Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – A Jackson man was sentenced today to serve 17 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as an armed career criminal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on September 3, 2017, Darius D. Wright, 28, was found by a Jackson police officer sitting in a car behind a Dollar General with a ski mask, ammunition, a bandana, and a shotgun. Wright has two previous felony convictions for house burglary in Hinds County Circuit Court, and one felony conviction for armed robbery in Marion County Circuit Court.
Wright pled guilty on October 21, 2019, to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Two Sentenced on Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Two Jackson men were sentenced to prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Anthony Anderson, 42, and Kenyarder Bell, 40, were sentenced in U.S. District Court on Thursday, October 14, 2021. Anderson was sentenced to 78 months in prison, and Bell was sentenced to 188 months in prison.
On July 8, 2018, Anderson, aided and abetted by Bell, sold methamphetamine to an individual. The drugs were analyzed by the Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory and confirmed to be 26.7 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with 95% purity.
The defendants pled guilty on June 24, 2021 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Fire and Ice,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.
This Operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Jackson Police Department, the Madison Police Department, the Ridgeland Police Department, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Lien Against a Federal AgentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty today to a charge of retaliating against a federal employee by filing a false lien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Field Office.
According to court documents and his plea, Robert Earl Henderson, Jr., 49, knowingly filed an “affidavit of commercial lien” in the Circuit Clerk’s office of Hinds County on July 27, 2018. In this Lien, Mr. Henderson alleged facts of mistreatment by law enforcement officers, including an FBI Special Agent, then Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason, Officers 1-20, and his own attorney. He filed his lien against these parties claiming a debt owed to him from them of $500,000.
Henderson previously testified in a state prosecution against then Hinds County DA Robert Shuler Smith that he carried bribe money from state defendants to Smith on several occasions. That state prosecution relied in part on an FBI agent’s investigation. During the time of his testimony, Henderson had state charges of another bribery and possession of a firearm as a felon pending against him. The state’s charges are currently pending against him.
In retaliation for the state’s decision not to dismiss those charges, Henderson filed the lien against several people including the FBI agent.
Henderson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Former Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Council Member Sentenced to Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - A former member of the Tribal Council for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Roderick Bell, 42, of Philadelphia, was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2019, for defrauding the Choctaw Tribal government. According to court records, between April 2017 and October 2017, Bell forged hotel bills and receipts and submitted those documents to the Tribal government in claims for reimbursement for official business travel. Bell pled guilty on June 29, 2021 to wire fraud.
The sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves was 12 months and one day in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution to the Tribe in the amount of $11,094.15. Bell will surrender on December 6, 2021, to complete his sentence in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons.
“As long as public corruption continues to be an issue in our State, I can promise you that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be here to root it out, prosecute it, and ensure that justice is done. I want to personally thank the agencies involved for working with us to catch those who violate our corruption laws,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein and Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Payne.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court records, Jeffery Rivers, 39, sold almost a pound of pure methamphetamine to an individual in March of 2020. Rivers pled guilty on June 29, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Hailstorm,” which began as an operation targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The FBI Jackson Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Ricky Demarcus Tubbs, 32, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office on August 5, 2019, during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Tubbs had a 9mm caliber pistol in his vehicle. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Tubbs to possess any firearm.
Tubbs is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The ATF and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jackson County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Jackson County man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possessing a sawed-off rifle in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”).
According to court documents, on July 30, 2020, Emmanuel Tyshun Dukes, 29, sold methamphetamine and a sawed-off rifle to an individual in Jackson County. The sawed-off rifle was not registered to Dukes in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The ATF and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of three firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Albert Proctor, 43, was arrested in Jackson on January 17, 2020, for illegally possessing three firearms. Proctor has previous felony convictions for grand larceny, drug possession and manslaughter. He pled guilty on May 6, 2021.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Murray prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian, Mississippi man pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court documents, James Ricky Stewart, Jr., 44, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Meridian Police Department on June 15, 2020, during a traffic stop. Stewart had a .40 caliber pistol in his car. Stewart has four prior felony convictions and it is contrary to federal law for him to possess any firearm.
Stewart is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2022 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Meridian Police Department and the ATF are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, Lakennth JDarrious Smith, 29, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Meridian Police Department on August 29, 2019, during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Two firearms were found in Smith’s residence along with both powder and crack cocaine.
Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2022 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years 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 and the Meridian Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 47 months in federal prison for bank robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court records, Richard Dewayne Jiles, 42, robbed the Trustmark Bank on Medgar Evers Boulevard in Jackson on December 3, 2020. Jiles entered the Trustmark Bank and handed the teller a note stating that she would die if she did not give him $5,000. Jiles left the bank with approximately $4,240 in U.S. currency. Law enforcement learned from Crimestoppers’ tips and witness statements that Jiles was the person that robbed the bank. He was arrested in Rankin County after crashing into another vehicle.
Jiles was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 9, 2021 and he pled guilty on June 3, 2021. He was sentenced on October 5, 2021 to 47 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $4,240 in restitution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Moss Point Man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, on August 21, 2020, Le’Darrius Jamontaie Forrest, 30, was arrested after the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team served a state search warrant on a Moss Point residence where he was the sole occupant. During the search, a rifle, ammunition, methamphetamine, and cocaine were found. The firearm was a stolen Norinco, Model MAK90 Sporter, 7.62 rifle.
Forrest was confirmed to have two, separate Mississippi State felony convictions from the Circuit Court of Jackson County.
Forrest pleaded guilty on July 15, 2021, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case as part of the federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. The centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s crime reduction efforts, PSN is an evidence-based program proven effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together and develop comprehensive solutions. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Mobile Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Mobile, Alabama man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and interstate travel in aid of racketeering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, Gerald Wayne Jones, 66, was the co-owner and operator of a trucking company that transported marijuana and other controlled substances from California to Harrison County, Mississippi for distribution.
Jones pled guilty on July 9, 2021.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annette Williams and Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
Former Jackson Public School Band Volunteer Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for production of child pornography involving minors he met through volunteering with various Jackson Public School bands, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, Jerrell Lea’Shun Jackson, 34, used his association with the Jackson State University Sonic Boom to entice unsuspecting minors to his apartment and the bus barn for sexually explicit conduct and filming. Jackson preyed on the most vulnerable children by fixing their band instruments, giving them a ride home after band practices and buying them food.
Jackson pled guilty on June 14, 2021 to production of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Jackson Public School Campus Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Saucier Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Saucier man pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U. S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Christopher Michael Gelston, 40, knowingly possessed a Ruger 9mm pistol after having been previously convicted of a felony.
Gelston is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Florida man pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court records, on February 24, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle driven by Vincente Aguirre, 29, in Jackson County for a traffic violation. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 400 grams of methamphetamine.
Further investigation revealed that Aguirre had traveled to Texas from Florida to obtain the methamphetamine and was returning to Florida at the time of the traffic stop.
Aguirre will be sentenced on January 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI and the Ocean Springs Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
Prentiss Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Selling Firearms to a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Marquis Jamal Buckley, 27, of Prentiss, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to serve 87 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of supervised release, for selling firearms to a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, on May 4, 2017, Buckley arranged to sell several firearms at an apartment in Hattiesburg. Buckley sold a Davis Industries .38 caliber derringer, a H&R .22 caliber revolver, and one FIE .22 caliber revolver to an individual for $600. Buckley had been previously advised by the individual that he was a convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Buckley pled guilty on April 7, 2021, to selling firearms to a convicted felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.
Vicksburg Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – A Vicksburg man was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for bank robbery, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court records, on August 1, 2018, David Michael Gammill, 45, of Vicksburg, entered Trustmark National Bank located on North Frontage Road in Vicksburg, approached a teller, and said the bank was being robbed. Gammill passed a plastic bag to the teller and demanded money. Gammill told the teller that he possessed a firearm in his coat pocket and, according to bank employees, it appeared as if he did. Gammill’s intimidating behavior caused the teller to hand over money out of fear of bodily injury. Gammill then fled the bank.
Gammill was captured later that day by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Gammill was charged with bank robbery and pled guilty on February 24, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – A Jackson man was sentenced to 50 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on May 5, 2018, Braxton Dontrel Burns, 35, tossed a handgun from a vehicle he was driving when a Jackson Police officer initiated a traffic stop. Burns had a prior conviction for auto burglary in Madison County, Mississippi.
On February 20, 2019, Burns was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty on September 13, 2019.
