Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jackson Man Charged in Bankruptcy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for fraud related to filing in bankruptcy court, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin.
Jon Darrell Seawright, 49, of Jackson, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball today for an initial appearance and arraignment on the indictment. The case is currently scheduled to go to trial on June 28, 2021 before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate in Jackson.
Seawright is charged with one count of Bankruptcy Filing in Furtherance of a Fraud.
According to the indictment, on January 18, 2019, at 3:30 p.m., Seawright signed and emailed to an insurance agent a completed Insurance Proposal stating that “there are no pending or anticipated bankruptcy, receivership or insolvency proceedings involving” the insured company ALEXANDER SEAWRIGHT TRANSPORTATION LLC, and “there are no known or anticipated circumstances which will impair” ALEXANDER SEAWRIGHT TRANSPORTATION LLC’s “ability to fulfill its obligations under” its insurance contract. In fact, as Seawright well knew, a Petition for Bankruptcy had already been filed on that date, January 18, 2019, at 11:13 a.m.
The indictment further alleges that the fraud consisted of deceiving the insurers and financers into committing to the insurance policies, which, after the bankruptcy court filing, they would be barred by the bankruptcy laws from cancelling or recovering payment from Seawright and his company. The business of ALEXANDER SEAWRIGHT TRANSPORTATION LLC centered on trucking, and ALEXANDER SEAWRIGHT TRANSPORTATION LLC could not stay in business and make money without insurance for its cargos and insurance for its trucks. Without property damage insurance coverage, ALEXANDER SEAWRIGHT TRANSPORTATION LLC would be unable to operate its tractors and trailers in interstate commerce.
A public hearing in the United States Bankruptcy Court in March 2019, resulted in a Bankruptcy Court order releasing the insurers from the contract commitment. The bankruptcy case of ALEXANDER SEAWRIGHT TRANSPORTATION has since then been converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation of the company.
"The federal Bankruptcy Courts exist to safeguard the interests of both creditors and debtors as they make their best efforts to work out equitable settlement plans. To manipulate the protections of bankruptcy law and wield them in the service of fraud in business perverts our system of justice," said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Harrison County Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – Lon Edward Preston, Jr., of Harrison County, Mississippi pleaded guilty today to knowingly possessing a firearm after having been previously been committed to a mental institution, 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 (“ATF”.)
According to court documents, on March 19, 2020, local law enforcement officers were notified that Preston had made threats to come to another individual’s home and that police were going to be forced to kill him on the front lawn. Surveillance video showed Preston driving by the individual’s home. Law enforcement officers then stopped Preston near the home. At that time, Preston was in the possession of three firearms.
A subsequent investigation revealed that in January of 2018, Preston was committed to a mental institution. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing firearms. Additionally, he had previously been indicted in state court for his involvement in an alleged aggravated assault, where it was alleged that he shot someone in December of 2018.
Law enforcement officials were also able to determine that between September of 2019 and March of 2020, Preston had engaged in a course of conduct through which he attempted to harass or intimidate the individual who contacted police on March 19, 2020. This course of conduct included using text messages, I-messages, voice mails, and various communication devices to threaten to kill and/or harm the individual, often in graphic terms.
Preston pleaded guilty today and is scheduled for sentencing on August 17, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
The D’Iberville Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Buckner and Erica Rose are prosecuting the case.
Gulfport Man Sentenced for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport, Mississippi man was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on October 20, 2020, Biloxi Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Marquise Spanks, 30, of Gulfport. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery two firearms, one of which was stolen. Spanks was previously convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance in 2014 and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Spanks was taken into custody. After being advised of his Miranda Rights, Spanks admitted to previously purchasing the firearms.
The FBI and Biloxi Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Gulfport Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to Nearly 4 Years in Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced today under Project EJECT for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Kevin Jaquan Willis, 23, of Gulfport, was sentenced to 43 months in federal prison. He pled guilty to the charges on February 11, 2021.
Willis was arrested on October 7, 2020, when law enforcement officers with the Gulfport Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle he was driving. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 98 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a Smith and Wesson M&P 15 assault style rifle. The rifle was loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition. Willis was taken into custody. After being advised of his Miranda Rights, Willis admitted to regularly smoking marijuana for several years. He also indicated that he smoked about an ounce of marijuana per day. Finally, Willis admitted to possessing both the marijuana and the rifle.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Gulfport Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - A Philadelphia man was sentenced today to 189 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans Field Office.
According to court documents, Landon Marquale Dupree, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, was charged with and pled guilty to selling methamphetamine to an individual on July 15, 2019, in Philadelphia. Dupree was sentenced to serve 189 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by 8 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $4595.00 in restitution to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Dupree has a prior felony conviction for sale of cocaine in Neshoba County, Mississippi.
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 is part of a joint investigation by the United States Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from US Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Louisville Police Department, and Mississippi Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Meridian Man Sentenced to over Four Years Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man was sentenced today to 52 months in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, 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, Todrian Kwame Laphand, 27, of Meridian, Mississippi, purchased 40 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition from a pawn shop in Meridian on July 10, 2019. Laphand also purchased a large sheath or holster for a large semi-automatic pistol capable of firing .223 caliber ammunition. After Laphand left the pawn shop, in the company of three other people, officers of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop and took Laphand into custody. Laphand was found in possession of the ammunition he purchased, along with a firearm and the sheath that contained that firearm. Also found in the vehicle were two other firearms and several different suspected controlled substances. Laphand has prior felony convictions for felony fleeing from a law enforcement officer, sale of marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Laphand to possess any ammunition.
