable for his actions.“
“The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office is proud to have a great working relationship with our State and Federal Agencies,” added Sheriff Joey East of the Lafayette County, Mississippi Sheriff’s Department. “They eagerly jumped in and assisted our office with this investigation of fraud against our citizens. Our number one priority is and always will be the safety of our citizens in Lafayette County.”
The Department of Homeland Security and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee and John Herzog prosecuted the case.
Leflore County Man Sentenced for Knife Attack on Postal CarrierRead the Press Release
Greenville, Mississippi – Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Cordero Moore, aged 36, of Greenwood, Mississippi to serve a 70-month jail sentence for an August 2024 knife attack on a U.S. Postal Carrier as the Carrier delivered mail in Greenwood. Judge Brown also sentenced Moore to post-incarceration court supervision for 3 years.
On August 5, 2024, Moore chased down the Postal Carrier while waving a knife and forced the Carrier to enter a local business for her safety. Moore was later arrested in possession of two knives.
“This defendant made a violent, cowardly attack on a female postal employee who was just hard at work performing her duties,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “It is ludicrous that this dedicated letter carrier should have to fear for her life while simply doing her job, and we appreciate the collaboration of our law enforcement partners in holding the line against such conduct.”
“The safety and security of Postal Service employees is core to the mission of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Shameka Jackson, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “Today’s sentencing of Cordero Moore shows that the Judge has also taken the threat of physical violence against our Letter Carrier seriously. We extend our appreciation to the Greenwood Police Department that assisted with this investigation.”
This case was investigated by the Greenwood, Mississippi Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspector Charlie Tutor. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Paul Roberts.
Plantersville Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Plantersville man was sentenced yesterday to over 10 years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Alonzo Gilleyen, 48, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to distribution of methamphetamine. Gilleyen was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Debra Brown on Wednesday to 151 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for drug trafficking. Gilleyen was sentenced as a career offender because of his two prior felony convictions for drug trafficking.
“The citizens of this district have every right to expect that repeat offenders, particularly those trafficking in dangerous narcotics, will be held to account for their conduct as was the case for this defendant,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I am extremely proud of the efforts of AUSAs Chad Doleac and Kim Hampton alongside our partners at DEA, MBN, and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit to remove this drug dealer from our community.”
“As a career offender, this individual has shown a pattern of behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of our community,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. “We will continue to pursue justice against those who perpetuate the cycle of drug abuse and crime, ensuring tour neighborhoods remain safe for all. Our efforts will not waver as we work to dismantle the networks that contribute to this ongoing issue.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad M. Doleac and Kimberly Hampton prosecuted the case.
Greenville Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Greenville man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Terrance Hall, 39, previously plead guilty to distribution of a controlled substance, which included methamphetamine and fentanyl. Chief U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown of the Northern District of Mississippi sentenced Hall to 70 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. Hall was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.
“Methamphetamine and fentanyl destroy individuals, families, and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to partner with the Greenville Police Department to remove this scourge, and the people who profit from it, from our community.”
“We would first like to thank every agency involved in the success of this conviction,” stated Police Chief Marcus Turner of the Greenville Police Department. “Our mission is to maintain social order and provide professional law enforcement services to the citizens in the community. All available resources will continue to be used by the Greenville Police Department to pursue the individuals that spread illegal drugs in our community.”
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Mims prosecuted the case.
Six Defendants Sentenced in Multi-State Gun Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – The final defendant was sentenced today in a case targeting the trafficking of firearms from Mississippi to Chicago, Illinois. Ronnell Pratt, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for firearms trafficking, conspiracy to traffic firearms, and retaliating against a witness.
The investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago, Illinois had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense.
Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale by Pratt and others. While the case was pending, Pratt took harmful action against a witness for providing information to federal officers related to the offense.
On March 4, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Pratt to 151 months in federal prison for the offenses to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Aycock imposed the 60-month sentence for the conspiracy violation to run consecutively to the 91-month sentence for firearms trafficking. Pratt was also sentenced to 120 months for retaliating against a witness to run concurrent to the 151-month sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ultimately, six defendants were prosecuted for their roles in the trafficking conspiracy, with a federal jury convicting one defendant last fall. The other members of the enterprise received the following sentences for their roles:
- Derrick Stewart, Jr., of Chicago, Illinois, 120 months imprisonment for firearms trafficking and conspiracy;
- Jarvis Hood, of Belzoni, Mississippi, statutory maximum of 60 months imprisonment for the offense of conspiracy;
- Jalene Young, of Inverness, Mississippi, 31 months imprisonment for making false statements during firearms purchases;
- Herbert Scott, Jr., of Belzoni, Mississippi, 14 months imprisonment for making false statements to federal agents; and
- Markeveon Brown, of Isola, Mississippi, 36 months of supervision for making false statements during firearms purchases.
“The straw purchasing and trafficking of firearms in this case contributed directly to the gun violence that plagues Chicago, and I hope that the message is clear that people who illegally purchase firearms for felons become convicted felons themselves when they face the inevitable consequences for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I am extremely proud of AUSA Julie Howell Addison for leading this effort with our partners at ATF in Mississippi and Chicago to shut down this ring of people who were more than willing to take money to provide the means for violent criminals to terrorize a community.”
“The severity of this sentence holds this defendant accountable for the illegal trafficking of firearms between Mississippi and Chicago,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the ATF Oxford Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi for their diligence in investigating and prosecuting this important case in cooperation with our ATF Chicago Field Division.”
The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Howell Addison and Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Marshall County Residents Arrested for Payroll Protection FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Two Marshall County residents were arrested yesterday on criminal charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain government funds intended to protect employees of endangered businesses during the COVID pandemic through the Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) of the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”).
According to court documents, Bridget Davis and Joey Davis, residents of Marshall County, are charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their involvement in the fraudulently application of PPP loans. The defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering by participating in wire transfers involving proceeds of the fraud scheme.
