Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On August 25, 2026, a Pearl River man pleaded guilty to Production of Child Pornography.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger and Robert Eickhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Eli Joe, 22, knowingly enticed or coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct that were sent to Joe using the internet.
Joe is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2027, and faces not less than 15 years up to 30 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Trails Task Force, who investigated the case. The Safe Trails Task Force is comprised of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Choctaw Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and various state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 8 Years for being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced on Friday, August 21, 2026, to 96 months of incarceration for being a felon in possession of a firearm in Hinds County.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Derrick Demond Epps, 44, was found by Jackson Police Department to be in possession of a firearm on September 14, 2025, during an altercation in front of a local convenient store in South Jackson. Epps had previous felony convictions including aggravated assault.
Epps was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 13, 2026, and pleaded guilty on April 17, 2026.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the FBI as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
West Virginia Man Found Guilty of Coercion and Enticement of Minor and Interstate Travel to Engage in Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A West Virginia man was found guilty on two federal charges at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial that concluded on August 20, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger and Matthew Reidell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of HSI Gulfport.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Joshua Timothy Radcliffe, 43, of Charleston, West Virginia, used the internet and a cellular phone to coerce and entice a minor child in Mississippi to engage in sexual activity. Testimony during the trial established that Radcliffe traveled from West Virginia to Mississippi to meet the 15-year-old minor. Testimony and evidence further established that Radcliffe sent thousands of sexually explicit messages and coerced the minor to engage in sexual activity.
In November 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Radcliffe for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexually Explicit Conduct.
Radcliffe’s sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2026. He faces a minimum penalty of not less than 10 years, and a maximum penalty up to life and is currently being held in federal custody.
“Protecting children from predators is one of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who abuse our children and seek the toughest penalties authorized by law,” said United States Attorney Baxter Kruger.
“Individuals who hold positions of public trust are expected to protect the vulnerable, not exploit them,” said Matthew Reidell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of HSI Gulfport. “This verdict underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to investigating those who use positions of influence, technology, or access to target children, and to working with our partners to ensure they are held accountable.”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Madison Police Department, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Division. West Virginia law enforcement also assisted with the investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Glenda Haynes and Kimberly Purdie, and former Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Goff.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Evading $2M in TaxesRead the Press Release
A Mississippi man pleaded guilty yesterday to evading the payment of more than $2 million in federal income taxes.
According to court documents, Eric Brian Rosenberg tried to hide money from the government after he learned that an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revenue officer was trying to collect the income taxes that he owed.
Between 2016 and 2020, in a practice known as “check churning,” Rosenberg repeatedly removed most of the funds from his checking account by purchasing a cashier’s check, and holding that check until he wanted cash. When Rosenberg wanted money, he would deposit the cashier’s check into his bank account, withdraw the cash he wanted, and remove the unspent funds via another cashier’s check. Later, Rosenberg took additional steps to avoid paying the taxes he owed by forming a company, opening a bank account in the company’s name, depositing money into that nominee bank account, and continuing to churn checks. At the same time, from 2016 through 2021, Rosenberg spent over $1 million gambling at casinos.
Rosenberg pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 16 and 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.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Evading $2 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi man pleaded guilty today to evading the payment of more than $2 million in federal income taxes.
According to court documents, Eric Brian Rosenberg tried to hide money from the government after he learned that an IRS revenue officer was trying to collect the income taxes that he owed.
Between 2016 and 2020, in a practice known as “check churning,” Rosenberg repeatedly removed most of the funds from his checking account by purchasing a cashier’s check, and holding that check until he wanted cash. When Rosenberg wanted money, he would deposit the cashier’s check into his bank account, withdraw the cash he wanted, and remove the unspent funds via another cashier’s check. Later, Rosenberg took additional steps to avoid paying the taxes he owed by forming a company, opening a bank account in the company’s name, depositing money into that nominee bank account, and continuing to churn checks. At the same time, from 2016 through 2021, Rosenberg spent over $1 million gambling at casinos.
Rosenberg pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026, and 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.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Florida Man Sentenced to 48 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Miami, Florida man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. A sentence of 24 months was imposed as to the conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge. A sentence of 24 months was also imposed as to each of the two aggravated identity theft charges. The sentences for the aggravated identity theft charges were imposed to run concurrently to each other, but consecutively to the conspiracy to commit bank fraud charge for a total of 48 months.
According to court documents, and statements made in open court, Guy Gerral Georges, 32, conspired with another person in a scheme that utilized fraudulent ATM cards to obtain thousands of dollars. Georges used a card programming device, in conjunction with information provided to him by his co-conspirator, to access the bank accounts of numerous individuals through various ATM machines. Thanks to the quick action of law enforcement officers, Georges was stopped and arrested in the midst of the scheme. The funds that Georges gained through fraud were seized during a search of the car he was using. Those funds were returned to the affected bank, and the bank refunded the amounts wrongfully taken from its customers.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Georges on March 4, 2025. Georges pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft on October 14, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Glaze; and Lynn Fitch, Mississippi Attorney General, made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Herbert S. Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
Canton Man Connected to Madison Timber Ponzi Scheme Sentenced to 20 months for PerjuryRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Canton man was sentenced to 20 months in prison for perjury.
