Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
School Owners Indicted for Conspiracy, Fraud, Identity Theft, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Nancy W. New, 67, of Jackson, Mississippi, and her son, Zachary W. New, 38, were indicted by a federal grand jury in a seventeen-count indictment charging them with conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca; Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi; Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Anthony Mohatt, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Shad White, Auditor, Mississippi Office of the State Auditor.
According to the indictment, Nancy New and Zachary New submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims for the salaries of teachers at New Summit School in Jackson to the Mississippi Department of Education under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. As a result, New Learning Resources, Inc., a for-profit company owned by Nancy New and Zachary New, fraudulently obtained in excess of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to which it was not entitled. Nancy W. New and Zachary W. New personally benefited from this scheme to defraud.
As set forth in the indictment, these fraudulent reimbursement claims included:
- false claims that individuals who no longer worked at New Summit School had continued to work there as teachers;
- false claims that individuals who were working at New Summit School in another capacity were working as teachers;
- a false claim that at least one individual who had never worked at New Summit School worked as a teacher there;
- false claims that the experience level and certification level of teachers at New Summit School were higher than they actually were, resulting in reimbursement at an artificially higher salary level;
- false claims that students who no longer attended New Summit School continued to attend school there; and
- false claims that individuals who had never attended New Summit School in Jackson were full-time students attending school at New Summit School.
The indictment alleges that, in one instance, Nancy New and Zachary New laundered approximately $250,000 of the fraudulently obtained reimbursement money through different bank accounts they controlled before finally using the proceeds to purchase a house.
Nancy New and Zachary New had their initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball in Jackson today at 1:00 p.m. The News are scheduled for trial in May before United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves in Jackson. If convicted, they each face up to 210 years in federal prison and up to a $4,000,000 in fines.
The case was investigated by agents with the FBI Jackson Division; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
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.
Former Meridian Police Officer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Royric “Roy” Benamon, 27, a former officer with the Meridian Police Department, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to a prison term of 12 months and one day, followed by two years of supervised release, for extortion under color of right, also known as the federal Hobbs Act, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
In April 2020, then-Officer Benamon on two separate occasions pulled over drivers in the middle of the night in Lauderdale County, and received from each of them cash payment in exchange for not issuing the driver a ticket.
Benamon was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2020 on two counts of extortion under color of right. On December 2, 2020 Benamon entered a guilty plea to one count of the indictment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca stated, “One of the worst possible betrayals of the public trust is the abuse of power for personal gain by armed police officers. We are determined to root out those bad actors who abuse their position of trust in this way, as they both endanger the community and besmirch the reputation of all honorable officers who follow their duty to protect and to serve.”
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Natchez Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison under Project Eject for Possessing A Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Damien Hayes, 24, of Natchez, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a stolen firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On March 22, 2019, ATF agents and state and local law enforcement officers were conducting a detail in Natchez and the surrounding area in response to complaints of criminal activity. Officers smelled burning marijuana and approached Hayes who tossed a marijuana blunt onto the ground. When officers frisked Hayes, they discovered a .45 caliber pistol tucked into his pants. Further investigation revealed the firearm had been stolen from a local firearms dealer.
On January 29, 2020, Hayes was charged in a federal indictment with possessing a stolen firearm. Hayes pled guilty on October 27, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Natchez 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.
Natchez Man Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Roy Ray III, 20, of Natchez, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III to 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 Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On August 1, 2019, Adams County Sheriff’s deputies went to a Natchez home in search of a wanted person. At the home, the deputies encountered Roy Ray III. While not the person deputies were looking for, Ray was arrested based on a warrant that had been issued for him over probation violations. After Ray was placed in custody, deputies discovered he possessed a revolver.
Ray was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 15, 2020, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Ray is currently in custody and will be sentenced on June 15, 2021, by Judge Bramlette. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being 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.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Illegal Aliens Within the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Ceferino Guardado-Reyes, 38, and a citizen of Honduras who had been living in Texas, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to transporting an illegal alien within the United States, 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.
Guardado-Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on June 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. He faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and $5,100 in special assessments.
On January 26, 2021, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 white Ford F-150 on Interstate 10 eastbound near Mile Marker 50, in Jackson County. During the encounter, the Border Patrol Agent, who was speaking Spanish, determined that Guardado-Reyes and both of his passengers all were unlawfully present in the U.S. It also was determined that Guardado-Reyes was unlawfully transporting or smuggling his two passengers from Texas to Florida.
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.
Tennessee Woman Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Tyra Latrice Clark, 22, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to serve a total of 108 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Beginning on January 1, 2018, and continuing through January 5, 2018, Clark and co-defendant Courtney Tremel Louie were actively involved with the sex trafficking of a minor they had transported from Tennessee to Jackson. The minor was forced to perform commercial sex acts with men for money at various hotels. Clark and Louie placed ads on Internet websites for the commercial sex. The Jackson Police Department rescued the minor on January 5, 2018, from a locked apartment on Bailey Avenue in Jackson.
The defendants were indicted on March 7, 2018 and both pled guilty before Judge Jordan on August 17, 2018. Louie was sentenced on June 21, 2019, to serve a total of 141 months for his involvement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jackson Police Department and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office jointly investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to Almost 22 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Montrecus Jaworski Campbell, 40, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 262 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). Campbell was also ordered to pay a $10,000.00 fine.
In June of 2020, DEA Special Agents discovered that Campbell received shipments of methamphetamine at his home in Louisiana before providing the methamphetamine to co-conspirators to distribute in the Southern District of Mississippi. Agents were able to intercept one of the packages and determine that it contained nearly 3 kilograms of 99% pure methamphetamine.
Campbell was indicted on August 11, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 24, 2020.
This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
Gulf Coast Gang Member Sentenced to Almost 3 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – Joseph Benjamin Posey, Jr., 19, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of multiple firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Posey was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On September 2, 2020, Biloxi Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Posey was a passenger. As a result of the stop, officers located two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen. Posey subsequently admitted that he obtained the guns three days before the traffic stop. He also admitted that he was a member of local gang and that he used marijuana daily.
Posey was indicted on October 6, 2020, and he pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on December 8, 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
Forrest County Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Oliver McNair, 30, of Petal, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing 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”). McNair was also ordered to pay a $5000 fine.
On August 31, 2019, McNair was found in possession of over 60 grams of methamphetamine in Petal. Pursuant to forensic analysis by the DEA, the methamphetamine was determined to be approximately 97% pure. McNair also had a firearm at the time of his arrest.
Prior to the instant offense, McNair had previously been convicted of two armed robberies in and around Hattiesburg. As a result of his criminal history, he was sentenced as a career offender.
McNair was originally indicted for this offense on January 15, 2020. He pled guilty on October 21, 2020.
Jason Denham, Resident Agent in Charge of the ATF Gulfport Field Office, provided the following statement in response to McNair’s sentencing: “This investigation just illustrates how the partnership between federal and local law enforcement can be effective at removing a violent, career offender from a community and provide an immediate impact to public safety.”
Connie Keene, Captain of the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigative Division, stated as follows: “The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is committed to working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as a participant in Project EJECT to ensure that violent habitual offenders are brought to justice as exhibited by the sentence imposed on Mr. Oliver McNair. In the present case, at his arrest Mr. McNair was not only a convicted career criminal at that time, but in possession of distribution-level methamphetamine, and a stolen firearm as further evidence as to the extreme danger he presented to the community. The FCSO is committed to continuing to seek out, investigate and bring to justice career criminals as part of Sheriff Charlie Sims’ commitment to serve the citizens of Forrest County courteously, respectfully and professionally in order to prevent crime and enhance safety.
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 Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Erick Edgardo Amaya, 42, an illegal alien from Honduras, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. Amaya is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. by Judge McNeel, and faces a potential maximum of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and removal proceedings.
In September 2020, the U.S. Border Patrol began investigating activities of Amaya following receipt of information indicating he had been officially removed from the United States, and had unlawfully returned to the Biloxi area. On November 11, 2020, a Border Patrol agent conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Amaya. A second Border Patrol agent arrived on the scene and the agents confirmed Amaya’s identity. He was arrested and transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station.
Further investigation revealed that Amaya had been previously arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in Biloxi in 2008. He had been lawfully removed to his home nation of Honduras on June 12, 2008 and had unlawfully returned to the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Alien Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Lovepreet Singh, 27, a former Jackson resident who is an alien from India, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan to money laundering and unlawful possession 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.
