Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to over 11 Years in Prison for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Peter Oliver Henry, 61, of Chalmette, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 135 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for heroin trafficking, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On June 4, 2019, Henry was arrested while delivering 4 ounces of heroin to an individual in Gulfport, Mississippi. Henry was indicted on June 25, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on December 13, 2019.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Meridian Man Sentenced to Almost Two Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Corey Douglas Burt, 28, of Meridian, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 21 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Burt was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
On April 18, 2019, the Meridian Police Department was called to a motel located on South Frontage Road in Meridian. An officer responded to the scene and learned that motel staff were attempting to clean a room, but the door was locked and the person inside the room would not answer the door despite insistent knocking and verbal requests. The MPD officer was eventually able to get the occupant, Corey Burt, to answer the door.
Burt, who is member of the Latin Kings criminal street gang, was not the guest registered in the room and he was unable or unwilling to tell the officer how he had gained access to the room or who had rented the room. There was no one else in the room. The officer noticed a .380 caliber pistol on a bedside table as he was checking the room. Burt told the officer that he had gotten the gun from a friend. A check of the firearm revealed that it was reported stolen in 2017. Further investigation revealed that Burt had a prior conviction for burglary in Lauderdale County and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On July 24, 2019, Burt was indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Jordan on November 7, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
Atlanta Woman Sentenced to Almost 2 Years in Prison for Making a False Statement to Purchase a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Crystal Asher Small, 32, of Atlanta, formerly of Hattiesburg and Trinidad, Tobago, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 21months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making a false statement to purchase a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Small was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
Small made false statements that she was the actual buyer of fifteen (15) firearms from February 2015 through May 3, 2017, at firearms dealers in Gulfport and Hattiesburg. Two of the guns purchased through Small and her accomplices were found at crime scenes in New York City within 9 months. Small pled guilty before Judge Starrett on February 18, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Three Charged in $180 Million Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment against three individuals for their alleged involvement in various schemes to defraud Medicare, TRICARE, and private insurance companies, and their conspiracy to launder the proceeds has been unsealed today. The conduct allegedly resulted in more than $180 million in fraudulent billings.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Cyndy Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Mitchell “Chad” Barrett, 54, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, David “Jason” Rutland, 41, of Bolton, Mississippi, and Thomas “Tommy” Shoemaker, 56, of Rayville, Louisiana were charged on May 27, 2020, in the Southern District of Mississippi.
The indictment alleges that between September 2011 and January 2016, Barrett, Rutland, and Shoemaker conspired to and engaged in a scheme to defraud numerous health care benefit programs of more than $180 million, including more than $50 million from federal healthcare programs. Using several pharmacies, including Gluckstadt Special Care Pharmacy and Compounding LLC, World Health Industries Inc., Opus Rx LLC, and Rx Pro Pharmacy and Compounding LLC, the defendants, as alleged, fraudulently formulated, dispensed, shipped, and billed insurance companies for compound medications in the form of topical creams and capsules, some of which contained controlled substances.
To further facilitate their scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, the defendants allegedly conspired to and engaged in a scheme to solicit and pay kickbacks and bribes to marketers, physicians, other medical providers, and beneficiaries to refer, prescribe, and receive prescriptions for medically unnecessary compound medications. The defendants also allegedly conspired to and engaged in a scheme to launder the proceeds of their fraudulent activity by concealing the proceeds they obtained and conducting monetary transactions of a value greater than $10,000, including the purchase of numerous assets, such as real estate, luxury automobiles, a three-carat diamond, and other high-priced goods.
The charges announced today target alleged schemes billing Medicare, TRICARE (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families) and private insurance companies for medically unnecessary compounded medications.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, DCIS, and IRS-CI. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General also assisted with the case. Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen, Amanda Wick, and Steven Brantley of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case with the support and assistance of Trial Attorney Dustin Davis of the Fraud Section.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Three Charged in $180 Million Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment against three individuals for their alleged involvement in various schemes to defraud Medicare, TRICARE, and private insurance companies, and their conspiracy to launder the proceeds has been unsealed today. The conduct allegedly resulted in more than $180 million in fraudulent billings.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Cyndy Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Mitchell “Chad” Barrett, 54, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, David “Jason” Rutland, 41, of Bolton, Mississippi, and Thomas “Tommy” Shoemaker, 56, of Rayville, Louisiana were charged on May 27, 2020, in the Southern District of Mississippi.
The indictment alleges that between September 2011 and January 2016, Barrett, Rutland, and Shoemaker conspired to and engaged in a scheme to defraud numerous health care benefit programs of more than $180 million, including more than $50 million from federal healthcare programs. Using several pharmacies, including Gluckstadt Special Care Pharmacy and Compounding LLC, World Health Industries Inc., Opus Rx LLC, and Rx Pro Pharmacy and Compounding LLC, the defendants, as alleged, fraudulently formulated, dispensed, shipped, and billed insurance companies for compound medications in the form of topical creams and capsules, some of which contained controlled substances.
To further facilitate their scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, the defendants allegedly conspired to and engaged in a scheme to solicit and pay kickbacks and bribes to marketers, physicians, other medical providers, and beneficiaries to refer, prescribe, and receive prescriptions for medically unnecessary compound medications. The defendants also allegedly conspired to and engaged in a scheme to launder the proceeds of their fraudulent activity by concealing the proceeds they obtained and conducting monetary transactions of a value greater than $10,000, including the purchase of numerous assets, such as real estate, luxury automobiles, a three-carat diamond, and other high-priced goods.
The charges announced today target alleged schemes billing Medicare, TRICARE (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families) and private insurance companies for medically unnecessary compounded medications.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, DCIS, and IRS-CI. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Office of Personnel Management’s Office of Inspector General also assisted with the case. Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen, Amanda Wick, and Steven Brantley of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case with the support and assistance of Trial Attorney Dustin Davis of the Fraud Section.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a Sawed-Off Shotgun as a FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Paul Leon Heathcoe, 53, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a sawed-off shotgun, announced S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorm with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On July 21, 2018, a woman arrived at the emergency room of a hospital in Jackson County and informed law enforcement that Heathcoe had assaulted her and was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun. The victim required staples to her head and told law enforcement Heathcoe kept her with threats to her children and sexually assaulted her in addition to breaking a golf club over her head.
Heathcoe is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. As a result, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Heathcoe and a search warrant for his residence. Upon executing the search warrant, deputies discovered a shotgun with a barrel measuring a little over 12 inches and an overall length of approximately 19 inches. Both the stock and the barrel had been cut off. Law enforcement also found a modified holster that Heathcoe used to wear the shotgun around the house, according to the victim.
At sentencing, Judge Ozerden found U.S. Sentencing Guideline enhancements for kidnapping, sexual assault and aggravated assault. Heathcoe’s guideline range exceeded 120 months, but the statutory cap for the charge was 10 years. Heathcoe was also sentenced to 3 years of post-release supervision and a $4000 fine.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
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.