According to court documents, on February 25, 2026, William Byrd McHenry, Jr., 79, a federal jury found defendant guilty of making false statements under oath. On October 1, 2018, a civil suit was filed against McHenry and others to recover monies for victims of the Lamar Adams - Madison Timber Properties multi-state Ponzi scheme involving more than one hundred million dollars and hundreds of victims spanning a number of years. McHenry recruited others to invest in the scheme. A court judgment against McHenry for $3,473,230 was obtained in the civil suit on August 16, 2019. This was the amount the court determined McHenry owed to the victims. The court-appointed receiver, charged with recouping money for the victims, later examined McHenry under oath in a judgement-debtor examination when she could not recover any monies from McHenry towards satisfaction of the judgment. During the examination, McHenry lied about assets that could have been used to partially satisfy the civil judgment against him. More specifically, McHenry was asked directly about certain assets and whether he had sold them during the pendency of his own personal bankruptcy, which he filed after the $3,473,320 judgment. He falsely denied selling any such assets.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
“McHenry believed he could evade justice by committing perjury to avoid accountability. Today’s sentence proves otherwise. Making false statements under oath and attempting to obstruct justice will not be tolerated. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to uncover, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle finance and illicit fraud schemes-and to pursue justice and restitution for the victims affected by them.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
Crystal Springs Man Sentenced to Statutory Maximum of 15 Years Imprisonment for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Crystal Springs man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, which is the statutory maximum.
According to court documents, on December 29, 2024, Crystal Springs Police found Anthony Charles Wilson, 48, in possession of a firearm when executing a warrant for his arrest for rape. The victim of the rape identified the firearm found on Wilson as the same firearm he used during the course of sexually assaulting her, in the presence of her minor child, on a date prior to his arrest. On March 4, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Wilson for felon in possession of a firearm, and on September 8, 2025, Wilson pled guilty to possessing the firearm on the day of his arrest. Wilson will not be eligible for parole in his federal sentence because there is no parole in the federal system. He now faces a six-count indictment in Copiah County for rape, kidnapping (two counts), aggravated assault (two counts), and armed robbery. Those charges are separate from and in addition to the federal charge for which he has now been sentenced to 15 years.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Crystal Springs Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Leake County Man Found Guilty of Attempted Coercion of MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Leake County man was found guilty on three federal charges at the conclusion of a seven-day jury trial that concluded on August 11, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Jackson, announced U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office.
According to court documents, Edison Jefferson, 41, of the Red Water Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation used the internet and a cellular phone to contact a person in Texas that he believed to be a 15-year-old minor. Testimony during the trial established that the person he was actually communicating with was an undercover police officer posing as a 15-year-old minor. Testimony further established that he sent sexually explicit messages, requested nude images, and attempted to coerce the person he believed to be a minor to travel to Mississippi from Texas for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity.
In January of 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Jefferson on the charges of Attempted Coercion and Enticement, Attempted Coercion and Enticement to Travel to Engage in Sexual Activity, and Attempted Production of Child Pornography.
Honorable Henry T. Wingate, United States District Judge, presided over the trial and scheduled Jefferson’s sentencing for November 9, 2026. Jefferson faces a minimum penalty of not less than 15 years, and a maximum penalty up to life. He is currently being held in federal custody.
United States Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department in Abeline, Texas, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Trails Task Force, who investigated the case.
The Safe Trails Task Force is comprised of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Choctaw Police Department, Leake County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, and various state and local law enforcement agencies.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Natchez Man Sentenced to Year in Prison for Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Natchez man was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for possession of a stolen firearm.
According to court documents, Patrick Montrell Harris, 34, stole a pistol from the property room of the Centreville Police Department and later sold it to a pawn shop while he was an officer with CPD.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Denham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Capitol Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Meridian Man Sentenced for Making a Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Meridian man was sentenced on July 29, 2026 to 36 months in prison for threatening to unlawfully damage and destroy a building on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Gabriel Billie, Director of Choctaw Public Safety for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
According to court documents, Joshua Mark Davis, 37, of Meridian, used a phone inside the Silver Star Hotel & Casino of the Pearl River Resort on the Choctaw Indian Reservation to make a bomb threat.
In May of 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Davis and on March 19, 2026, Davis entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
On July 29, 2026, Davis was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Davis was also fined $1,500.
U.S. Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over Six Years for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Capitol Police were patrolling a local hotel known for drug activity when they observed Michael Kwanmaine Fields, 34, and another man seated inside a vehicle late at night. When officers exited their vehicles, they smelled marijuana emitting from Field’s vehicle and subsequently discovered firearms and drugs inside it. Field’s has prior felony convictions for manslaughter, aggravated assault, and felon in possession of a firearm. Because of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Fields will not be eligible for parole because there is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Denham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Capitol Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Pearl River Man Sentenced for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Pearl River man was sentenced today to 80 months in prison for possession of firearm by convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Director Gabriel Billie of Choctaw Public Safety made the announcement.
According to court documents, Jehovah Horace Dixon, 25, was found to be in possession of a firearm on the Choctaw Indian Reservation after he had previously been convicted of felony offense.
In June of 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Dixon and on April 28, 2026, Dixon entered a plea of guilty to the charge.
On July 29, 2026, Dixon was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Dixon was also fined $1,500.