A federal criminal l indictment naming ten defendants in the United States and abroad, returned by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2019, charged Singh, an Indian national then residing and working as an interstate truck driver based in Indianapolis, IN, with acts supporting a conspiracy defrauding multiple victims as part of an international tech support and telemarketing fraud scheme.
According to the indictment and testimony in court, beginning in January 2015, and continuing through December 20, 2018, Singh conspired with nine other defendants, located 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.
Conspirators in Mississippi and elsewhere would obtain the telephone numbers and email addresses of computers belonging to various individuals throughout the United States. They engaged telephone calling centers in India, which would place calls to the United States numbers that appeared to be coming from United States-based toll-free numbers. The conspirators established and operated various business entities such as World Tech Assistance and US Support Inc., in Mississippi and elsewhere in the United States.
Conspirators would call victims in the United States, advising the victims that malware and ransomware were infecting the victims’ computers and devices, and that the victims should contact the conspirators for assistance. Conspirators misrepresented themselves as “Apple Support” or “Microsoft” or other legitimate and known technical support services, and offered their assistance to remove the software, in return for payment.
Victims responded to the conspirators’ phone calls and pop up messages to send monies and payments, by wire, check and other means. Victims also granted conspirators access to the their bank accounts and computers, permitting the conspirators to further enrich themselves by fraudulent appropriation and taking of the money and property of the victims. Victims sent money and payments to conspirators in Mississippi and to conspirators in India. Conspirators in Mississippi would also send payments and monies to their conspirators in India.
Singh will be sentenced on July 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan in Jackson. He faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for money laundering and 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Each count also can merit 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 the United States Marshals Service who assisted with the nationwide search and arrests of defendants. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Stephney Clark, 47, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 180 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Smith was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On April 10, 2018, Clark was observed conducting a drug transaction in Jackson. Federal agents arrested Clark and seized approximately 38 grams of methamphetamine which was 100% pure.
Clark was charged in a federal criminal indictment and he pled guilty before Judge Wingate on December 3, 2020.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Fire and Ice,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi. The investigative agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, Madison Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office took part in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Former Bay Springs City Administrator Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Federal Crimes Related to Embezzlement of City FundsRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Randy James, 56, the former City Clerk of Bay Springs in Jasper County, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel, for the federal crimes of money laundering and making false statements on a federal tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office, and Mississippi State Auditor Shad White. James pled guilty to the charges on October 7, 2020, before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett.
James was sentenced to serve a total of 50 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $265,561.84 to the Office of the Mississippi State Auditor on behalf of the City of Bay Springs, as well as $95,000 in restitution to the IRS and $60,000 in restitution to RLI Surety, which was the bonding surety company for the City of Bay Springs. James was also ordered to pay $30,200 in fines and special assessments.
During 2017 and 2018, Randy James was employed by the City of Bay Springs, Mississippi, as City Clerk, and had control over certain financial aspects of the city. During this time, James embezzled just over $300,000 from Bay Springs between August 2017 and April 2018 by creating fraudulent invoices from fictitious companies for the costs of false services that were never approved or incurred by the city. James diverted city funds by obtaining checks from the City of Bay Springs, cashing the checks at a local bank, and wiring those funds overseas to international scammers in the hope of winning money in a lottery scheme. James also made false statements on his personal 2018 Federal Income Tax Return by under-reporting gross receipts by $193,331.00.
The State Auditor’s Office previously issued a demand letter to James for $325,562 which included the amount of his embezzlement, plus interest and investigative costs. In his publicly filed plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, James agreed to pay a total of $420,562 in restitution.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the federal, state and local law enforcement cooperation displayed in this case. The case was investigated by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Vicksburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Darren Antonyo Mazie, 35, of Vicksburg, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On March 28, 2020, at 3:30 a.m., Mazie was driving during a city-wide curfew when he encountered a Vicksburg Police officer at an intersection. Mazie motioned for the officer’s assistance. The officer approached Mazie’s car and observed a firearm on the front passenger seat. For safety purposes, the officer secured the firearm with Mazie’s permission. Mazie told the officer that just moments earlier someone shot at his house and that he was out looking for that person. However, 911 received no reports of a shooting. The officer followed Mazie to his home to investigate and there the officer learned Mazie was a convicted felon.
Mazie was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020, for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Mazie is currently in custody and will be sentenced on by Judge Johnson on June 9, 2021. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
This case was investigated by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Role in 2016 Killing at Hattiesburg Mugshots RestaurantRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Demethius Dixon, also known as Deezy, 29, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for carrying and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, resulting in the firearm being discharged, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Dixon was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On June 26, 2016, Dixon and his co-defendant, James Windham, met with a third party at a Hattiesburg Mugshots restaurant in order to sell two ounces of marijuana. Dixon was brought along by Windham as an armed enforcer and as backup in case the drug deal turned sour. During the drug transaction, Dixon discharged a firearm multiple times, ultimately resulting in the death of the third party.
Following the shooting, Dixon and Windham fled from the scene, at which time they discarded the marijuana and all firearms associated with the shooting. Due to the diligent police work of Hattiesburg Police Department, the marijuana and firearms were all recovered shortly after the shooting.
Dixon and Windham were originally indicted for this offense on June 25, 2019. Both defendants pled guilty on September 24, 2020.
Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca commented, “The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute these violent criminals with the full arsenal of federal laws it has at its disposal. Guns and illegal drug distribution are a deadly combination. I want to thank the DEA, the Hattiesburg Police Department and the Office of District Attorney Hal Kittrell for their unwavering commitment and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.”
“Nothing is more important than keeping our communities safe. DEA and our local law enforcement partners will continue to utilize our combined resources to target individuals trafficking drugs and guns, threating the safety of our citizens in Mississippi and beyond, committing heinous violent acts. This sentence should send a strong, unified message that this violent criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities, and that those accused of committing these offenses will be brought to justice," stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Gaddy.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. District Attorney Hal Kittrell and the 15th Circuit District Attorney’s Office were instrumental in guiding early investigative steps in the matter and involving federal partners. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Ivis Enemecio Ortiz-Reyes, 38, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel to unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Ortiz-Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McNeel on June 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in Gulfport. He faces a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings.
On January 14, 2021, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle bearing a temporary Texas license plate near Exit 38 in Gulfport. The driver had no driver’s license or other identification, and the agent noticed that there were two passengers with the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the driver fled on foot, and Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies, who were assisting, attempted to locate the driver but were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Border Patrol Agent located narcotics hidden in a bag in the back seat and both passengers were detained. One of the passengers was arrested in connection with the narcotics which is the subject of a separate, state case.
The other passenger was Ivis Enemecio Ortiz-Reyes, who was determined to be merely a passenger. However, Ortiz-Reyes was confirmed as an illegal alien from Honduras who had been officially removed from the United States to his home nation of Honduras on February 3, 2017, via an Immigration & Customs Enforcement Air Charter from Harlingen, Texas. Officials also determined that Ortiz-Reyes had not received official permission to return to the United States.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the cooperation of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Meridian Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Edmond Dewayne Miller, 23, of Meridian, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Miller was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
On July 4th, 2019, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office responded to a noise complaint concerning loud music and multiple episodes of gunfire at Miller’s residence. Miller’s neighbors told the deputies that there had been consistent gunfire over a period of several days. One neighbor said that he had heard bullets pass near him while he was on his tractor in a pasture that bordered Miller’s property.
Two deputies went to Miller’s residence and spoke with him concerning the loud music and gunfire. The deputies cautioned Miller concerning the use of firearms in the area of other houses and asked him to turn down the music. At that time the deputies were unaware that Miller had a prior felony conviction for Aggravated Assault. Miller agreed to turn down the music and indicated he would be more careful where he and his friends and family fired their weapons.
After leaving Miller’s residence the deputies were contacted by the same neighbors who told them that the music had been turned back up. One deputy returned to Miller’s residence and found Miller heading through the wood line in the direction of the complaining neighbor’s residence with a .40 caliber pistol in his waistband. The deputy stopped Miller and took custody of the firearm.
The deputies soon discovered that the firearm was stolen and that Miller was a convicted felon.
Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Jordan on January 7, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.
Wesson Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Gunner Nathaniel Speed, 25, of Wesson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On November 15, 2019, Speed was stopped by the Flowood Police Department for a traffic violation. He was found to have over 150 pictures and videos portraying children having sex and simulated sex with adult males on his cell phone.