The Jackson Police Department and Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Hancock County Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Prison for Shooting Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Hancock County man was sentenced today to 257 months in federal prison for assault of a federal officer and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to court documents, on July 21, 2020, a member of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force (USMS agent) was shot in the neck by Joseph Dale Sonnier, while executing an outstanding arrest warrant. Sonnier, 32, had an outstanding arrest warrant from the Hancock County Circuit Court for two counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, two counts of aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The shooting occurred at the Siegel Select Gautier, an extended stay hotel in Gautier. After multiple attempts knocking on Sonnier’s hotel room door and announcing their presence, a woman opened the door and told the USMS agents there was another person (Sonnier) in the room. The USMS agents, from outside of the hotel room doorway, identified themselves as USMS agents and attempted to call Sonnier out. Sonnier, who was sitting in the hotel room bathroom, shot two rounds from a High-Point .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol at the USMS agents. One round fired by Sonnier struck the USMS agent in the neck. Sonnier was taken into custody unharmed. The USMS agent was transported to the hospital and treated for the gunshot wound to his neck.
Sonnier pled guilty on April 1, 2021 to assault of a federal officer and discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced today to 74 months in prison for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to court documents, on January 7, 2021, Gulfport Police officers and ATF agents executed a search warrant on the residence of Connor Higginbotham, 22, as part of investigation into stolen firearms. Agents discovered 12 firearms, several of them capable of receiving high capacity magazines. Officers also discovered approximately 300 grams of marijuana and an unregistered silencer.
Higginbotham pled guilty on June 24, 2021, to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.
Higginbotham received sentencing enhancements for possessing stolen firearms, possessing the firearms in connection with another felony offense, and the number of firearms that he possessed.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Gulfport Police Department, and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Canton Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Canton man pled guilty to knowingly possessing a stolen firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on February 5, 2019, Curtis Tyaun Hart, 21, stole a handgun from the glovebox of an individual’s car. The owner of the handgun filed a police report concerning the theft. The following day, Hart was found by Jackson Police officers with the firearm in his possession.
Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on December 20, 2021, and 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.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent
crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Columbus man pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court documents, Greggory LaShawn Gavin, 44, was found in possession of a firearm by United States Marshals on November 9, 2020, while he was being served with an arrest warrant for an unrelated criminal charge. Gavin has four prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Gavin to possess any firearm.
Gavin is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Marshal Service and the Bureau of ATF are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Guatemalan national was sentenced to 84 months in prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.
According to court documents, Jose Francisco Maldonado-Rosa, 27, was stopped on September 8, 2020, by agents with Homeland Security Investigations after they received information that he was an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Maldonado-Rosa admitted to the presence of a firearm in his vehicle when stopped and that he was in the United States illegally.
Maldonado-Rosa pled guilty on February 26, 2021 to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Murray prosecuted the case.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Reginald D’Mond Kelly, 32, was arrested on August 2, 2019, by officers of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office on charges related to the sale of narcotics. During the course of the arrest, Kelly’s vehicle was searched and the officers found methamphetamine and a 9mm caliber handgun in the vehicle’s trunk. Kelly later admitted to the officers that he possessed the firearm for protection and that he engaged in the sale of methamphetamine.
Kelly is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2021, and faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost 4 Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm by Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Ledrick Antoine Simmons, 39, pled guilty to the charge on April 29, 2021.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2020, Madison Police officers obtained an arrest warrant for Simmons for felony fleeing after they attempted to detain him for possible involvement in the facilitation of prostitution. Officers were able to locate Simmons in a vehicle at the intersection of President and Amite Street, in downtown Jackson. When officers approached Simmons, he attempted to evade arrest and rammed another vehicle with his car. Officers were able to take Simmons into custody. Officers recovered a handgun from Simmons’s waistband during the arrest. At the time of the arrest, Simmons was a convicted felon and has multiple felony convictions in Hinds County.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Madison Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, and the Jackson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A foreign national pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. Lamarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, on February 24, 2021, Michael Rempel Klassen, 24, was stopped for careless driving on U.S. Highway 98 by a New August Police officer. Klassen provided the officer with a driver’s license from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico. Klassen said he did not have a driver’s license from the U.S., and that his work visa had expired in 2017. The officer observed a rifle on the back seat which Klassen admitted was his. Officers conducted a probable cause search and located two firearms, a silencer, and numerous rounds of ammunition.
The ATF was notified, and a Department of Homeland Security HSI Special Agent also joined the case regarding immigration issues. Records revealed that Klassen was born in Canada and confirmed that he was illegally present in the United States.