The conviction was a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Trails Task Force which is comprised of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Choctaw Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and various state and local law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Safe Trails Task Force, the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and the Choctaw Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Ukrainian-Israeli Citizen Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Fake Brokerage SchemeRead the Press Release
Yaroslav Shilkloper, 50, a dual citizen of Ukraine and Israel, was sentenced today to four years in prison for his participation in a conspiracy that utilized a sophisticated phony brokerage-business to scam U.S. citizens out of millions of dollars. Shilkloper was also ordered to pay a $250,000 fine and $1.43 million in restitution to his victims.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Shilkloper and his co-conspirators defrauded victims in the United States of more than $3 million dollars by promising high rates of return on investments made through their “K6 Investing,” “Neotron Holding LTD.,” and “Goldex Technology” companies. As part of the scheme, the defendant provided access to a digital platform that allowed victims to see what they believed were real-time investment performance data. The victims’ money, however, was never invested, but instead diverted and laundered through a series of bank accounts in Ukraine, Georgia, Hungary, Israel, Czech Republic, and elsewhere, all controlled by Shilkloper and his co-conspirators. When victims attempted to withdraw their money, they were prevented from doing so, threatened with legal action, or manipulated into sending more money to the fraud ring.
Shilkloper is the first of three defendants charged in the case to be sentenced. He was extradited from Poland after being arrested there in 2023. Today’s U.S. forfeiture order adds to the $2.8 million already previously returned to the victims as a result of forfeiture proceedings against Shilkloper and co-conspirators in the Republic of Georgia.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The HSI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Justin G. Bish of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter McCreight for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Polish authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Shilkloper.
Two Civil Complaints Filed in the Southern District of Mississippi as Part of National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi announces the filing of two civil enforcement actions against four defendants seeking civil and monetary penalties for their violations of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention Control Action of 1970 (“Controlled Substances Act” or “CSA”). The two civil complaints filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
“These cases demonstrate that we will hold accountable those who exploit the rules implemented to protect against the diversion of opioids,” said U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger. “Our office is committed to working with state and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute those who contribute to prescription drug abuse and health care fraud.”
The charges announced by U.S. Attorney Kruger are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
The Southern District of Mississippi, in particular, worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration to investigate and pursue these cases filed during the Takedown:
According to the filed civil complaint, defendant Clint’s Pharmacy, formerly owned and operated by defendant Clint Bane, located in Brookhaven, Mississippi, could not account for 11,853 controlled substance pills following on-site regulatory inspections. Each unaccounted pill constitutes a CSA recordkeeping violation. The United States alleges two claims: (1) refusal to comply with CSA record-keeping requirements, which carries a penalty of up to $19,246 for each violation and (2) unlawful dispensing of a controlled substance, which carries a penalty of up to $82,950 for each violation. This case is being handled by James E. Graves, III of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.
The United States alleges in a second complaint, that defendant Rommel Asagwara, age 42, of Kansas City, Missouri, and owner of Lemmor Holdings, LLC d/b/a Dream Weight Clinic, negligently dispensed controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice. As alleged in the complaint, Asagwara, while operating Dream Weight Clinic, failed to keep controlled substances at the registered location and failed to maintain adequate records and inventory of over 433,000 controlled substances. The United States is seeking over $8 billion for each of the 433,000 unaccounted for pills and other CSA violations. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown are available on the Department’s website here.
An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Third Georgia Man Sentenced for Pharmacy Burglary and Possesion of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – On July 16, 2026, a Riverdale, Georgia man was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment for his role in a pharmacy burglary and possession of stolen firearms.
According to documents and information presented to the court, Brian Garland, 35, and his two co-defendants, Glenn McDowell and Octavious Franklin, traveled from Georgia to Biloxi, Mississippi, where two of them broke into a pharmacy and stole multiple types of controlled substances, while the third acted as the getaway driver. In addition, they stole several firearms from the pharmacy before traveling back to Georgia.
Garland and his co-defendants were ultimately identified by law enforcement because in addition to the controlled substances and firearms, the defendants stole an old wallet belonging to the pharmacy owner. While on their way back to Georgia, Garland and his co-defendants attempted to use the pharmacy owner’s bank/credit cards to purchase gas at a gas station in Alabama. But, the cards did not work. Instead, they used one of Garland’s debit cards and then discarded the pharmacy owner’s wallet.
A good Samaritan found the pharmacy owner’s wallet, contacted the pharmacy owner, and made sure the wallet was returned to him. Within the wallet, the pharmacy owner found Garland’s debit card. Surveillance footage from the gas station allowed law enforcement to identify Garland and his co-defendants. The footage also tied them to the pharmacy burglary based on their clothing. Finally, law enforcement officers were able to obtain electronic evidence from multiple cell phones that tied all of the defendants to the offenses.
McDowell was previously sentenced to 169 months imprisonment. Franklin was also sentenced to 169 months imprisonment. All the Defendants were also ordered to pay over $80,000.00 in restitution to the victims of the offense.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge, John Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Biloxi Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A Jackson man pleaded guilty on July 15th in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Aljordan Cannon, 28, unlawfully acquired and used $16,968.72 in SNAP benefits from August 12, 2023, to November 19, 2023. Cannon obtained the benefits from his girlfriend, Jarane Bines, who was at the relevant time a Customer Service Representative for Conduent. Conduent plays a key role in EBT processing by partnering directly with state governments to manage the distribution of benefits such as SNAP. Bines used her position with Conduent to access and obtain SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits belonging to recipients throughout the United States without authorization.
SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. TANF benefits are intended for low-income families with children under the age of 18.
Cannon pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 22, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Bines pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud on January 23, 2026, and was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to four years’ probation with 120 days home detention with electronic monitoring. Bines was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $39,208.53.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and United States Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk made the announcement.
The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Theft on ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Pearl River man pleaded guilty on July 7, 2026, to the charge of theft of a motor vehicle from the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Sheriff Eric Clark, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department.
According to court documents, Joshua Hickman, 30, of the Pearl River Community, unlawfully took a motor vehicle from the Silver Star Hotel & Casino of the Pearl River Resort. Court documents also stated that Hickman was driving the vehicle when he was stopped by a Neshoba County Deputy on October 25, 2025, during a routine traffic stop.
In January of 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Hickman on the charge. Hickman pleaded guilty to the charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2026. Hickman faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger commended the work of the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department and the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who jointly investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Mississippi Man Sentenced for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS — A Mississippi man was sentenced on July 2, 2026, to 27 months for illegally buying and selling firearms that were later resold and subsequently recovered at multiple crime scenes.
According to court documents, between March 15, 2022, and July 27, 2023, Jonathan Levon Warner, 28, of Jackson, Mississippi, purchased at least 33 firearms, primarily Glocks, at gun stores and shows in the Southern District of Mississippi and elsewhere. Warner and another individual purchased these firearms to resell for profit to an individual from Chicago. Neither Warner nor the other individual possessed a federal firearms license to resell the guns. The individual from Chicago would travel to Jackson, Mississippi to purchase the firearms and pay Warner with cash or send him money using Cashapp. Nine firearms that Warner purchased and later resold were recovered in the Chicago area by law enforcement. At least five of the firearms were recovered by law enforcement during suspected crimes; three of which were recovered from individuals who could not lawfully possess a firearm, i.e., did not possess a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or Concealed Carry License (CCL), or were convicted felons. Six of the nine firearms were recovered in the Chicago area within nine months or less of the purchase date.
According to court documents, Warner admitted to law enforcement that he sold approximately 20 but no more than 40 firearms to the individual from Chicago. Warner also admitted that he would make a profit of $200 to $300 per firearm. Warner plead guilty on April 7 to the unlicensed firearms dealing charge.
“The illegal sale of firearms often arms the most dangerous criminals in our communities and directly contributes to ongoing violence,” said United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger. “I commend the Special Agents of ATF and our prosecutors for holding Warner accountable.”
“This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for public safety – illegally buying and selling guns without a license to individuals and convicted felons that resulted in violent crime incidents in Chicago,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Denham. “ATF will continue to work alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure these offenders are removed from our communities and held fully accountable with significant sentences to be served in prison.”
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Denham of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF investigated this case.
Trial Attorney Lakeita Rox-Love and Deputy Chief Kelly Pearson of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amber Jones and Matt Allen for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 27 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation, Cyberstalking, and Sextortion OffensesRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced on July 2, 2026, to 27.5 years in federal prison for charges relating to a “sextortion” scheme that targeted multiple victims, including minors, across several states. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to his victims.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Marquez Cameron Jones Weston, 24, operated a “sextortion” scheme in which he engaged in cyberstalking, interstate threats, extortion, attempted production of child pornography, and transportation of child pornography over the internet. As part of the scheme, Weston attempted to and did extort money and sexually explicit photographic images and videos from numerous female victims, some of whom were minors, over the internet.
Weston was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern Division of the Southern District of Mississippi on September 25, 2024. Weston pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography over the internet, extortion, and cyberstalking on February 20, 2025.
“The facts in this case are some of the most egregious and disturbing I have ever seen. I am proud of the professionalism demonstrated by our investigative and prosecutorial team who worked diligently to bring justice to the victims of Weston’s heinous crimes,” stated United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Sam Houston State University Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly T. Purdie and Dave Fulcher prosecuted the case.
The FBI provides the following six tips on how people can protect themselves from sextortion schemes:
- Be selective about what you share online. If your social media accounts are open to everyone, a predator may be able to figure out a lot of information about you.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages from strangers.
- Be aware that people can pretend to be anything or anyone online. Videos and photos are not proof that people are who they claim to be. Images can be altered or stolen. In some cases, predators have even taken over the social media accounts of their victims.
- Be suspicious if you meet someone on one game or app and this person asks you to start talking on a different platform.
- Be in the know. Any content you create online—whether it is a text message, photo, or video—can be made public. And nothing actually “disappears” online. Once you send something, you don’t have any control over where it goes next.
- Be willing to ask for help. If you are getting messages or requests online that don’t seem right, block the sender, report the behavior to the site administrator, or go to an adult. If you have been victimized online, tell someone.