Edwards Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Daniel Chad Parrette, 48, of Edwards, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan to 43 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Interim Director Steve Maxwell with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (“MBN”). Parrette was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On March 30, 2018, MBN agents received information that Parrette was attempting to sell methamphetamine. Based upon this information, as well as the agents’ observations, agents made a traffic stop on Parrette’s truck and confronted Parrette. Agents searched Parrette’s truck and found four individually wrapped bags of methamphetamine. In a subsequent interview, Parrette told agents that he wanted to sell the methamphetamine.
On April 3, 2019, Parrette was charged in a federal indictment with possession with intent to distribute a substance containing methamphetamine. He pled guilty before Judge Jordan on November 21, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 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.
Hattiesburg Brothers Sentenced under Project EJECT for Drug Trafficking and Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Brothers Victor Smith, 43, and Michael Smith, 42, of Hattiesburg, were sentenced today for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of stolen firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In a proceeding before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett, Victor Smith was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, while his brother Michael Smith was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
On August 25, 2016, Hattiesburg Police Department officers, supported by other law enforcement agencies, responded to a call for service at the Southern Village Apartments in Forrest County. Upon arrival, law enforcement was directed to the Smith brothers’ apartment, where they found over half a pound of marijuana bagged for distribution, scales, and five firearms, two of which were stolen.
Victor Smith and Michael Smith were originally indicted for this offense on April 3, 2019. They were both found guilty on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, following a two-day jury trial.
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.
Hattiesburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew W. Eichner and Erin Chalk.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Mims Jacquez Gray III, 22, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Gray was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
On November 2, 2018, Gulfport Police officers stopped Gray for driving with only one headlight. Smelling marijuana, the officers searched the car and found marijuana, scales, 48 dosage units of alprazolam, and a Taurus 9mm hand gun. Gray admitted selling both marijuana and alprazolam.
Gray was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on February 19, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Covington County Felon Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Alexander Knight, 32, of Seminary, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On November 19, 2019, during the execution of an arrest warrant for Knight, Covington County Sheriff’s deputies and members of the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force found a firearm on Knight’s person. Following his arrest, but before the execution of the warrant associated with his federal indictment, Knight also managed to escape the Covington County Jail with two other inmates. He remained at large for more than two weeks before being recaptured and transferred into federal custody.
Knight was originally indicted for this offense on January 29, 2020. He will be sentenced on September 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Covington County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost Three Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Marlon Monta Williams, 27, of Jackson, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Williams was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On July 10, 2017, shortly after midnight, Williams was driving a car which had a broken headlight. A Hinds County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the malfunctioning headlight while on patrol. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop using lights and siren, Williams refused to stop. Williams eventually stopped the vehicle and gave the Deputy false identifying information. An assault-style rifle with a large capacity magazine was in plain view on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
Williams was eventually correctly identified and it was discovered that he had been previously convicted of the felony offense of burglary of a dwelling in Hinds County, Mississippi. During the course of the investigation, officers learned that Williams was on probation through the Mississippi Department of Corrections at the time of the incident. The investigation also showed that the rifle had been stolen the previous year.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hinds County Sherriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Jackson Man Arrested Locally for Murder and Released on Bond Sentenced to Almost Six Years under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cedric Taylor, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 71 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michele Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On March 5, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department executed a search warrant on Taylor’s residence in Jackson while investigating the murder of Dewan Fortner, a father of nine. Investigators recovered a firearm at the residence, which Taylor later confessed to knowingly possessing. While Taylor was arrested for murder in March 2019, he was thereafter released on a $125,000 bond, even though, according to the victim’s family, Taylor admitted in court that he had hid Fortner’s body behind a building in Byram. This bond was granted despite the fact that Taylor had previous convictions for aggravated assault in Hinds County, Mississippi, and felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
“This murderer was released on bond by a local judge and would still be roaming the streets of Jackson and terrorizing law-abiding citizens if not for the work of our office and our law enforcement partners under Project EJECT. When murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders are released on bond by local judges, we are all placed in more danger, our communities and families are made less safe, and criminals are not deterred from continuing their violent activities. If we are to improve the safety and security of our Capitol City and all of Mississippi, we must ensure that violent offenders are taken off our streets and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
After being release on a local bond, Taylor was arrested on federal charges on March 29, 2019, of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and has been detained by U.S. Marshals without bond ever since. Taylor was indicted on August 6, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on February 25, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
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.
Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Esteban Bernadino-Betantcourt, 37, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Sul Ozerden to 60 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerly with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Bernadino was also ordered to pay a $4,000 fine.
On November 18, 2019, Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 resulting in the discovery of over 50 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in buckets in the back of a truck driven by Bernadino.
On January 15, 2020, Bernadino was charged in a federal criminal indictment. He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on February 19, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Gustavo Hernandez-Gonzalez, 34, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Hernandez-Gonzalez will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on August 26, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces being removed from the United States to his home nation of Mexico, following the completion of any prison sentence.
On November 19, 2019, an officer of the Gulfport Police Department was dispatched for a welfare check to the Inn Town Suites on Highway 49. A citizen reported that an unknown Hispanic male was passed out inside of a vehicle. The officer traveled to the hotel and made contact with Gustavo Hernandez-Gonzalez who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a pick-up truck. While attempting to wake up Hernandez-Gonzalez, the officer observed, in plain view, a black semi-automatic Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun and a magazine loaded with 7 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The pistol was on top of the center console to the right side of Hernandez-Gonzalez. Later, upon running the serial number on the Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun through Gulfport Police dispatch, it was discovered that the firearm had been reported as stolen through a report from the Houston, Texas, Police Department.
After Hernandez-Gonzalez woke up, another officer observed, also in plain view, a black Titan Tiger .38 special revolver on the driver’s side floorboard where he was sitting. Hernandez-Gonzalez did not have a driver’s license, but did have what appeared to be a Mexican identification card. Hernandez-Gonzalez admitted he is not a United States citizen, and that he illegally entered the United States. He was placed under arrest and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) became the lead agency for the investigation.
A search warrant was obtained for Hernandez-Gonzalez’s cellphone which contained multiple photos of him together with both firearms found in his truck. ATF agents assisted HSI and determined that both firearms were manufactured outside the State of Mississippi, and had therefore moved in interstate commerce.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Gulfport Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Harrison County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Benjamin Joseph Butler, 39, of Gulfport, entered a guilty plea yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Butler will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on August 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. He faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life in prison. He also faces fines up to $250,000 and 5 years of supervised release.
Between August and October 2019, Butler sold marijuana to an individual on four separate occasions. Agents executed a search warrant on Butler’s residence where they found marijuana, LSD, THC oil, Psilocybin mushroom, methamphetamine, 17 firearms, multi rounds of ammunition and two silencers.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Natchez Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Possessing a Short-Barreled Machine GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jamarhi Raheem Lucas, 23, of Natchez, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Lucas was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On September 22, 2018, Jamarhi Raheem Lucas, who was one of two men standing outside of a residence on Ouachita Street in Natchez, attempted to flee from law enforcement officers as they approached him. Officers detained him and while they were identifying him, they observed a short-barreled, fully automatic rifle, commonly-known as a machine gun, in a car that belonged to him. Officer seized the short-barreled machine gun.