Laphand was charged with and pled guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
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 yesterday to 16 months in federal prison for unlawful reentry by an alien removed after conviction of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
According to court documents, Gerber Estif Pineda-Sierra, 34, was arrested in November 2020 by agents with the U.S. Border Patrol following an investigation which determined that Pineda-Sierra, who had been previously removed from the United States, was residing in the Gulfport, Mississippi area. Record checks documented that in 2018, Pineda-Sierra had been physically removed from the U.S. after being ordered removed by a U.S. Immigration Judge. Thereafter, he reentered the U.S. and was convicted in the Northern District of Florida in 2019 for the felony offense of illegal reentry into the U.S. of a previously deported alien. Pineda-Sierra was again removed from the U.S. In January 2020, he was arrested again by the Border Patrol, and was returned to Guatemala in February 2020.
Pineda-Sierra was sentenced today to 16 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He may also face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. If he is removed from the United States following his prison sentence, Pineda-Sierra could face additional penalties if he were to unlawfully return to the United States, in addition to further prosecution. As a result of this felony conviction, if Pineda-Sierra were to unlawfully return to the United States, he could face up to ten years in federal prison. Pineda-Sierra was convicted after pleading guilty on February 23, 2021.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Darren J. LaMarca, praised the investigative work of the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.
Meridian Man Found Guilty under Project EJECT of Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – After a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Meridian, Mississippi man today for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt H. Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, 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 two to three mile 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 tried the defendant.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca is recognizing the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed May 9 through May 15.
“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”
“Our law enforcement officers deserve and have earned our nation’s respect,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. ”Without their unwavering vigilance, our cities and communities would devolve into utter chaos. We at the United States Attorney’s Office are grateful for our local, state and federal officers who are committed to a safer society. To them, we say thank you today and everyday for your personal sacrifice, efforts and commitment.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.
During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the Southern District of Mississippi, two officers died in the line of duty.
Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.
The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.
Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.
To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Brandon Woman Pleads Guilty to Harboring of Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – A Brandon woman pleaded guilty today to harboring an illegal alien for financial gain, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Staton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans Field Office.
According to court documents, Iris Villalon, 45, of Brandon, Mississippi, operated Southern Knights Industrial Services which provided employee management and payroll services to A&B Inc, a poultry processing plant in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. Villalon was charged with and pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the harboring of an illegal alien for financial gain as the owner of the employee management company.
Villalon is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 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.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Murray.
Gulf Coast Man Sentenced to Almost Four Years in Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – A Harrison County man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2020, officers with the Biloxi Police Department stopped a vehicle that was being driven by Cameron Malik Dajon Payton, 19, of Harrison County, Mississippi. During the course of the stop, law enforcement officials found a handgun magazine and ammunition on Payton. The vehicle was subsequently searched and two handguns, one of which was stolen, were located under the front passenger seat. One of the handguns matched the magazine and ammunition found on Payton.
The investigation also revealed that Payton was an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Furthermore, at the time of this offense, Payton was on bond for an aggravated assault charge out of Harrison County for allegedly shooting someone.
The FBI and Biloxi Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to 30 Months in Prison for Illegally Selling a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Michael Mays a/k/a Michael Mayes, 35, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Tom S. Lee to 30 months in prison and a $1500 fine for knowingly selling a firearm to a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
According to court documents, on or about July 19, 2018, Mays knowingly sold a firearm in Jackson to a convicted felon.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Murray prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to the crime of unlawful reentry by an alien who was previously deported after conviction of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
According to court documents, Marcio Bonilla-Romero, 38, was arrested after a traffic stop by the U.S. Border Patrol on Interstate 10 in Jackson County on August 27, 2020. Bonilla-Romero provided the agent with a Honduran passport and told the agent that he did not have a driver's license. The agent returned to his vehicle to run record checks and learned that Bonilla-Romero had an extensive criminal history, as well as an active Felony Warrant issued in Harris County, Texas, with full extradition. The agent placed Bonilla-Romero under arrest for the Texas felony warrant.
Bonilla-Romero was extradited to Harris County, Texas. However, investigation continued in the Southern District of Mississippi. It was discovered that Bonilla-Romero may have been removed in 2002 under the name Jose Morales-Gonzalez (listed as a citizen of Mexico). It also was learned that Bonilla-Romero was in fact the same person as Morales-Gonzalez and had been removed in 2002 and again in 2015. Officials confirmed that Bonilla-Romero and Morales-Gonzalez were in fact the same person. Officials also confirmed that Bonilla-Romero, under the alias of Jose Morales-Gonzalez, had been removed from the United States to Mexico on May 15, 2002, and again on July 17, 2002.
Bonilla-Romero pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by an alien deported or removed after conviction of a felony. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Bonilla-Romero also faces Department of Homeland Security proceedings regarding removal from the U.S. following completion of any prison sentence.
The U.S. Border Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office worked the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Former Jackson Police Officer Sentenced for Obstruction of a Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Mark Anthony Coleman, 58, a former Jackson Police Officer, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for destroying evidence of his involvement with a 16-year old female, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch.
Coleman was charged in a federal criminal indictment on July 14, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Lee on January 21, 2021.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.
Pass Christian Man pleads guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – A Pass Christian, Mississippi man pleaded guilty today to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Mason Charles Brown, 32, when encountered by law enforcement officers on November 10, 2020, knowingly possessed a firearm, and had previously been convicted of a crime which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
Brown pleaded guilty to the one-count indictment alleging he was a previously convicted felon knowingly possessing a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of not more than 10 years in prison. If the Court deems Brown qualifies as an Armed Career Criminal, however, he faces a maximum penalty of not less than fifteen (15) years imprisonment to life. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.