If you, your child, or someone you know is being exploited via sextortion, contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or report it online at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Additional resources can found at Sextortion and Financially Motivated Sextortion — FBI. If you believe you are a victim in this particular case, please also contact the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Madison Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Medicare Kickback ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Madison man was sentenced on June 30th to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and to offer, pay, solicit, and receive kickbacks.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Auzie Phillip Smith, Jr., 68, of Madison, Mississippi worked as a marketer for various diagnostic laboratories, acting as a middleman between the laboratories and the medical providers. Smith solicited and received kickbacks from the laboratories in exchange for referrals of biological specimens and orders for molecular diagnostic testing of toenails, and in turn, induced providers to refer biological specimens and orders for unnecessary molecular diagnostic testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks. In total, the diagnostic laboratories submitted over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare that were procured by the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, medically unnecessary, and ineligible for reimbursement, and that laboratories were reimbursed over $500,000 for these claims.
Smith was also ordered to pay $544,822.68 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; Acting Health Care Fraud Chief Jacob Foster; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Acting Assistant Chief Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
MS-13 Inmate Sentenced for Assault on Prison StaffRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A federal judge sentenced Bryan Galicia-Barillas, 29, a Guatemalan national and former inmate at Yazoo Correctional Complex on June 30, 2026, to 18 months of incarceration for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees of the United States. Galicia-Barillas had previously pleaded guilty and was serving a sentence from 2018 for conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy, involving his participation in the MS-13 gang-related murders.
Galicia-Barillas was convicted at trial on March 16, 2026, where he was found guilty of having struck a senior Bureau of Prisons official in the head with his fists during lunch on or about May 28, 2025. Galicia-Barillas will be required to serve today’s sentence consecutive to his previous sentence in the Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
Magee Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Magee man was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison in for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, joint operations between the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Santos Vidal Estrada, 35, was distributing dangerous narcotics from his residence in Simpson County. Following multiple operations, a federal search warrant at Estrada’s home on October 23, 2025, found more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine. A criminal complaint was filed on October 24, 2025, and Estrada was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 5, 2025. Estrada pleaded guilty on February 18, 2026.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline). HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mississippi Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Diamondhead, Mississippi woman was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $928,988.37 in restitution for wire fraud.
According to court documents, Bobbie Jean Margiotta, 65, worked as bookkeeper for a physician located in Hancock County, Mississippi. Over the course of nearly seven years, Margiotta stole $928,988.37 from the physician and his companies. Part of her scheme involved the use of interstate wires.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs
Gulfport Man Sentenced to Life for Fentanyl Offenses and 300 Months for Conspiracy to Tamper with WitnessesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Gulfport man was sentenced May 29th, 2026 to life in prison for fentanyl offenses and 300 months in prison for conspiracy to commit witness tampering.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during trial, while Agee was serving a prison sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Beaumont, Texas, he ran a drug trafficking conspiracy based in Gulfport, Mississippi. Agee directed other members of the conspiracy to make fentanyl sales, transfer the proceeds of fentanyl sales, and store fentanyl through messaging applications, text messages, and video calls on a contraband cell phone. He also arranged for the shipment of fentanyl from Mexico to Gulfport, Mississippi for distribution. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized over 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, which was attributable to Agee’s drug conspiracy. Ultimately, the total amount of fentanyl attributable to Agee’s conspiracy was over 4 kilograms.
Shortly before trial began, law enforcement discovered that Agee was actively conspiring with others to tamper with the Government’s witnesses. He was subsequently charged with conspiracy to commit witness tampering. He pleaded guilty to that offense.
“We will continue to aggressively pursue those traffickers who flood our communities with poison. This case demonstrates that organized crime can operate from anywhere.” said U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger. “I commend my prosecutors and law enforcement partners their life saving work and continued commitment to this effort.”
"Fentanyl is a devastating plague on our communities, and the lengths to which this individual went to sustain his criminal enterprise – using contraband phones from prison and conspiring to tamper with government witnesses – demonstrates a complete disregard for human life and the law," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. "Thanks to the seamless, coordinated efforts of our law enforcement partners, a major source of synthetic opioids has been permanently dismantled, ensuring our neighborhoods are safer today."
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Gulfport Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and Federal Bureau of Prisons, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hunter McCreight and Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case
Rankin County Woman Sentenced to 37 months for Misappropriating Disabled Veteran Benefit FundsRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Rankin County woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, for misusing Veterans Benefit Administration money entrusted to her to benefit a disabled Army Veteran. The total loss of taxpayer funds was $276,450.31. As part of the sentence, the loss amount was ordered payable as restitution to the veteran victim.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Darla Storey, 57, began serving as a fiduciary on March 18, 2016, and was responsible for managing the financial affairs of her adult son who was permanently disabled and wheelchair-bound due to service-connected disabilities. As part of her fiduciary duties, Darla Storey had agreed and was required to use funds entrusted to her solely for the veteran’s benefit, to file regular accountings, and to never commingle the funds.
During her five years as a fiduciary, Darla Storey misappropriated VA funds by using them for her own benefit through transferring the money to her personal bank account, purchasing a vehicle the beneficiary never used, paying bills, and taking trips even when the beneficiary was not living with her. She routinely failed to file proper accountings and used funds entrusted to her for the disabled veteran for her own benefit.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
The Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – Level Allen was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Additionally, once released, he will be placed on supervised release for four years.
According to court documents, and statement made in open court, Allen sold methamphetamine from a Jackson motel on multiple occasions. Allen was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pled guilty in January 2026.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi; ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson; and DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer made the announcement.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson woman pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Ashley Jefferson, 25, unlawfully acquired and used SNAP benefits from December 2022 to September 2023. Jefferson was a Customer Service Representative Manager for Conduent from May 6, 2019 to September 29, 2023. Jefferson used her position to access and obtain $77,844.43 in SNAP benefits belonging to recipients throughout the United States without authorization.