If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 30 years for the conspiracy and wire fraud violations and 20 years for the money laundering charges. A federal district court judge would determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The alleged scheme in the instant case was initially uncovered during the course of a civil investigation. The federal investigative agencies that assisted with this investigation emphasized their ongoing commitment to hold accountable those citizens who seek to fraudulently and unfairly profit from federal pandemic relief programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi is prosecuting the case. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Columbus Man Sentenced for COVID FraudRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A Columbus man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining a $200,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ramirez Ivy, of Columbus, Mississippi conspired with Lakeith Faulkner, Norman Beckwood and others to each receive $200,000 from the Small Business Administration (SBA) based on a fraudulent loan application. The loan applications contained fictitious documents and claimed business revenue that did not exist.
In September 2024, after a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills, the jury found Ivy and Smith guilty on all counts.
Judge Mills sentenced Ivy to 18 months to be followed by five years supervised release and ordered him to pay $200,000 in restitution to the SBA.
On January 23, 2025, Felicia L. Smith, Ivy’s co-defendant at the September trial, was sentenced serve six months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Smith was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution to the SBA.
On December 7, 2022, Faulkner, a former SBA employee, entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On May 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Faulkner to serve sixty-two (62) months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Faulkner was also ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA.
On January 17, 2023, Beckwood entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Beckwood to serve 62 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. In addition to prison time, Faulkner was ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA. In connection with his guilty plea, Beckwood also forfeited $700,147.74, a 2018 Mercedez Benz C Class and a 2020 Mercedes Benz G63.
Thirty (30) other individual borrowers have also been charged in connection with the same scheme.
“Ramirez Ivy was a law enforcement officer when he deceptively obtained funds that were intended to provide emergency financial relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he absolutely knew better than to engage in this type of fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Today’s sentence should reinforce the fact that the prosecutorial and law enforcement partnership on display in this case will continue until the stolen money is recovered and the perpetrators have been brought to justice.”
“Abusing a federal program designed to assist Americans in a time of need has, and will continue to be, aggressively investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. What makes this crime even more egregious is that Mr. Ivy was a police officer in a position of public trust,” stated Assistant Inspector General Gary Smith for Investigations for the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “This sentencing demonstrates our commitment to investigating and bringing to justice anyone who victimizes the American taxpayer. I want to thank TIGTA’s Special Agents, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their unwavering dedication to this goal.”
“Today's sentencing of former police officer, Ramirez Ivy, demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating those who defraud the federal government, no matter their position within the community,” remarked Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff for the FBI Jackson Division. “The FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to investigate and hold individuals accountable, like Mr. Ivy, who commit fraudulent crimes against the U.S. Government.”
“The abuse of programs designed to assist small businesses is unacceptable. This sentencing underscore the SBA Office of Inspector General’s unwavering commitment to holding fraudsters accountable and ensuring justice is served,” said Sophia Curtis Acting Special Agent in Charge of the SBA OIG’s Central Region.
This scheme was initially uncovered during a civil investigation, led by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Harland Webster.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton A. Dabbs, Parker S. King and Samuel D. Wright of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the criminal case.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Aberdeen Man Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – An Aberdeen man was sentenced Wednesday to 140 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Brandon Lenoir, 43, of Aberdeen, Mississippi pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to distribution of methamphetamine. Lenoir was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Debra Brown in Oxford on Wednesday to 140 months in prison for drug trafficking. He was further sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Lenoir is a repeat offender having been convicted on prior occasions of drug and firearms crimes.
“Methamphetamine destroys individuals, families and communities, and those who traffic it deserve to go to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I commend the joint efforts of our AUSA, the DEA and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in removing this repeat drug offender and the poison he peddles from our streets.”
“The DEA is committed to ensuring our communities remain safe and free from the devastating impacts of drug trafficking. The lengthy sentence handed down to a repeat offender underscores the seriousness of these crimes and our unwavering determination to hold those who contribute to the cycle of addiction accountable,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. “Together, we will continue to work diligently to protect our neighborhoods from the dangers of drugs.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, alongside the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad M. Doleac prosecuted the case.
This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Delta Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in Firearms Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – Jarvis Hood, 23 of Belzoni, was sentenced on Tuesday to five years in prison for conspiring to transfer firearms to Chicago, Illinois residents and making false statements to federal firearms licensees during the purchase of multiple firearms.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed that a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense.
Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale. Five defendants pled guilty for their roles in the offense. After a five-day trial in October 2024, a federal jury returned a verdict finding Hood guilty of the offense.
On February 18, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Hood to 60 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence imposed will run consecutive to a sentence that Hood is currently serving in an unrelated state court case. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Hood absolutely deserves this time in prison after he participated in a scheme to illegally traffic firearms to Chicago for personal profit without any concern that these guns would be used by violent criminals to create more victims,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to hold accountable those who place innocent citizens at risk by putting guns in the hands of people who do not have any respect for human life.”
“Machineguns cannot be tolerated on the streets of any community, and this defendant, alongside his codefendants, are guilty of trafficking these dangerous weapons between Mississippi and Chicago,” remarked ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the agents, officers and the United States Attorney’s Office for their commitment in investigating and prosecuting this case, holding the defendants accountable for trafficking over 60 firearms which ended up in the hands of dangerous individuals.”
The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of ATF, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office. Valuable contributions were made by the Chicago Police Department, Wilmette Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Milhorn Pleads Guilty in DUI Death on Natchez Trace ParkwayRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Connor Milhorn, 20, entered guilty pleas to two counts relating to an alcohol related crash on the Natchez Trace Parkway in May of 2024. Milhorn, who appeared before Judge Sharion Aycock, pled guilty to Aggravated DUI for causing death to another and to Aggravated DUI for causing serious bodily injury to a minor child. His sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.
