Northern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mississippi Men Sentenced for Hunting ViolationsRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Two North Mississippi men were sentenced today to one-year of probation and ordered to pay a total of $30,000 in fines and restitution for illegally killing a white-tailed deer in Tennessee and transporting the deer across state lines to Mississippi.
According to court documents, Christopher Lee Jones, 42, of Hernando, Mississippi, and Heath Thomas Harris, 42, of Senatobia, Mississippi, each plead guilty to one count of violating the Lacey Act for killing a white-tailed deer in violation of state law and transporting it across state lines. In December 2019, Jones and Harris killed a white-tailed deer on property located west of Tchulahoma Road and north of Jackson Pit Road in Memphis, Tennessee, violating various Tennessee laws in the process, including hunting in Tennessee without a license. After killing the deer illegally in Tennessee, Jones and Harris transported the deer into Mississippi, in violation of the Lacey Act. Each defendant was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000, restitution to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency in the amount of $9,185 and fines payable to the Lacey Act Rewards Account in the amount of $4,875, as well as forfeit the antlers to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additionally, each defendant was placed on probation for a period of one year, during which time they will be prohibited from hunting anywhere in the world as a condition of their probation.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark stated, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is committed to conducting criminal investigations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats. The Office of Law Enforcement takes violations of the Lacey Act seriously. This multi-year investigation involving the two defendants responsible for the unlawful harvest and subsequent transportation in interstate commerce of a white-tailed deer from Tennessee to Mississippi is no exception. We will continue to work closely with our state partners to conduct these important joint investigations.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Mims.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourages members of the public to report allegations of wildlife crimes to the Service’s Office of Law Enforcement via the Wildlife Crime Tips page at https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips or via phone at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477).
Booneville Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Booneville man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Justin Williams, 34, of Booneville, Mississippi, pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Williams was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson to 180 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. He was further sentenced to 5 years of supervised release following his release from prison. In addition, the court ordered Williams to forfeit more than $100,000 and various jewelry items that were identified as drug proceeds.
Williams was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting large quantities of methamphetamine from Texas and distributing it throughout the Northern District of Mississippi and elsewhere. Williams participated in the conspiracy by being a source of supply for large quantities of methamphetamine distributed throughout the Northern District of Mississippi. Williams arranged to have the controlled substances shipped through commercial package delivery services into Mississippi, where he would then distribute the controlled substance throughout the Northern District of Mississippi. The investigation of this drug trafficking organization and its participants spanned more than a year. Williams was indicted along with sixteen other individuals, including Chuckie Leach and Gary Ricks. Leach was recently sentenced to 151 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release while Ricks was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release.
“The distribution and use of methamphetamine has devastating consequences for communities across our Country, and many towns throughout our District have felt its harsh effects,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The arrest and prosecution of those who contribute to this problem is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office as well as our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, and we will continue to work together to hold accountable those who distribute dangerous drugs like methamphetamine in the Northern District of Mississippi.”
"Justin Williams's sentencing sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Mississippi,” remarked Bradford L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA. “Methamphetamine is an addictive drug with devastating consequences for individuals and families. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our communities.”
Shannon Man Sentenced to 63 Months for Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Verona, MS – A Shannon, Mississippi man was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison for the armed bank robbery of the Renasant Bank located in Verona, Mississippi.
According to court documents, Antonia Cannon, 57, entered the Renasant Bank in Verona on December 30, 2022, wearing a hoodie and a “Covid” mask, approached the teller, and demanded money while brandishing what appeared to be a black firearm. The teller provided Cannon $4,700 from the teller drawer and Cannon fled from the bank with the money. Cannon was later apprehended by law enforcement officers on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The $4,700 taken by Cannon was recovered in his automobile still wrapped in the bank’s money wrappers with the teller’s initials on them. The gun used by Cannon during the robbery was later determined to be a black Daisy .177 caliber BB gun modeled after a Beretta M9.
Cannon has a lengthy criminal history of committing armed robberies that spans decades from the Mississippi Delta to North Mississippi. Cannon also has a previous armed bank robbery conviction in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi from 1998 for which he served 70 months.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations, along with the Verona Police Department, Tupelo Police Department, and the United States National Park Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Feleica Wilson prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 27 Years for Violating Federal Firearms LawRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Marshal County man was sentenced on Tuesday to more than 27 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm.
According to evidence presented at the jury trial and sentencing hearing, Charles Derryberry was the 46-year-old leader of a Mississippi-based street gang, the Nines. In February 2022, Derryberry committed a string of robberies, and fired shots at one of his victims. On February 27, 2022, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office deputies received information that Derryberry possessed a large quantity of narcotics. Deputies stopped the truck Derryberry was riding in and found a gun under Derryberry’s seat. At the time he illegally possessed a firearm, Derryberry had three or more felony convictions for crimes of violence or drug offenses and was subject to increased penalties under the Federal Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). Under the ACCA, Derryberry faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison. Evidence revealed that Derryberry actually had seventeen prior felony convictions on the day he possessed the firearm.
On June 20, 2023, United States District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Derryberry to 327 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendant’s entire adult life has been spent committing an unending series of crimes, many of them violent,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The prosecutors and investigators in this case have made the public safer by ensuring that Derryberry is where he belongs – behind bars.”
“Sending a career criminal like this to prison is another example of our commitment to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood. “The sentence imposed in this case sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Stringfellow and Julie 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.
Batesville Men Sentenced to Prison for Robbery of Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Three Batesville men were sentenced yesterday to over 10 years in prison for the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service contract carrier.
According to court documents, Jamarr Smith, 38, Gilbert McThunel II, 37, and Thomas Iroko Ayodele, 40, were each convicted on February 24, 2023, of using a dangerous weapon to rob a contract postal carrier of money belonging to the U.S. Postal Service and conspiracy to rob the employee.
Evidence presented during a four-day jury trial revealed that on February 5, 2018, Smith, McThunel, and Ayodele drove to Lake Cormorant, Mississippi, where the Postal Service’s contract carrier was robbed as he picked up mail for delivery to the Distribution Center in Memphis. Evidence showed that when the carrier arrived at the Lake Cormorant Post Office at approximately 5:15 p.m. to pick up the mail, McThunel approached the carrier, struck him multiple times in the face with a firearm, threatened to kill him, and then stole bags containing U.S. Postal Service money from the carrier’s truck. Ayodele dropped McThunel off at the Lake Comorant Post Office prior to the robbery and picked him up afterward, while Smith acted as a lookout from a separate vehicle.
At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, District Court Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Smith and McThunel each to 121 months in prison and Ayodele to 136 months in prison. Each defendant will serve five years of supervision following their release from prison. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service for the money taken in the robbery and to the contract carrier for medical costs associated with injuries he received during the robbery.
“Combatting violent crime and protection of our citizens is one of the highest priorities for the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Mississippi,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We hope that today’s sentence will serve as a message to all who would target or victimize their fellow citizens in the hopes of easy personal gain. Such acts will not be tolerated and we will do all we can to see that violent criminals and those who assist them are incarcerated for their crimes.”
“Postal Inspectors’ duties include protecting postal employees and investigating violent crimes that are committed against them,” said Scott Fix, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “While these types of crimes are rare, when they do occur, they become a top priority for us. The sentencing of Jamar Smith, Gilbert McThunel and Thomas Ayodele for the armed robbery of a USPS Contract Driver at the Lake Cormorant, MS Post Office is a testament to the dedication of Postal Inspectors to bring to justice those individuals that threaten the safety of our postal employees. We extend our appreciation to the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Mims and Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recovers Millions in PPP Fraud JudgmentsRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner announced today that in addition to ongoing criminal investigations and prosecutions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi is conducting a comprehensive civil investigation regarding potential fraud involving the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, that has resulted in over $20 million dollars in judgments to date. Specifically, the investigation is using the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733 to target fraudulent loans obtained through the Paycheck Protection Program.