On March 5, 2020, Jamarhi Raheem Lucas pleaded guilty to illegally possessing the machine gun.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bert Carraway and Glenda Haynes.
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 for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Charles Jones, 27, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michele Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Jones was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On April 27, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department stopped Jones after he had been identified causing a disturbance at a residence. Officers recovered a firearm from his person during a search incident to his arrest. It is illegal for Jones to possess a firearm as he has felony convictions in Hinds County for armed robbery and vehicle burglary in 2011 and for another vehicle burglary in 2012. He pled guilty before Judge Wingate on March 5, 2020.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Jackson Woman Sentenced Under Project EJECT for Transfer of a Firearm to a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Tonya Danielle Ham, 36, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to one year probation, including 30-days of home confinement, for disposal or transfer of a firearm to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin.
In and around 2015, the Defendant’s husband, Wilmer Ham, was arrested and incarcerated at Madison County Jail. While in jail, Tonya Ham spoke with her husband about his charges. At the time, Wilmer Ham was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm (a felony) and discharging a firearm within the city limits (a misdemeanor). In one particular conversation, Tonya Ham acknowledged that Wilmer should not have had the gun. In another conversation, Tonya spoke to her husband about his prior drug offense and possession of a weapon offense. At the time of the call, Wilmer Ham was indeed a convicted felon and had previously been convicted in the Bronx County Criminal Court for the felony offense of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance and for the felony offense of Criminal Possession of a Loaded Firearm.
Approximately two years after those phone calls, on September 30, 2017, Tonya Ham purchased a Taurus, model PT738 TCP, .380 caliber pistol. Nine months after that, on June 1, 2018, Tonya Ham purchased a second firearm, a Ruger, model LCP, .380 caliber pistol.
On September 14, 2018, a Jackson Police officer responded to a call at Tony’s Food Mart located on Highway 80 in Jackson. Upon arrival, the officer noticed the store clerk frantically waving his hands in an attempt to get the officer’s attention from inside the store. Upon entering, the officer noticed the store was in disarray and a male, later identified as Wilmer Ham, was standing beside the fountain drinks. The officer attempted to speak with Wilmer Ham, but his behavior led the officer to call for backup. Before assistance could arrive, Wilmer Ham rushed the officer in an attempt to exit. As the officer tried to stop Wilmer Ham, they struggled and a firearm fell from Ham’s pocket. The firearm was later determined to be the Ruger .380 caliber pistol purchased by Tonya Ham.
Later that day, at approximately 2:55 p.m., Tonya Ham and Wilmer Ham both arrived at Tony’s Food Mart. Upon entering the store, the clerk recognized Wilmer Ham to be the same individual from the morning. Surveillance video depicts what happens inside and outside the store. The clerk armed himself with his weapon, locked the doors to the store, and dialed 911. While awaiting the arrival of police, the video shows Wilmer Ham remove a firearm out of his pocket and then put it back in his pocket. Wilmer Ham is also shown on video continuing to push the door trying to get it open. At some point, Wilmer Ham successfully gets the door to open just enough to remove the firearm from his pocket and toss it out the door.
Upon arrival, officers observe the front door partially open with Wilmer Ham in the doorway holding the door open with his foot. Officers quickly detained Wilmer Ham after confirming he was the same individual from that morning. When officers begin looking for the gun, they were informed that Tonya Ham had picked up the handgun and put it in her purse. Officers checked Tonya Ham’s purse and confirmed that the gun was indeed inside her purse. The gun was determined to be the Taurus pistol purchased by Tonya Ham on September 30, 2017. Both Tonya Ham and her husband were taken into custody.
After being Mirandized and waiving her rights, Tonya Ham gave a statement to police. In that statement, Tonya Ham stated she told her husband to throw the gun outside. She also stated that she handed the Taurus to her husband while they were in the car before the incident. The interview was audio and video recorded.
In August 2019, Wilmer Ham was charged in a federal criminal indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty and was sentenced by Judge Reeves on February 24, 2020, to 60-months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and fined $1500.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paul Fortenberry.
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 Aliens Sentenced for Unlawful Return After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Magdalena Maribel Gonzalez Cinto, 20, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to “time served” (6 months and 25 days in prison), as well as one year of supervised release, for unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. Gonzalez Cinto pled guilty to the charge on January 14, 2020.
Previously, on May 13, 2020, Mario Castellano-Machado, 38, an illegal alien from Honduras (and the driver of the vehicle in which Magdalena Gonzalez Cinto was a passenger) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to “time served” (6 months and 4 days in prison) for unlawful return after removal. He was convicted after pleading guilty on December 17, 2019, before Judge Ozerden.
On November 11, 2019, at about 10:42 p.m., a Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Interdiction Unit Deputy conducted a probable cause traffic stop on a Chrysler Pacifica bearing a Temporary Texas registration, on I-10 east bound. The deputy encountered the driver, Mario Castellanos- Machado, who provided a Honduran driver’s license in the name of Yovani Cano Bardalez, which was later determined to be a false name. He told the agent that they were going from Texas to Georgia for work.
A United States Border Patrol Agent arrived at the scene and spoke with the passengers in the vehicle. Through the agent’s 23 years of experience and numerous interdiction classes, he recognized this as an alien smuggling event. All vehicle occupants were transported to the U.S. Border Patrol station in Gulfport, for processing, and Homeland Security Investigation special agents responded to the Border Patrol office to assist. All eight aliens did not have proper documents and were found to be illegally present in the United States.
Among the passengers was Gonzalez Cinto. Both aliens were positively identified by computer scans of their fingerprints into a Homeland Security Database that automatically accessed their official immigration records together with fingerprint cards, photographs and prior immigration removal documents. Both were determined to have illegally returned to the United States after having been lawfully removed back to their home nations of Honduras and Guatemala.
A third illegal alien, Teodulio Ramos Ramos, 30, a citizen of Guatemala, also was a passenger in the vehicle, pled guilty on December 17, 2019 before Judge Ozerden for unlawfully returning after removal. Ramos Ramos was sentenced on February 26, 2020, to “time served” (3 months and 16 days in prison), followed by one year of supervised release, during which he would be surrendered to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings to remove him to his home nation of Guatemala.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost Six Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Corey Deonte Collins, 29, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 70 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Collins was indicted following a drug trafficking investigation in the Jackson area. On February 19, 2019, and again on March 1, 2019, Collins sold approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine to an individual. Subsequent analysis by the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory revealed the methamphetamine was 99% pure.
Subsequently, Collins pled guilty before Judge Reeves on March 2, 2020.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. 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.