On May 11, 2024, shortly after 4:45 in the morning, law enforcement Rangers were dispatched to a collision involving a Hummer H3 and a Toyota Tundra. Upon arriving on the scene, they found the driver of the Tundra deceased and his minor child severely injured in the backseat. The child was transported by helicopter to Memphis, Tennessee for life saving medical care.
The investigation by the Rangers resulted in them learning that Milhorn was operating his Hummer at a high rate of speed and under the influence of alcohol while driving on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Milhorn’s vehicle collided head on with the Tundra resulting in the death and serious injury at issue in the case.
This case was investigated by the Natchez Trace Parkway Law Enforcement Rangers. The case was prosecuted by AUSA John Herzog Jr.
Tax Preparer Sentenced to 18 Months to Serve and $1.96 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
Greenville, Mississippi – Slexcia Neal was sentenced on Wednesday to 18 months in prison following her guilty plea for three counts of filing fraudulent tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. Neal was a tax preparer in Bolivar County, Mississippi.
According to court documents, Neal owned a tax preparation business in Cleveland and Merigold, Mississippi. Taxpayers sought Neal’s assistance in preparing and filing tax documents to the IRS. When Neal submitted a number of these documents, they contained false information, which lowered the taxpayer’s income and ultimately increased the refund that they received from the IRS. Neal’s conduct resulted in a substantial loss to the United States and to all taxpayers.
Neal was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Debra Brown to 18 months incarceration, on each count of conviction. Following her sentence, she will be on supervised probation for a year. Neal was ordered to pay more than $1,960,000 in restitution to the IRS for her fraudulent conduct. Neal was also barred from preparing tax documents for others for life.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner remarked, “The Criminal Investigative Division of the IRS has a mission to root out tax preparers who commit fraud on the American taxpayer, and that is exactly what they and AUSA John Herzog have done in this case. The defendant filed false tax returns to defraud the Treasury, and she must now go to prison and will spend the rest of her life attempting to pay back the restitution in this case.”
“Slexcia Neal’s obligation as a tax preparer was to submit truthful and accurate returns on behalf of her clients, which she failed to do,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Lisa Fontanette, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Her case brings about an opportune time during this current tax season to remind unscrupulous tax preparers that IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are diligently investigating them and forwarding their findings to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.”
This case was investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS. The case was prosecuted by AUSA John Herzog Jr.
Mississippi Delta Grain Elevator Owner Sentenced for FraudRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A Greenwood man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $69 million in restitution for committing millions of dollars in fraud in connection with operation of a grain elevator in the Mississippi Delta.
According to court documents, John R. Coleman, 48, was the owner and operator of Express Grain, a grain elevator in the Greenwood area that purchased, processed and stored grain that had been harvested by local farmers. Coleman altered the audited financial statements of Express Grain in order to receive a State warehouse license, lied about the amount of debt he owed on grain held at the Express Grain facility, and claimed to farmers that Express Grain was financially healthy when, in fact, Express Grain was on the brink of bankruptcy. Express Grain eventually filed bankruptcy in 2021 causing widespread financial hardship for farmers all over the Mississippi Delta.
United States District Judge Micheal P. Mills sentenced Coleman to serve 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $69,841,797 in restitution to his victims.
Following the sentencing, both state and federal leaders acknowledged the importance of this investigation and prosecution to the State of Mississippi and condemned the defendant’s fraudulent actions which cost Mississippi farmers millions of dollars.
“This defendant’s actions were unconscionable and affected the livelihood of a large number of farmers, and he has fully earned the sentence imposed today,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We commend and appreciate the work done by the Mississippi Attorney General’s office and our federal law enforcement partners, without whom a conviction would not have occurred.”
"This sentence should serve as a stark reminder to that those who seek to deceive and exploit Mississippians - you will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Thank you to our federal and state partners for your commitment to working with us to investigate and prosecute these crimes. My office will continue to fight on behalf of hardworking Mississippi taxpayers and farmers, and we look forward to our day in State court in the coming weeks.”
"This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to investigating individuals like Mr. Coleman who betrayed the trust of farmers throughout Mississippi,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff. “The FBI continues to work with federal and state partners to investigate complex financial crimes to identify, deter, and disrupt individuals fraudulently harming financial institutions and Mississippians."
“I want to thank the US Attorney’s Office, OIG special agents, and our investigative partners for their hard work on this investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dax R. Roberson, for the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Agriculture. “When the integrity of our nation’s farming and ranching industry is violated by criminal conduct, the Office of Inspector General will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The defendant caused extensive financial harm to Mississippi farmers who bring economic output in their communities and feed the population, making them the backbone of our society,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are working on behalf of the farmers and the general public to investigate and bring to justice those whose criminal actions bring financial and emotional hardship into their lives.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs prosecuted the case.
Marshall County Woman Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for COVID IRS FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Today U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Lakisha Pearson, age 48, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, to a 52-month jail sentence for mail fraud in connection with falsely claimed IRS Employee Retention Tax Credit for others. Judge Mills also ordered Pearson to repay $15,942,586.77 in restitution.
Pearson, who owns Unity Tax Express, pled guilty to using the internet to file false tax credit claims for numerous persons totaling nearly $47 million and taking kickbacks from those persons. The IRS mailed Treasury checks totaling $15,942,586.77 in ERC credits to the claimants who thought they were given a government grant and were not aware that Pearson had filed tax returns on their behalf.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES" Act), enacted on March 27, 2020, provided for an IRS Employee Retention Credit ("ERC") designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the pandemic. Subsequent legislation (the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) modified and extended the ERC.