The Civil Division’s lawyers have obtained more than 150 False Claims Act judgments to date (more than any other district in the country) and obtained millions of dollars in those judgments. In addition to allowing the government to recover treble damages or triple the amount of the PPP loan, the False Claims Act also allows the United States to recover up to $27,018 in penalties for each PPP loan, bank processing fees, and a $402 court filing fee.
In addition to the civil judgments the office has obtained, investigations initiated by the Civil Division’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Attorney, Harland Webster, have also uncovered fraud schemes that subsequently resulted in criminal prosecutions. One includes Chris Lick of Starkville, Mississippi, who was sentenced to 78 months for submitting a fraudulent PPP loan application and has a $12,000,000 civil judgment. Another example is Mississippi attorney and SBA employee LaKeith Faulkner, who was sentenced to 62 months and ordered to pay $10,600,000 in restitution for his role in a scheme to obtain fraudulent PPP loans.
In announcing the ongoing investigations, U.S. Attorney Joyner remarked, “We anticipate focusing on PPP fraud for several years to come and are proud to be recovering tax-payer money. We will not allow fraud schemes to remain unchecked in our district and we will use all civil and criminal remedies available to hold accountable those who committed fraud.”
Civil Chief John E. Gough, Jr. stated, “We are uncovering fraud throughout our district. This fraud scheme was rampant, and we would like the public’s help in recovering these ill-gotten funds. If you have a tip regarding potential fraud in our district, please contact us by sending an email to [email protected] .”
The investigations into PPP fraud by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi have been ongoing for approximately 12 months and have expanded to areas all across the District. Recent amendments to federal law have extended the statute of limitations for civil and criminal fraud enforcement actions involving PPP loans from six years to a period of up to ten years.
Starkville Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and money laundering.
According to court documents, Terrance Chandler, 44, of Starkville, Mississippi, pled guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute a controlled substance and one count of money laundering. Chandler was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown to 240 months in prison for both counts. He was further sentenced to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
Court records show that Chandler was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting large quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine from Texas and distributing them throughout the Northern District of Mississippi, the Southern District of Mississippi, and elsewhere. The investigation of this drug trafficking organization and its participants spanned over a year. Chandler was indicted along with fourteen other individuals.
“The U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of individuals who choose to illegally sell dangerous and unlawful drugs in our towns and communities,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We hope that today’s sentence will make other individuals think twice before they choose to seek quick profits from distributing illicit drugs.”
“Terrance Chandler’s sentence is a victory for law enforcement and the people of Mississippi. Chandler was a major player in a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our state,” said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. “His conviction and sentence should send a clear message to other drug traffickers that they will be held accountable for their crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
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. Multiple agencies assisted with the investigation including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Postal Inspector’s Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Mississippi Highway Patrol, Starkville Police Department, Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Department and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly M. Hampton and Sam Stringfellow prosecuted the case.
Small Business Administration Employee Sentenced in Covid Relief FraudRead the Press Release
OXFORD – A Marshall County man and employee of the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) was sentenced yesterday to 62 months in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud the SBA of more than $11 million.
According to court documents, Lakeith M. Faulkner, 31, of Holly Springs, was an employee of the SBA and used his position to assist borrowers in submitting over $11 Million worth of fraudulent loan applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), which were intended to help small businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In return for his assistance in submitting the fraudulent loan applications, those borrowers paid Faulkner and his co-defendant, Norman Beckwood, $2.3 Million.
On December 7, 2022, Faulkner entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On May 24, 2023, Chief U.S. District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Faulkner to serve 62 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. In addition to prison time, Faulkner was ordered to pay $10,620,452.26 in restitution to the SBA.
On January 17, 2023, Norman Beckwood, Faulkner’s co-defendant, entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Beckwood is scheduled to be sentenced on August 15, 2023.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs and Parker King of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Gangster Disciple Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Firebombing and Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
A member of the Gangster Disciples gang pleaded guilty today to a racketeering conspiracy involving his firebombing of a prison guard’s house and the distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Today’s plea marks the 12th and final conviction in the Northern District of Mississippi case against five members of the Gangster Disciples and seven members of the Simon City Royals, a gang aligned with the Gangster Disciples.
According to court documents, Darrell Steele, 49, of Meridian, Mississippi, was a member of the Gangster Disciples. Acting on the orders of high-ranking Gangster Disciples leaders, Steele and other gang members manufactured firebombs to bomb the home of a prison guard who was interfering with the gang’s illegal drug operation within Mississippi state prisons. On or about Sept. 11, 2019, Steele threw a firebomb into the home where the guard lived with his wife and young children. The firebomb malfunctioned, and the guard and his family escaped unharmed.
Steele pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 16 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The other 11 defendants in the case have already been sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment:
Defendant
Prison Sentence
Latroy Daniels, aka Duke
10 years
Gregory Moffett, aka Gutta, aka Sir Judah
10 years
Michael Willie, aka OG Mike
10 years
Derrick Houston, aka Psycho
16 years and eight months
Donald Jones, aka Worm
Seven years and eight months
Wilton Johnson, aka Big Boi
Three years and five months
Jeremy Smith, aka Lil One
Three years and five months
Carl McMillian
Five years and 10 months
James Vaughn, aka Sir Flute:
Five years and 10 months
Justin Hannah
Eight years and four months
Joe Johnson
Seven years and eight months
In a related case, the Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi are currently prosecuting another 21 members and associates of the Simon City Royals. According to court documents, the Gangster Disciples and Simon City Royals were allied under the “Folk Nation Alliance.” Within the Mississippi state prison system and throughout the state of Mississippi, the Gangster Disciples and Simon City Royals worked together to conduct fraud, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal moneymaking schemes, and committed several acts of violence, including assaults and attempted murders.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the ATF New Orleans Field Division made the announcement.
The ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, FBI Jackson Field Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, and local law enforcement agencies across multiple states are investigating the cases.
Trial Attorney Brendan Woods of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Stringfellow for the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Podiatrist Sentenced in Foot Bath Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
OXFORD – A Panola County man was sentenced today to two years in prison following his conviction for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and TRICARE by prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary foot bath medications and ordering medically unnecessary testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks and bribes.
According to court documents, Marion Shaun Lund, D.P.M., 54, of Batesville, owned and operated a podiatry clinic, as well as an in-house pharmacy. Lund routinely wrote prescriptions for and dispensed antibiotic and antifungal drugs to be mixed into a tub of warm water for patients to soak their feet. Rather than prescribing drugs based on the individualized needs of patients, Lund prescribed foot bath medications in order to maximize reimbursements from Medicare, TRICARE, and other health care benefit programs, regardless of medical necessity. In addition, Lund took toenail clippings and wound cultures from patients and sent them to a lab for diagnostic testing, even though such testing was not medically necessary. From April 2020 through March 2022, Lund caused the submission of over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare and TRICARE for unnecessary prescriptions of foot bath medications and diagnostic testing of toenails, resulting in over $700,000 in reimbursements. In exchange for his prescriptions and orders, Lund was paid cash kickbacks by a purported marketer.
On February 2, 2023, Lund entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. On Monday morning, U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson sentenced Lund to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered Lund to pay restitution in the amount of $851,428.
Lund is the fourth defendant, including three medical professionals, to plead guilty and be sentenced for his role in the scheme. In October 2021, Logan Hunter Power pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive kickbacks, and in October 2022, Power was sentenced to 25 months in prison. In August 2022, Jared Lee Spicer, D.P.M., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced to serve a term of 3 years probation. In September 2022, Carey “Craig” Williams, D.P.M., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter and Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs of the Northern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Amory Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – An Amory man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Michael Wright, 40, of Amory, Mississippi pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in February. Court records show that Wright received more than two pounds of methamphetamine in the mail that he intended to distribute.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson sentenced Wright to 216 months of incarceration to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release.
“When criminals seek to inject poison into our communities, the United States Attorney’s Office will do everything we can to hold them accountable for it,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrent to others who would consider engaging in the illegal drug trade.”