Three Jackson Men Arrested and Charged with Federal CrimesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Three men have been charged with federal criminal violations in an indictment and arrested for conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and fictitious obligations, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Field Office.
“Fraud schemes, like the ones perpetrated and executed by these defendants, inflict considerable loss on citizens, companies, and the financial system,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. “Many of these schemes target the elderly and often steal the victims’ entire life savings. These arrests affirm the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who prey on our most vulnerable citizens.”
“This remains a dynamic, coordinated investigation involving the efforts of multiple Homeland Security Investigations field offices,” said Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans. “These arrests demonstrate that no matter how and where crimes are committed, nothing and no one is beyond the reach of the law. Criminals who use the internet to defraud victims in our community won’t be able to hide.”
An original indictment returned by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2019, charged the defendants James Haynes, 65, Jarvis Haynes, 29, and Neman Zahid, 32, of Jackson, Miss., with defrauding multiple victims as part of an international tech support and telemarketing fraud scheme.
According to the indictment, ten named defendants engaged in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud, to make money and profit by defrauding individual victims and financial institutions through telemarketing. Members of the telemarketing ring would contact victims by telephone and electronic mail, claiming to offer those victims technical support and assistance to free their personal computers from malicious software or viruses that may have affected their computers. The fraud ring participants persuaded the victims to grant remote access to their computers, and the actors would pretend to be fixing the malware, while they searched for the victims’ bank account information and online access passwords. They also convinced victims to wire or send money, as well as to open and create new accounts for the defendants to receive and transfer funds. Often the ring targeted elderly victims, in particular. On occasions when victims would complain or seek repayment of the money they had sent to the fraud ring, ring members counterfeited checks based on the victims’ bank information, and sent the fictitious obligations back to the victims to deceive them.
According to the indictment and testimony in court, between January 2015 and December 2018, James T. Haynes, Jarvis K. Haynes, and Neman Zahid, in conjunction with seven other defendants, are alleged to have established corporations and limited liability companies in Mississippi and elsewhere, to have opened bank accounts for those corporations, and aided and facilitated in telemarketing scams across the United States as well as overseas. Each of the three men arraigned this week had opened bank accounts in those company names to receive and transfer money defrauded from victims. They also each withdrew and sent money from the corporate shell accounts, to themselves and overseas to fellow conspirators and ring members.
On May 20, 2020, the three men appeared for arraignment on the indictment before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball in Jackson. The Court released James Haynes and Jarvis Haynes on bond, subject to conditions including that each refrain from further violations of state or federal law while awaiting trial. Neman Zahid was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals to await trial.
Each of the three men faces enhanced maximum penalties of 30 years for the conspiracy count, 30 years for each count of mail fraud and wire fraud; 40 years for each bank fraud count; 20 years for each money laundering count; a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for each count of aggravated identity theft; and 25 years for each count of fictitious obligations. Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000. Federal law enhances the maximum penalties up to ten additional years under the SCAM Act (the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act of 1994), at Title 18, United States Code, Section 2326, for targeting persons over the age of 55 during listed fraud offenses in connection with telemarketing or e-mail marketing.
Trial is scheduled for June 29, 2020, at the Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse in Jackson, Miss., before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Special Agents with HSI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Brian Christopher Sims, 35, of Philadelphia, pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Steven Maxwell, Acting Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
On August 6, 7, and 16, Sims sold fentanyl to an individual on Church Street in Philadelphia. The fentanyl sold by Sims consisted of over 31 separate, single-dose sublingual sprays that contained 200 micrograms each. The total amount of fentanyl sold was in excess of 300 grams.
“This criminal endangered all of East Central Mississippi with one of the deadliest drugs in the world. This tiny amount of fentanyl could have killed approximately 150,000 people, or five times the population of Neshoba County alone. I applaud our investigators, agents and prosecutors for bringing this evildoer to justice and taking this poison off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“This fentanyl dealer was bringing a deadly drug into our local communities,” said Jere T. Miles, HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge. “Our special agents are committed to removing this drug from our streets and dismantling the criminal organizations involved in its distribution.”
“This investigation represents a commitment by all agencies involved to collectively work in partnership for the purpose of improving the quality of life in communities throughout Mississippi by effectively removing dangerous predatory violent drug offenders” said Steven Maxwell, Acting Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
Sims was charged in a three count indictment that was filed on October 22, 2019. He will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on August 21, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
This OCDETF operation is a result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assisting agencies included the 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisville Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
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.
Meridian Woman Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Making False Statements to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kadesha Dashanae Houston, 25, of Meridian, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to making false statements to a federal officer during the course of a federal investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On March 22, 2019, the Meridian Police Department began investigating a case involving a convicted felon in possession of several pounds of marijuana and multiple firearms. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Kadesha Dashanae Houston had purchased one of the firearms, a Romarm/Cugir, Draco Model, 7.62x39mm caliber AR style pistol.
ATF agents became involved in the investigation and interviewed Houston in an attempt to find out how a firearm she purchased ended up in the possession of a convicted drug dealer just fifteen days after she purchased it. Houston gave false statements regarding who she purchased the firearm for and why she bought it. When given a chance to retract her false statements in light of other evidence gathered by the ATF, she maintained her false story. It was later discovered that Houston was in a romantic relationship with the convicted felon drug dealer.
Houston was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019. She will be sentenced by Chief Judge Jordan on August 20, 2020 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and 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.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Law Enforcement Partners Host 2020 Mississippi Peace Officer’s Memorial Ceremony in JacksonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – United States Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi, joined by a representative from the Mississippi Sheriffs Association, the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, the Mississippi Prosecutors Association, and Federal Law Enforcement agencies, presented the 2020 Mississippi Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony this morning at the Mississippi Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in downtown Jackson.
The ceremony paid tribute to the sacrifice and service of all Mississippi law enforcement officers, while also honoring, remembering and revering those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2019.
“Even in the midst of the current crisis, while our law enforcement remain on the front lines, it is so important that we continue to thank and honor them publicly for their sacrifice and their service. This ceremony was just one small act to show our gratitude to and love for them and their families for all that they do for us. I especially want the families who have lost love ones to know, we in law enforcement will never forget your love one’s devotion to duty and their commitment to service. You have our eternal thanks, and we forever have your back,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“I want to thank United States Attorney Mike Hurst for his leadership in deciding that, no matter what is going on, the people that we are here to commemorate their lives, it is worth the sacrifice," said Hinds County Sheriff Lee Vance.
“As we honor our Mississippi law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, we remember each of them and the sacrifices they made to serve their communities. They wanted to make their communities and this great state a better place. We are eternally grateful for the impact they made in the numerous lives that they touched,” said Chief John Neal, Ridgeland Police Department.