Natchez Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon Under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – A Natchez man pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, Albert Burnell Chatman, 26, pled guilty to house burglary on May 20, 2019, in Adams County Circuit Court. He 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. On July 24, 2019, Chatman’s truck was searched by his probation officer and a Glock handgun was found. On June 10, 2020, Chatman was indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Chatman is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2021, and faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections, Natchez Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry, and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Mississippi – A Jackson man pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, 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, Ledrick Simmons, 38, had been charged in Madison, Mississippi, for felony fleeing law enforcement. On January 29, 2020, Madison Police Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Simmons. 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 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.
Simmons pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jackson Police Department, the Madison Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and the United States Marshal Service are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Concealing Information about an Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Rasheena Romegan Carter, 33, of Jackson, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to misprision of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Carter concealed information concerning an armed robbery at a business that occurred on August 21, 2018. Carter assisted in concealing the armed bandit by driving him from the robbery and concealing him from law enforcement. Instead of reporting the crime, and relaying the information she possessed, Carter concealed the information for months. Under federal law it is a felony for any person to fail to notify authorities about the commission of a felony crime and to affirmatively act to conceal information they have about that crime.
Carter is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Johnson on Wednesday, July 18, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
and faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine.The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew W. Eichner and Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Carthage Man Pleads Guilty to Telemarketing CrimesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - A Carthage man pleaded guilty today to money laundering as part of a broad telemarketing fraud scheme conducted across the United States and elsewhere, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations’ New Orleans Field Office.
Neman Zahid, 33, of Carthage, Mississippi, was charged in a federal criminal indictment with acts supporting a conspiracy defrauding multiple victims, as part of an international tech support and telemarketing fraud scheme.
The indictment, charging ten defendants in the United States and abroad, was returned by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2019.
According to the indictment and testimony in court, beginning no later than on or about January 10, 2015, and continuing through on or about December 20, 2018, Zahid conspired with eight other defendants, located both across the United States and in India, to commit the federal offenses of wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud, in addition to offenses of money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and passing fictitious obligations.
As stated in court documents and testimony in open court, Zahid assisted leaders of a fraud ring which sent tech support emails or telephone messages wrongly advising consumers that their computers were infected with malware or otherwise compromised, and offering for a price to help free their computers. Once given permission to access remotely the victims’ computers, conspirators from the United States or abroad would help themselves to personal identification information and bank account passwords from their victims’ computers. Victims often were senior citizens.
Zahid specifically aided the conspirators by incorporating a company called US Professional Support, Inc., and opening bank accounts for the business. Conspirators would then use the business names and the bank accounts to transfer and remove money obtained from victims during the scam.
“Fraud schemes, like the ones perpetrated and executed by these defendants, inflict considerable loss on citizens, companies, and the financial system,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. “Many of these schemes target the elderly and often steal the victims’ entire life savings. These arrests affirm the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who prey on our most vulnerable citizens.”
Zahid is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III on August 20, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Cooperstein is prosecuting the case.
Meridian Woman Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Mia Francine Sims, 53, of Meridian, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On January 23, 2020, as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation, a joint team of Meridian Police officers and FBI agents conducted a search warrant on a residence in Meridian belonging to Sims. During the search, the team discovered a handgun and relatively small amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine at the residence. Though Sims was not home at the time of the search, witnesses confirmed that Sims was the only resident of the home. Further investigation revealed that Sims had two prior felony drug convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On February 12, 2020, Sims was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sims will be sentenced on July 29, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
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 part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Ten Arrested on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. –Ten individuals have been arrested pursuant to federal indictments unsealed today as part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation fighting drug trafficking in the Southern District of Mississippi, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Colonel Steven Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Scott County Sheriff Mike Lee.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
- John Moore, 53, of Lawrence, MS, is charged with one count of conspiracy and three counts of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. He he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
- Michael Ledbetter, 41, of Lake, MS, is charged with two counts of conspiracy and four counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
- Danielle Ledbetter, 47, and Shameika Johnson, 29, both of Lake, MS, are each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and each faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
- Nicholas Smith, 26, of Forest, MS, and John Purvis, Jr., 51, of Morton, MS, are each charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. They each face a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine.
- Malinda Pope, 42, of Forest, MS, is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Pope faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
- Lorenzo Sutton, 41, of Jackson, MS, is charged with one count of conspiracy and two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Sutton faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
- Jermaine Gray, 39, of Forest, MS, is charged with one count of using a telephone in causing and facilitating a drug crime. Gray faces a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Erica Rhodes, 32, currently in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Rhodes faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine.
John Moore, Michael Ledbetter, Danielle Ledbetter, Shameika Johnson, Nicholas Smith, John Purvis, Jr., and Malinda Pope are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball on Monday, April 19, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. for arraignment.
Lorenzo Sutton and Jermaine Gray are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. for arraignment. The arraignment date for Erica Rhodes has not been set as of the time of this release.
These cases are prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark. The cases were investigated as part of an ongoing OCDETF partnership between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Public Safety including both the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Jackson High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (HIDTA), Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Forest Police Department, Pelahatchie Police Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, the State of Mississippi District Attorney’s Offices for the Eighth and Twentieth Judicial Districts, and the Drug Court for the Eighth Judicial District.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Ronnie Antwoine Arnold, 20, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and crack-cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On December 19, 2018, Jackson police officers stopped a car driven by Arnold. Inside the car, Arnold possessed a backpack that contained methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine, all individually wrapped. In addition to the narcotics, Arnold possessed $1,290 cash. Arnold was arrested by Jackson police and later released by the State on bond.