“Illegal drugs have no business being a part of the mail stream,” said Scott Fix, Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Postal Inspectors work tirelessly to rid the mail of illicit and dangerous drugs and provide a safe environment for postal employees and Postal Service customers. Today’s sentencing of Michael Wright demonstrates that Postal Inspectors will never tolerate this abuse of the US Mail. We thank the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in bringing this criminal to justice.”
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul D. Roberts prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 23-29, 2023Read the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi is commemorating National Crime Victim’s Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 23-29, 2023. In commemoration of this year’s NCVRW, the office will hold a tree-planting ceremony to honor crime victims on Thursday, April 27, 2023, and will recognize victim advocates within the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2021, there were more than 4. 6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes.
“It is imperative that we support crime victims to ensure that they are adequately informed, their rights are protected, and that they have an opportunity to be heard,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Crime victims come from all walks of life, but regardless of their background or circumstances, they deserve support throughout the criminal justice process and beyond. This week, we pause to honor crime victims from our District and across our Nation and affirm our commitment to engaging with them and advocating for them at each step of the criminal justice proceedings.”
The Federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims Rights Week by raising awareness of victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” Partner organizations are committed to engaging with victims of crime, learning from their lived experiences, amplifying their voices, and fostering an environment where they are heard, believed, and supported.
For additional information about this year’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to assist crime victims, please contact Jorge Torres, Victim Assistance Specialist, or Paul Roberts, Victim Rights Coordinator at (662) 234-3351. For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.
Starkville Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced today to almost four years in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a prior convicted felon.
According to court documents, Lasang Kemp, 38, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a Taurus 9mm handgun and a Zastava 5.56mm handgun in Starkville, Mississippi on March 4, 2021. Kemp, who pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, was sentenced today in Greenville by Chief U.S. District Judge Debra Brown to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
“Keeping guns out of the hands of criminals will always be a priority for this office,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The FBI and our local partners deserve our thanks for ensuring this successful prosecution.”
“Mr. Kemp’s sentencing should serve as a warning to those bad actors who unlawfully possess firearms,” remarked FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners, through impactful programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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 Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department.
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 Gun and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Greenville man was sentenced today to more than 5 years in prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
According to court documents, Bobby Buchanan, 44, previously pled guilty to one count of distribution of narcotics and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The narcotics charge arose out of Buchanan’s sale of 100 ecstasy pills to a confidential informant. Buchanan, who is a prior convicted felon, was found in possession of a handgun when he was arrested on drug charges. Buchanan was subsequently charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Buchanan was sentenced today by United States District Judge Glen Davidson to 67 months in prison. Buchanan will serve a three-year term of supervision upon his release from prison. Following sentencing, Buchanan was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
“Today’s sentence is another step towards making our neighborhoods and communities safer for all,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “We will continue to work with the Greenville Police Department and our law enforcement partners to make sure that individuals who choose to commit gun crimes or distribute illicit drugs are held accountable for their criminal acts and the damage they do to their community.”
Commenting on the sentence, Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner remarked, “We would first like to thank the Special Operations Division, officers of the Greenville Police Department, and the U. S. Attorney’s Office for a job well done. This conviction is only a small portion of the body of work that we have ahead of us in fighting drug and gun violence in our community. As we move forward, we will continue to diligently work together to ensure the safety of all citizens.”
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. AUSA 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.
Federal Jury Finds Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegally Possessing a Gun and Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A federal jury convicted a Greenville, Mississippi man on Tuesday of illegally possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony and four counts of distributing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at a two-day trial, Clarence Lamar Buck, 51, distributed methamphetamine on four separate occasions out of the Express Inn in Greenville in January of 2021. Approximately a year later, the United States Marshals Service, along with the Greenville Police Department, served an arrest warrant on Buck for bond violations. During a search of Buck’s room, officers found a Ruger .22 caliber handgun. Records reflect that at the time Buck possessed the gun, he had multiple prior felony convictions, including a conviction for sale of a controlled substance.
“The defendant is a repeat felon who injected poison into his community in the form of methamphetamine,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The Greenville Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service are to be commended for their hard work on this case, and we are proud to stand with them to stem the flow of illegal narcotics and to get firearms out of the hands of criminals.”
“Making sure that those who break the law are apprehended, and convicted, is our priority,” remarked Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner. “We appreciate the partnership that we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and look forward to working together to ensure the safety of our community.”
The Greenville Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Sam Stringfellow.
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.
Former Baptist Paramedic Sentenced for Tampering with OpioidsRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – An Oxford man was sentenced on Thursday, March 23, 2023, to three years supervised release and ordered to pay $30,405 in restitution for tampering with opioids while working as a paramedic with Baptist Ambulance.
According to court documents, Richard Fox Bowen, 35, of Oxford, Mississippi, a former Baptist Ambulance employee, tampered with vials of Morphine and Fentanyl on or around October 2021, and at other times thereafter, while working his shift as a paramedic. The defendant injected himself with Fentanyl and Morphine from the vials and disguised his theft of the drugs by refilling the vials with saline solution. The defendant acted with reckless disregard by placing the tampered-with vials back into service, which put Baptist Ambulance patients in danger of bodily injury, and under the circumstances, manifested extreme indifference to this risk.
“Our office is committed to protecting the health and safety our citizens,” said United States Attorney Clay Joyner. “Actions like the ones committed by the defendant place citizens in grave danger of harm and bodily injury and cannot be tolerated.”
“Patients rely on the knowledge that they will receive FDA-approved medications to manage their conditions,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “When health care professionals tamper with those needed medications, we will pursue and bring them to justice.”
The FDA Office of Inspector General investigated the case, working with Priority Ambulance Diversion Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Levy prosecuted the case.
Greenville Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of a GunRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – A Greenville man was sentenced yesterday to 40 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Justin Simmons, 23, of Greenville, Mississippi, previously pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Debra Brown on Wednesday to serve 40 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. 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.
Saltillo, Mississippi Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Images and Videos of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Saltillo, Mississippi man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his possession of child sexual abuse pictures and videos.
Court documents indicate that in April 2020, Dennis Gene Sullivan, 46, was setting up a computer system for a local business when he arranged for the computer to download and save computer files containing images and videos of child sexual abuse. Sullivan used a peer-to-peer software program to make those files available to other users.
Sullivan has a prior 2004 Federal conviction for possession images and videos of child sexual abuse.
Sullivan appeared for sentencing on these offenses in federal court in Oxford on Thursday. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Sullivan to a total of 120 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Sullivan was also ordered to pay $28,000 worth of restitution to eight individuals who were victims of the abuse depicted in those images or videos.
“This is a repeat offender who has an obvious sexual interest in children,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Individuals like this defendant deserve every minute of every day that they can be incarcerated, and our office will always prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable in our society.”
“Safeguarding our society’s future begins with protecting underage citizens of our communities from predatory individuals like Dennis Sullivan,” remarked FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby. “Those who commit these heinous crimes against our youth deteriorating the safety of our society, will be aggressively sought after and brought to justice. The FBI is committed to supporting our local and DOJ partners in protecting the innocence of our minors, ensuring offenders are brought to justice.”
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch also commented about the case, noting "This case is a textbook example of the difference we can make when law enforcement and community members work together as a team. This investigation started with a simple tip that led us to investigate and discover this horrendous crime. I am grateful for the cooperation and dedication of our ICAC partners that help us protect our most vulnerable citizens. If you suspect a child is in danger, please report it. Your assistance could be the key to protecting others.”
The Oxford Field Office of the FBI, along with Ripley, Mississippi Police Department, and the Mississippi Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts.
This case is part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to protect children on the Internet. The Mississippi ICAC Task Force includes local, state, and Federal law enforcement and is managed by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
Booneville Man Sentenced in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Booneville man was sentenced today to nine years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Willie Nichols, 39, of Booneville, Mississippi, pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Nichols was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen Davidson to 110 months for the conspiracy. He was further sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his release from prison. Nichols is currently in custody.