“Employee Retention Credits were tax credits designed to provide critical assistance to business owners struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, but fraudsters and thieves infuriatingly decided to use the credits to line their own pockets during this emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This office plans to pursue charges against all of those who decided to steal from American taxpayers, and we thank the IRS for the investigation of this case.”
“Unscrupulous tax preparers are put on notice that there is a price to pay for using their trusted position to defraud the federal government,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Lisa Fontanette, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “While IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will find and investigate these tax crimes, this case is an important reminder to filers during this tax season to do their research when choosing a tax preparer.”
The scheme in the instant case was initially uncovered during a separate criminal investigation which resulted in Pearson’s conviction for Payroll Protection loans. Pearson awaits sentencing in that case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case on behalf of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent T.J. Mitchell.
Mexican National Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, Mississippi – Joaquin Lineares-Rodriguez, a Mexican national, was sentenced Tuesday following his guilty plea to passport fraud and Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien. This was Lineares-Rodriguez’s third conviction for Illegal Reentry into the United States.
According to court documents, Lineares-Rodriguez was charged with passport fraud following an attempt to gain a U.S. passport. The defendant made numerous false statements in his passport application. These false statements led to an investigation by agents with the Diplomatic Security Service, who investigate visa and passport fraud as a part of the Department of State. During the course of their investigation, agents learned that Lineares-Rodriguez had multiple prior deportations. Agents with Homeland Security assisted in the investigation.
Lineares-Rodriguez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to 18 months incarceration. Following his sentence, DHS and ICE will be notified and Lineares-Rodriguez will be taken into ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner noted the importance of this prosecution, stating, “Illegal reentry into the United States, and using fraudulent passports to do so, will never be rewarded; these crimes will instead be met will the full prosecutorial powers of the Department of Justice and this office. The joint efforts by AUSA John Herzog, and the Departments of State and Homeland Security are to be commended and will serve as a template for success moving forward. Hopefully, a prison sentence will deter yet another illegal re-entry by this defendant.”
This case was investigated by Diplomatic Security Service of the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by AUSA John Herzog Jr.
Columbus Men Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Machine-Gun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Two Columbus men will each serve time in prison for possessing a firearm with a machine gun conversion device.
According to court documents, Da’Quavious Robertson, 21, and Demontrell Lowe, 26, previously pled guilty in federal court to possession of a machine gun. Robertson and Lowe had each been found in possession of a Glock 9mm with a machine gun conversion device attached at a convenience store in Columbus in April 2023. Under Federal law, a firearm with a machine gun conversion device, commonly called a “Glock switch,” which is designed to convert a semi-automatic firearm to fully automatic, is considered a machine gun.
Robertson was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills to 37 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. Robertson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal following sentencing.
Lowe was previously sentenced in Greenville, Mississippi, on July 17, 2024, by Chief U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown to 30 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner noted the importance of this prosecution and sentence in ongoing efforts to fight violent crime. “The illegal possession and use of machinegun conversion devices like the ones possessed in this case pose an ongoing safety concern,” said Joyner. “Glock switches increase the danger posed by semi-automatic weapons as they quickly and easily convert those firearms into much more lethal machine-guns. This office will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to see that those who unlawfully possess and use these devices are held accountable.”
“The illegal possession of handgun conversion devices is a significant threat to our communities,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to anyone who possesses a switch to convert a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun will not be tolerated. We will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess these devices, remove another violent criminal from our streets, and keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
This case was investigated by the S.T.I.N.G. unit of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Mims.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Winona Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – A Winona man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Michael Fleming, 37, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of incarceration. U.S. District Court Judge Glen Davidson sentenced Fleming today to 84 months of incarceration followed by four years of supervised release. Fleming was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
“This office will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal partners to hold accountable those individuals who seek to profit from selling dangerous drugs in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “If you choose to make money by selling poison to others, find a new profession or face prison.”
“This sentencing is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between all levels of law enforcement with the North Mississippi U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Through dedication and teamwork, we are making our communities safer and sending a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in our state.”
This case was investigated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Mims.
Mother and Son Convicted of CARES Act FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Zipora Hudson and Montreal Hudson, both of Olive Branch, Mississippi, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a federal jury trial that concluded on January 15, 2025. Deandre Jones, also of Olive Branch, Mississippi, previously pled guilty in the case.
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to provide funding for small businesses affected by the economic downturn associated with the Coronavirus Pandemic. According to court documents, Zipora Hudson, her son, Montreal Hudson, and Deandre Jones utilized Zippy Bee, LLC tax preparation business in Charleston, MS, to create and file hundreds of PPP loan applications on behalf of borrowers that were not eligible to receive the loans. The defendants created fraudulent Schedule C tax documents to claim gross income amounts that far exceeded the real income for a particular business or claimed gross income amounts for businesses that never existed. The documents were created in order to receive PPP loans in amounts ranging from $19,000 to $20,833 per loan. For their efforts, the defendants required the borrowers to pay them a kickback out of the proceeds of each loan. The defendants used the illegally obtained money to purchase luxury vehicles and real estate, among other things.
“Zipora Hudson, Montreal Hudson, and Deandre Jones stole millions of dollars from American taxpayers while taking advantage of programs designed to help keep businesses afloat during a national crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those who committed pandemic benefit fraud to justice and will use all available tools to recover the stolen monies.”
“The defendants fraudulently took money from the government that was supposed to assist businesses with keeping their personnel employed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are continually pursuing and investigating individuals who took advantage of a program that was created to provide relief to small businesses so they could pay their employees and other expenses.”
Sentencing for Zipora Hudson and Montreal Hudson is set for April 24, 2025, and both defendants face a maximum penalty of 30 years for the wire fraud conspiracy and 20 years for the money laundering conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The scheme in the instant case was initially uncovered during the course of a civil investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Leary and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Wright prosecuted the case on behalf of United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division along with investigators from the United States Attorney’s Office.