On June 25, 2019, Arnold was indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On June 27, 2019, Arnold again sold drugs, this time crack cocaine. Arnold was subsequently arrested by the FBI and ordered to be detained until trial on the federal indictment. While detained and awaiting trial, Arnold was indicted by a federal grand on February 12, 2020, for possessing with intent to distribute the crack cocaine he sold while out on bond in June 2019.
Arnold remains in federal custody and will be sentenced on July 27, 2021, by Judge Jordan. He faces a penalty of up to 40 years in prison and up to $4,000,000 in fines.
These cases were investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway is the lead prosecutor.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry, and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Three Hattiesburg Men Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking Crimes in Hattiesburg under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Three men have been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett and U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).
On January 29, 2020, Shane Ware was recorded distributing approximately 221 grams of methamphetamine. Pursuant to forensic analysis by the DEA, the methamphetamine was determined to be 100% pure. Ware pled guilty on November 24, 2020, before Judge Starrett. On April 14, 2021, Ware was sentenced by Judge McNeel to 70 months confinement, a $5000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
On February 12, 2020, Alfred Richards was recorded distributing approximately 121 grams of methamphetamine. Pursuant to forensic analysis by the DEA, the methamphetamine was determined to be 99% pure. Richards pled guilty on November 24, 2020, before Judge Starrett. On April 8, 2021, Richards was sentenced by Judge Starrett to 120 months confinement, a $5000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
On February 19, 2020, Demetric Evans was recorded distributing approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine. Pursuant to forensic analysis by the DEA, the methamphetamine was determined to be 97% pure. Evans pled guilty on November 24, 2020, before Judge Starrett. On March 31, 2021, Evans was sentenced by Judge McNeel to 120 months confinement, a $7500 fine, and five years of supervised release.
All three defendants were originally indicted for this offense on September 22, 2020.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Lauderdale Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Levi Gibbs, Jr., 51, of Lauderdale, Mississippi pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Mississippi.
On March 27, 2020, Meridian police officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Gibbs after an officer observed Gibbs crossing over the center line of the road and speeding. When an officer approached the passenger side of Gibbs’ car, he saw a pistol in an ankle holster on Gibbs’ right leg. The officer checked Gibbs’ criminal record and discovered that Gibbs was a convicted felon. In fact, Gibbs had multiple felony convictions, several of which are for various drug crimes. Gibbs is currently under indictment from the Circuit Court of Lowndes County, Mississippi for Armed Robbery. As a convicted felon it is against federal law for Gibbs to possess any firearm.
Gibbs will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on July 23, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Bassfield Felon Convicted for Possessing Multiple Firearms under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Enoch Ben Buckley III, 37, of Bassfield, was convicted today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett for being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).
On September 23, 2020, Buckley was found in possession of multiple firearms during the execution of an arrest warrant in Lamar County. Buckley is a multiple-time convicted felon, with his most recent felony conviction being for felonious possession of a weapon by a convicted felon in Jefferson Davis County Circuit Court in 2018. For this offense, Buckley was sentenced to serve ten years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Williams was originally indicted for this offense on October 20, 2020. He will be sentenced before Judge Starrett on July 27, 2021 at 10:15 a.m.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Jackson Ice Company Gas StationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Timothy Dante Alexander, 27, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On August 27, 2020, Timothy Dante Alexander robbed the Jackson Ice Company gas station on Jefferson Street at gunpoint. Surveillance video shows Alexander entering the store with a gun and walking behind the counter. Alexander pointed the gun at the store clerk and took $1000 cash from the register. Alexander was later apprehended wearing the same clothing in the surveillance video, a backpack as seen in the video, a gun and approximately $1000 in cash.
Alexander will be sentenced on July 15, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of life, as well as a potential maximum fine of $250,000.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Honduran Man Convicted of Making a False Statement to a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Daniel Romero-Mancia, 25, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to the crime of willfully making a false material statement to a federal officer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Romero-Mancia will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on July 13, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. He faces a potential maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
On January 26, 2021, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 on a 2010 white Ford F-150. One of the passengers, Romero-Mancia, presented what was later determined to be a counterfeit Mexican Voter Registration Identification Card. When the agent asked him in Spanish if he was from Mexico, Romero-Mancia responded “yes.” Two other Border Patrol Agents arrived as back-up, and Romero-Mancia also told one of the other agents he was from Mexico.
Further investigation revealed that Romero-Mancia was a citizen of Honduras who had been provided a counterfeit Mexican Voter Registration Card as part of the fee he paid an organization to smuggle him into the U.S. The card had been provided so, if caught in the U.S., Romero-Mancia could deceive U.S. officials into believing he was from Mexico so he would not be removed back to Honduras. Records showed that Romero-Mancia had used the card twice before when he had been caught by the Border Patrol near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Alabama Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Tanya Henry Shelby, 40, of Pelham, Alabama, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to bank fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
From November 2015 through April 2016, Shelby owned a car dealership named Tanya Shelby Auto Sales dba Payless Car Sales, in Hinds County, Mississippi. As part of the scheme to defraud, Shelby opened personal and business accounts at the Mississippi National Guard Federal Credit Union and Citizens National Bank. She further negotiated and executed checks that were drawn on the accounts at Mississippi National Federal Credit Union and Citizens National Bank when she knew that the accounts had insufficient funds. As part of the scheme to defraud, Shelby negotiated and deposited checks with insufficient funds at the financial institutions that resulted in the institutions showing inflated balances on her accounts that caused the checks to be honored rather than be returned unpaid.
Additionally, Shelby opened and used lines of credit at NextGear Capital and Citizens National Bank to secure credit for the same three vehicles at each financial institution, knowing that payments would not be made on any of the lines of credit.