Nichols was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting large quantities of methamphetamine from Texas and distributing it throughout the Northern District of Mississippi. Nichols participated in the conspiracy by making multiple purchases of eight ounces of methamphetamine from the head of the drug trafficking organization for distribution throughout the Northern District of Mississippi. The investigation of this drug trafficking organization and its participants spanned over a year and is still ongoing. Nichols was indicted along with sixteen (16) other individuals.
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. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the United States Marshal’s Service, the United States Postal Inspector’s Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly M. Hampton and Feleica L. Wilson prosecuted the case
Alabama Man Sentenced 17 years for Gun TraffickingRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Sheffield, Alabama man was sentenced on Thursday to more than 17 years in prison for burglarizing two gun stores, possessing stolen firearms, and transporting those firearms to Chicago and New Jersey.
According to court documents, Marquis Devon McCray, 34 years old, masterminded the February 17, 2019, burglary of Oxford Pawn Shop in which 35 firearms were stolen. McCray and his co-defendants then transported those guns to New Jersey where they were sold on the streets. Ten of those guns have been recovered by law enforcement in the Newark, New Jersey area after they were used in violent crimes. McCray also led a group in the August 1, 2019, burglary of TNT Pawn in Booneville, Mississippi. McCray and his co-defendants stole 49 firearms and transported those guns to Chicago. The group sold those guns on the streets in Chicago. A number of those guns have been involved in shootings in Chicago and recovered by Chicago Police.
During a sentencing hearing on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced McCray to 210 months in prison and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $58,158.73 for the value of the stolen firearms and damage to the property.
“This defendant callously helped contribute to violence and misery in communities that were already struggling with extreme levels of gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “He deserves every day of his sentence, and we are proud to stand with ATF and our state and local partners to stem the illegal flow of firearms.”
“Bringing our expertise and resources to target individuals and organizations that plague our communities with gun trafficking and violence is a top priority of ATF,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.”
McCray’s co-defendant, Galvin Davis, was previously sentenced to 14 years for his role in the commission of one of the burglaries.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Oxford Resident Agency, Oxford Police Department, Booneville Police Department, Corinth Police Department, ATF Newark Resident Agency, and the Chicago Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King 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 Finds Convicted Felon Guilty of Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A federal jury convicted a Marshal County man on Wednesday of illegally possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the three-day trial, Charles Derryberry, 46, robbed a victim of a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol in February of 2022, and used the gun to shoot at the victim. Afterwards, Derryberry used this firearm to commit a second robbery. A few days later, on February 27, 2022, deputies with Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle with Derryberry riding in the backseat. Derryberry possessed the .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol at the time of the traffic stop and attempted to hide the firearm under his seat. Law enforcement found the gun during a search of the truck and Derryberry was arrested. Records reflect that at the time Derryberry possessed the firearm, he had multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for manslaughter, burglary, and drug trafficking.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 17, 2023. Derryberry faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment.
”This office is committed to protecting our community from violent convicted felons like this defendant who illegally possess firearms,” stated US Attorney Clay Joyner. “We are grateful to our state and federal law enforcement partners whose hard work allowed him to be taken off the streets.”
“Investigating and prosecuting repeat offenders is another example of our commitment to fight violence and how the collaborative efforts of the federal, state, and local law enforcement can make our streets safer,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “The conviction today sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sam Stringfellow and Julie 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.
Podiatrist Pleads Guilty to Foot Bath Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi man pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and TRICARE by prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary foot bath medications and ordering medically unnecessary testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks and bribes.
According to court documents, Marion Shaun Lund, D.P.M., 53, of Taylor, owned and operated a podiatry clinic, as well as an in-house pharmacy. Lund routinely wrote prescriptions for, and his pharmacy dispensed, antibiotic and antifungal drugs to be mixed into a tub of warm water for patients to soak their feet. Rather than prescribe drugs based on the individualized needs of patients, Lund prescribed foot bath medications in order to maximize reimbursements from Medicare, TRICARE, and other health care benefit programs, regardless of medical necessity. In addition, Lund took toenail clippings and wound cultures from patients and sent them to a lab for diagnostic testing, even though such testing was not medically necessary. From April 2020 through March 2022, Lund caused the submission of over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare and TRICARE for unnecessary prescriptions of foot bath medications and diagnostic testing of toenails, resulting in over $700,000 in reimbursements. In exchange for his prescriptions and orders, Lund was paid cash kickbacks by a purported marketer.
Lund pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 15, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Lund is the fourth defendant, including three medical professionals, to plead guilty for his role in the scheme. In October 2021, Logan Hunter Power pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive kickbacks, and in October 2022, Power was sentenced to 25 months in prison. In August 2022, Jared Lee Spicer, D.P.M., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and is awaiting sentencing. In September 2022, Carey “Craig” Williams, D.P.M., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Acting Assistant Director Jay Greenberg of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The HHS-OIG and FBI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter and Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs of the Northern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Corinth Man Sentenced 14 years for Gun TraffickingRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Corinth man was sentenced on Thursday to 14 years in prison for burglarizing a gun store, possessing stolen firearms, and transporting those firearms.
According to court documents, Galvin Dwayne Davis, 39, was involved in the August 1, 2019 burglary of TNT Pawn in Booneville, Mississippi. Davis and his co-defendants stole 49 firearms and transported those guns to Chicago. The group sold those guns on the street in Chicago. A number of those guns have been involved in shootings in Chicago and recovered by Chicago Police.
Davis was also ordered to pay restitution to TNT Pawn over $42,000 for the value of the stolen firearms and damage to the property.
“The crimes committed by this defendant had a far-reaching effect and the guns illegally transferred were used to victimize others,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi will continue to prioritize the prosecution of violent crimes and gun crimes and we hope that the 14-year sentence imposed in this case will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in illegal firearms sales and trafficking.”
“In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals, like this repeat offender, who steal firearms and unlawfully possess firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
Davis’s co-defendant, Marquis McCray, is set to be sentenced for his role on February 16.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Oxford Resident Agency, Booneville Police Department, Corinth Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King 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.
Benoit, Mississippi Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Robbing a U.S. Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Benoit, Mississippi man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for robbing a U.S. Postal Employee in September 2021.
Court documents indicate that in September 2021, Joshua Williams, 40, robbed a U.S. Postal Employee of mail, her cellphone, money, and car keys. He was caught shortly thereafter hiding near Benoit.
Williams appeared for sentencing on these offenses in federal court in Oxford on Thursday, February 2, 2023. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Williams to a total of 120 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Williams was also ordered to pay $180 in restitution to the victim.
“The prosecution of individuals who choose to commit violent crimes always has been and always will be a priority for this office,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Hopefully this sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who would victimize others in misguided attempts for personal gain.”
“The protection of the United States Postal Service and its employees are two of the highest priorities of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Scott Fix, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “The sentencing of Joshua Williams for the armed robbery of a Benoit, Mississippi Rural Carrier is an example of the commitment of Postal Inspectors to bring to justice those individuals that threaten the safety of our postal employees. We extend our appreciation to the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office that assisted with this investigation.”
The Oxford U.S. Postal Inspection Office along with Bolivar County, Mississippi Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts.
Memphis, Tennessee Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Firearms Offenses and Attempted Bank LarcenyRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Memphis, Tennessee man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for his role in the burglary of a federally licensed firearms store and the attempted burglary of an automated teller machine in North Mississippi.
Court documents indicate that in June of 2020, Lederrius Brown, 27, and two other individuals broke into 2A Armaments, a Federal Firearms Licensee in New Albany, Mississippi, and stole over 20 firearms before leading law enforcement on a multi-county pursuit.
Brown and others also attempted to pry open an ATM that was part of First Byhalia Bank in Byhalia, Mississippi, resulting in over $20,000 worth of damage.
Brown is a prior convicted felon and pled guilty to the prohibited possession of the firearms taken from the business, along with a charge of attempted bank larceny.
Brown appeared for sentencing on these offenses in federal court in Oxford on Friday afternoon. U.S. District Judge Glen Davidson sentenced Brown to a total of 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Brown was also ordered to pay $39,500 worth of restitution to the victims.