“These officers paid the ultimate price, serving and protecting us. Their families made the ultimate sacrifice. We pay tribute to those officers, we honor their families, and we salute all the law enforcement officers throughout the state of Mississippi who continue to serve and protect us on a daily basis. On behalf of all prosecutors across the state of Mississippi to our law enforcement family – we love you, we pray for you, we thank you, and God bless,” said John K. “Bubba” Bramlett, Jr., District Attorney for the Twentieth Circuit Court District.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including the following Mississippi law enforcement officers:
- Biloxi Police Department Officer Robert McKeithen
- Panola County Constable E. Raye Hawkins
- Chickasaw County Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Allen Voyles
- Lowndes County Constable Willie Houston “Hoot” West
U.S. Attorney Hurst was joined by a representative from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, Mississippi Sheriffs Association, Mississippi Prosecutors Association, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Jackson Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Clifton Summers, a/k/a Clifton Horton, 34, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Carlton W. Reeves to 34 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michele Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Summers was also ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine.
On June 1, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department arrested Summers when he was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop. Upon questioning, Summers admitted to purchasing the firearm and to being a convicted felon. Summers has previous convictions in Hinds County in 2003 for receiving stolen goods and in 2006 for armed carjacking. As a convicted felon, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm. He pleaded guilty before Judge Reeves on January 16, 2020.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
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 Aliens from Mexico Sentenced for Unlawfully Returning to the United States after Being Previously RemovedRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Cristian Jonathan Martinez-Sanchez, 27, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today, and Claudia Perez-Vargas, 46, also an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced on May 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, for the unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Michael J. Harrison of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Martinez-Sanchez was sentenced to “time served” (effectively 188 days imprisonment) and one year of supervised release after serving his prison sentence. Perez-Vargas was sentenced to “time served” (effectively 186 days imprisonment) and one year of supervised release after serving her sentence. Additionally, both Martinez-Sanchez and Perez-Vargas will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings to remove them from the United States back to their home nation of Mexico. Martinez-Sanchez pled guilty on December 18, 2019, and Perez-Vargas pled guilty on December 20, 2019, before Judge Ozerden.
On November 7, 2019, in Harrison County, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Interstate-10 in Biloxi. The driver was Claudia Perez-Vargas, who provided the agent with an expired Texas driver’s license. In addition to Perez-Vargas, the Border Patrol Agent encountered three male passengers, all of whom were citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. Therefore, all four were transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station for processing.
At the Border Patrol Station, Homeland Security electronic database queries confirmed that Perez-Vargas is a citizen of Mexico who had previously been removed from the United States on November 25, 2014, December 28, 2014 and January 28, 2015. Following her latest removal, she was prohibited from entering, attempting to enter, or being in the U.S. for a period of 20 years.
Martinez-Sanchez was a passenger in the vehicle. He also was positively identified by computer scans of his fingerprints. The database queries revealed that he had previously been removed from the U.S. to Mexico on April 28, 2019. Federal Officials determined that both Martinez-Sanchez and Perez-Vargas knowingly and voluntarily reentered the U.S. without having lawful permission to do so.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Jefferson Davis County Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Marves Fairley, 34, of Jefferson Davis County, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Fairley was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
Fairley was previously convicted of felonious possession of a controlled substance. On October 16, 2019, while executing a search warrant at Fairley’s house, law enforcement found a firearm.
Fairley was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 19, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on January 30, 2020.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Armed Robbery of a Dollar GeneralRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Joshua Cowards, 29, of Jackson, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve 180 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, after being convicted of robbing a Dollar General in Jackson and brandishing a firearm during the robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Violent crime will result in Federal time in this district. We will not stand for people being victimized and violence being perpetuated on our citizens. This is a great example of the team work by our partners on the Project EJECT Task Force. I sincerely appreciate the swift response by Jackson police officers, and all of our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors. This violent criminal has now been ejected from our Capital City, and our citizens can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
On September 23, 2018, Cowards and Tyriek Lackey arrived at a Dollar General store in Jackson, Mississippi, armed with handguns. Cowards and Lackey held two store employees at gunpoint while demanding money from cash registers and from the store’s office. Jackson Police officers responded swiftly to the store, and were able to capture Lackey. However, Cowards avoided apprehension at that time.
On November 27, 2018, Cowards and Lackey were indicted by a federal grand jury for Hobbs Act Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Violent Crime. On December 20, 2019, after a five-day trial, Cowards was found guilty of both charges by a federal jury. Lackey pled guilty before Judge Wingate on October 7, 2019, to Hobbs Act Robbery and Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Violent Crime. Lackey’s sentencing date is pending.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Candace Mayberry and 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.
U.s. Attorney Mike Hurst Honors Law Enforcement During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“There is no more noble profession than serving as a police officer,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The men and women who protect our communities each day have not just devoted their lives to public service, they’ve taken an oath to give their lives in order to ensure our safety. And they do so not only in the face of hostility from those who reject our nation’s commitment to the rule of law, but also in the face of evolving adversity – such as an unprecedented global health pandemic. This week, I ask all Americans to join me in saying ‘thank you’ to our nation’s federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers. Their devotion and sacrifice to our peace and security will not be taken for granted.”
“I want to sincerely thank our men and women in law enforcement for their service to our citizens and our communities. Their devotion to duty, unwavering resolve, and sacrificial actions protect every single one of us and help keep our families safe. While we recognize them during this week every year, we should all be honoring and thanking them every single day for the job they do and the professional way in which they do it. Let’s take this week to recommit ourselves to do more in the future to honor and pay respect to these real-life heroes and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including one officer, Biloxi Police officer Robert McKeithen, in the Southern District of Mississippi.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
To learn more about National Police Week and the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit www.policeweek.org.
Four Meridian Police Officers Indicted for Federal CrimesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Four present and former officers of the City of Meridian Police Department have each been charged in separate indictments for theft and embezzlement of federal funds, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
The four indictments, dated November 6, 2019, were unsealed today in United States District Court charging Captain James F. Arrington, 62, with two counts of theft and embezzlement amounting to over $22,000 in loss; Sergeant Dareall D. Thompson, 41, with two counts of theft and embezzlement, totaling over $14,000; Officer Tenesia A. Evans, 37, with one count of theft and embezzlement of over $13,000; and former Officer Erica L. Harmon, 51, with one count of theft and embezzlement of more than $5,000.
According to the indictments, between January 2016 and December 2019, each defendant is alleged to have been an employee of the City of Meridian Police Department who embezzled and otherwise converted to his or her own use funds from the City, which was a governmental entity which received federal funding during each specified one year period.
Arrington, Thompson, Evans and Harmon all appeared today for arraignment on their respective indictments before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball in Jackson, Mississippi. The Court released all four defendants on bond, subject to conditions including that each of them refrain from violations of state or federal law while awaiting trial.
Each of the four defendant police officers faces maximum penalties of 10 years in prison for theft from an agency receiving federal funds. Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000.
Trial has been set for James F. Arrington on June 22, 2020, before the Hon. Henry T. Wingate, United States District Judge.