On December 2, 2020, Shelby was charged with bank fraud in a single count Information. She will be sentenced by Judge Johnson on July 13, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The case was investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Meridian Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Armed Robberies of Convenience StoresRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Roquandre Malik Jimison, 23, of Meridian, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve a total of 108 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for two robberies in Meridian, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt H. Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives. Jimison was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine and restitution to victims.
On February 13, 2019, Jimison entered a Cefco Convenience store on Highway 19 North in Meridian and demanded money from clerks at both registers. Jimison kept his right hand in his pocket during the entire interaction causing the clerks to believe he had a gun. Although Jimison was wearing a hoodie, a store clerk was able to identify him to law enforcement.
On February 25, 2019, at approximately 7:13 p.m. Jimison entered a Cefco Convenience Store on Highway 39 North in Meridian. Jimison had a white piece of clothing wrapped around his face and head, and he brandished an assault rifle. There were two customers in the store along with the clerk on duty. Jimison took money from the customers as well as from the store’s register. The customers and the clerk were in fear for their lives and gave Jimison everything he demanded. Witnesses were later able to identify Jimison to law enforcement.
Jimison was indicted on June 16, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Wingate on January 6, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Meridian Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Former Casino Employee Pleads Guilty to TheftRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Reginal Brown, 36, a former employee of the Pearl River Resort – Silver Star Casino pled guilty today to a federal indictment charging him with theft by an employee of a gaming establishment on Indian lands, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.
Brown was a banquet server at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino in the Pearl River Resort. Between January 2016 and May 2016, Brown used his own password on multiple occasions, to take, for himself, approximately $10,800 from the cash recyclers in the facility. Casino management discovered the discrepancy in accounting and on video surveillance of the cash recycler area, then reported Brown to law enforcement. Choctaw Police Department investigators interviewed Brown, and Brown then admitted to taking the money, as charged, from the Casino. Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018.
Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca stated, “Federal law imposes severe penalties for crimes committed in licensed gaming establishments. The great potential for misconduct in these settings calls for constant vigilance and self-discipline of those entrusted with the casinos’ operation.”
Brown will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson on July 7, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca 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 Theodore Cooperstein and Kevin J. Payne.
Five Jackson Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Hobbs Act RobberiesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Five Jackson men have been sentenced to federal prison by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate for their roles in multiple Hobbs Act Robberies committed in the Jackson area, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Joshua Cowards, Christopher Delaney, Cortez Kyles, Tyreik Lackey and Marquarius Rogers were indicted by a federal grand jury on November 27, 2018 for armed robberies of three Jackson businesses. The businesses robbed by the men were Community Choice Financial, Speedee Cash, and Dollar General. All five men were detained without bond pending trial. Four pleaded guilty and one was found guilty by a jury.
On April 2, 2021, Cortez Kyles, 25, was sentenced by Judge Wingate to serve 14 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to his role in one of the armed robberies.
On March 12, 2021, Tyreik Lackey, 24, was sentenced by Judge Wingate to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to his role in one of the armed robberies.
On March 12, 2021, Marquarius Rogers, 20, was sentenced by Judge Wingate to serve 17 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to his role in one of the armed robberies.
On March 11, 2021, Christopher Delaney, 24, was sentenced by Judge Wingate to serve 23 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to his role in the armed robberies.
On May 11, 2020, Joshua Cowards, 29, was sentence by Judge Wingate to serve 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after a jury found him guilty of his role in one of the armed robberies.
In addition, Judge Wingate ordered the men to pay restitution totaling more than $85,000.00.
The armed robberies, coordinated by Delaney, occurred in August and September 2018. Delaney provided transportation to each robbery and served as a look-out while monitoring police radio traffic during the robberies. While Delaney served as the look-out, others went inside of the businesses. Those who went inside of the businesses were armed and held employees at gun point. During one of the robberies, an employee was injured when dragged across the floor. In another robbery, one of the men pointed a handgun at a Jackson police officer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry, and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – James Nelson Peeples, Jr., 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possessing a firearm 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.
On July 15, 2018 a woman called the Philadelphia Police Department and reported that a man she knew as “P James” was at her house threatening her with a gun. An officer responded immediately and spoke with the woman. The officer then left the woman’s residence and quickly located Peeples nearby driving a black Honda Accord. The officer stopped Peeples and when he approached Peeples’ vehicle saw Peeples attempting to hide a handgun. Peeples also appeared to be trying to put a bag of marijuana in his pants.
Peeples was arrested and a search was conducted of his person and his vehicle. Methamphetamine, Marijuana and three handguns were found. Peeples has multiple felony convictions in Neshoba County for drug sale offenses and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Peeples later gave a full confession to officers with PPD, a DEA Task Force Officer and an ATF Special Agent. Peeples admitted that he sold methamphetamine and that he had taken two of the guns found in trade for methamphetamine. Peeples also admitted that he was willing to use firearms to settle his disputes on the street.
Peeples was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 15, 2020.
He will be sentenced on July 23, 2021 by Judge Jordan and faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
McHenry Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Dexter Kimsey, 25, of McHenry, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Louis Guirola, Jr., to transporting images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
In June 2019, HSI Gulfport and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office executed a state search warrant at a McHenry residence where electronic devices belonging to Dexter Kimsey were recovered. Kimsey’s on-line account and cell phone were found to contain still and video format child exploitation visual depictions.
Kimsey was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 23, 2020. He will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on June 30, 2021 at 1:30 p.m., and faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of twenty years in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
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.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Gregory Wayne Haygood a/k/a “Big”, 48, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to 97 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his role in conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Haygood was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On February 8, 2017, Haygood was charged in a multi-count, multi-defendant indictment that charged conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and maintaining a place for distributing or using controlled substances. Haygood and co-defendants conspired to distribute cocaine by receiving the cocaine and selling it to others in Jackson and Biloxi, Mississippi, from July 2015 through February 2017. Haygood remained at large until he was arrested in September 2019.