“Our office will continue to do everything in our power to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, and to hold accountable those who illegally possess and use them,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Hopefully this sentence will serve as a deterrent to those who would steal firearms or provide firearms to individuals intent on using them to commit acts of violence in our communities.”
“The collaborative effort of federal and local law enforcement, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has led to the lengthy sentencing of this career criminal and is another example of our commitment to fight gun violence,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.”
The Oxford Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, along with the New Albany Police Department and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Addison.
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 Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Greenville, MS – A Greenville man was sentenced yesterday to more than eight years in prison for firearms related crimes.
According to court documents, Marco Dewayne Hemphill, 39, previously plead guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, all arising out of a traffic stop in Greenville in August 2021.
Hemphill was sentenced on Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge Debra Brown to serve 100 months in prison, including 40 months for possessing a gun as a convicted felon and 60 months for possessing a gun during a drug trafficking crime. In addition, Hemphill will serve a three-year term of supervision upon his release from prison. Hemphill was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following his sentencing hearing.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. 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.
Mitias to Pay $1.87 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Medicare and Medicaid OverbillingRead the Press Release
Mitias Orthopaedics, PLLC, it’s owner Dr. Hanna “Johnny” Mitias, and a subsidiary Champion Orthopedics, have agreed to pay $1,870,714.83 to resolve allegations the orthopedic health services providers knowingly submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid, the Department of Justice announced today.
“Taxpayers deserve to receive the products and services billed to their federal health insurance programs. The viability of Medicare and Medicaid is threatened by each wasted dollar. Our people come before profits,” said United States Attorney Clay Joyner. “This settlement sends a clear message that the Department of Justice will hold healthcare providers accountable if they knowingly overbill federal healthcare programs.”
Between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2015, Mitias and his clinics allegedly submitted false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for brand name viscosupplementation agents for knee injections that were not administered to the beneficiaries of those programs. Rather, a much cheaper, compounded viscosupplementation agent was alleged to have been used and, as a result, the defendants improperly claimed compensation for the higher priced products.
“We are committed to thoroughly investigating claims of fraud and holding health care providers accountable when they break the rules. The public should know we will devote the necessary time and effort to stamp out healthcare fraud in both civil and criminal matters,” said Joyner. “This settlement is an example of how whistleblowers and the government can work together to recoup and deter overbilling practices.”
The settlement resolves allegations in a 2015 lawsuit by a medical device sales representative filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Those provisions permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery.
The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi, the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the State of Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Gray v. Mitias Orthopaedics, PLLC (3:15-cv-127). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Pontotoc Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Fraudulent Benefit CardsRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Pontotoc man was sentenced today to more than 4 years in prison following his conviction for possession of fraudulent unemployment benefit cards.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2020, Deonte Dilworth, 28, was found in possession of approximately 26 unemployment benefit debit cards from Nevada and Arizona that had been fraudulently obtained. Dilworth, who pled guilty to possession of the fraudulent debit cards, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sharion Aycock to 51 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Dilworth was also ordered to pay $202,711.39 in restitution. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals immediately after the hearing concluded to begin serving his sentence.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and Patrick Davis, Special Agent in Charge for the United States Secret Service Birmingham Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Robert Mims.
Greenville Men Sentenced to Prison for Gun and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Two Greenville men have been sentenced to prison following their convictions for drug and gun related offenses.
According to court documents, the federal gun and drug charges arose out of a March 22, 2020, incident wherein Lakendrick Motton and Antoine Jackson were seen selling illegal narcotics from the parking lot of Lucky’s Store in Greenville, Mississippi.
Motton, 37, was sentenced on Friday, December 16 by U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock to 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Motton will serve a three-year term of supervision upon his release from prison.
According to court documents, Antoine Jackson, 33, was sentenced on November 1, 2022, by Judge Aycock to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Upon release from prison, Jackson will also be placed on supervision for a period of three years.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and Greenville Police Chief Marcus Turner announced the sentences for Jackson and Motton.
This case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department. 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.
Calhoun City Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Creating Images of Molestation of MinorRead the Press Release
Oxford – A Calhoun City man was sentenced on Thursday to serve more than 18 years in prison for creating child pornography. U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Jason Rusch, 49, to 220 months’ incarceration followed by 10 years of supervised release for creating images of his molestation of a 9-year old minor. He was also ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution to five minor victims whose images of Child Sexual Exploitation he possessed.
Rusch was identified in part by his fingerprints in photos he took of his molestation of a minor.
“Rusch is a sexual predator who deserves every day of this sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Every child deserves a safe childhood, and I appreciate the hard work of our partners in the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office to enable the vigorous prosecution of child exploitation crimes.”
“We are pleased to work with our federal partners on this case and others that take down predators and disrupt their vast network of child exploitation,” remarked Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is precisely the kind of law enforcement partnership that is necessary to protect children from abuse. Mississippi parents can rest assured that we will rigorously investigate and prosecute these cases to keep children safe.”
FBI SAC Jermicha Fomby remarked, "Safeguarding our society's future begins with protecting underage citizens of our communities from predatory individuals like Jason Rusch. Those who commit these heinous crimes against our youth will be aggressively sought after and brought to justice. The FBI is committed to supporting our DOJ partners in protecting the innocence of our minors, ensuring offenders are brought to justice"
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case.
U.s. Attorney Announces New Initiative for Addressing Environmental Justice and Public Health ConcernsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner has announced a new initiative to address environmental justice and public health concerns in the Northern District of Mississippi. U.S. Attorney Joyner has designated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rob Coleman as the Environmental Justice Coordinator to coordinate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to address those concerns. Members of the public may visit the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office at justice.gov/usao-ndms, call our office at 662.234.3351, or email AUSA Coleman at [email protected] for information regarding where to report environmental violations or public health issues.
U.S. Attorney Joyner stated: "Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws protects our precious natural resources and ensures a healthy environment for everyone to live, learn, play, and work. Your reporting of environmental and public health concerns supports environmental protection, environmental justice, and helps us protect the community from harmful violations of federal health and safety laws."
The Office’s reporting procedures are part of the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy, which seeks to advance environmental justice through timely and effective remedies for environmental violations and injuries to natural resources in “underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.” The Department of Justice enforces the Nation’s civil and criminal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and hazardous waste laws. The Department also protects natural resources and handles cases relating to tribal rights and resources. Working with its Department of Justice partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to secure environmental justice for all communities, to ensure that everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards, and to protect equal access to a healthy environment in which to live, learn, play, and work.
The Office’s reporting procedures are in addition to other methods of reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the United States Environmental Protection Agency: https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations. Additional points of contact for federal agencies may be found on the Office’s website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin/environmental-justice-public-health.
Shannon Man Sentenced to More than a Decade in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Shannon man was sentenced Tuesday to over 13 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and illegal firearm possession.
According to court documents, Demond Fleming, 43, of Shannon, Mississippi, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock to serve a total of 160 months in prison following his previous guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Fleming was sentenced to 120 months for the firearms offense and 160 months for the drug offense with the sentences ordered to run concurrent to each other. Upon release from incarceration, Fleming will be placed on supervised release for a period of four years. Following the sentencing hearing, Fleming was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi made the announcement following Tuesday’s sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, and Tupelo Police Department.
This operation was one of many parts of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Recidivist Bank Robber Sentenced to 20 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi– A Tupelo man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday following his conviction for bank robbery. Jasper Wagner, 57, appeared for sentencing before United States District Judge Sharion Aycock, who departed upward from a lower suggested sentencing range and sentenced Wagner to the maximum sentence of 20 years. In imposing the sentence, Aycock noted that Wagner had 10 prior convictions for bank robbery and that the sentence was necessary to deter him from similar future conduct.
According to court documents, Wagner entered the Community Bank located at 307 West Main Street in Tupelo on April 6, 2022 and presented a teller with a demand note which read: “Stay calm no alarms, no dye packs, turn your money machine on till I say stop - $100s 4 50s Keep your hands from under the counter.”