Speed was charged in a federal criminal indictment on June 10, 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is part of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Flowood Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Moss Point Mayor and Wife Plead Guilty to Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Moss Point Mayor Mario King, 33, and his wife, Natasha R. King, 32, of Moss Point, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to commit wire fraud relating to the Mayor’s Gala held in 2019, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mario King and Natasha R. King began soliciting funds in late 2018 for a Gala to be held on March 23, 2019, in Moss Point. The written solicitation stated that the “gala honors and supports organizations that are making a difference for the mental health community. Proceeds support the efforts of mental health in the City of Moss Point with a focus on the Moss Point School District, converting spaces into a therapeutic and innovative learning environment.”
On March 4, 2019, Mario King and Natasha R. King appeared together on WLOX television and described the event, stating that funds from the Gala were to be used to create safe spaces for mental health counseling in the Moss Point School District.
It was the understanding of those contributing to the Gala, either in the form of tickets purchased or contributions, that the proceeds from the Gala would go to the Moss Point School District. Some of the funds were used to pay for the cost of the Gala, but the remaining proceeds did not go to the Moss Point School District. Instead, the defendants used the proceeds for personal purchases, including the down payment on the purchase of a vehicle, cash withdrawals and the payment of credit card debts involving charges to complete the purchase of a personal pet.
As part of the plea agreement, Mayor King will immediately resign his position as Mayor of Moss Point. The plea agreement with Natasha King includes a recommended sentence of probation. The Defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2021 and face up to five years on the conspiracy charge and a maximum fine of $250,000.
The case was investigated by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry by an Alien Removed After Conviction of a FelonyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Gerber Estif Pineda-Sierra, 34, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful reentry by an alien deported or removed after conviction of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Pineda-Sierra will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on May 11, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. and faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, in addition to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He also faces Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proceedings regarding removal from the United States following the completion of any prison sentence.
On November 11, 2020, Gerber Estif Pineda-Sierra was arrested by U.S. Borter Patrol agents after an investigation determined that he had been previously removed from the U.S. and was residing in the Gulfport 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. He later 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. He was again removed from the U.S. in October 2019. In January 2020, he was arrested by the Border Patrol, and was returned to Guatemala in February 2020.
Acting U.S. Attorney 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 is the prosecutor for the case.
Four Southwest Mississippi Men Sentenced for Violating Federal Wildlife LawsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kenneth R. Britt, Jr., 51, of Wesson, Tony Grant Smith, 26, of Wesson, Barney Leon Bairfield, III, 28, of Brookhaven, and Dustin Corey Treadway, 28, of Brookhaven, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette for violating federal wildlife laws.
Britt, Smith, and Bairfield were sentenced for conspiring in 2018 to kill in excess of the legal limit of Kansas wild turkeys while unlicensed and transporting the wild turkeys across state lines to Mississippi. In addition, Treadway was sentenced for aiding and abetting similar federal violations in 2017, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Assistant Director Edward Grace of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colonel Steve Adcock of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
The defendants’ unlawful activities took place in Kansas and Nebraska. In 2018, Britt, Smith and Bairfield killed over 25 wild turkeys without the required hunting licenses and over the limit of two per person per season, in violation of Kansas law. They returned to Mississippi with trophy spurs and beards of the illegally-killed turkeys. Treadway killed wild turkeys in Kansas in 2017 without a proper license and over the limit. He also returned to Mississippi with the trophy spurs and beards. Under the federal Lacey Act, it is unlawful for any person to transport across state lines any wildlife taken in violation of state law.
Judge Bramlette sentenced Britt to 5 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $25,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 5 years; Smith to 4 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $15,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 4 years; Bairfield to 2 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $3,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 2 years; and, Treadway to 2 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $5,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 2 years. The prohibition of hunting also prohibits accompanying anyone in hunting or being present at a hunting camp during any hunting season. A violation of the hunting prohibition or any other term of probation will subject each to a term of imprisonment by Judge Bramlette.
“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the Lacey Act and other federal laws to protect our wildlife resources,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca. “This office will continue to work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to enforce the Lacey Act. It is my hope that this prosecution sends a strong message that the wanton, indiscriminate killing of the American Wild Turkey, or any animal for that matter, will be met with debilitating and just consequences.”
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Ed Grace stated, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is committed to conduct criminal investigations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in an effort to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats. The Office of Law Enforcement takes violations of the Lacey Act seriously. The yearlong investigation involving the four defendants responsible for the unlawful harvest and subsequent transportation in interstate commerce of 26 wild turkeys from Kansas and Nebraska is no exception. We will continue to work closely with our state partners to conduct these important joint investigations.”
MDWFP Colonel Steve Adcock stated, “The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, will continue to work diligently, to find and prosecute those persons who steal from our valuable natural resources. The primary mission of the MDWFP Law Enforcement Bureau is to detect and hold accountable those persons who jeopardize our rich hunting heritage by committing lawless acts such as these.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It is being prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.
Perkinston Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Edward Lee Thomas, 48, of Perkinston, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve the statutory maximum of 600 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans. Assessments were also imposed on Thomas in the amount of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Tracking Act of 2015, and $20,000 under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
In March, 2020, HSI Gulfport received 95 images and 2 videos of child sexual abuse from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The investigation led agents to a residence in Forrest County, Mississippi, where sexual abuse images of two minors had been taken. Agents executed a federal search warrant at the residence of Edward Lee Thomas in Perkinston. The seizure and forensic examination of electronic devices taken from Thomas’ residence revealed over 4,000 images and 700 videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
A superseding indictment charging the production and possession of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct was returned by a federal grand jury on June 10, 2020. Thomas pled guilty to the production count on October 22, 2020. He faced a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in prison. However, Thomas’s 2004 Mississippi state conviction for sexual battery of a child was determined to be a qualifying prior conviction for an enhanced statutory penalty, and as such he faced a maximum penalty of not less than 25 years nor more than 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and 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.
Former Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indian Official and Wife Plead Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kevin Edwards, 48, of Walnut Grove, a former member of the Tribal Council for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and his wife, Sheena A. Edwards, 45, pled guilty yesterday to a Superseding Indictment charging them with money laundering conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
A superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019, charges the former lawmaker and his wife with defrauding the Tribal government, as well as misleading a federally insured bank with intent to obtain loans.
Between March 2015 and June 2017, the husband and wife are alleged to have forged hotel bills and receipts, and to have submitted those documents to the Tribal government in claims for reimbursement for official business travel by Kevin Edwards. Edwards is a former Member of the Tribal Council who left office in June 2017. After receiving the unlawful payments from the tribal government, the two defendants cashed and transferred the payments to multiple bank accounts and paid off personal loans in the name of Sheena Edwards.
“As long as public corruption continues to be an issue in our state, I can promise you that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be here to root it out, prosecute it, and ensure that justice is done. I want to personally thank the agencies involved for working with us to catch those who violate our corruption laws,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.
Kevin Edwards and Sheena Edwards each entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money, which carries a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment. Each defendant can also face a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing hearings for both Kevin Edwards and Sheena Edwards are set to take place before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate on May 11, 2021, at the Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse, in Jackson, Mississippi.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case. The Leake County Sheriff’s Office assisted with arrests. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Landon Marquale Dupree, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
Although Dupree had previously been convicted of selling cocaine in Neshoba County, Mississippi, he again sold and distributed drugs (methamphetamine) in Philadelphia on July 15, 2019.
Dupree is scheduled for sentencing on May 12, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $8,000,000 fine.
This OCDETF operation is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Operation Highlife", which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of methamphetamine. The distribution network encompasses the States of Texas and Mississippi.
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 is part of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from 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.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offense under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – Kevin Jaquan Willis, 23, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance 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 October 7, 2020, Gulfport police officers stopped a vehicle driven by Willis and discovered in the vehicle 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 admitted to regularly smoking marijuana since he was 15 years old. He also indicated that he smoked about an ounce of marijuana per day. Finally, Willis admitted to possessing both the marijuana and the rifle.
Willis will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on May 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offense under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi – Marquise Deshun Spanks, 30, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michele Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Mississippi.
On October 20, 2020, Biloxi police officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Spanks and discovered he possessed two firearms in the vehicle, one of which was reported stolen. Spanks was previously convicted of a felony drug offense.