Klassen will be sentenced on December 14, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the New Augusta Police Department, and the Perry County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. The centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s crime reduction efforts, PSN is an evidence-based program proven effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together and develop comprehensive solutions. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - A Honduran national pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of unlawful return of an alien after deportation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jason E. Schneider, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
According to court documents, Melquisedec Jonas Melgar-Garcia, 33, of Honduras, was arrested on July 13, 2021, after a Border Patrol Agent conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle he was driving on Interstate 10 in Harrison County. Melgar-Garcia did not have a driver’s license and was determined to be illegally present in the United States. He was transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station, where his identity was positively confirmed. Official records revealed that Melgar-Garcia had been previously removed from the United States on July 11, 2013 and had illegally returned.
Melgar-Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is prosecuting the case.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in Contraband CigarettesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man pled guilty today to trafficking in contraband cigarettes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack Staton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, Sadeq Saif Farea a/k/a Sadeq Saif Qaid Farea, 43, knowingly purchased for resale 42,000 cigarettes and 36,000 cigarillos, which bore no evidence of the payment of cigarette taxes in the State of Mississippi, constituting contraband cigarettes.
Farea is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.
Hattiesburg Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Hattiesburg man was sentenced today to serve 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of multiple firearms and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Sternell Christopher Johnson, also known as “KayNine”, age 26, pled guilty on April 8, 2021 to possessing multiple firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime after being a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on August 8, 2020, Johnson and others led the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office on a motor vehicle chase down Highway 98 in Hattiesburg before Johnson’s vehicle crashed and Johnson fled on foot. Three firearms were recovered from the vehicle, as well as several large bags of marijuana weighing approximately 1.5 kilograms. A review of Johnson’s social media accounts in the days leading up to the chase showed that Johnson was in possession of firearms from the vehicle as well as the marijuana.
Additionally, based on admissions made by Johnson in a video interview uploaded to YouTube, Johnson was held accountable for additional firearms that appeared in various music videos made featuring Johnson, resulting in an additional enhancement to his sentence. Overall, Johnson was held accountable for possessing more than 25 firearms.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration is proud to partner with the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and the Hattiesburg Police Department to help combat the illicit narcotics activities and violent crimes occurring in the community. The key to having a safe community is strong partnerships and interagency cooperation amongst all law enforcement agencies. I feel we have that in Hattiesburg,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin J. Gaddy.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, and Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew W. Eichner prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Natchez Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – A Natchez man was sentenced to serve 420 months in federal prison for multiple drug trafficking crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Colonel Steven Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten.
Kevin Singleton, 44, pled guilty on April 29, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more heroin, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics trafficking in the Natchez area that involved the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. During the investigation, on March 2, 2018, federal and state agents executed a search warrant at Singleton’s residence resulting in the seizure of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Agents also seized approximately $1.1 million in cash from the residence. Three firearms were seized, including a DPMS A-15 .223 semi-automatic rifle loaded with a high-capacity magazine holding 44 rounds, and an additional magazine loaded with 30 rounds. Also seized was a Glock .40 caliber handgun and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special. Singleton is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark.
Biloxi VA Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing VA PropertyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Saucier man pled guilty to stealing government property, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey A. Breen of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) South Central Field Office.
According to court documents, Chad Paul Jacob, 54, pled guilty to stealing personal protective equipment (“PPE”), electronics, and medical equipment while working as the Assistant Chief of Supply Chain Management for the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. Beginning in 2019 and until December 2020, Jacob stole VA property which he resold at local pawn stores and on his personal eBay account. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jacob stole N-95 masks and resold them for grossly inflated prices. In total, Jacob made more than $50,000 selling the stolen N-95 masks and over $9,000 selling stolen iPads and iPhones.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, the VA Office of Inspector General has aggressively investigated the increasing and evolving threat posed by COVID-19-related fraud and criminal activity. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our ongoing work to stop those who take advantage of public health emergencies to perpetrate such frauds,” said VA OIG Special Agent in Charge Breen.”
Jacob is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2021 and 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.
The VA Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk is prosecuting the case
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to serve 97 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Sylvester Donte Pugh, 38, of Jackson, was indicted by a federal grand jury for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine in 2018. Pugh pleaded guilty to the charge on May 10, 2021.
The case is the result of an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation operation targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Jackson Police Department, the Madison Police Department, the Ridgeland Police Department, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton and Christopher Wansley prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry by an Alien Removed After Conviction of a FelonyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Guatemalan national was sentenced to “time served” (6 months) in prison, for the federal crime of unlawful reentry by a removed alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Jason E. Schneider, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Julio Pablo-Chan, 39, was convicted after pleading guilty on May 27, 2021.