Trial has been set for Dareall D. Thompson on June 8, 2020, before the Hon. David C. Bramlette, Senior United States District Judge.
Trial has been set for Tenesia A. Evans on July 6, 2020, before the Hon. Carlton W. Reeves, United States District Judge.
Trial has been set for Erica L. Harmon on June 22, 2020, before the Hon. Daniel P. Jordan, Chief United States District Judge.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division, and the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office, who investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Department of Justice and U.s. Attorney Mike Hurst Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst joined the Department of Justice and communities nationwide today in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice| Ensure Victims' Rights | Inspire Hope.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“We rightly honor crime victims every year during this week. And every day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office works tirelessly to afford victims their rights under the law and to ensure that justice is done. I want to thank our office’s victim coordinator, Lisa Futvoye, as well as the countless victim advocates, partners, and other professionals who work so vigorously to care for victims. Crime victims deserve justice, and, as long as I am U.S. Attorney, they will get it from this office,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
This year’s commemoration began yesterday, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Marlandow Johnson, 45, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Henry T. Wingate to possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst 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 will be sentenced on June 30, 2020, by Judge Wingate, and faces a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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.
Waynesboro Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Iva Lacey, 44, of Waynesboro, was sentenced Wednesday by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $5,000 fine, 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.
Lacey was previously convicted on multiple instances of felonious possession of controlled substances. On January 24, 2019, while executing a search warrant at Lacey’s house, law enforcement found a firearm stored in a secret compartment hidden in his bathroom. Lacey subsequently admitted to possession of the firearm on a recorded jail phone call.
Lacey was indicted on September 25, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on November 26, 2019.
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, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waynesboro Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorneys Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi and William C. “Chad” Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
“These funds will go directly to our local and tribal governments in order for them to secure essential supplies and equipment necessary to keep our citizens safe,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst. “I can think of no better way to fight this pandemic than to get this money out quickly and directly to our men and women on the front lines fighting this global crisis in our communities.”
“These funds will aid our state, local, and tribal partners during this pandemic to continue performing the necessary and important work that they do on a daily basis. We appreciate the efforts to make these funds immediately available because we are all in this fight together, and by continuing to work together, we will win,” remarked U.S. Attorney Lamar.
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to Jan. 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for this emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
The websites for both U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Mississippi now contain a front page button where visitors can quickly report fraud to the office, to the National Center for Disaster Fraud, and/or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mississippians who believe they may have been the target or victim of a virus-related fraud scheme should visit www.justice.gov/SDMS and www.justice.gov/NDMS and provide detailed information about their experience.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (“OJP”). “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
“We have made fighting human trafficking a top priority in our office, and this funding will go a long way in rescuing victims, preventing trafficking, and providing services to effected communities. I implore our partners in this fight to avail themselves of these opportunities to help as many as we can as we seek to eradicate this scourge that is human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)
Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
In September 2019, the U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District and Northern Districts of Mississippi, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Mississippi House of Representatives Speaker Philip Gunn, announced the launch of the statewide Mississippi Human Trafficking Council, which brings together stakeholders from across the state of Mississippi to work on and develop solutions to issues relating to human trafficking. For more information about the Council, click here.
Byram Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Timothy Griffin, 44 of Byram, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In June 2018, DEA agents learned that a drug transaction was going to occur on Raymond Road in Jackson. Agents observed a pickup truck pull into the Raymond Road location. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Timothy Griffin. After searching the pickup truck, agents found approximately 425 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Griffin will be sentenced on July 10, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in Central Mississippi. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department, Richland Police Department, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Internal Revenue Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.
Federal Jury finds Defendants Guilty of Submitting False Claims to Medicare under Civil False Claims ActRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Following a nine week trial, a federal jury in Gulfport returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Ted and Julie Cain of Ocean Springs, Ted Cain’s companies, Stone County Hospital (Wiggins) and Corporate Management, Inc. (Gulfport), and Tommy Kuluz, Chief Financial Officer of Corporate Management, Inc. for violating the Civil False Claims Act, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“This verdict is a victory for the American taxpayer and all the beneficiaries of Medicare and other government programs,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. “This was one of the most egregious cases of Medicare fraud we have litigated in the State of Mississippi, and I am grateful to our prosecutors and DOJ attorneys and investigators for tenaciously pursuing and holding these fraud takers accountable. We will remain vigilant in protecting American taxpayer dollars and rooting out waste, fraud and abuse throughout government.”
The Government’s complaint and evidence at trial established that these defendants used Stone County Hospital, formerly a 25-bed critical access hospital and Medicare provider, to defraud Medicare of more than $10.85 million through fraudulent annual Medicare cost reports for the years 2004 through 2015. The majority of the damages sustained by the Government resulted from Ted Cain’s multi-million dollar compensation, billed to Medicare through Stone County Hospital and Corporate Management, Inc. For years, Corporate Management, Inc. passed on the vast majority of Ted Cain’s multi-million dollar compensation to Stone County Hospital, which Medicare reimbursed for costs at 101% from 2004 through April 1, 2013, and 99% from April 1, 2013 through 2015 under special reimbursement principles for critical access hospitals that help rural, underserved areas. For the cost reporting years 2004 to 2015, Corporate Management, Inc., through Ted Cain and Tommy Kuluz, assisted by Julie Cain, requested more than $17.69 million in compensation for Ted Cain despite no evidence that Ted Cain did any work for Stone County Hospital that qualified for Medicare reimbursement and that his compensation was unreasonable. In total, Medicare reimbursed Stone County Hospital nearly $11.8 million for Ted Cain’s compensation. The jury awarded the Government nearly $9.62 million in damages for Ted Cain’s fraudulent compensation.
Ted Cain’s wife, Julie Cain, who Ted Cain placed in the position of Administrator for Stone County Hospital from 2003 to 2012, also fraudulently received more than $704,454 in compensation reimbursed by Medicare. The evidence at trial showed that Julie Cain rarely worked at Stone County Hospital, while others ran the hospital, and Julie Cain’s compensation was unreasonable. After Julie Cain resigned as the Administrator of Stone County Hospital, she immediately started receiving compensation from Corporate Management, Inc. for alleged consulting work and director’s fees. Neither Julie Cain nor any other defendant could identify any consulting work she did for Stone County Hospital. Medicare reimbursed $149,510 in Julie Cain’s fraudulently obtained compensation for consulting and director’s fees. The jury awarded the Government a total of $853,964 in fraudulent compensation paid for Julie Cain.
Moreover, an audit conducted by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid found that for 2012 and 2013, Corporate Management, Inc., self-disallowed home office costs on its Medicaid home office statement but charged those costs on its Medicare home office statement, despite that Medicare and Medicaid follow the same reimbursement rules. Chief Financial Officer Tommy Kuluz could provide no explanation for this discrepancy, and despite the fact that he knew about the discrepancies at least by 2016 when Medicaid conducted an audit, defendants made no effort to repay Medicare for the over-allocation to Stone County Hospital. Because of this fraud, Medicare reimbursed Stone County Hospital more than $381,866 in fraudulent costs that it should not have.