On November 4, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Spanks for possessing the firearms after having been convicted of a felony. He will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on May 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the offense. If the Court determines that Spanks is an Armed Career Criminal, he will face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi 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.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Eddie Terrell Adams, 39, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to 46 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On March 10, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department stopped a car with an expired license plate. During the traffic stop, Adams became agitated and told officers they would have to catch him. Adams then fled from the traffic stop. After a brief car pursuit, Adams attempted to run inside of an apartment but was stopped and apprehended by police at the front door. Just before he was apprehended, Adams opened the apartment door and tossed a handgun behind the door. Officers soon determined that Adams was previously convicted of aggravated assault and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On January 25, 2019, Adams was charged in a federal criminal indictment with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime. Adams pled guilty on October10, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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 Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Marlandow Johnson, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 27 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.
On July 2, 2018, Jackson Police officers responded to a disturbance at Studio 7 hotel. Upon arrival, officers observed objects being thrown from a vehicle leaving the parking lot of the hotel. Officers stopped the vehicle and, while speaking with the driver, they observed a handgun on the front passenger seat. The driver was identified as Marlandow Johnson and officers discovered that he had been previously convicted of accessory after the fact to murder.
On October 24, 2018, Johnson was charged in a federal criminal indictment with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime. Johnson pled guilty before Judge Wingate on April 16, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and 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.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Todrian Kwame Laphand, 27, of Meridian, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 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.
On July 10, 2019, Laphand, who was under surveillance by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, purchased 40 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition from a pawn shop in Meridian Mississippi. 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 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 indicted by a federal grand jury on November 19, 2019. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced on May 12, 2021 by Judge Jordan. Laphand faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and up to a $250,000.00 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.
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.
Illegal Alien Convicted of Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Ivan Cano-Elvira, 34, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Diane Witte, Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO) in New Orleans, and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Cano-Elvira is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McNeel on May 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Cano-Elvira faces a potential maximum of 10 years imprisonment, plus 3 years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. He also faces being removed from the U.S. to his home nation of Mexico, following the completion of any prison sentence.
On October 2, 2020, ICE/ERO arrested Cano-Elvira, who was being held by Jones County officials on a state charge after his arrest for felony domestic violence. On September 7, 2020, Jones County deputies had been dispatched to a domestic disturbance at Cano-Elvira’s residence. When deputies arrived, they were told Cano-Elvira had a rifle in the residence. Although Cano-Elvira had fled on foot, deputies found a Remington, Model 597, .22 caliber rifle, readily accessible in the unlocked closet of his bedroom. Deputies confiscated the firearm, and Cano-Elvira was arrested the following day when he surrendered to deputies at his residence. The Remington rifle later was turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
After further ICE investigation, Cano-Elvira was identified as a deported or removed alien. He had been removed from the U.S. to Mexico in April 2014. Thereafter, he illegally reentered the United States and was encountered by Homeland Security officials on May 3, 2014. His original order of removal was reinstated, and he was again physically removed from the United States to Mexico on May 31, 2014. At the time of his last removal in 2014, Cano-Elvira was prohibited from entering, attempting to enter, or being in the U.S. for 20 years.
Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the cooperation of the Department of Homeland Security; the ATF; and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Clinton Pharmacist Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Marco Bisa Hawkins Moran, 45, of Clinton, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 120 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit health care fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge James Dorsey of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce of Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS) Southeast Field Office, and Director Steven Maxwell of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN).
Moran was also ordered to pay a monetary judgment of $12,195,740, restitution in the amount of $22,096,697, and a $20,000 fine.
Between 2014 and 2016, Moran, as co-owner of Medworx Compounding and Custom Care Pharmacy, participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other health care benefit programs, including those that provided coverage to employees of the City of Jackson, Mississippi. In total, the pharmacies submitted $22,068,144 in fraudulent claims to Tricare and other health care benefit programs. As part of the scheme, Moran and his co-conspirators, among other things, adjusted prescription formulas to ensure the highest reimbursement, paid marketers and physicians kickbacks and bribes to obtain prescriptions for high-yield compounded medications irrespective of whether they were medically necessary, and routinely waived and/or reduced the collection of copayments.
Moran was charged in a Criminal Information and pled guilty before Judge Starrett on September 13, 2018.
The FBI’s Jackson Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the IRS-CI, DCIS, and MBN. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Canton Felon Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Xavier D. Cooper, 27, of Canton, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cooper was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On May 22, 2017, during a traffic stop in Clinton, Mississippi, Clinton Police Department officers discovered Cooper was in possession of a Romarm/Cugir semi-automatic pistol, coupled with an extended magazine and a round “drum” magazine. Cooper had been previously convicted of felonies in both Copiah and Hinds Counties.
Cooper was indicted on March 5, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on October 27, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Clinton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
This case was 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.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Return After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Moises Joaquin-Antonio, 33, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on January 28, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to time served (3 months and 18 days imprisonment) and one year of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. Joaquin-Antonio will also face Homeland Security removal proceedings. Joaquin-Antonio pled guilty on December 18, 2020 before Judge Ozerden.
On October 13, 2020, two U.S. Border Patrol Agents were assigned to targeted enforcement operations regarding aliens who had been officially removed from the United States and were suspected to have unlawfully returned to the local area. While conducting surveillance on Joaquin-Antonio’s suspected address in Biloxi, an agent reported that he observed Joaquin-Antonio get into a vehicle and leave the residence. The agent followed Joaquin-Antonio, and a second agent responded in a marked Border Patrol vehicle.
A traffic stop was conducted and Joaquin-Antonio was placed under arrest. He was transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station for further processing. At the Border Patrol Station, Joaquin-Antonio’s fingerprints were scanned through Department of Homeland Security electronic computer database systems. Joaquin-Antonio’s identity was confirmed through computer matches of his fingerprints with his earlier federal immigration records. The databases also produced prior photographs and other record information.
Joaquin-Antonio was positively identified as an alien who had been removed from the US. on four different occasions before returning and being arrested in South Mississippi. Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Owner of Jackson Business Pleads Guilty to Illegally Discharging Industrial Waste into Jackson’s Sewer SystemRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Andrew Walker, 70, of Jackson, Miss., pled guilty today in Federal District Court before Judge Kristi Haskins Johnson to having illegally discharged industrial waste into the Jackson Sewer System, announced Jean E. Williams, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4; and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Walker was charged in a two count criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in September 2020.
Andrew Walker, the owner of Rebel High Velocity Sewer Services of Jackson, Mississippi, (“Rebel”) admitted to having entered into a conspiracy with the generators and transporters of industrial waste illegally to discharge the waste into the Jackson Sewer System in order to avoid the expense of treating the waste to reduce pollutant concentrations, as required by law, and to evade sewer usage fees and the cost of disposing of the waste at legal off-site facilities.
According to the two counts of the Information and statements made in open court, in October, 2016, state and municipal authorities discovered that a local manufacturing company had been discharging large quantities of its industrial waste directly into the sewer serving its facility. Government agencies ordered the company to stop this illegal dumping and to ship the waste off site for legal treatment and disposal. Yet, from November 2016 through October 2017, Mr. Walker and his coconspirators evaded this order, arranging for the illegal disposal of this untreated industrial waste, first by misrepresenting the industrial waste to be domestic waste and dumping it at Jackson’s treatment plant, and then by discharging hundreds of truckloads of industrial waste into a city sewer pipe they excavated at Rebel. By the time this illegal waste disposal was discovered by state officials, the defendant and his coconspirators had discharged over three million gallons of untreated industrial waste into the same Jackson sewer system to which they had already been prohibited from dumping.
“Those who disregard the health and safety of our community to pollute our natural resources and waterways for easy profit will find themselves standing before a court of law to answer for their wrongs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.
"The defendant illegally disposed of more than 3.5 million gallons of industrial waste into the City of Jackson's sewer system in violation of the Clean Water Act," said Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division in Atlanta, GA. “Today’s charges demonstrate that anyone who intentionally disregards the laws designed to protect the environment will be held responsible for their actions.”
“The Clean Water Act is in place to not only protect the environment, but to safeguard our communities and residents from the risks of industrial waste,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin. “Circumventing the law to improperly dispose of waste in order to make a profit is a crime that the FBI and our partners take seriously. Criminal investigations into those who benefit from putting our communities’ health at risk will remain a priority for the FBI.”
Walker appeared for the change of plea hearing today before United States District Judge Kristi H. Johnson in Jackson. He remains released on conditions of bond pending a sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. Walker faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison for the count of conspiracy, and 3 years in prison for the count of discharging industrial waste. Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the FBI’s Jackson Division, as well as the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, who investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy Korzenik of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of DOJ, and Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
Businessman Charged in Scheme to Hoard Personal Protective Equipment and Price Gouge Health Care ProvidersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi businessman was charged with defrauding the United States and other health care providers in a $1.8 million scheme related to acquiring and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and price gouging health care providers, including numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in critical need of PPE.
Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Darren J. LaMarca, Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Mississippi, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, Michael J. Missal, Inspector General of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
Kenneth Bryan Ritchey, 57, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged in an indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit hoarding of designated scarce materials, and hoarding of designated scarce materials. The defendant made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Myers of the Southern District of Mississippi.
The indictment alleges that after the first U.S.-confirmed case of COVID-19, Ritchey participated in a scheme to defraud health care providers, including the VA, of more than $1.8 million by acquiring PPE and other designated materials from all possible sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers, and ultimately hoarding the same. The indictment alleges that due to nationwide PPE shortages and COVID-19-related fears, Ritchey directed sales representatives to solicit health care providers, including the VA, to purchase PPE and other designated materials at excessively inflated prices through high-pressure sales tactics and through misrepresenting sourcing and actual costs. It is alleged that Ritchey sold PPE to health care providers desperate to acquire the same at incredible markups. For instance, the indictment alleges that Ritchey sold N-95 masks to the VA and other health care providers for as much as $25.00 per mask, despite acquiring such masks at much lower prices.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, VA-OIG, and ICE HSI. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The public is asked to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit The Department of Justice’s NCDF website.
Businessman Charged in Scheme to Hoard Personal Protective Equipment and Price Gouge Health Care ProvidersRead the Press Release
A Mississippi businessman was charged with defrauding the United States and other health care providers in a $1.8 million scheme related to acquiring and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and price gouging health care providers, including numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in critical need of PPE.
Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Darren J. LaMarca, Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Mississippi, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, Jeffrey A. Breen, Special Agent in Charge of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) South Central Field Office, and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
Kenneth Bryan Ritchey, 57, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged in an indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit hoarding of designated scarce materials, and hoarding of designated scarce materials. The defendant made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Myers of the Southern District of Mississippi.
The indictment alleges that after the first U.S.-confirmed case of COVID-19, Ritchey participated in a scheme to defraud health care providers, including the VA, of more than $1.8 million by acquiring PPE and other designated materials from all possible sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers, and ultimately hoarding the same. The indictment alleges that due to nationwide PPE shortages and COVID-19-related fears, Ritchey directed sales representatives to solicit health care providers, including the VA, to purchase PPE and other designated materials at excessively inflated prices through high-pressure sales tactics and through misrepresenting sourcing and actual costs. It is alleged that Ritchey sold PPE to health care providers desperate to acquire the same at incredible markups. For instance, the indictment alleges that Ritchey sold N-95 masks to the VA and other health care providers for as much as $25.00 per mask, despite acquiring such masks at much lower prices.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, VA-OIG, and ICE HSI. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The public is asked to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit The Department of Justice’s NCDF website.
Former Gulfport Resident Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Mail Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Timothy Frank Ross, 54, formerly of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to serve 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit mail theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Chris Cave with the U. S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Southern Area Field Office. Ross was also ordered to pay outstanding restitution to a victim in the amount of $594 and a $2,000 fine.
From September 2016, through March 2017, Ross and co-conspirators stole mail from victims’ residences and their mailboxes in the Gulfport and Bay St. Louis areas. Ross and his co-conspirators cashed checks from the stolen mail and made deposits with stolen checks into a bank account controlled by a co-conspirator.
Ross was indicted on July 24, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on October 22, 2020.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Vicksburg Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Federal Prison for Providing False Information in an Attempt to Purchase a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Dvonte Amir King, 23, of Vicksburg, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to 12 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer and putting false information on an official form, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On June 4, 2018, King attempted to purchase a firearm from a local Vicksburg retailer. King filled out and signed ATF Form 4473, the standard form for background checks. On the form, King marked that he had never been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence whereas in truth and in fact, he had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Approximately six months prior, on November 28, 2017, King had pled guilty to misdemeanor domestic assault in the Municipal Court of the City of Vicksburg. Persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from purchasing firearms under federal law and it is a federal offense to put false information on the firearm form.
King was charged in a federal criminal indictment. He pled guilty before Judge Lee on September 10, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
Pascagoula Man Sentenced Under Project EJECT to over 3 Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Lawrence Lavoy Jackson, 36, of Pascagoula, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 45 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Jackson was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On September 2, 2019, Moss Point Police officers encountered Jackson in a vehicle parked in front of a store in Jackson County. The vehicle was running, with the reverse lights on, and Jackson appeared to be asleep at the wheel of the vehicle. The police tapped on the window several times to get Jackson to respond. The officer had Jackson step out of the vehicle and found a 9 mm pistol in his waist band and 7 rounds of ammunition. Jackson had previous felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Jackson was indicted on September 2, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on October 21, 2020.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moss Point Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
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.
Gulf Coast Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Cameron Malik Dajon Payton, 19, of Harrison County, Mississippi, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On September 2, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Biloxi Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Payton. As a result of the stop, officers located two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen, beneath the passenger seat. One of the firearms was a Glock 42 .380 caliber pistol. Additionally, officers found a Glock 42 pistol magazine loaded with 5 rounds of .380 ammunition and a single .380 round on Payton. Further investigation revealed that Payton was an unlawful user of marijuana, a controlled substance.
On October 6, 2020, Payton was charged in a federal criminal indictment with being an unlawful user of a controlled sustance in possession of a firearm.
Payton will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 28, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.
Former Jackson Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of a Federal InvestigationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Mark Coleman, 57, a former Jackson Police Officer, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to obstruction of a federal investigation by destroying and concealing text messages and images of a minor female, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Upon learning that a 16 year old female with whom Coleman had a relationship had been reported as a runaway, Coleman attempted to delete text messages and images of the female from his phone in an attempt to prevent federal investigators from connecting him to the runaway. His attempt at concealing his relationship failed, and Coleman was arrested. He was charged in a federal criminal indictment on July 14, 2020.
Coleman’s sentencing hearing is set for April 29, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the The Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces First Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca Will Serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. –United States Attorney Mike Hurst announced that, upon his resignation at the end of today, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca will begin to serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, effective January 20, 2021.
“Darren LaMarca is a dedicated public servant and will serve the people of the Southern District with honor, integrity and distinction. His background in both the private and public sector, including his leadership in this office, makes him the perfect individual to assume the role of Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for over half of our state. He is well-respected by law enforcement, the defense bar and our community, and he will do an outstanding job as Acting U.S. Attorney. I want to personally thank him for his wise counsel and his character, and I wish him all the best in this role. He will do an incredible job for our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“I want to thank Mr. Hurst for his outstanding leadership and relentless pursuit of justice over these past three plus years. The Office of the United States Attorney will continue this relentless pursuit until a new presidentially appointed United States Attorney is confirmed.,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca.
Mr. LaMarca is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and the Mississippi College School of Law. He began his law career in 1986 as a law clerk to Justice Roy Noble Lee of the Mississippi Supreme Court. He then worked as an attorney with a private law firm in Jackson for four years before opening his own practice in Clinton. During his sixteen years in private practice in Clinton, he also served as Municipal Judge for the City of Clinton from 2002 to 2007. In May 2007, he joined the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting organized drug trafficking, financial crimes, and public corruption. While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. LaMarca has served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the Criminal Division, and First Assistant United States Attorney.
The Vacancies Reform Act (VRA), 5 U.S.C. § 3345(a)(1), provides that when a presidentially appointed U. S. Attorney resigns, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney (“FAUSA”) of that office automatically becomes Acting U.S. Attorney, unless otherwise directed by the President of the United States.
Ridgeland Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Steven Daniel Tutor, 42, of Ridgeland, was sentenced Thursday, January 14, 2021, by Senior United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for attempted enticement and coercion of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Tutor must also register as a sex offender.
On July 27, 2019, Tutor attempted to entice an individual he believed to be a 14-year old boy to engage in sexual explicit conduct with him. Through online chat with the minor, Tutor made plans to drive to the Extended Studio Hotel in Jackson, Mississippi, to pick up the minor and take him to an isolated parking area to engage in sexual activities. The FBI arrested Tutor at the hotel in his vehicle as described in the online chats.
Tutor was indicted on May 27, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Lee on October 8, 2020.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Field Office's Child Exploitation Task Force and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Compounding Pharmacy Mogul Sentenced for Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi businessman was sentenced today for his role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans, and their respective family members, as well as private health care benefit programs.