Tunica Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – A Tunica man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock.
According to court documents, Michael Ray Hall, 32, was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023, and charged in a two count Indictment with distribution of child sexual abuse material on or about October 12, 2022, and possession of child sexual abuse material on or about October 26, 2022. On August 27, 2024, Hall pled guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment.
“People like this defendant who possess and disseminate images of the sexual abuse of young children belong in prison – period,” stated US Attorney Clay Joyner. “This case serves as an example of what the continued cooperation between this office, the FBI, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office can accomplish.”
“Working together, the FBI, my office, and the U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner’s office have helped put another predator behind bars before he could do more harm,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “My office is dedicated to removing these predators from our communities and serving justice to their victims, and we are grateful to have such strong partners in these efforts.”
"The FBI is committed to ensuring that predators who seek to exploit the youth of our communities will not go unpunished,” said FBI SAC Robert A. Eikhoff. “Mr. Hall 's deliberate actions in targeting children is a danger to society. The FBI, USAO, and the Mississippi AGO will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those that prey on our most vulnerable population- our children."
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force Officers David Allen and Brian Taylor investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case.
Greenville man sentenced to prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – A Greenville man was sentenced today to more than five years in prison for selling illegal drugs.
According to court documents, Damien Brown, 48, previously pled guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a charge which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Brown today to 71 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervision upon release from prison. Following sentencing, Brown was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
“This case demonstrates the continued effectiveness of our partnership with the Greenville Police Department,” US Attorney Clay Joyner said. “We will continue to hold accountable those that spread this poison in our communities.”
“The Greenville Police Department will continue to use all available resources to pursue individuals that spread illegal drugs in our community. The distribution and use of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine has traumatic consequences that not only affect the user, but the entire community. We would like to thank each agency involved in the success of this conviction and for aiding us in creating a safer environment for individuals to work and live.”
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Mims.
Shaw man sentenced to prison for illegal firearm possession while selling drugsRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – A Shaw man was sentenced today to more than seven years in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
According to court documents, Javarrea Gilford, 31, had been observed selling drugs from a parked car outside of a convenience store in Shaw, Mississippi. When Gilford drove away, law enforcement initiated a traffic stop to investigate the suspected drug trafficking. Gilford fled from officers, wrecking his car in the process. When Gilford ran from the scene of the wreck, law enforcement observed him toss a 9mm pistol into the brush and the officers immediately recovered the gun. Investigating officers also found illegal narcotics in Gilford’s vehicle. Gilford is a previously convicted felon.
Gilford pled guilty in September 2024 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The latter charge carries a mandatory sentence of five years consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Gilford was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to a total of 87 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Gilford was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
“The defendant is a previously convicted felon who has committed yet more crimes, and he has more than earned the sentence imposed by the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep criminals off of our streets and firearms out of their hands.”
“This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement at every level to holding offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of our communities. The combined efforts of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, and federal partners highlight the importance of collaboration in combating violent crime and drug trafficking in our state. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the citizens of Mississippi and make our neighborhoods safer,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.
This case was investigated by the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Mississippi man sentenced to 15 years for ammunition offense involving shooting of MHP TrooperRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – A federal judge sentenced Stanley Self, Jr. to fifteen years in federal prison for his illegal possession of ammunition in an incident in which a Trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol was shot. Self, 25 years old, had been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including robbery and aggravated assault, and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
On May 2, 2023, a Trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Self in Bolivar County, Mississippi. Self fled from the Trooper, leading him on a high speed chase through Bolivar County in which speeds topped in excess of 120 miles per hour. Self’s flight from the officers occurred during the morning commute and resulted in him passing multiple school busses, endangering the students and drivers on their way to school. Self eventually lost control of his vehicle and shot the Trooper while attempting to flee on foot. The firearm was never recovered in this case after the shooting, but the shell casing of the bullets fired by Self were recovered and formed the basis of the federal charge in this matter.
U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Self in Aberdeen on Tuesday following a sentencing hearing. During the sentencing hearing, the Trooper testified about the speed of the chase, the dangerousness to the public at large during the chase, and the impact that being shot by Self has had on him. More than a year and a half has elapsed without the Trooper being able to return to active duty since being shot by Self due to the serious nature of the injuries that he suffered. Self will serve this sentence concurrently with any sentence that he receives for state offenses relating to this incident.
“This defendant received the maximum possible sentence for possessing the ammunition used in the shooting of a law enforcement officer who was engaged in the performance of his duties and protecting and serving the public,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Self’s actions on May 2nd endangered the public and took the career of a law enforcement officer. Actions such as these will not be tolerated.”
“The actions of this defendant were reckless, violent, and endangered countless lives, including the life of a Mississippi State Trooper who has dedicated himself to protecting the citizens of Mississippi. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face every day while upholding their commitment to public safety,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “I commend the outstanding work of the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, and our federal partners in bringing this individual to justice. We remain steadfast in our mission to hold offenders accountable and to ensure the safety of our communities.”
“Today’s sentencing means that Stanley Self, Jr. will be held accountable for engaging in violent crime in the community,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Protecting the lives of our law enforcement partners, like our MHP Trooper in this case, and protecting the public are cornerstones of what our agency seeks to accomplish every day. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure accountability.”
The case was investigated by the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office. Valuable contributions were made by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Hampton and John Herzog, Jr. prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Winston County man sentenced to over 15 years for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distributeRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, Miss. – Dennis Vernandale Phillips, 42, was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for his possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance.
The investigation began when law enforcement purchased over 30 grams of methamphetamine from Phillips using a confidential informant. During a subsequent search of Phillips’ residence in Preston, Mississippi, officers located methamphetamine, two firearms, and other narcotics. In total, Phillips’ conduct involved over a kilogram of methamphetamine that impacted the Choctaw Indian Reservation in Winston, Kemper, and Neshoba counties.