This OCDETF operation is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Operation Pipeline", which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in Central Mississippi that involved the distribution of Cocaine and Marijuana. The distribution network encompassed the States of California, Texas and Mississippi.
Haygood is the final defendant to be sentenced in this indictment. The other co-defendants charged in this indictment received the following sentences:
Monyet Davell Johnson, was sentenced on February 13, 2018, to serve a term of 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,500 fine in a related case.
Irvin Christopher Walker III was sentenced on June 21, 2019, to serve 25 months in prison to be followed by a four year term of supervised release and a fine of $1,500.
Luscious Latrice Neal was sentenced on August 30, 2018, to serve 21 months in prison to be followed by a two year term of supervised release.
Donte Evans was sentenced on April 23, 2018, to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by a four year term of supervised release and a fine of $1,500.
Cedric T. Collum was sentenced on April 23, 2018, to 60 months in prison to be followed by a three year term of supervised release and a $1,500 fine.
Eddie Lee Hunt was sentenced on January 17, 2018, to 14 months in prison to be followed by a two year term of supervised release.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
The case was a joint investigation by the United States Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from US Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Guatemalan Man Convicted of Causing Misuse of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Angel Perez-Valezquez, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to the crime of causing misuse of a social security number, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
Perez-Valezquez will be sentenced by Judge McNeel on July 7, 2021, and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. He also faces Homeland Security removal proceedings to remove him from the U.S. to Guatemala.
On August 25, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security, Border Enforcement Security Task Force in Gulfport, received information from the Hattiesburg Police Department regarding the arrest of Perez-Valezqez who had been working at the Mar-Jac Poultry Plant, under an assumed identity. A victim of the identity theft had contacted the Hattiesburg Police Department and reported the victim had received an Internal Revenue Service W-2 Form for 2019 from Mar-Jac Poultry. The victim said he had never been to Hattiesburg and had never worked for Mar-Jac Poultry.
Homeland Security Investigations agents determined that Perez-Valezquez worked at Mar-Jac Poultry under the victim’s name and social security number. Each time Perez-Valezquez was paid, he caused his employer, Mar-Jac Poultry, to report false information to the Social Security Administration, using the victim’s name and Social Security Number.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the coordination of Homeland Security Investigations and the Hattiesburg Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms CrimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jarvis Kendal Haynes, 30, of Jackson, pled guilty today to an Indictment charging him with False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Field Office.
“Honest compliance with federal firearms laws helps to preserve the rights of innocent gun owners while allowing law enforcement to focus on illicit gun trafficking,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. “These arrests affirm the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who willfully violate our federal firearms laws.”
An original indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on August 11, 2020, charged Haynes with unlawful possession of a firearm by a controlled substance user, and false statement during purchase of a firearm.
According to the indictment and testimony in court, on April 16, 2020, Haynes purchased a 9mm handgun from a Jackson pawnshop. In completing the necessary paperwork for the sale, Haynes claimed that he was not an unlawful user or addicted to marijuana or other controlled substances. Following a waiting period, Haynes returned on April 22, 2020, to the pawnshop to pick up the firearm, and also signed the federal form certifying that his answers remained true and correct.
On August 11, 2020, Haynes testified under oath in the United States District Court on a separate matter. Haynes then admitted that he had regularly used marijuana for years prior, and that specifically in April 2020, he lied when he claimed on the paperwork to buy the firearm, that Haynes had not been an unlawful user or addicted to marijuana when he bought the handgun.
On March 30, 2021, Haynes appeared before United States District Judge Kristi H. Johnson in Jackson, Mississippi. Haynes entered a plea of guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment: false statement during purchase of a firearm, in that he admitted to being an unlawful user of marijuana at the time he falsely claimed the opposite on the federal firearms purchase form.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at the Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse in Jackson, before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson. Haynes faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with HSI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case, and United States Marshals Service who assisted with the arrest of the defendant. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – Charles Jerrell Brown, 41, of Gulfport, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).
On November 4, 2020, law enforcement officers conducted an operation in Gulfport, Mississippi. During the operation, Charles Jerrell Brown was taken into custody. As he was taken into custody, law enforcement officers found a handgun on the chair were Brown had been sitting.
Law enforcement officers were able to determine that Brown had a prior felony conviction for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. Brown admitted to possessing the firearm and being a prior convicted felon.
Brown was indicted on November 17, 2020. He will be sentenced on June 29, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, unless the Court determines that he is an Armed Career Criminal, in which case he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Gulfport Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Mendenhall Man Pleads Guilty to Converting Federal Monies to His Own UseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Edward Lott, 25, of Mendenhall, pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to converting federal monies to his own use without authorization, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Anthony Mohatt, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General.
On March 4, 2014, Edward Lott applied for a loan in the amount of $24,000 with the Farm Service Agency to purchase cattle. The Farm Service Agency is an agency overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture. Lott and the Farm Service Agency entered into an agreement granting a security interest in all cattle currently owned and to be acquired by him. An inspection of Mr. Lott’s cattle operation was conducted in January 2015. At that time, 11 cows, one bull and four calves were owned as part of the operation. A follow up inspection occurred in November 2015, where no cattle were found. Mr. Lott admitted that he had sold the cattle that had been pledged as security for the loan and converted the monies for his own use without the approval of the Farm Service Agency.
Lott is scheduled for sentencing on June 30, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Madison Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – John Robert Beck, 57, of Madison, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to serve 15 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony 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.