Wade Ashley Walters, 54, of Hattiesburg, a co-owner of numerous compounding pharmacies and pharmaceutical distributors, was sentenced today on his guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi ordered Walters to serve a total of 18 years in prison and to pay $287,659,569 in restitution. Walters was remanded into custody following the sentencing hearing. Walters was further ordered to forfeit $56,565,963, representing the proceeds he personally derived from the fraud scheme.
“The fraud committed by Walters and others in this investigation wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and deprived individuals of needed medical care,” said David P. Burns, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s significant sentence signifies that we will continue to stand with our agency partners to root out health care fraud schemes and see their perpetrators brought to justice.”
Between 2012 and 2016, Walters orchestrated a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other health care benefit programs by distributing compounded medications that were not medically necessary. As part of the scheme, Walters and his co-conspirators, among other things, adjusted prescription formulas to ensure the highest reimbursement without regard to efficacy; solicited recruiters to procure prescriptions for high-margin compounded medications and paid those recruiters commissions based on the percentage of the reimbursements paid by pharmacy benefit managers and health care benefit programs, including commissions on claims reimbursed by TRICARE; solicited (and at times paying kickbacks to) practitioners to authorize prescriptions for high-margin compounded medications; routinely and systematically waived and/or reduced copayments to be paid by beneficiaries and members, including utilizing a purported copayment assistance program to falsely make it appear as if the pharmacies were collecting copayments.
“Today’s sentencing is another mile marker on the long road to justice for victims, our veterans, our military, and all American taxpayers, as the mastermind of the largest health care fraud scheme in Mississippi history has been held to answer for his crimes,” said Mike Hurst, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. “I want to commend our prosecutors, Justice Department trial attorneys, and every member of this incredible team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for discovering this scheme and bringing all of these criminals to justice. While there is more work to do, the public can rest assured that we will continue to hold evildoers to account and that justice will always be done in the Southern District of Mississippi.”
“This scheme to defraud TRICARE out of hundreds of millions of dollars not only diverted taxpayer money from essential services and medical care but victimized the brave men and women who selflessly serve or have served our country,” said Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office. “The investigation into this specific scheme, which now spans across multiple states and FBI field offices, began in the FBI’s Jackson Field Office. I am incredibly proud of the relentless efforts made by our Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts and professional support staff, but also the assistance from our partner agencies which make cases like this successful. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to seeking those that intend to steal from others for their own financial gain.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation provides financial investigative expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners, said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Atlanta Field Office. “Pooling the skills of each agency makes a formidable team as we investigate allegations of wrong-doing. Today's sentencing demonstrates our collective efforts to successfully enforce the law and ensure public trust.”
“The Defense Health Agency (DHA) works to set the standard in care for our military, families and veterans,” said Cyndy Bruce, Special Agent in Charge with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “With full knowledge, Mr. Walters aggressively exploited DHA for personal enrichment. I want thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our investigative team for their tireless work to bring these crimes to light. There is no victimless crime, these significant funds were stolen from each and every tax payer and I am pleased that today, this defendant is being held accountable for his actions.”
“The sentencing of Walters highlights continued cooperation among law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure public safety throughout Mississippi,” said Colonel Steven Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN). “Protecting the public from individuals like Walters is a priority for MBN and is a mainstay in accomplishing our agency’s mission.”
Walters and his numerous co-conspirators effectuated a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, including the TRICARE program, in an amount exceeding $287 million. Walters further conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his fraud scheme by engaging in monetary transactions in amounts of over $10,000 in proceeds from the fraud scheme, including transactions relating to his participation in a sham intellectual property scheme.
The FBI’s Jackson Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the IRS-CI, DCIS, and MBN. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis, Assistant Deputy Chief Katherine E. Payerle, and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Steven Brantley of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Compounding Pharmacy Mogul Sentenced for Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Mississippi businessman was sentenced today for his role in a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans, and their respective family members, as well as private health care benefit programs.
Wade Ashley Walters, 54, of Hattiesburg, a co-owner of numerous compounding pharmacies and pharmaceutical distributors, was sentenced today on his guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi ordered Walters to serve a total of 18 years in prison and to pay $287,659,569 in restitution. Walters was remanded into custody following the sentencing hearing. Walters was further ordered to forfeit $56,565,963, representing the proceeds he personally derived from the fraud scheme.
“The fraud committed by Walters and others in this investigation wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and deprived individuals of needed medical care,” said David P. Burns, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s significant sentence signifies that we will continue to stand with our agency partners to root out health care fraud schemes and see their perpetrators brought to justice.”Between 2012 and 2016, Walters orchestrated a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other health care benefit programs by distributing compounded medications that were not medically necessary. As part of the scheme, Walters and his co-conspirators, among other things, adjusted prescription formulas to ensure the highest reimbursement without regard to efficacy; solicited recruiters to procure prescriptions for high-margin compounded medications and paid those recruiters commissions based on the percentage of the reimbursements paid by pharmacy benefit managers and health care benefit programs, including commissions on claims reimbursed by TRICARE; solicited (and at times paying kickbacks to) practitioners to authorize prescriptions for high-margin compounded medications; routinely and systematically waived and/or reduced copayments to be paid by beneficiaries and members, including utilizing a purported copayment assistance program to falsely make it appear as if the pharmacies were collecting copayments.
“Today’s sentencing is another mile marker on the long road to justice for victims, our veterans, our military, and all American taxpayers, as the mastermind of the largest healthcare fraud scheme in Mississippi history has been held to answer for his crimes,” said Mike Hurst, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. “I want to commend our prosecutors, Justice Department trial attorneys, and every member of this incredible team of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies for discovering this scheme and bringing all of these criminals to justice. While there is more work to do, the public can rest assured that we will continue to hold evildoers to account and that justice will always be done in the Southern District of Mississippi.”
“This scheme to defraud TRICARE out of hundreds of millions of dollars not only diverted taxpayer money from essential services and medical care but victimized the brave men and women who selflessly serve or have served our country,” said Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office. “The investigation into this specific scheme, which now spans across multiple states and FBI field offices, began in the FBI’s Jackson Field Office. I am incredibly proud of the relentless efforts made by our Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts and professional support staff, but also the assistance from our partner agencies which make cases like this successful. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to seeking those that intend to steal from others for their own financial gain.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation provides financial investigative expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners, said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Atlanta Field Office. “Pooling the skills of each agency makes a formidable team as we investigate allegations of wrong-doing. Today's sentencing demonstrates our collective efforts to successfully enforce the law and ensure public trust.”
“The Defense Health Agency (DHA) works to set the standard in care for our military, families and veterans,” said Cyndy Bruce, Special Agent in Charge with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “With full knowledge, Mr. Walters aggressively exploited DHA for personal enrichment. I want thank the U.S. Department of Justice and our investigative team for their tireless work to bring these crimes to light. There is no victimless crime, these significant funds were stolen from each and every tax payer and I am pleased that today, this defendant is being held accountable for his actions.”
“The sentencing of Walters highlights continued cooperation among law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure public safety throughout Mississippi,” said Colonel Steven Maxwell, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN). “Protecting the public from individuals like Walters is a priority for MBN and is a mainstay in accomplishing our agency’s mission.”
Walters and his numerous co-conspirators effectuated a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, including the TRICARE program, in an amount exceeding $287 million. Walters further conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his fraud scheme by engaging in monetary transactions in amounts of over $10,000 in proceeds from the fraud scheme, including transactions relating to his participation in a sham intellectual property scheme.
The FBI’s Jackson Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the IRS-CI, DCIS, and MBN. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis, Assistant Deputy Chief Katherine E. Payerle, and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Steven Brantley of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Jackson Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cherilyn Patrice Humphery, 46, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Smith was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On May 23, 2019, the Jackson Police Department was looking for a potential robbery suspect at a local hotel. Law enforcement came in contact with Humphery in a hotel room. Officers obtained consent to search the room and found cocaine residue and a firearm. Humphery admitting ownership of the firearm. Humphery was previously convicted of armed robbery and manslaughter in Hinds County in 1995, cocaine possession in Hinds County in 1998, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and brandishing a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi in 2003.
Humphery was indicted on January 15, 2020 and pled guilty before Judge Lee on October 8, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces His Departure from Department of JusticeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Mike Hurst, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced today that he has submitted his resignation to President Donald J. Trump and Acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen and will leave the Department of Justice on January 19, 2021.