On October 30, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Phillips to 188 months imprisonment followed by a 48-month term of supervised release for possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
“Meth indiscriminately kills children, men and women and it ravages our communities, including the Choctaw Indian Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This prosecution and sentence are the result of outstanding cooperation between our federal law enforcement partners and the tribal police to achieve a straightforward goal – to reduce the supply of illicit drugs while seeing to it that those who poison communities with narcotics are held to account.”
Phillips' drug distribution was a threat to the community,” said Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Southeast Region for the Division of Drug Enforcement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “He was poisoning Indian Country for his personal gain and now he will pay the price. I am proud of our partnerships with the other law enforcement agencies involved."
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case in partnership with the Choctaw Police Criminal Investigations Division, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Federal Jury Convicts Belzoni Man of Conspiracy for Role in Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – A federal jury convicted Belzoni resident Jarvis Hood, 23, of conspiring to transfer firearms to Chicago, Illinois residents and making false statements to federal firearms licensees during the purchase of multiple firearms.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the City of Chicago, Illinois had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in a new offense.
Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale. Five defendants previously pled guilty for their roles in the offense.
Hood was charged with conspiracy to transfer firearms to out-of-state residents and to make false statements to federal firearms licensees during firearms purchases. After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a verdict Monday finding Hood guilty of the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2025.
“This defendant and his cohorts profited and contributed to the gun violence plaguing Chicago by illegally trafficking in firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSAs Julie Addison and Sam Stringfellow led an interagency team that has helped to stem the flow of illegal firearms from Mississippi to Chicago while also ensuring that the defendant will be held accountable for his criminal actions.”
“Machine gun conversion devices threaten the safety of our communities and law enforcement officers, and this verdict reinforces the urgent need to dismantle trafficking networks bringing these dangerous devices and firearms to the streets of Chicago,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I thank the ATF Oxford Mississippi Field Office and the Northern District of Mississippi United States Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership.”
The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office. Valuable contributions were made by the Chicago Police Department, Wilmette Police Department, and Amtrak Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Samuel Stringfellow prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Holmes County man sentenced to prison for illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Holmes County man was sentenced Wednesday afternoon to more than five years in prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Tamarius Webster, 37, of Cruger, Mississippi, pled guilty in April to a charge of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. Webster was arrested in September of 2022 while Deputies with the United States Marshals Service were serving an arrest warrant for kidnapping. Webster was found in possession of a firearm in Oxford, Mississippi. Following a hearing on Wednesday, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Webster to 70 months in prison for his illegal possession of that firearm. Upon release from prison, Webster will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Webster was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner and federal law enforcement officials noted that this investigation and the sentence imposed was significant in ongoing efforts to fight violent crime. “When felons illegally possess and use guns to commit crimes or disrupt the community, we will respond,” remarked Joyner. “This office will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to hold accountable individuals who choose to illegally possess and use firearms in our District.”
“In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to convicted felons who are prohibited from possessing firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
This matter was investigated by the United States Marshal’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Clyde McGee IV.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Illinois man sentenced to 10 years for trafficking guns from Mississippi to ChicagoRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – Derrick Stewart, Jr., 20, was sentenced on Tuesday afternoon to 10 years in prison for firearms trafficking and conspiracy to traffic firearms.
The investigation began after agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives noticed a high volume of firearms recovered in crimes in the city of Chicago, Illinois had been purchased in the Northern District of Mississippi. Some of the firearms involved in new crimes had been purchased as recent as one day prior to use in the new offense.
Several of the firearms were recovered in violent crimes and had machinegun devices attached that converted the firearms to be able to fire automatically. In total, investigators identified over 60 firearms that were purchased illegally and transported to Chicago for resale by Stewart and others.
On October 1, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Stewart, Jr. to 120 months in federal prison for the offenses to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Aycock imposed a 60-month sentence for the conspiracy violation to run consecutive to the 60-month sentence for firearms trafficking.
“Illegal firearms traffickers are some of the main drivers of violence in cities like Chicago, and disrupting these networks is central to curbing gun crime,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Julie Addison is to be commended for leading this joint prosecution involving our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt the flow of guns to Chicago.”
“This defendant perpetuated violence as law enforcement recovered dozens of firearms he trafficked between Mississippi and the streets of Chicago,” commented ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “We will continue to prioritize firearms trafficking investigations alongside the United States Attorney’s Office, holding accountable those who help to arm violent individuals.”
The case was investigated by the Chicago Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the ATF Oxford, Mississippi Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Yalobusha county man sentenced to 10 years for illegal gun possession and conspiracy to distribute fentanylRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – Lee Everett Henson, 53, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and the possession of firearms used in drug trafficking.
The investigation began after the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a package that contained nearly 100 grams of fentanyl, which is over 800 pills. Independently, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics purchased approximately 80 fentanyl pills from Henson using confidential informants.
Henson was arrested and at the time, possessed over 700 fentanyl pills, approximately 40 grams of cocaine, and two firearms. Henson had previously been convicted of murder in the State of Texas and was on parole at the time.
On September 24, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Henson to 123 months in federal prison for the offenses to be followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Aycock imposed the 63-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to run consecutive to the 60-month sentence for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“Fentanyl is poison, and our office will do everything in our power to see that traffickers go to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “AUSA Julie Addison should be proud of her work with our state and federal partners to bring a dangerous criminal to justice and to get these drugs off of our streets.”
"Combatting illicit drugs in the mail is a top priority for the US Postal Inspection Service,” said Scott Fix, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The sentence handed down today should serve as a reminder to other perpetrators that we remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to bring those who engage in this activity to justice.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance by the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Greenville man sentenced to prison for illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, Mississippi – A Greenville man was sentenced today to over three years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Curtis Demond Austin, 42, previously pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock to serve 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Austin is scheduled to report to prison on November 12, 2024.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting convicted felons who illegally possess firearms,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Those individuals who have been convicted of felony offenses are prohibited by law from possessing a gun and we will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal partners to see that they are held accountable if they violate the law.”