Jefferson also under-reported her income on her own SNAP and TANF applications. Jefferson failed to report her Conduent income to the Mississippi Department of Human Services from February 2, 2022 to August 28, 2023. Thus, Jefferson received an additional $2,115 in SNAP benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
Jefferson pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and United States Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk made the announcement.
The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Carbondale, Illinois man pleaded guilty today to Second Degree Murder.
According to court documents, and statements made in open court, John S. Andrews, 42, killed a person, referred to in the indictment by the initials C.S., with malice aforethought. Both Andrews and C.S. were inmates in the Yazoo City, Mississippi Federal Correctional Complex. Andrews killed C.S. by beating C.S. and causing blunt force trauma to C.S.’s head. Those injuries resulted in C.S.’s death. It is contrary to federal law to unlawfully kill someone with malice aforethought on federal property, such as a federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff; and BOP Director William K. Marshall III made the announcement.
“The Federal Bureau of Prisons remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our institutions for both staff and inmates,” said Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III. “Acts of violence within our facilities will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable for criminal conduct.”
Andrews pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of any term of years up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Herbert S. Carraway, Charles W. Kirkham, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael FiggsGanter are prosecuting the case.
Woman Sentenced for Assault on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On May 20, 2026, a Pearl River woman was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for an assault that occurred on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. Additionally, once she is released, she will be placed on supervised release for three years.
According to court documents, Amery Renee Ketcher, 31, used a knife to assault another tribal member resulting in serious bodily injury. Ketcher was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2025 and pleaded guilty to the charge in February of 2026.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger and Gabriel Billie, Director of Choctaw Public Safety, made the announcement.
The Choctaw Police Department investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Decatur Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Decatur man pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, LaJason Jones a/k/a J Rock, 45, of Decatur, conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jones sold substances containing methamphetamine on multiple occasions, and methamphetamine was found at his residence during the execution of a search warrant.
Jones pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2026, 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. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent inCharge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, made the announcement.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Allen and Kevin Payne are prosecuting the case.
Madison Man Pleads Guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Madison man pleaded guilty on Wednesday, May 13th in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers stopped Cornelius Ellis and another man on September 13, 2024, in Hinds County and discovered that Ellis was in possession of a handgun at the intersection of Ridgeway and Missouri Street. At the time of the stop, Ellis had previously been convicted of two felony offenses in Hinds County including aggravated assault by firearm in 2015 where he served an eight-year sentence in the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Cornelius Ellis is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Conehatta Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On May 14, 2026, a Conehatta man was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for sexual abuse of a minor. Additionally, once he is released, he will be placed on supervised release for an additional twenty years.
According to court documents, Quindon Bailey John, 24, engaged in sexual activity with two minors under the age of sixteen. John was indicted by a federal grand jury in February of 2024, and pleaded guilty to the charge in July of 2025.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement.
The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.
Third Sibling Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A man from Yazoo City pleaded guilty Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food. He is the third sibling to plead guilty to stealing SNAP benefits.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Christopher Hill, 43, of Yazoo City unlawfully acquired and used approximately $116,893.48 in SNAP benefits from approximately August 2022 through November 2023, by virtue of his sister’s employment as a Customer Service Representative for Conduent. Conduent plays a key role in EBT processing by partnering directly with state governments to manage the distribution of benefits such as SNAP. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger.
Hill pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud and will be sentenced on August 21, 2026. Hill’s sister, Kizzie Hill, pleaded guilty to the same crime on December 19, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing. Both defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hill’s brother, Adrian Hill, pleaded guilty in May 2025, and was sentenced on February 11, 2026 to five years’ probation with one year of home confinement.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and United States Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk made the announcement.
The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Former Gymnastics Coach Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A former gymnastics coach pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to three counts of production of child sexual abuse material after he secretly videotaped gymnasts in the bathroom of the gym where he coached.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Sean Gardner, 39, of West Des Moines, Iowa, used his access to children as a gymnastics coach in Purvis, Mississippi to surreptitiously record minors changing clothes and using the bathroom. The investigation began after reports were made to the U.S. Center for SafeSport alleging that Gardner, while working as a gymnastics coach, engaged in inappropriate conduct involving minor athletes. SafeSport forwarded the allegations to law enforcement, which led to a joint investigation by local and federal authorities.
During the execution of a search warrant at Gardner’s Iowa residence, law enforcement seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic examination revealed numerous images and videos depicting minor children – some under the age of 12 – in states of undress that appeared to have been recorded using a concealed camera. Investigators determined that several of the recordings were made in a restroom at a gym in Purvis, Mississippi, where Gardner previously worked. The evidence included multiple files dated as early as 2017 and 2018, and investigators identified several of the minors depicted as former gymnastics students.
If you are a parent of a child that has at any point been under the instruction of Gardner, the FBI has set up a website to provide you with resources and further information about this case: https://forms.fbi.gov/seeking-victim-information-in-sean-michael-gardner-investigation.