According to court documents, Julio Pablo-Chan, 39, of Guatemala, was arrested on February 26, 2020, on Interstate 10 in Jackson County. An agent of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team (SMMET) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Pablo-Chan, who did not have a driver’s license. The deputy requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol and a Border Patrol Agent responded on-site. The agent informed Pablo-Chan that due to his immigration history, and the fact that he did have proper immigration documents to enter, pass through or remain in the U.S. legally, he was being placed under arrest.
Pablo-Chan was transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station, where an agent with Homeland Security Investigations joined the investigation. Pablo-Chan’s identity was positively confirmed and records revealed that Pablo-Chan had illegally entered the United States and been removed from the United States back to his home nation of Guatemala in August 2011 and again in December 2018.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Pascagoula Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Pascagoula woman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to court documents, Christina Elizabeth Hand, 40, conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Jackson County between 2016 through 2021.
Hand is scheduled to be sentenced on November 23, 2021, 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.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Pascagoula is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Using Facility to Promote Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Moss Point man pleaded guilty to use of an interstate facility to promote a conspiracy to distribute narcotics, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, Rodney Lewis McLeod, 45, used a cell phone to promote and facilitate the carrying on of an unlawful activity, in this case a conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
McLeod is scheduled to be sentenced on November 29, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 4 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Pascagoula is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Hattiesburg man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute narcotics, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
According to court documents, in January, 2021, Lester Brown, 51, was apprehended throwing packages containing narcotics over the fence at the South Mississippi Regional Correctional Institution in Leaksville, Mississippi.
Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on November 23, 2021, and 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.
The DEA in Gulfport is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Wesson Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Wesson man was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jack Staton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
According to court documents, Gunner Nathaniel Speed, 25, was stopped by the Flowood Police Department on November 15, 2019, for a traffic violation. He was found to have over 150 pictures and videos portraying children having sex and simulated sex with adult males on his cell phone.
Speed was charged in a federal criminal indictment on June 10, 2020. He pled guilty on March 1, 2021, to possession of child pornography.
Speed was sentenced today to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $214,301.43 in restitution.
The case is part of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Flowood Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Ridgeland Woman Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Ridgeland woman pleaded guilty to theft of government funds involving unemployment insurance benefits fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Shawn Wolfe.
According to court documents, in May 2020, it was discovered that unemployment insurance benefits from the State of Washington had been deposited into the bank account of Judith Ann Middleton, 71, of Ridgeland. Investigation into these benefits revealed that they were deposited under other individuals’ names. The unemployment insurance benefits were federally subsidized through the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Middleton is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2021 and 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.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan M. McCalla and William Dieters prosecuted 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.
Gulfport Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Possess Hydrocodone with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced to “time served” (72 days) in prison, and one-year of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Douglas Charles Barber, 74, conspired with co-defendant James David Santhuff, 53, of Gulfport, to sell 50 hydrocodone pills, to an individual in a Gulfport parking lot. The tablets were marked with the manufacturer’s legitimate pharmaceutical markings and ultimately were laboratory tested and determined to be actual hydrocodone tablets.
Barber and Santhuff were charged in a federal criminal indictment and they both pled guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Santhugg was previously sentenced to three years’ probation and a $3,500.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.
Clinton Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - A Clinton man was sentenced to serve 720 months in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Michael Allen Long, 49, of Clinton, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to two counts of production of child pornography.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Natchez Woman Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Natchez woman pled guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to court documents, on December 13, 2019, Williesia Laquanda Williams, 29, made a live social media video of herself driving and displaying a firearm. At that time, Williams was on parole and her parole officer saw the video. That evening, Williams was stopped by a Natchez police officer for a traffic violation and arrested for possessing the firearm as a convicted felon. Williams had been previously convicted of assaulting a correctional officer and possessing cocaine.
Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Natchez Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – A Natchez man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Albert Burnell Chatman, 26, possessed a firearm in his truck when he reported to his probation officer. Chatman had previously been convicted of house burglary and was sentenced to 7 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, but those 7 years were suspended, and Chatman was ordered to supervised probation.