On September 25, 2018, Beck was stopped for a traffic violation by a Hinds County Sheriff’s deputy on McDowell Road in Jackson. Once stopped, Beck was asked to step outside of his car to speak with the deputy. For his safety, the deputy asked Beck if he had any weapons. Beck responded that he had a handgun on him, and a .40 caliber handgun was removed from beneath Beck’s clothes. During their ensuing conversation, the deputy learned that Beck was a convicted felon, that he had been previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Madison County of possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
On February 20, 2019, Beck was charged in a federal criminal indictment and he pled guilty on December 9, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry, and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Jackson County Man Sentenced for Making a False Statement to a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Steven Wayne Cooper, 49, of Jackson County, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to “time served” (3 months and 17 days), three years of supervised release and a $1,100 fine for willfully making a false material statement to a federal officer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, and Special Agent in Charge Michael Donaldson, of the United States Forest Service.
On July 20, 2018, a uniformed U.S. Forest Service Officer conducted a traffic stop on Cooper for careless driving in Harrison County. Cooper identified himself to the Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer using the stolen identity information of Cooper’s brother. Cooper claimed that he did not have a driver’s license or other identification with him; but, purported to provide his name, social security number, date of birth and other information to the officer. At least some of the information provided was the personal information of Cooper’s brother.
Cooper was issued four misdemeanor citations, all of which were written in the name of the defendant’s brother due to the false information he gave to the Forest Service Officer. Later, the victim contacted the Government when he received the summons for the tickets and notice to appear at the Federal Central Violations Bureau (CVB)/Misdemeanor Court in Gulfport. The Forest Service investigated the victim’s complaint and the victim identified his brother from a law enforcement body cam video. The investigation revealed that a motive for Cooper to conceal his identity was that his Driver’s License had been suspended for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) at the time of his encounter with the Forest Service.
Cooper was charged in a federal criminal indictment and he pled guilty before Judge Guirola on January 20, 2020.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the patrol and investigative work of the U.S. Forest Service law enforcement team. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Jackson County Bait Operator Pleads Guilty to Illegal Seafood TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Joshua Jerome Moak, 36, of Moss Point, Mississippi, who operated a business known as “Moak’s Minnows” in Jackson County, pled guilty today to violating the federal Lacey Act, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca; Manny Antonaras, Assistant Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement; and Chief Kyle Wilkerson of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Office of Marine Patrol. The federal Lacey Act makes it unlawful to sell in interstate commerce any fish taken in violation of state law.
Moak pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel. He made his initial appearance and waived indictment earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Gargiulo at the federal courthouse in Gulfport.
In the felony information to which Moak pled guilty, he was charged with violating the Lacey Act by selling live shrimp and minnows to bait shop operators in Alabama and Florida. Moak caught the bait in Mississippi waters and then transported the bait to out-of-state bait shop operators without having a license and otherwise complying with requirements of Mississippi law. As administered by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Mississippi regulates the seafood industry to preserve fish stocks and protect the local fishing market.
“The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting unlicensed dealers and others who jeopardize our nation’s fisheries by illegally transporting catch in interstate commerce in violation of state law," said Acting United States Attorney LaMarca. "Preserving our nation's fishing industry is essential to the sustainable management of our fisheries resource."
For the Lacey Act charge, Moak faces a maximum of five years of imprisonment. In addition to possible imprisonment, the defendant faces a maximum fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel.
Acting United States Attorney LaMarca praised the efforts of the federal and state investigative agencies for their diligent work in the investigation of this matter. The case was investigated by NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gaines Cleveland.
Alien Pleads Guilty to Transporting and Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Dennis Omar Escobar-Castro, age 29, a Honduran national, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to transporting and harboring illegal aliens, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New Orleans Field Office.
“Interstate human trafficking remains a major threat,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. “These arrests affirm the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who prey on the desperate and vulnerable to exacerbate violations of our immigration laws.”
On March 19, 2019, Escobar-Castro was traveling eastbound on Interstate I-20 in a Chevy Suburban when a Rankin County Sheriff’s Deputy made a traffic stop for careless driving. Escobar-Castro could produce no driver’s license, and none of the eleven passengers had identification or driver’s licenses, other than South American IDs. HSI agents interviewed Escobar-Castro and the eleven passengers. Escobar-Castro admitted that he believed all his passengers were foreign nationals and that he had been driving them from Houston, Texas, to Atlanta, Georgia to take them to work.
Escobar-Castro was charged in a federal criminal indictment on April 16, 2019 with transporting and harboring aliens. During his guilty plea hearing today, Escobar-Castro admitted to being paid for driving the passengers whom he knew to be aliens unlawfully present in the United States.
Escobar-Castro will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on July 8, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with HSI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office who assisted with the discovery and arrest of defendants. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Sumrall Man Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Charles Chandler Smith, 43, of Sumrall, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to five years’ probation for filing a false tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. Smith was also ordered to pay a $494,444 in restitution.
Smith pled guilty before Judge Starrett on December 14, 2020. According to the facts revealed at this plea hearing, Smith took advantage of a tax deduction strategy suggested by a financial adviser to deduct money on his tax return and thereby reduce his taxable income. Smith admitted to transferring a total of $1,305,090 from an account held by his business, Lil Mad, to another company and falsely claiming it as a business expense deduction on his 2014 tax return. Smith falsely claimed that his income with Lil Mad was only $143,070. Smith admitted to knowing this act was unlawful or deliberately blinded himself to suspicious aspects of the deduction, particularly the fact that the money was soon transferred back to an account that was available to Smith for his personal use.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI. It was prosecuted by DOJ Health Care Fraud Trial Attorney Sara Porter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Ocean Springs Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Dempsey “Bryan” Levi, 51, and Jeffrey Wayne Rollins, 44, of Ocean Springs, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett for their role in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans, and their family members, as well as private health care benefit programs, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Both Levi and Rollins were sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and pay $16,333,583 in restitution to Medicare, Tricare and Express Scripts. Additionally, the government received a forfeiture of $924,114.40.