“This is one of the most reprehensible crimes prosecuted by my office,” said United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger. “Coach Sean Gardner exploited his position to abuse and exploit those children he was entrusted to mentor and care for. Justice demands that we relentlessly pursue these predators, and we remain resolute in our commitment to protecting our children. I commend the tireless work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, whose dedication ensured that this defendant was brought to justice and that the victims’ voices were heard.”
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, Robert A. Eikhoff, remarked, “Every child deserves to feel safe and never be victimized by someone they trust. Sean Gardner’s reprehensible acts of manipulating and abusing children, and betraying their parents’ trust, have been brought to an end. When children are harmed, the FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, will employ every resource available to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”
Gardner pleaded guilty to three counts of production of child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 90 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Des Moines Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Purdie and Lee Smith are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jackson Man Involved in Shooting Pleads Guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man pleaded guilty on Friday, April 17th in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers responded to a shooting at Robinson Street on September 15, 2025 in Jackson. The investigation revealed that Derrick Epps, 44, was in possession of a firearm, pursued, and confronted another man outside of a convenience store before opening fire. At the time of the shooting, Epps had previously been convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault by firearm, and assault on a law enforcement officer, all in Hinds County.
Epps is scheduled to be sentenced on July 23, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A tribal member pleaded guilty on April 28, 2026, to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office.
According to court documents, Jehovah Horace Dixon, 25, of the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation, was found in possession of a firearm on June 4, 2025. Dixon had previously been convicted of felony fleeing in the Circuit Court of Neshoba County in October of 2023. Dixon’s arrest was a result of the collaborative work of the FBI’s Safe Trails Task Force.
In June of 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Dixon on the firearms charge. Dixon is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2026, and he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of incarceration. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Safe Trails Task Force (STTF) is a collaborative effort between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Indian Country and surrounding communities. The STTF works with a variety of partners, including tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The STTF has been a key part of the FBI’s partnerships in Indian Country for almost 30 years and has been a presence on the Choctaw Indian Reservation since 2022.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger commended the work of the Safe Trails Task Force, which included the FBI, the Choctaw Police Department, and the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, who all investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Device-Making EquipmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to 16 months in federal prison for illegally possessing credit card encoding devices.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2024, Sean Matthew Langston, Jr., 33, of Columbus, Ohio, was arrested in Rankin County following a traffic stop wherein he and his co-defendant, John Carleton Johnson, Jr., were found to be in possession of approximately 322 gift cards, seventeen reencoded instruments containing stolen bank card data, and two magstripe encoding devices. Langston and Johnson could be seen on CCTV footage at various retail stores throughout the Jackson metropolitan area purchasing gift cards with known cloned instruments.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Langston and Jonson on February 20, 2025. Langston pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession, production, or trafficking in device-making equipment with intent to defraud on December 11, 2025. Johnson pleaded guilty to the same charge on June 30, 2025, and was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment on November 3, 2025. Both men were ordered to pay fines.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Glaze, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force with assistance from the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Flowood Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
Madison Man Sentenced for Unlicensed Dealing of GunsRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – Madison resident, Harold Keith Temple, was sentenced last week to three years in prison for unlicensed dealing of guns.
According to court documents, after receiving a warning from federal agents that dealing in firearms without a license violates federal law, Temple sold more than 700 guns at auctions and other locations. At sentencing, the court noted that several of those guns were later used in crimes or found in the possession of convicted felons and arrested persons. Some of the guns have been found outside Mississippi’s borders—in neighboring states and as far away as El Salvador.
Temple was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025. He pled guilty in November 2025.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson, made the announcement.
“This defendant’s actions showed a complete disregard for public safety—illegally selling guns without a license to convicted felons that resulted in violent crime here in the states and as far away as El Salvador,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “ATF will continue to work alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure these offenders are removed from our communities and held fully accountable in federal court with a significant sentence to be served in prison.”
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Lena Man Pleads Guilty to Assault on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Lena man pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026, to the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during a crime of violence on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Jackson Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, Jarvis Ficklin, 37, of Lena, used a shotgun to shoot a tribal member on the Choctaw Indian Reservation which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.
In March of 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Ficklin on the assault and firearms charges. Ficklin pleaded guilty to the charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2026. Ficklin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the assault charge and not less than 10 years on the firearms charge. The sentence for the firearms charge will be served consecutively to the sentence for the assault charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 25th in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers stopped Eugene Cooper, Jr., 50, on March 13, 2024, while he was in possession of a handgun in his vehicle in the metro Jackson area. At the time of the stop, Cooper, Jr. had previously been convicted of burglary and fondling of a child.
Eugene Cooper, Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Making a Bomb ThreatRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Meridian man pleaded guilty on March 19, 2026, to the charge of threatening to unlawfully damage and destroy a building on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Gabriel Billie, Director of Choctaw Public Safety for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
According to court documents, Joshua Mark Davis, 37, of Meridian, used a phone inside the Silver Star Hotel & Casino of the Pearl River Resort on the Choctaw Indian Reservation to make a bomb threat.