“Serving as the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for over half of our state has been the highest honor of my professional career. During my time as U.S. Attorney, I have tried to do everything within my power to make our neighborhoods safer, support our law enforcement, engage and empower our communities and citizens, protect victims, prevent and reduce crime, and uphold our constitutional rights. The secret to the success of this office is its people – hard-working, tenacious, and full of integrity, they are committed to seeing that justice is always done, every day. I wish them all the best in their continued service to our fellow man and to this noble work,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“Mike Hurst is the ultimate public servant. He has routinely taken on tough fights in order to preserve the rule of law – because he believes in it. He has been a champion for the people of Mississippi, and we wish him well in his next adventure,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves.
“Mike Hurst has served the people of Mississippi with honor and distinction as U.S. Attorney,” said United States Senator Roger Wicker. “He’s a talented lawyer and dedicated public servant. I wish him well in his next chapter.”
“Mike Hurst has served as the consummate U.S. Attorney, serving Mississippi and our nation extremely well. Like so many in our state, I am grateful for his achievements in the Southern District of Mississippi to prosecute crimes and to bring special focus on fighting human trafficking and illegal drug trafficking. I wish him and his family all the best as he leaves office,” said United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
“The Mississippi Sheriffs Association offers its gratitude to Mike Hurst for his service as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. Since October 2017, Mike has faithfully served the State of Mississippi and supported Mississippi law enforcement officers. The Mississippi Sheriffs Association appreciates his service to Mississippi and the United States and wishes him the very best,” said Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson, President of the Mississippi Sheriffs Association.
“It is imperative the many levels of criminal justice to work as a team to be successful. Having worked with U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for nearly 4 years, I have seen firsthand his passion to put swift, fair and just efforts into providing justice for victims. Mike is a law enforcement-minded person and he has always been there to stand on the front lines with Mississippi law enforcement. His criminal prosecution of the worst in Mississippi should be commended and our communities are safer because of his efforts. The men and women of law enforcement who combat evil in Mississippi send their sincerest best wishes to Mike and know the best for him is yet to come,” said Ridgeland Police Chief John Neal, President of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police.
“As District Attorney of the 15th Judicial District, it is my pleasure to commend and thank Mike Hurst for a job well done during his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. Mike began the Project EJECT program a few years ago, which targets the investigation and prosecution of violent crime in the Pine Belt area. Through this program, Mike and his prosecution team have created an effective collaboration between federal authorities and state and local agencies, and they have successfully brought many serious offenders to justice. This contribution has assisted my office immeasurably in efforts to ensure public safety in my district, and I appreciate his leadership in this pursuit,” said Fifteenth Circuit District Attorney Hal Kittrell, former President of the Mississippi Prosecutors Association.
CRIMINAL
Southern District of Mississippi Ranked First in Nation for Indictments by Medium-Size Offices in FY19; Most Federal Indictments, Federal Defendants Ever Prosecuted in One Year in Mississippi History
In Fiscal Year 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi indicted just 188 cases. U.S. Attorney Hurst was determined to change that. Knowing this office, and the capacity it had to do even more, Hurst increased prosecutions by Fiscal Year 2019 to 522 indictments, a 178% increase and almost tripling the number from just three years before. Those 522 indictments encompassed 641 federal defendants – the most ever in the history of the state of Mississippi. And this number places the Southern District of Mississippi as the number one Medium-size district in the nation for indictments and prosecutions.
Shortly after becoming United States Attorney, Hurst was named President of the Greater Jackson Law Enforcement Officers Association in February 2018. Through this group, U.S. Attorney Hurst brought federal, state and local law enforcement together in the greater Jackson metro area to hear from a variety of speakers and increase their coordination and collaboration in their fight again crime and in keeping citizens safe.
Violent Crime
Project EJECT
With violent crime on the rise in Mississippi and throughout the nation, U.S. Attorney Hurst launched Project EJECT in Jackson in December 2017. Project EJECT, the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s initiative under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian programs, was a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. In its first year in Jackson, overall violent crime fell by 7%, including a 50% reduction in carjackings alone, resulting in 108 fewer victims of violent crime in our capital city in 2018.
Recognizing the success of Project EJECT, and the need for more affirmative enforcement of our civil laws, Attorney General Jeff Sessions allocated five brand new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions to the Southern District of Mississippi, more than many other, larger districts throughout the nation. Four of these positions were to combat violent crime, and the other position was to increase our affirmative civil enforcement work.
Because of this ground-breaking, collaborative and innovative work to reduce violent crime, Project EJECT was recognized and awarded in December 2018 as one of only two Outstanding Overall Partnership/Task Forces by the U.S. Department of Justice among all 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the entire country.
In February 2019, Project EJECT was expanded into Hattiesburg, Natchez, Meridian and Moss Point, with Gulfport joining the list in September 2020. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” For the first time in its history, the U.S. Attorney’s Office assigned a full-time federal prosecutor to each of these areas with responsibility to carry out Project EJECT and reduce violent crime. Project EJECT brought together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Likewise, 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.
At the end of U.S. Attorney Hurst’s second year in office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi ended Fiscal Year 2019 ranked as the number one medium-size office in the nation for number of indictments (outpacing the other 24 medium-size U.S. Attorney’s Offices). That is an outstanding improvement in just three years, where the Southern District was ranked 19 out of 25 medium-sized districts in Fiscal Year 2016. Since FY16, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has almost tripled the number of federal criminal indictments throughout the Southern District of Mississippi, charging more defendants with federal crimes than has ever been charged before in the history of the State of Mississippi.
Operation Triple Beam
In June 2018, U.S. Attorney Hurst teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to conduct a six-week-long violence reduction initiative in the Southern District of Mississippi known as "Operation Triple Beam," resulting in the arrests of 270 individuals for various crimes, including approximately 90 gang members, and the seizure of 50 firearms, illegal narcotics, and approximately $26,000 in cash. In addition, approximately 300 registered sex offenders were individually checked for compliance, resulting in approximately 20 arrests for sex offender registry violations. While the Marshals Service has conducted these types of initiatives elsewhere around the country, this is the first time Operation Triple Beam has been conducted throughout an entire U.S. Attorney’s district and is believed to be one of the most successful Operation Triple Beams of this scale that the Marshals have ever accomplished since the program began in 2010.
Domestic Violence and Operation Pheonecia
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Hurst recognized a rising trend of increased domestic violence throughout the country. In response to these national statistics, coupled with anecdotes from local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations, U.S. Attorney Hurst launched a new initiative entitled “Operation Pheonecia,” in honor of a local victim of domestic violence, Pheonecia Ratliff of Canton, Mississippi, to combat this growing threat. Under this initiative, and by working with federal, state and local law enforcement and nonprofit entities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has made the investigation and prosecution of federal domestic violence crimes a priority. In addition, “Operation Pheonecia” involves a campaign to put domestic abusers on notice of their prohibition to possessing firearms, train law enforcement on how to investigate federal domestic violence crimes, provide education for local judges as to the impact of their orders on potential federal criminal prosecutions, and bring awareness to local bar associations and the public on how to report domestic violence crimes to and work with federal authorities, with the overarching goal to reduce domestic violence, save lives and assist victims.
Opioids
On the cutting edge of prosecutions and investigations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi announced in October 2017 that it had indicted a Chinese national for conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues and other deadly chemicals in the United States, marking the first manufacturer and distributor of fentanyl and other opiate substances to be indicted in the history of the United States while being designated as a Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT). CPOT designations are those who have "command and control" elements of the most prolific international drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and are considered by DEA to be some of the most significant drug trafficking threats in the world.
Immigration
Astronomical Increase (1,482%) in Immigration Prosecutions in Three Years
In U.S. Attorney Hurst’s first full year, Fiscal Year 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office increased its number of immigration prosecutions by 536% from just two years prior (11 in FY16 v. 70 in FY18). However, the following year, Fiscal Year 2019, the immigration prosecutions increased another 149% from the just prior year (70 in FY18 v. 174 in FY19). This represents a 1,482% increase in just three years (from FY16 to FY19).
Largest Single-State Worksite Enforcement Operation in Nation’s History
In August 2019, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, conducted the largest single-state worksite enforcement action in our nation’s history, executing multiple federal criminal and administrative search warrants at seven locations across the State of Mississippi, which resulted in the collection of evidence of federal crimes and the arrest of 680 illegal aliens. This was the most humane enforcement operation ever conducted by ICE, processing all 680 illegal aliens within an approximate 24 hour period and releasing approximately 300 aliens on humanitarian grounds and physically returning these illegal aliens, with ankle monitors, to the place where they were originally encountered.