“First, we would like to thank each agency involved in the success of this conviction,” said Greenville Chief of Police Marcus Turner. “Making sure that those who break the law are apprehended and convicted is our priority. The Greenville Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of the community and strives daily to reduce gun violence and gang activity.”
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Mims.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.s. Attorney’s Office to Work with Local Partners to Reduce Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.
The Justice Department - through its United States Attorney’s offices (USAOs) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Field Divisions - will partner with each designated jurisdiction to develop a plan to reduce intimate partner firearm violence and to prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders prohibited under 18 U.S. Code Section 922(g) from owning firearms.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi has developed community and law enforcement partnerships to ensure that we use all the tools at our disposal to keep victims safe and ensure that justice is done,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will leverage all available resources to prioritize the prosecution of domestic violence offenders who unlawfully possess firearms, or whose criminal conduct occurs online or crosses state lines.”
Communities have been designated in close coordination with community stakeholders. They include rural areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and Tribal communities. The Justice Department used data to identify communities that could benefit from increased focus on intimate partner violence resources and where the local jurisdiction is committed to partnering with the Department to increase the use of federal tools to prosecute offenders under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The designation represents the partnership and coordination between the department and the local jurisdiction to ensure federal resources are being leveraged effectively to address intimate partner firearm violence.
In the Northern District of Mississippi, Greenville, Mississippi was designated as a VAWA site. Greenville has been a Project Safe Neighborhoods site since 2002. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi will work in Greenville and towns across the District to prioritize domestic violence prosecutions.
The Justice Department anticipates additional jurisdictions to be designated as USAOs continue coordination with their local stakeholders. All USAOs, with or without specific community designations under Section 1103, will continue to combat intimate partner firearm violence and prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders as part of their Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy and in support of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime.
Complete List of Jurisdictions as of September 11, 2024:
Montgomery County, Alabama
Jefferson County, Alabama
Little Rock, Arkansas
Washington County, Arkansas
Fresno, California
San Diego, California
Hartford, Connecticut
Ward 7, District of Columbia
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Fremont County, WyomingWest Point man sentenced to prison for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A West Point man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Quishaun Bennett, 36, previously pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Bennett to 120 months in prison following his drug trafficking conviction. Upon release from prison, Bennett will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Bennett was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals after sentencing.
“Those individuals who choose to sell illicit drugs like methamphetamine in our communities need to know that we will not only prosecute them for their illegal acts, but we will also seek significant sentences to remove them from the drug trade and from the communities that they are irreparably harming,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.
“Methamphetamine brings turmoil into the lives of those who are addicted to or live around it. The Drug Enforcement Administration, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to attack the scourge of methamphetamine distribution in the Northern District of Mississippi and beyond,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa McDaniels-McCaw. “The lengthy sentencing of this individual should be a warning to those who want to sell drugs. We are going to catch you and put you in prison for a long time if you distribute this poison in our communities.”
"Illicit drugs have no place on Mississippi streets,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Our thanks go out to all involved for their dedication to investigating, prosecuting, and sentencing these cases appropriately, sending a clear message that drug trafficking has no place in our state. Outstanding work by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and all supporting agencies in this case, ensuring the continued safety of our communities."
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program in partnership with state and local law enforcement. Other agencies assisting with the investigation included the U.S. Marshal’s Service, FBI and the Clay County’s Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
This investigation and resulting case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Mississippi residents convicted of fraud related to Covid-19 loansRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A federal jury convicted a Columbus man and a Clarksdale woman today for applying for and receiving a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ramirez Ivy, of Columbus, Mississippi and Felicia Smith of Clarksdale, Mississippi conspired with Lakeith Faulkner, Norman Beckwood and others to each receive $200,000 from the SBA based on fraudulent loan applications. The loan applications contained fictitious documents and claimed business revenue that did not exist.
After a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills, the jury found both Ivy and Smith guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection to the fraudulent loan applications as well as one count each of aiding and abetting wire fraud.
On December 7, 2022, Faulkner, a former SBA employee, entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On May 24, 2023, U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Faulkner to serve 62 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. Faulkner was also ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA.
On January 17, 2023, Beckwood entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Beckwood to serve 62 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release. In addition to prison time, Beckwood was ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA. In connection with his guilty plea, Beckwood also forfeited $700,147.74, a 2018 Mercedez Benz C Class and a 2020 Mercedes Benz G63.
This scheme was initially uncovered during a civil investigation, led by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Harland Webster. Thirty (30) other individual borrowers have also been charged in connection with the same scheme.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton A. Dabbs and Parker King and Sam Wright of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the criminal case.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Sexual predator sentenced to 30 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Joshua Chasestefan Anderson, a 29-year-old Desoto County man, to 30 years in prison for videoing his sexual assault of at least two minors. According to court documents, while investigating the sexual assault of an adult acquaintance, Southaven Police Detective William Boliek uncovered videos Anderson had made and kept of the sexual assaults of at least two minors on his cell phone. Anderson was identified by a distinctive physical trait on his left hand. Anderson was charged with the sexual exploitation of minors and pled guilty on an earlier occasion.
In addition to 30 years in prison, Anderson was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender wherever he resides, is employed, attends school, or is a temporary resident.
“After choosing to victimize innocent children for his own warped sexual gratification, this defendant has earned every day of the 30-year sentence imposed in this case,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “I truly appreciate the efforts of AUSA Parker King and Detective Boliek, and the removal of this individual from free society is an important step towards making our District a safer place.”