Rollins and Levi previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. At their guilty plea hearings, the defendants admitted to operating The Gardens Pharmacy, LLC, an open-door retail pharmacy that specialized in the production of compound medications, and in their positions, they solicited recruiters to obtain prescriptions for high-adjudicating compounded medications that were often ordered with numerous refills. The recruiters were paid a percentage of the reimbursements that health care benefit programs paid to the pharmacy, including for Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries, even though it is unlawful to pay commissions to distributors on referrals to federal programs. Rollins and Levi assisted in formulating compound medications that were targeted to maximize reimbursements, irrespective of medical necessity. They also admitted to soliciting and incentivizing doctors to authorize prescriptions for the high-adjudicating compounded medications.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk, and Trial Attorneys Dustin Davis and Sara Porter from the DOJ Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
California Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Donte Ramon Nelson, 41, of Compton, California, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Mississippi.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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.
This OCDETF case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and cocaine from California using the United States Postal Service. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Madison County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Jones County Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Multiple Firearms under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Jacob Daniel Williams, 26, of Laurel, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).
On October 19, 2019, Williams was found in possession of four firearms while passing through a checkpoint being operated by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. The firearms included three shotguns and a pistol. Williams had been convicted of drug possession felonies in Jones County in 2016.
Williams was originally indicted for this offense on June 23, 2020. He will be sentenced before Judge McNeel on June 23, 2021.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Raymarcus Hollimon, also known as “Smoke Loc,” 30, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).
On January 16, 2019, Hollimon was encountered by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hattiesburg Metro Narcotics Task Force during a narcotics detail. Hollimon was found in possession of over 190 tablets containing methamphetamine and other drug distribution paraphernalia.
Hollimon was indicted for this offense on June 10, 2020. He will be sentenced before Judge McNeel on June 23, 2021.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Federal Employee Charged with Unauthorized Representation of Claims Against the GovernmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Megan Mariah Patrick, 36, of Terry, Mississippi, has been charged in a federal indictment with unauthorized representation of claims against the government and false statements to a federal agency, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Dax Robertson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Rodregas Owens of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General - Atlanta Field Division.
The indictment, handed up by a federal grand jury on March 16, 2021, charges Megan Mariah Patrick, a Rural Development Loan Specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture in Jackson, with three counts of unauthorized representation of claims against the United States, and three counts of false statements to a federal agency.
“Those who disregard the conflict of interest laws and their duty of loyalty to their employer for easy profit at the expense of the taxpayer, will find themselves standing before a court of law to answer for their wrongs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.
According to the indictment, from August 2017 through March 2019, Patrick acted as an attorney, outside her official duties as Rural Development Loan Specialist, to represent claimants before the Social Security Administration seeking increased federal benefits. In each case where she entered her appearance as an attorney representing the claimant before the Social Security Administrative Law Judge, Patrick filed an official form with the Social Security Administration, stating that she was not disqualified or otherwise prohibited as a federal employee from representing the claimant. In fact, as Patrick then knew, such statement was false, because, as an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, she was prohibited by law and regulation from representing claimants against the United States in the Social Security Administration.
Patrick appeared for arraignment on March 22, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac in Jackson. She was released on conditions of bond pending trial.
If convicted, Patrick faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of unauthorized representation, as well as for each count of false statements.
The case has been set for trial on May 3, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson in Jackson.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, who investigated the case. The Byram, Mississippi, Police Department assisted with the arrest. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Bentonia Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Christopher Michael Cockrell, 45, of Bentonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 15 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Cockrell was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine. Judge Reeves imposed an additional 10-month prison sentence due to Cockrell’s violation of the terms of supervised release.
On September 2, 2020, the United States Probation Office discovered that Cockrell had possession of cell phone which contained a video showing a firearm in a hunting blind. Cockrell had been previously convicted in federal court in the Western District of Missouri for a Human Trafficking Offense. After having served a lengthy prison sentence, Cockrell was released from prison and came to live in Mississippi. Cockrell was then placed under the supervision of the United States Probation Office in the Southern District of Mississippi.
The United States Probation Office informed the ATF that they believed there was evidence that Cockrell had possessed a firearm. As a convicted felon it is against federal law for the Cockrell to possess a firearm. ATF agents investigated, and Cockrell eventually admitted that he had possessed firearms for hunting purposes.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bert Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham.
Former Casino Employee Sentenced to Three Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Darren Nickey, 31, a former employee of the Pearl River Resort – Silver Star Casino was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft by an employee of a gaming establishment on Indian lands, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca. Nickey was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,340.
From March 2016 through May 2016, on three separate occasions, Nickey embezzled over $1,000 at a time from cash recyclers in the Casino. Because he worked as a cashier in the retail store on the premises, Nickey had access to the cash recycler to stock his cash register. He also made use of colleagues’ log-in passwords to hide the cash thefts. Further investigation revealed that Nickey had repeated the thefts to total $18,340 in over 40 withdrawals.
Nickey was indicted on December 12, 2018 on three counts of theft from the Silver Star Casino. He pled guilty before Judge Wingate on February 19, 2019.
Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca stated, “Federal law imposes severe penalties for crimes committed in licensed gaming establishments. The great potential for misconduct in these settings calls for constant vigilance and self-discipline of those entrusted with the casinos’ operation.”
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca 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 Theodore Cooperstein and Kevin Payne.