As a result of this operation, 119 illegal aliens have been prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal crimes ranging from misusing social security numbers of American citizens, to fraudulently claiming to be a U.S. Citizen, to falsifying immigration documents, to reentering the United States after having previously been deported or removed.
Just one year later, in August 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office indicted Managers, Supervisors, and Human Resource Personnel, charging them with Harboring Illegal Aliens, Assisting in Representing False Citizenship and Obtaining False Social Security Cards, Lying to Law Enforcement, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft. These prosecutions continue this office’s long, successful history of prosecuting employers for violating our nation’s immigration laws. [link]
Human Trafficking
Recognizing the growing threat and issue that is human trafficking, U.S. Attorney Hurst partnered with U.S. Attorney Chad Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi, and Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Marshal Fisher to establish and launch a statewide, umbrella organization to tackle all facets of this crime – the Mississippi Human Trafficking Council. Led by AUSAs from both districts in Mississippi, as well as the Mississippi Human Trafficking Coordinator, the Council’s mission is to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute criminals through a partnership model using a victim-centered, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary model. The Council consists of a Steering Committee, five subcommittees to address various issues concerning human trafficking, and small, regional Task Forces, made up of local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement, local prosecutors, and victim service providers, and will be led by an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
In the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Attorney Hurst established five (5) Human Trafficking Task Forces covering every county throughout the district and led by an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Fraud and Public Corruption
Largest Healthcare Fraud Scheme in Mississippi History
For the last three years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been prosecuting business owners, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and many others relating to the largest healthcare fraud scheme in Mississippi history, which has come to be known as the "Compounding Pharmacy" or “pain cream scheme” case in Hattiesburg. This case involves close to $1 billion in fraud by defendants using pharmacies, doctors and unnecessary compounding prescriptions to drive up prices charged to TRICARE, the healthcare system for the military, and other insurance companies. The massive pain cream scheme, which began in Mississippi, has defrauded TRICARE and other insurance companies more than $1.5 billion nationwide, with a third of that fraud attributed to participants in Mississippi. To date, at least 25 have been charged in the scheme in Mississippi alone, and twenty have been convicted at trial or pled guilty, with others awaiting trial. In addition to prosecuting these criminals, the office has assisted in recovering millions of dollars and ill-gotten gains and assets through the forfeiture process. [link]
Largest Ponzi Scheme in Mississippi History
In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted what is believed to have been the largest Ponzi scheme in Mississippi history. Arthur Lamar Adams was sentenced to almost 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud involving a large, multi-state Ponzi scheme involving more than $164 million dollars stolen from more than 320 investors located in at least 14 different states spanning a number of years.
Public Corruption
The office continued its storied tradition of bringing corrupt public officials to justice, whether businessmen bribing state officials, or spouses of public officials paying kickbacks, or state officials rigging bids for money or law enforcement officials committing extortion or wire fraud schemes, or correctional officers accepting bribes.
Civil Rights
Steeped in a hallowed history of effective enforcement of our nation’s civil rights laws, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continued prosecuting those who would violate the civil rights of others, including law enforcement and correctional officers using excessive force [link] [link] [link], as well as those committing hate crimes such as crossburnings. [link] [link]
CIVIL
False Claim Act Fraud
In November 2017, one of the largest healthcare fraud settlements involving a nursing home in the history of the Southern District of Mississippi was resolved when a nursing home facility, its related companies, and their owners agreed to pay $1.25 million to resolve allegations of false claims to Medicare and the Mississippi Medicaid program for providing grossly substandard care to residents at the Oxford Health and Rehabilitation nursing home in Lumberton, Mississippi, from late 2005 through 2012. [link]
In December 2017, in what is believed to be the largest False Claims Act healthcare settlement in Mississippi history, Region 8 Mental Health Services agreed to pay the United States in excess of $6.93 million under the False Claims Act to resolve allegations that Region 8 was paid for services that it either did not provide or that were not provided by qualified individuals as part of its preschool Day Treatment program.
Free Speech, First Amendment and Religious Liberties
In December 2019, the office joined our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division in filing a Statement of Interest in a federal lawsuit brought by a student organization and J. Michael Brown, a former student at Jones County Junior College, explaining that public colleges cannot trample on their students’ First Amendment rights to free speech. Jones County Junior College’s policies required campus administrators to pre-approve all “meetings or gatherings,” and Mr. Brown alleged that college officials called the campus police on him when he sought to engage on campus with fellow students about topics such as free speech and civil liberties. Our Statement of Interest pointed to Supreme Court case law explaining that the First Amendment rights of speech and association extend to the campuses of state universities. While Jones County Junior College’s “extreme preconditions to speech might not be out of place in Oceania, the fictional dystopian superstate in George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four,” the Statement of Interest explains, “[t]he First Amendment to the United States Constitution . . . ensures that preconditions like these have no place in the United States of America.”
In April 2020, the office joined Attorney General William Barr, our colleagues in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Mississippi and the Civil Rights Division in filing a Statement of Interest in support of a church in Greenville, Mississippi that allegedly sought to hold parking lot worship services, in which congregants listened to their pastor preach over their car radios, while sitting in their cars in the church parking lot with their windows rolled up. The City of Greenville fined congregants $500 per person for attending these parking lot services – while permitting citizens to attend nearby drive-in restaurants, even with their windows open.[1] The City appears to have thereby singled churches out as the only essential service (as designated by the state of Mississippi) that may not operate despite following all CDC and state recommendations regarding social distancing.
Protecting Our Military and Service Members
In June 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepted a settlement agreement with Syncom Space Services, LLC (S3) that resolved allegations that S3 violated the employment rights of Louisiana Air National Guardsman, Jason Cooper, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed servicemembers, including National Guardsmen, to all benefits of employment following periods of absence due to military service obligations. Cooper had applied for a promotion while he was deployed on active duty with the National Guard. Although Cooper had the most PT&I experience of all applicants, S3 failed to promote him to the position upon his return from deployment. As a result of the employer’s failure to promote him to a position that he was qualified for, because of his military service, Cooper lost promotional income and benefits. S3 agreed to pay Cooper for lost wages and to make his promotion effective as of the date on which he returned to work from active duty.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Over the past three years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi saved taxpayers more than $1.7 million dollars, returning this saved money from its budget to the Department of Justice, while at the same time accomplishing more than has ever been done in the history of our district.
Upon his departure from the Department of Justice, Hurst plans to join a law firm in Jackson, Mississippi.
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Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Charles Chandler Smith, 43, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Internal Revenue Service Acting Special Agent in Charge James Dorsey of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Atlanta Field Office.
According to the facts revealed at his plea hearing, in 2014, Smith took advantage of a tax deduction strategy to deduct money on his tax return and thereby reduce his taxable income. Smith transferred a total of $1,305,090 from an account held by his business, Lil Mad, to another company and falsely claimed 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.
Smith will be sentenced on March 24, 2021 by Judge Starrett. He faces a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
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.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Michael Devell Smith, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 75 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Smith was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
From January 2017 to May 2017, Smith sold methamphetamine to buyers, delivering approximately 414 grams of methamphetamine, which was tested and determined to be between 95-99% pure. Smith was indicted on February 6, 2019 as a result of an extensive operation targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, Madison Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Human Smuggler Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Vicente Lopez-Sanchez, 41, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 180 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting and inflicting serious bodily injury upon a federal law enforcement officer, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Gilbert Trill, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans and Diane Witte, Field Office Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
“Our office has zero tolerance for those who attack and harm our law enforcement. Such criminals can be assured they will receive swift prosecution and severe punishment for their unlawful acts. I commend our federal agents, local police, and prosecutors for ensuring that this criminal was held accountable and that justice prevailed. We will continue to do our part to protect the public and our law enforcement, and to ensure that our laws are enforced,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
On August 2, 2018, a Brandon Police officer stopped Lopez-Sanchez for a traffic violation on Interstate I-20. Because Lopez-Sanchez had no driver’s license and could only name one of the four passengers he was transporting, the officer suspected alien smuggling. Lopez-Sanchez then resisted arrest by Brandon police officers and an ICE Deportation Officer. During the fight, Lopez-Sanchez broke a bone in the Deportation Officer’s foot.
Lopez was indicted on August 21, 2018 and charged with assaulting a federal officer. He was found guilty on October 22, 2019 after a two-day trial before Judge Wingate in U.S. District Court in Jackson. Lopez-Sanchez has previously been sentenced for a related offense of illegally reentering the United States following a prior deportation, and has been currently serving that sentence.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from the Brandon Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore Cooperstein and Lynn Murray.