“Thanks to the excellent work done in this investigation and as a part of this prosecution, today’s sentencing has resulted in the removal of a sexual predator from the streets of our community,” said Southaven Police Chief Brent Vickers. “Although we cannot undo the harm caused to these victims, the Southaven Police Department will leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating and holding accountable sexual offenders who choose to victimize minors and innocent citizens.”
The Southaven Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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. The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.
Man sentenced for online activities with a minorRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Byhalia, Mississippi man was sentenced today to more than 15 years in prison for transmitting sexual conduct with a minor over the Internet.
According to court documents, Thomas Taylor, 29, was identified as part of Operation Renewed Hope, an operation run by Homeland Security Investigations to identify victims and perpetrators of known child sexual exploitation videos. Taylor admitted to using a video chat mobile application to communicate on live video with others over the Internet. While on the live video, Taylor masturbated and revealed a minor’s genitals and anus to the audience. A recording was made of the incident which has appeared in other investigations related to trafficking of child sexual abuse materials.
On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Taylor to 200 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
“Minor victims of sexual abuse and exploitation often face a life-time of far-reaching consequences as a result of the reprehensible acts committed by their perpetrators,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This office is committed to holding accountable those individuals who sexually exploit minors and we appreciate the outstanding work by HSI and AUSA King to do just that.”
“These despicable crimes are beyond comprehension,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “This criminal will now be held accountable for his vile crimes.”
The Department of Homeland Security investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 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. The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to reduce the incidence of sexual exploitation of children.
North Mississippi Woman Sentenced in Unemployment Benefits Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Plantersville woman was sentenced today to more than two years in prison for submitting a fraudulent unemployment benefits application to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) in the name of a relative who was incarcerated in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
According to court documents, Misty Burgess, 49, received more than $15,000 of unemployment benefits that she was not entitled to as a result of her fraudulent unemployment claims. Burgess, who was originally charged with theft of government property and wire fraud, pled guilty to theft of government property on May 16, 2024.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Burgess to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $15,604.00 to the State of Mississippi. The unemployment benefits fraudulently received by Burgess were a part of those benefits issued under the CARES Act from the State of Mississippi and the federal government as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Today’s sentence is an important step in ensuring that individuals who make fraudulent claims to government funds that they are not entitled to will be held accountable for their actions,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.
Following the sentencing, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White commented “We will continue working with our federal partners, as we’ve done since the beginning of my time in office, to get results for the people of Mississippi.”
Investigator Chris Watkins from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Feleica Wilson prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney Recognizes World Day Against Trafficking in PersonsRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – The United Nations General Assembly has declared July 30 as “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons,” and urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Clay Joyner, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi, has committed efforts to raise awareness and combat this growing epidemic. “Human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of children, is an outrage that cannot be tolerated,” remarked Joyner. “This office will do everything in our power to root out this evil and protect vulnerable victims.”
What is human trafficking?
The most common forms of human trafficking are sexual exploitation and forced labor. Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. Any commercial sex act involving someone under the age of 18 is human trafficking.
Traffickers can be organized groups but also the victim’s own family. One in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child, with girls being disproportionately affected. Often, child exploitation cases meet the definition of trafficking if the crime involves a sex act in exchange for something of value, including money, food, shelter, clothing, or other items.
Identification and protection of child victims remain challenging due to underreporting and lack of awareness. Traffickers often employ coercion, deception, and threats to maintain control over their victims, making it difficult for authorities to intervene. Citizens should be aware of the signs to assist in recognizing and reporting trafficking.
What are the signs?
- Lack of identifying documents such as a driver's license or passport. Traffickers seize these from their victims to restrict their freedom of movement and limit their actions.
- Lack of control of their own money. Traffickers withhold or deny wages, and limit access to cash in order to control their victims.
- Signs of physical abuse such as bruises or scars.
- Unusual fearfulness. Victims may be working under threats to themselves, their family, their property or their freedom.
- Unwillingness to communicate or socialize. Victims may be fearful to communicate with their friends, family or authorities.
- Lack of food, sleep or proper care. Victims may be subject to very poor living conditions and treatment.
- Being underage for their work, especially if it involves commercial sex.
Resources are available for trafficking victims and includes response by local, state, and Federal law enforcement. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, assistance is available 24/7 immediately from local law enforcement and through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. A confidential report can be made by visiting https://humantraffickinghotline.org/, calling 1-888-373-7888, or sending a text to BeFree (233733).
Though this a crime occurring globally, trafficking is present at the local level. The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges citizens in the Northern District of Mississippi to report suspected trafficking.
In Mississippi, you can make a report to the statewide human trafficking coordinator by emailing [email protected] or calling 601-987-1671. Any report involving a victim under 18 being trafficked must be reported to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services online at https://reportabuse.mdcps.ms.gov/ or by calling 1-800-222-8000.
Ohio man sentenced for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in MississippiRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Dayton, Ohio man was sentenced on Friday to 96 months in prison for possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute it while he resided in Oxford, Mississippi in April 2021.
According to court documents, Justin Elkins, 35, previously pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of attempting to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute the drug in Oxford in April 2021 after officers intercepted a package sent through the U.S. mail containing the drug. Elkins was sentenced Friday afternoon by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to 96 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“The U.S. mail should never be used as a vehicle for distributing illicit drugs.” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will do everything in our power to see that people who choose to illegally distribute dangerous drugs like fentanyl into our communities are held accountable.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the U.S. Mails are not used as a tool to distribute deadly fentanyl to our communities,” said Scott Fix, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division. “The sentence handed down today should serve as a reminder to other perpetrators that we remain steadfast with our law enforcement partners to bring those who engage in this activity to justice.”
The U.S Postal Inspection Service, Oxford Police Department, and Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office’s Metro Narcotics Unit investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case.