Upon realizing that the robber was serious, the teller noticed that she could not see the robber’s hands or determine whether he had a gun, and she gave him $5,000. The teller recognized the robber as a bank customer and Wagner was subsequently identified from surveillance video released to the public. Investigating officers tracked Wagner to a hotel in Leeds, Alabama where they obtained a search warrant for his room on the day of the robbery and recovered $4,850 of the stolen money.
Court records indicate that Wagner had previously been convicted of multiple counts of bank robbery in 2001 and 2012.
“This defendant’s actions violently interrupted what should have been a normal workday for bank employees and victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The Department of Justice and this office will always do our utmost to protect our community from violence, threats of violence, and repeat offenders who seek to prey upon others. We commend the Tupelo Police Department, the Leeds Police Department, and the FBI for their outstanding work and coordinated efforts to apprehend this offender so quickly.”
Following the sentencing, Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka remarked, “I am very proud of the concentrated efforts of the Tupelo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Mississippi, in this case. Jasper Wagner’s maximum sentence of twenty years is a direct reflection of the outstanding investigative and prosecutorial skills of these agencies.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby also reiterated the importance of this investigation and prosecution. “The FBI is committed to safeguarding the financial institutions and the citizens of our community,” stated Fomby. “We remain devoted to tirelessly investigating the nefarious actions of criminals, like Mr. Jasper Wagner, and successfully bringing them to justice.”
The Tupelo Police and FBI investigated the case with significant assistance from the Leeds, Alabama Police Department who arrested Wagner the day of the bank robbery.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts prosecuted the case.
US Attorney Announces District Election Officer for the Northern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clay Joyner announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rob Coleman will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Coleman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Mississippi, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Joyner said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Joyner noted that: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that everyone who is entitled to vote can do so if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt or interfere with that right are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Coleman will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: (662) 234-3351 during business hours or (662) 816-4304 after hours.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (662) 234-1713. Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Joyner remarked, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Marshall and DeSoto County Residents Arrested for Payroll Protection FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, Mississippi – Fourteen Marshall and DeSoto County residents were arrested today on criminal charges related to their involvement in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain government funds intended to protect employees of endangered businesses during the COVD pandemic through the Payroll Protection Program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
According to court documents, Robert Pearson, 52 years old, Holly Springs; Lakisha Jones Pearson, 46 years old, Holly Springs; Glendon Jones, 29 years old, Red Banks; Roneisha Dennis, 30 years old, Red Banks; Devonte Smith, 27 years old, Holly Springs; Jaliyah Godwin, 26 years old, Olive Branch; Jacoby Alexander, 39 years old, Holly Springs; Kevin Anderson, 41 years old, Lamar; Melvin Harris, 26 years old, Holly Springs; Dametris Pearson, 27 years old, Southaven; Terrance Isom, age unknown, Southaven; Mareceo Hobson, 28 years old, Olive Branch; Dianne Cox, 67 years old, Byhalia; and Doris Pearson, 56 years old, Olive Branch, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud by fraudulently applying for PPP loans, as well as participating in wire transfers of over $10,000 involving proceeds of the fraud scheme.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy, wire fraud and illegal financial transactions. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty] of 30 years for the conspiracy and wire fraud violations and 10 years for the financial transaction charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Secret Service remains steadfast in our commitment to investigating the exploitation of pandemic relief funds,” said U.S Secret Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Ben Zack Rogers, of the Memphis Tennessee Field Office. “We are thankful for the hard work and continued support of our partners as we work together to ensure that our country’s financial environment remains safe and secure.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who attempt to defraud the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program, which was created to assist legitimate business owners during the pandemic,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Roberts is prosecuting the case. The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and U.S Treasury Inspector General.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nesbit Man Sentenced to Prison for Racist ThreatsRead the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – A Nesbit man was sentenced today to 2 1/2 years in prison for transmitting a communication in interstate commerce containing a threat to injure the person of another.
According to court documents, Aubrey Suzuki, 21, was communicating on an encrypted messaging platform with members of a white nationalist organization. Authorities were alerted when Suzuki began making threats to accelerate and wage a race war in the United States. Suzuki made numerous statements about Nazi and white supremacist ideology, and also stated:
Honestly I don’t want to be a normal person. I want to breathe revolution. I want to be in the middle of the boondocks with my mates killing n****** sp*** fa***** and blowing up the system.
While investigating the online threats made by Suzuki, agents learned that he was in the process of purchasing an AR-15 rifle from an online dealer. Suzuki was arrested immediately thereafter.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner stated “The defendant in this case made credible threats to shoot members of various minority groups, and then purchased a semi-automatic rifle. While all Americans enjoy a constitutional right to free speech, that right does not include a right to threaten or terrorize other individuals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute such conduct, and the agents and prosecutors who worked to stop this potential mass shooting are to be commended.”FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby remarked, "Mr. Aubrey Suzuki sought to intimidate members of the community through his threats. The FBI prioritizes the protection of civil rights to ensure citizens remain safe without fear of any harm. We remain committed to tirelessly thwarting the nefarious actions of those, like Mr. Suzuki, who intend to impart fear upon citizens based on biases."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs prosecuted the case.Charleston Man Sentenced to more than 18 Years in Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Charleston man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 18 years in prison for selling methamphetamine.
According to court documents, James Taylor, 35, of Charleston, Mississippi pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Northern District to Mississippi to one count of conspiracy to traffic drugs. Taylor was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock to 219 months for the conspiracy. He was further sentenced to 5 years supervised release following his release from prison. Taylor is currently in custody.
Taylor oversaw the drug trafficking organization of nine other defendants who were charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs and drug distribution. The investigation of this drug trafficking organization and its participants spanned multiple years.
Individuals who have been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in this case include: Demandrick Hayes, Alvin Johnson, Linda Hunt, Brenda Hunt, Genise Cox, Aaron Prince, Dexter Ray, and Dana Smith.
“This conviction and lengthy sentence exemplifies DEA’s relentless commitment to keep dangerous drugs and those who traffic them off of our streets,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Gaddy. “DEA, along with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to focus on these drug trafficking organizations that spread poison in our communities.”
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner remarked, “This case is a textbook example of what multiple federal and state agencies can accomplish when working in concert. This sentence was more than justified in this wide ranging, multi-state conspiracy.”
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. Agencies assisting with the investigation included the United States Marshal’s Service, the United States Postal Inspector’s Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, and the Leflore County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clyde McGee prosecuted the case.
Sorority Treasurer gets 45 months for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – An Oxford woman was sentenced last Friday to 45 months in prison for wire fraud committed while she was a volunteer for the Kappa Delta sorority at Mississippi State University.
Court records state that Betty Jane Cadle, 75, issued checks from the Kappa Delta House Corporation banking account to herself and to a business she and her daughter owned in Oxford, Mississippi without authority. According to court documents, from 2012 through 2019, Cadle stole $2.9 million from the Kappa Delta Sorority House Corporation.
Representatives of the sorority spoke at the sentencing hearing and recounted how Cadle had bullied the sorority members and maintained an attitude of superiority to avert any questions about the finances of the sorority house.
“The defendant abused her position of trust and authority by stealing money she was entrusted with for her own personal gain.” Said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “The Northern District of Mississippi’s United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute those that abuse their positions to steal from others.”
In announcing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson also imposed a restitution judgment in the amount of $2,940,853.80.
Cadle is scheduled to report to prison on October 24. Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case.
Kentucky Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Harvest of PaddlefishRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – Two Kentucky men were sentenced recently by the U.S. District Court for felony charges arising out of the illegal harvest of paddlefish and paddlefish roe from closed waters in Mississippi.
According to court documents, James Lawrence “Lance” Freeman, 27, of Eddyville, Kentucky, and Marcus Harrell, 34, of Murray, Kentucky, plead guilty to conspiring to violate the Lacey Act by travelling from Kentucky to Mississippi on multiple occasions between November 6, 2018, and January 5, 2018, for the purpose of harvesting paddlefish from Moon Lake in Coahoma County, which was closed to paddlefish harvest. Freeman or Harrell would take the harvested paddlefish roe back to Kentucky to sell to commercial processors, falsely claiming that the paddlefish had been caught in the Ohio River or other places in or near Kentucky where the harvest of paddlefish was legal.