The jury made a number of findings in its verdict, resulting in recovery of more than $10.85 million to the Medicare program. Damages are trebled under the False Claims Act. The Court also imposes a statutory penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 for each false claim for cost report years 2004 to 2014 and $11,181 to $22,363 for the 2015 cost report. Accordingly, the total amount of defendants’ civil liability will be determined by the Court, using the findings in the jury’s verdict.
The jury’s verdict resolves a lawsuit that was filed by James Aldridge under the qui tam or “whistleblower” provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The Government investigated and intervened in the lawsuit and prosecuted the case. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Aldridge v. Corporate Management, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:16cv369-HTW-LRA (S.D. Miss.). The United States appreciates the relator’s interest in program integrity and his assistance with this successful outcome. The United States also appreciates the assistance of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid and Manuel Pilgrim, who heads its audit program. The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General also provided assistance in the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Givens Williams and Attorneys Tom Morris and Elspeth A. England with the Civil Fraud Section of the Commercial Litigation Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Charles Jones, 27, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On April 27, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department stopped Jones after he caused a disturbance at a residence. Officers recovered a firearm from him during a search incident to his arrest. It is illegal for Jones to possess a firearm as he has convictions in Hinds County for armed robbery and vehicle burglary in 2011 and for another vehicle burglary in 2012.
Jones will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on June 3, 2020, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
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 Machine GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Jamarhi Raheem Lucas, 23, of Natchez, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to possessing a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
On September 22, 2018, Jamarhi Raheem Lucas, who was one of two men standing outside of a residence on Ouachita St. in Natchez, attempted to flee from law enforcement officers as they approached him. Officers detained him and while they were identifying him, they saw a short-barreled rifle that was fully automatic (machine gun) in the car that belonged to him. Officers seized the short-barreled machine gun.
On June 12, 2019, Lucas was charged in a federal indictment with possessing a machine gun and of possessing a machine gun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Lucas will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on June 4, 2020. He faces a statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bert Carraway and Glenda Haynes.
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 Found Guilty under Project EJECT for Possessing Ammunition and a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Dominique Dontona Ashford, 36, of Meridian, was found guilty yesterday, after a one day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, of one count of being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Ashford has previous convictions for robbery, possession of cocaine, burglary and sale of cocaine within 1,500 feet of a church. Due to the number and nature of Ashford’s prior convictions he faces a minimum of fifteen years in prison, and a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, as to each of the two counts. He will be sentenced by Judge Lee on June 11, 2020.
On March 18, 2019, officers with the Meridian Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance. Upon arriving at the residence, the officers spoke with the complainant who told them she wanted her boyfriend, Ashford, out of her house. Officers spoke with Ashford and told him they would need to pat him down for weapons. Ashford was found to be in possession of suspected narcotics during the pat down search. When officers began to take Ashford into custody due to the suspected narcotics, he struggled, and the officers had to take him to the ground in order to complete the arrest.
Once Ashford was in handcuffs, the officers searched his pockets. Three .38 caliber bullets were found in Ashford’s left front pants pocket. A body camera recording made by one of the officers showed the discovery of the ammunition. The complainant told officers that she did not own any firearms and that she wanted all of Ashford’s belongings out of her house. The complainant testified at trial that Ashford threatened to beat her with a handgun earlier that day.
Meridian Police officers searched the house and located a .38 caliber Taurus revolver, loaded with five .38 caliber bullets, in a closet in a back bedroom. The complainant identified the revolver as the pistol with which she had been threatened. Officers with the Meridian Police Department, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and an ATF agent testified at trial in addition to Ashford’s ex-girlfriend.
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.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Transferring a Firearm to a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Tonya Danielle Ham, 36, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to transferring a firearm to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin.
On September,14, 2018, Tonya Ham, knowing her husband Wilmer Ham was a convicted felon, transferred a firearm to him that he dropped when he assaulted a Jackson Police Officer at a convenience store at 2:00 o’clock in the morning. Ms. Ham purchased two firearms previously, one in 2017, and one in 2018. The second firearm was possessed by her husband later that same day when he was detained by the store clerk who recognized him from the earlier encounter.
In August 2019, Wilmer Ham was charged in a federal criminal indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty and was sentenced by Judge Reeves on February 24, 2020, to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and fined $1500.
Tonya Ham will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on June 3, 2020, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paul Fortenberry.
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Project EJECT, Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Guardian Grant Funding for the Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – United States Attorney Mike Hurst announced today the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded over $130,000 in grant funding to three recipients in the Southern District of Mississippi under Project EJECT, Project Safe Neighborhoods, and Project Guardian. The goal of these various U.S. Attorney’s Office and DOJ programs is to fight and reduce violent crime in communities throughout our country.
“Today’s grant awards will further the shared goal among our office, the Department of Justice, and local law enforcement agencies in fighting and reducing violent crime throughout our communities. Gangs and their members continue to have an outsize influence on the crime we see around our state, and my hope is that this funding will help to turn the tide against these criminal organizations that are wreaking havoc on our fellow citizens and our neighbors. We are putting our money where our mouth is, and continuing this fight alongside our local partners against evildoers throughout our state,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
The City of Jackson received $70,649 in grant funding to fight gangs and combat violent crime in the Capital City. According to the City’s application, the Southern District’s “largest gang presence is focused in Jackson[,]” and “[s]treet gangs are a signficiant part of the crime problem in Jackson. These gangs are actively involved in drug distribution, weapons, and a wide range of violent activity.” The Jackson Police Department (“JPD”) will use this grant funding to “cut off the flow of young people to Jackson’s street gangs.” JPD will also utilize this grant funding to purchase software, equipment and technology to ”improve [their] knowledge of the gang structure in our community and target the 'worst of the worst’ gang members in Jackson.”
The Long Beach Police Department received $7,302 to implement a campaign they are calling “Lock It or Lose It” which will promote the locking of vehicles and homes to deter burglaries, violent crime and murders. As Long Beach Police Department noted in their applications, numerous guns have been stolen from Long Beach and used in violent crime throughout the Southeast. “Within the last year, one firearm was stolen from a vehicle in the City of Long Beach and used in a murder in Jackson, Alabama, of which the offender was from Moss Point, MS. Another was used in a drive by shooting in Moss Point, MS. Most recently, a stolen firearm was recovered in a narcotics raid in Harrison County. All three firearms were stolen from unlocked vehicles in Long Beach. The most recent string of auto burglaries was committed by gang members from Hattiesburg, MS, who traveled to Long Beach for the purpose of burglarizing unlocked automobiles.” This innovative and creative strategy has the potential to help reduce burglaries and theft of firearms, and concomitantly shrink violent crime.