Chatman was charged in a federal criminal indictment with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pled guilty on April 29, 2021.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections, Natchez Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Meridian Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court documents, James T. Britain, 51, failed to stop at a traffic safety checkpoint on July 5, 2019. The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office conducted the traffic safety checkpoint and pursued Britain after he refused to stop. Britain led the police on a chase before stopping. After Britain was arrested, he admitted to a Sheriff’s Deputy that there was a firearm in his vehicle and that he was a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Britain to possess any firearm.
The ATF and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bert Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Louisiana Compound Marketer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Pay Illegal Kickbacks and Conspiracy to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport – A Monroe, Louisiana man pleaded guilty today to engaging in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to pay illegal health care kickbacks and conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce of the DoD OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office.
According to court documents, Thomas “Tommy” Wilburn Shoemaker, 57, admitted that he participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other health care benefit programs by acting as a marketer for World Health Industries, Inc. (“WHI”), a pharmacy specializing in the production of compounded medications. Shoemaker acknowledged that he allowed WHI to use his TRICARE insurance to adjust prescription formulas to ensure the highest reimbursement without regard to efficacy, and he recruited doctors to procure prescriptions for high margin compounded medications. Furthermore, as a marketer, Shoemaker admitted to obtaining numerous fraudulent prescriptions using personal information of military acquaintances. Through his company, he received over $300,000 in commissions for the prescriptions that were reimbursed by TRICARE, and in total, he received at least $672,538.19 in proceeds that were derived directly from the fraud scheme.
Shoemaker is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2021, and 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Alejandra Arias of the DOJ Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case with assistance from Sara Porter and Dustin Davis from the DOJ Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Paul Brown, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on January 24, 2020, agents with the FBI, Jackson Police Department and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics executed a search warrant at a Jackson residence, and Javarius Jones, 20, was taken into custody during the execution of the warrant. Several hundred grams of marijuana, multiple firearms, ammunition, and United States currency was seized from the residence. Jones admitted during a recorded interview that he regularly sold marijuana and that he possessed multiple firearms for protection.
Jones will be sentenced on December 2, 2021, and faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).
According to court documents and proceedings, on March 16, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Joshua Taylor, 23, in Gulfport. During the stop, officers found heroin, methamphetamine, other drugs, and, in the center console of the vehicle, a Glock 19, 9mm handgun, loaded with 16 rounds of ammunition. Pursuant to a search warrant, officers subsequently conducted a search of Taylor’s residence where they discovered additional controlled substances.
A drug analysis indicates that Taylor possessed heroin, fentanyl, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Taylor pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison for the methamphetamine charge. For possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, he faces a minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of life, which must be served consecutively to the sentence on the methamphetamine charge. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Columbia Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Columbia, Mississippi woman pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of health care fraud.
According to court documents, beginning in 2016 and continuing for well over two years, Joy Beth Harden, 51, executed a scheme to defraud Medicare and other health care benefit programs. Specifically, Harden submitted fraudulent bills for durable medical equipment on behalf of her business, BZB LLC doing business as Duracare Home Medical Equipment in the Hattiesburg area. As a result, Medicare and other benefits programs paid Harden for durable medical equipment that was never prescribed for patients and for medical equipment that was never delivered to the patients.
Harden pled guilty on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. She will be sentenced on November 23, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harden remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Acting Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) Atlanta Regional Office, Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce of the DoD OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office, and Inspector General Martin J. Dickman of U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General (RRB OIG).
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Dave Fulcher.
Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – A Jackson County man pleaded guilty to possession of a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
According to court documents, on November 18, 2020, Shawn Wayne Ethridge, 37, of Jackson County, sold methamphetamine and a short-barreled shotgun to an individual in Jackson County.
Ethridge is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2021. He faces a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.
Three Plead Guilty to their Roles in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Two Mississippi men and a Louisiana man pled guilty today to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Brad Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Chey Johnson, 48, of Terry, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; Alton Monroe, 43, of Jackson, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; and Dwight Powell, 53, of New Orleans, pled guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a controlled substance offense.
According to court documents, from January 2017 to December 2017, DEA agents carried out an extensive investigation into drug traffickers in central Mississippi. The investigation resulted in the indictment of multiple defendants and the seizure of approximately $585,000 in U.S. currency and 12 kilograms of cocaine.
This Operation, dubbed “Deadly Dose” is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
All three defendants will be sentenced on November 9, 2021 in Jackson. Johnson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine; Monroe faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine; and Powell faces a maximum penalty of 48 months in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Internal Revenue Service.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.