Freeman was sentenced on September 15 in Oxford before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills. Freeman was sentenced to 6 months incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $20,000.00 to the Lacey Act Reward Account. Freeman, a commercial fisherman, was further banned from all fishing, both commercial and recreational, for a period of 5 years. Freeman is scheduled to report to prison on November 28.
Harrell was sentenced on July 26 in Oxford before U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock. Harrell was sentenced to 5 years probation and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $7,500.00 to the Lacey Act Reward Account. Harrell, who is also a commercial fisherman, was banned from all fishing in the State of Mississippi for a period of 5 years and further banned from harvesting fish roe of any species in any state for a period of 5 years.
Following the sentence, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Edward Grace stated, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is committed to conducting criminal investigations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in an effort to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats. The Office of Law Enforcement takes violations of the Lacey Act seriously. The investigation involving the 2 defendants who were involved in the unlawful harvest and dealing of paddlefish roe is no exception. We will continue to work closely with our state partners to conduct these important joint investigations.”
“I am extremely proud of these Officers for their hard work and dedication they put forth in bringing these violators to justice,” remarked Col. Jerry Carter of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. “Thanks for the joint effort by all agencies State and Federal that were involved, it truly sends a message that unlawful acts such as this will not be tolerated in our state and that we will use all the manpower and equipment available to protect our natural resources.”
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi and Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the Office of Law Enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case, along with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Greenville Man Sentenced to More Than a Dozen Years in Prison for Drugs Sales and Illegal GunsRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Greenville man was sentenced Friday to 12 years and 7 months in prison for selling drugs and for possessing guns as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, William L. Mays, Jr., 45, of Greenville, Mississippi, pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The felon-in-possession charge arises out of Mays’ sale of firearms to a confidential informant. Mays was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson to 151 months for the distribution of methamphetamine and 120 months for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, to run concurrently. He was further sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following his release from prison. Mays is currently in custody.
“The trafficking of illegal narcotics and illegal gun sales are key drivers of violent crime across the Northern District of Mississippi, and it is imperative that offenders are held accountable if we wish to reduce violent crime,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “There can be no doubt that the sentence imposed in this case will help make the community of Greenville safer.”
“We are pleased with the hard work between the Greenville Police Department and our federal partners” stated Chief Marcus Turner, Greenville P.D. “Although there is much work to be done, it is encouraging to know that the long hours of investigating these crimes are followed to its disposition. We thank the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their help in making our community safer.”
The case was investigated by the Greenville Police Department and 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.
Greenville Man Arrested for Threatening a “Killing Spree”Read the Press Release
Oxford, Miss.– A Greenville man was held in jail without bond today following his arrest last Friday for making online threats to commit a mass shooting in Greenville, Mississippi.
According to court documents and testimony, Jeremy Gordon, 28, posted threats on Facebook claiming that he was going to recreate a recent shooting rampage by Memphis shooter Ezekial Kelly in Greenville, Mississippi on Friday, September 9, beginning at 5pm.
Gordon is charged by criminal complaint with Transmitting Threats in Interstate Commerce. Gordon appeared on the federal charges for the first time on Monday and a detention and preliminary hearing was held on Wednesday at the federal courthouse in Oxford. Following the hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge David A. Sanders found that Gordon posed a danger to the community and ordered that he be held without bond pending trial.
If convicted, Gordon faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner of the Northern District of Mississippi; and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby made the announcement following Wednesday’s hearing.
The FBI and Greenville Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Dabbs and Clyde McGee are prosecuting the case.
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.
Former Deputy Warden at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Melvin Hilson, 50, a former deputy warden at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release for violating an inmate’s civil rights in 2016. On May 26, Hilson pleaded guilty in federal court to willfully depriving an inmate of his constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment by repeatedly striking the inmate and knocking him to the ground, which resulted in the inmate suffering a ruptured eardrum, abrasions to his ear and neck and prolonged headaches.
“This defendant abused his position as a corrections officer by unlawfully assaulting an inmate in his custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant violently assaulted the victim, and violated the trust that we place in corrections officials to lawfully carry out their duties. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously enforce our civil rights laws and hold jail and prison officials who break the law accountable.”
“This prosecution and sentence demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that every person’s civil rights are protected under the Constitution, and corrections officials who abuse their position are not above the law that they have sworn to uphold,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Hilson was working as a member of Parchman’s K-9 Unit at the time of the assault. On or around Aug. 3, 2016, J.T., an inmate at Parchman, was in a caged area inside of the medical unit, where he waited to be seen by a medical provider. Hilson approached J.T. and struck him several times, knowing that there was no reason to use force and that J.T. did not pose any threat to himself or others. During the assault, Hilson knocked J.T. to the ground, picked him up, and then struck him and knocked him to the ground again. According to prosecutors, J.T. did not attempt to fight back or defend himself from Hilson’s assault. Following the assault, Hilson falsified a report to conceal his unlawful actions and lied to Mississippi Department of Corrections investigators about his conduct.
The FBI Jackson Field Division investigated this case. Special Litigation Counsel Samantha Trepel and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Hampton and Robert Mims of the Northern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Clarksdale Woman admits to scheme involving RAMP Emergency Rental Assistance FraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSDALE, Miss. – A judgment was entered against a Clarksdale resident in connection with a scheme to defraud the United States of more than $81,505 in Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program (RAMP) funds distributed by the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
According to court documents, Sylnanceia Saffold, 30, of Clarksdale devised a scheme to defraud and to obtain RAMP funds by filing false and fraudulent rental assistance applications with MHC as part of the CARES Act. Saffold admitted to falsely claiming to be the landlord of 12 individuals to obtain backrent and future rental assistance for individuals affected by the Covid pandemic. Saffold also attempted to obtain funds on behalf of 9 others but the fraud was detected by MHC fraud control personnel before the funds were distributed.
“The CARES Act programs, particularly the RAMP program, were intended to help families struggling to maintain their housing because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, far too many individuals like the defendant abused these programs for their own personal benefit,” stated United States Attorney Clay Joyner. “Our office continues to prosecute violations of any CARES Act program —PPP, EIDL, RAMP, Employee Retention Credits, and others—in an effort to recover as many stolen taxpayer dollars as possible.”
Saffold entered a civil consent judgment for actual damages plus penalties in the total amount of $101,311.50 before U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock last week.
“We will continue to work with our State and Federal partners to make sure emergency assistance gets into the hands of the people that need it for safe, decent, affordable housing. I’m proud of our agency’s efforts to stamp out fraud and protect the integrity of our programs.” said MHC Executive Director Scott Spivey.
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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Starkville Man Sentenced to 78 Months for PPP FraudRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – A Starkville man was sentenced on Friday to 78 months in prison for more than $6,000,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud.
According to court documents, Christopher Paul Lick, 46, of Starkville devised a scheme to defraud, and to obtain PPP funds, by filing false and fraudulent loan applications with banks providing loans as part of the Paycheck Protection Program. Lick admitted to overstating the number of employees and payroll expenses of his purported businesses to receive PPP funds. Rather than use the PPP funds for his businesses, Lick admitted to purchasing a home valued at more than $1 million and to using the PPP funds for personal investments in the stock market. After hearing statements from Lick, his attorney and the prosecutor at a sentencing hearing on Friday, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Glen H. Davidson sentenced Lick to prison for his crimes.
“The sentence imposed in this case was well deserved. For more than two years, the defendant was living lavishly on taxpayer dollars while millions of Americans were struggling during the pandemic,” stated United States Attorney Clay Joyner. “Those, like the defendant, who chose to abuse the system at the expense of their fellow citizens are rightly punished. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to pursuing those who committed PPP and EIDL loan fraud. With the President recently extending the statute of limitations for PPP fraud to 10 years, we expect to see many more defendants like Chris Lick brought to justice.”