In May of 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Davis on the charge. Davis pleaded guilty to the charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026. Davis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. More than 11,000 Fentanyl Pills SeizedRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison on Tuesday, March 17th in federal court for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement identified Roman Walker, 35, as a distributor of narcotics from Hinds County, Mississippi. Court filings reflect that Walker was distributing a “menu” of narcotics, business hours, and prices for different drugs he was selling. On or about January 24, 2023, while executing a search warrant of Walker’s residence, law enforcement discovered large quantities of narcotics including more than 11,000 blue fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine packaged for distribution into the metro Jackson area.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer made the announcement.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery with FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, March 13, for the attempted robbery of a dollar store in Jackson.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 2, 2022, Torrance Stewart, 31, entered a local business with the intent to rob the store with a firearm. Stewart brandished a pistol and threatened the store clerk into retrieving money from the cash register. When the register malfunctioned, Stewart fled on foot. Jackson Police Department (JPD) officers responded and apprehended Stewart in a nearby neighborhood following a foot chase.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating the case with assistance from the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
D’Iberville Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison and 30 years of Supervised Release for Distribution of Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A D’Iberville, Mississippi man was sentenced on March 10, 2026, to 11 years in prison, followed by 30 years of supervised release, for distributing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office.
In October 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received information from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Joshua Budinich, a 26-year-old male, was uploading child sexual abuse material on the Discord and Kik platforms.
Further investigation revealed that the defendant was chatting with other Discord users, sending child sexual abuse material to other users, and trading child sexual abuse material with them.
The defendant pled guilty in November 2025. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Offense Involving over $2 Million LossRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A Hattiesburg, Mississippi man pleaded guilty today to failing to pay over funds that were withheld from employee paychecks announced Southern District of Mississippi United States Attorney Baxter Kruger.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, Duke Kimbrell Rodgers, 68, conducted a business under the name Rodgers Family Pharmacy. From 2013 to 2020, Rodgers withheld over $1,500,828.73 from his employees’ pay for trust fund taxes. However, he failed to remit those funds to the Government. In addition, because of those withholdings and his failure to remit withholdings from his own paycheck, Rodgers submitted fraudulent personal tax forms that resulted in additional $629,831.00 loss. As part of his plea, Rodgers agreed to pay restitution of over $2 million to the Internal Revenue Service.
Rodgers is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2026. He faces a statutory maximum of 5 years imprisonment.
The Internal Revenue Service is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and a Lifetime of Supervised Release for Possession of Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Biloxi, Mississippi man was sentenced March 6, 2026 to 10 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for possessing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office.
In January 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) executed a search warrant at the residence of Terrence Green, a 46-year-old male, in relation to suspected online activity related to the illegal possession of child sexual abuse material.
During the search warrant, law enforcement seized Mr. Green’s cellphone. A forensic analysis of the phone revealed that the defendant possessed numerous images of child sexual abuse material. It was determined that Mr. Green would access child sexual abuse material on the cellphone and take screenshots of the images, therefore saving them onto his device.
The defendant pled guilty for his conduct in October 2025. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A tribal member pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026, to the charge of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office.
According to court documents, Jerithan Keith Willis, 43, of the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation, distributed methamphetamine on the Choctaw Indian Reservation.
In August of 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Willis on the methamphetamine charge. Willis pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 2, 2026. Willis faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is the result of the combined work of the FBI Safe Trails Task Force (STTF). The STTF is a collaborative effort between the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime and drug trafficking in Indian Country and surrounding communities. The STTF comprised of a variety of partners, including tribal, state, and local law enforcement. The STTF has been a key part of the FBI’s partnerships in Indian Country for almost 30 years and has been a presence on the Choctaw Indian Reservation since 2022.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, who all investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
Third Man Pleads Guilty to Committing COVID Related Unemployment Fraud from PrisonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Nachez, Mississippi man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud today.
According to court documents and information presented to the Court, Kev’Veonta Short, 32, conspired with other inmates at the South Mississippi Correctional Institute to submit false unemployment insurance claims during the Covid 19 pandemic. Short provided his personal details to another inmate so that inmate could submit fraudulent unemployment claims on his behalf. Such fraudulent applications were being submitted on behalf of multiple other inmates.
Two of Short’s coconspirators, Adrian Wilson and Aaron Sanders, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2026. Sanders is scheduled to be sentenced on Jun 11, 2026. Short is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2026. The maximum statutory term of imprisonment for Wilson, Sanders, and Short is 20 years.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mississippi Office of the Public Auditor are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Committing COVID Relief Fraud While in PrisonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Louisiana man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court to conspiring with another individual to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance benefits related to the COVID-19 pandemic while he was in prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Travis Thorn, 45, of Monroe, Louisiana, conspired with another individual to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. As an inmate in the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), Thorn was not entitled to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Some of the funds were applied to Thorn’s commissary account.
The unemployment insurance benefits were federally subsidized through the CARES Act in response to the pandemic.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Thorn on March 19, 2025. Thorn pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2026. The maximum statutory term of imprisonment is 20 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Baxter Kruger, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, and Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Southeast Region made the announcement.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force (NUIFTF). In response to the unprecedented scope of Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud, the Department of Justice established the NUIFTF. The NUIFTF is a prosecutor-led multi-agency task force with representatives from FBI, DOL-OIG, IRS-CI, HSI, DHS-OIG, USPIS, USSS, SSA-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and other agencies. Members of the NUIFTF are working with state workforce agencies, financial institutions, and other law enforcement partners across the country to fight UI fraud, and consumers should be vigilant in light of these threats and take the appropriate steps to safeguard themselves.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization that expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
Anyone with information about 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.