Finally, the Copiah County Board of Supervisors, under a program to be administered by the District Attorney’s Office for the 22nd Circuit Court, received $55,070 in grant funding to combat violent crime and gangs. According to their application, “within the 22nd Circuit Court District, incidents of violent crime and gang related activities continue to impact a large segment of our communities . . . Through interviews with witnesses, victims and criminal defendants, the District Attorney’s Office has observed that many violent crimes involved gang members or affiliate gang members.” Using this grant money, the District Attorney’s Office intends to form a Task Force of local law enforcement and the Youth Court to identify, monitor and increase prosecution of violent crime and gang activities, and intervene, educate and train juveniles not to join gangs or engage in violent crime. This grant funding will be used to hire personnel to collect and analyze the data statistical information on violent crime and gang activities within the district, as well as train law enforcement on these topics with the goal of reducing violent crime in the 22nd Circuit Court District.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi remains committed to supporting our state, local and tribal law enforcement, community organizations, faith-based groups, and our fellow citizens in order to reduce violent crime throughout our district. These funds distributed through the Project Safe Neighborhoods will give communities the resources they need to implement local, comprehensive, and collaborative responses to violence. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is the Fiscal Agent of this grant process.
Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Corey Deonte Collins, 29, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
In February and March 2019, an individual made two purchases of methamphetamine from Collins. An analysis conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency revealed the methamphetamine was 99% pure. On July 24, 2019, Collins was charged in a federal indictment with two counts of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Thompson will be sentenced on June 2, 2020, by Judge Reeves, and faces a statutory maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Alejandro Santacruz-Villanueva, 40, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to “time served” (3 months and 16 days) as well as to one year of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Gregory Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol, New Orleans Sector. Additionally, Santacruz-Villanueva will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings to remove him from the United States back to his home nation of Mexico.
On November 12, 2019, the U.S. Border Patrol responded to a call for assistance from a fellow law enforcement officer who had conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Jackson County. The driver was identified as Alejandro Santacruz-Villanueva, a Mexican national, without appropriate documents, who was illegally present in the United States.
A records search revealed that Santacruz-Villanueva had been previously removed from the United States to Mexico on January 17, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Border Patrol, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the City of Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Two Brothers under Project EJECT of Drug Trafficking and Possessing Stolen Firearms in HattiesburgRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Brothers Victor Smith, 43, and Michael Smith, 42, of Hattiesburg, were found guilty on Wednesday of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of stolen firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. The jury returned the verdict following a two-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett in Hattiesburg.
On August 25, 2016, Hattiesburg Police officers, supported by other law enforcement agencies, responded to a call for service at the Southern Village Apartments in Forrest County. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the Smith brothers’ apartment, where they found over half a pound of marijuana bagged for distribution, scales, and five firearms, two of which were stolen. On April 3, 2019, Victor Smith and Michael Smith were charged in a federal criminal indictment.
Victor and Michael Smith will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on June 10, 2020, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Hattiesburg.
The case was investigated by the Hattiesburg Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew W. Eichner and Erin Chalk.
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 Almost Five Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Travis Cortez Lewis, 30, of Jackson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Lewis was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
On May 13, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department arrested Travis Cortez Lewis on a pending warrant and found him in possession of a firearm. Upon questioning, Lewis admitted to purchasing the firearm and to being a convicted felon. Lewis has prior convictions in Hinds County for cocaine possession and robbery.
Lewis was charged in a federal criminal indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Reeves on November 12, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
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.
Pascagoula Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug UserRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Brian Keith Blalock, Jr., 25, of Pascagoula, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Blalock also was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
On March 20, 2019, the Pascagoula Police Department responded to a call about a drive-by shooting. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers spoke with residents who reported seeing a black car with dark colored windows and a missing front bumper leave the scene immediately after multiple shots were fired. A witness also reported that a man had been seen throwing something over a nearby fence. Police investigated and found a rifle, wrapped in clothing, at the location indicated by the witness. Police later determined that the description given of the man seen throwing the rifle matched the description of Blalock.
Officers searched the surrounding area and located the vehicle. When officers initiated a traffic stop, Blalock exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers secured the car for evidence and alerted other officers who were able to locate Blalock. Officers found sixteen 7.62 caliber ammunition shell casings in the car Blalock had been driving. It also was documented that Blalock was a habitual user of marijuana.
As part of an ATF investigation, the casings found in the car Blalock was driving, were identified as Tula 7.62 caliber ammunition casings, the same caliber as fired from the recovered rifle. Further examination by the ATF Forensic Science Laboratory in Atlanta showed the casings had been fired in the rifle recovered at the scene.
Blalock pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on November 4, 2019, to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the coordinated investigation by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and by the Pascagoula Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Multiple Illegal Aliens Sentenced, Plead Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Two illegal aliens were sentenced and one pled guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Gregory Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol, New Orleans Sector.
Yesenia Flores-Ortega, 27, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. to 9 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien after removal. She also faces Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. Flores-Ortega was arrested on September 12, 2019 following a traffic stop in Harrison County. She pled guilty on November 26, 2019 before Judge Guirola.
Teodulio Ramos Ramos, 30, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to “time served” (3 months and 16 days) and one year of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien after removal. He also faces Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. Ramos Ramos was arrested on November 11, 2019 following a traffic stop in Harrison County. He pled guilty on December 17, 2019 before Judge Ozerden.
Elias Delgado-Ortiz, 33, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful return of an alien after removal. He will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on May 27, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Delgado-Ortiz was arrested following a traffic stop in Jackson County on December 4, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for these cases.
Jackson Man Arrested Locally for Murder and Released on Bond Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cedric Taylor, 45, of Jackson, who was arrested by Jackson Police officers in March for murder and released on bond by a local judge, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On March 5, 2019, officers with the Jackson Police Department executed a search warrant on Taylor’s residence in Jackson while investigating the murder of Dewan Fortner. Investigators recovered a firearm at the residence, which Taylor later confessed to knowingly possessing. While Taylor was arrested for murder in March 2019, he was thereafter released on a $125,000 bond, even though, according to the victim’s family, Taylor admitted in court that he had hidden Fortner’s body behind a building in Byram. This bond was granted despite the fact that Taylor had previous convictions for aggravated assault in Hinds County, Mississippi, and felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
After being release on a local bond, Taylor was arrested on federal charges on March 29, 2019, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and has been detained by U.S. Marshals without bond ever since.
Taylor will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on June 2, 2020. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
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 Woman Sentenced for making a False Statement when Purchasing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Gladys Marie Fairley, 62, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 15 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for making a false statement when purchasing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”). Fairley was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
While purchasing a firearm at a Gulfport pawn shop on September 22, 2018, Gladys Marie Fairley made a false statement to a federal firearms licensee. When Fairley filled out an ATF Form 4473, she falsely stated to the licensee on the form that she had no prior felonies. However, Fairley had been convicted of a felony in 2011 for abuse of a vulnerable adult in the Circuit Court of Harrison County.
Fairley was indicted on September 25, 2019, and pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 13, 2019.
This case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.