"Mr. Christopher Lick took very proactive steps to defraud the U. S. Government and the citizens of this nation,” remarked FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby. “The Paycheck Protection Program and similar programs were established to mitigate the negative impact upon business owners during the unfortunate and uncertain times ignited by the pandemic. Those who erroneously apply for and receive these benefits deprive the government to truly serve those in need. The FBI is committed to continued collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s office in bringing those who commit fraud to justice."
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Levy and Sam Wright prosecuted the case.
Monroe County Man to Serve 30 Years for Sexually Exploiting a MinorRead the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – An Amory man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Monday for producing and distributing child pornography. United States District Judge Neal B. Biggers sentenced Brett Northington, 60, to 360 months in federal prison for using a minor to produce child sexual abuse material and distribute it on the Internet.
The investigation began when the Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with international intelligence agencies, received information that Northington was distributing child pornography via an instant messaging application. Further investigation revealed that Northington had used the application to take and send sexually explicit pictures and videos of a child under the age of 12.
Northington had been previously convicted of a sex offense in state court.
In sentencing Northington to 30 years in prison, Judge Biggers noted that he felt the sentence was necessary to protect children in Northington’s own family and children outside of his family from abuse.
“Individuals who sexually abuse children in order to produce and distribute child pornography have no place among civilized people and deserve to be in prison for as long as possible,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Such evil must never be tolerated and these individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This defendant’s repeated sexual exploitation of minors is deserving of the 30-year prison sentence to ensure he will not inflict further harm and trauma on other children,” said Special Agent in Charge David Denton of HSI New Orleans. “HSI is appreciative of the collaborative efforts of the Monroe County Sherriff’s office for its work with our special agents on this investigation.”
The Department of Homeland Security and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case.
Desoto County Man Pays the Price for Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Greenville, Miss. – A Southaven man was sentenced today to 17.5 years in prison for distribution of child sexual abuse materials.
According to court documents, Daniel Blake Coulston, 27 years old, used a minor to produce child sexual abuse material on his cell phone. Coulston admitted to sharing those images with numerous other persons through a social media application.
“We see far too many of these types of cases, and it is our hope that lengthy prison sentences will serve not only to remove guilty individuals from society, but will also act as a deterrent against heinous crimes of this nature,” stated U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.
"Our underage citizens depend upon the adults of the community to protect them. Those who violate the innocence of our youth deteriorate the safety of our society's future. The FBI maintains a commitment to support our local and DOJ partners in aggressively investigating and preventing harm to minors," stated Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Desoto County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case.
ER Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – An emergency room doctor from Golden, Mississippi has been sentenced to almost 3 years in prison today for failing to pay his taxes.
According to court documents, and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Kevin L. Crandell was an emergency room physician who earned $30,000 to $40,000 per month and stopped paying personal income taxes in 2007. During the years 2006 through 2012, Crandell accrued approximately $972,493 in tax debt, including penalties and interest. At trial, the Government presented evidence that Crandell submitted a false and fraudulent IRS Form 433-A in 2014 to the Internal Revenue Service in an attempt to negotiate a payment plan for his outstanding tax liabilities. Crandell falsely represented on that form that his expenses exceeded his income. Crandell also failed to list assets and business bank accounts, which he was using for personal expenses. Though Crandell attempted to blame a tax resolution service he hired in 2010, the evidence at trial showed that Crandell intentionally manipulated his pay stubs to show a decrease in his 2014 annual income before submitting the pay stubs to the tax resolution service.
U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock heard comments from the defendant, his counsel and the United States before sentencing Crandell to 33 months in prison and restitution in the amount of $972,493.
“It is fundamentally unfair to the millions of Americans who pay their taxes each year for others to purposely and flagrantly evade their tax responsibilities and obligations,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Today’s sentence provides a measure of accountability for one individual who deliberately defrauded the IRS and hopefully sends a message to those who would seek to evade their legitimate tax obligations.”
“To build faith in our nation’s tax system, honest taxpayers need to be reassured that everyone is paying their fair share,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “The IRS Criminal Investigation together with the Department of Justice, will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system.”
The IRS investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay Dabbs and Philip Levy.
Horn Lake Man Sentenced for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Oxford, Miss. – A Horn Lake man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 8 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse materials on his personal electronic devices.
According to court documents, Steven Mistilis, 62 years old, admitted to possessing, downloading, and viewing child sexual abuse images and videos for several years when approached by officers. Mistilis had a collection of over 1500 images and 549 child sexual abuse videos, many depicting infants and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Eleven victims submitted Victim Impact Statements, and U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock ordered Mistilis to pay $35,000 in restitution to those victims.
“This individual downloaded and stored images and videos of very young children being sexually abused, and repeatedly viewed them for his sexual gratification and pleasure,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “Prison is exactly where he belongs, and the Desoto County Sheriff’s Office and FBI deserve our gratitude for helping to remove him from society.”
The Desoto County Sheriff’s Department and FBI Oxford Resident Agency investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. Kline prosecuted the case.
Tupelo Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Tupelo man was sentenced today to 200 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.
According to court documents, Jeremy K. Mairidith, 40, was convicted following his guilty plea in November of leading a drug trafficking organization which conspired to sell and distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. On Thursday morning, U.S. District Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Mairidith after hearing arguments and comments from Mairidith, his counsel, and prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner stated: “Today’s sentence demonstrates that individuals and drug trafficking organizations who bring narcotics and violence into our communities will not be tolerated. Our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who worked this investigation for years should be proud that the individuals involved were finally brought to justice.”
Mairidith is one of nine defendants convicted for his role in the drug trafficking organization.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and FBI Jackson Division’s Oxford Resident Agency investigated the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods programs in partnership with state and local law enforcement. Multiple agencies played critical roles in the investigation, including the Tupelo Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, North Mississippi Narcotics Unit, DEA, Corinth Police Department, Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Highway Patrol, United States Postal Inspection Service, Mississippi Department of Corrections and the United States Marshal’s Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad M. Doleac, Jay Hale and Scott Leary prosecuted the case.
This operation was one of many parts of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Cleveland Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegal Use of Firearms and Distributing a Substance Containing FentanylRead the Press Release
Oxford, MS – A Cleveland, Mississippi man was sentenced on Tuesday to 117 months in prison for his role in distributing a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Davion Hunter a/k/a “D,” 38, previously pled guilty to two counts of an indictment charging that he aided and abetted the distribution of a substance containing fentanyl and that he possessed a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and records, Hunter distributed narcotics to an FBI confidential informant, and also arranged for a third individual to sell heroin and multiple firearms to the same informant. Following that transaction, the DEA laboratory analyzed the substance sold as heroin and confirmed it contained fentanyl. On Tuesday morning, U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock sentenced Hunter to almost 10 years in prison after hearing arguments and comments from Hunter, his counsel, and a prosecutor from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“The prosecution of individuals who illegally possess and use guns and who distribute illicit drugs has always been a priority in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi,” remarked U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “These prosecutions are especially significant as we see an increase in the number of illicit controlled substances in our District that contain fentanyl and overdose deaths that result. The distribution of illegal narcotics is not a “victimless crime,” and this office remains committed to working with law enforcement partners to ensure that those who participate in the distribution of illegal narcotics in our community are held accountable for the full range of their illegal acts.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby also commented on the sentence. " The FBI remains committed to collaboratively reducing the negative impact bad actors cause to the public through the distribution of illegal narcotics, as well as the use of unauthorized firearms in the furtherance of their crimes,” remarked Fomby. “The inclusion of fentanyl exponentially adds danger to the community which often ends in fatalities. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate these matters in the same manner we brought Mr. Hunter to justice."
The FBI Jackson Division’s Oxford Resident Agency investigated the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDEFT) and Project Safe Neighborhoods programs in partnership with state and local law enforcement. Multiple agencies played critical roles in the investigation, including the Cleveland Police Department, ATF, DEA, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hale prosecuted the case.
This operation was one of many parts of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.