Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Vicksburg Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – David Michael Gammill, 44, of Vicksburg, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On August 1, 2018, Gammill entered Trustmark National Bank located on North Frontage Road in Vicksburg, approached a teller, and said the bank was being robbed. Gammill passed a plastic bag to the teller and demanded money. Gammill told the teller that he possessed a firearm in his coat pocket and according to bank employees, it appeared as if he did. Gammill’s intimidating behavior caused the teller to hand over money out of fear of bodily injury. Gammill then fled the bank.
Vicksburg Police officers responded to Trustmark Bank and learned the robber fled in a gray Chrysler van. Due to swift and solid police work, Gammill was captured later that day by the Vicksburg Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On November 6, 2018, Gammill was charged in a federal criminal indictment with bank robbery.
Gammill will be sentenced on June 5, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. by Judge Jordan. He faces a statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Wilmer Ham a/k/a Jose Lopez, 34, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 60 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 FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin. Ham was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On September 14, 2018, a Jackson Police officer responded to a call at Tony’s Food Mart 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 Ham, but his behavior led the officer to call for backup. Before assistance could arrive, Ham rushed the officer in an attempt to exit. As the officer tried to stop Ham, they struggled and a firearm fell from Ham’s pocket. The firearm was later determined to be a Ruger, model LCP, .380 caliber pistol. After no assistance arrived, the officer disengaged Ham and Ham left the scene.
Later that day, Jackson Police officers again responded to Tony’s Food Mart. Upon arrival, officers observed the front door partially open with a male, later determined to be Wilmer Ham, in the doorway holding the door open with his foot. Both the officer who responded to the earlier call and the store clerk confirmed that Ham was the same individual from that morning. Surveillance video captured Ham inside the store with a handgun and then tossing the handgun outside the door. The gun was determined to be a Taurus, model PT738 TCP, .380 caliber pistol. An investigation revealed that Ham had two previous convictions in Bronx County Criminal Court for possession of a loaded firearm and for criminal sale of a controlled substance.
In August 2019, Ham was charged in a federal criminal indictment with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty before Judge Reeves on November 4, 2019.
On January 15, 2020, the defendant’s wife, Tonya Ham, was charged in a federal superseding indictment with transferring the Taurus pistol to Wilmer Ham on the day in question. The public is reminded that a criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant, and is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.
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.
Georgia Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting Large Amounts of Methamphetamine and Heroin Disguised as Children’s CandyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cleveland James McKinney, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District David Bramlette III to 151 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegally transporting 41.97 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine and 4.5 kilograms of heroin that had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere P. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. McKinney was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
“This criminal endangered not just our citizens but our children, stooping so low as to disguise this poison as candy just so he could make a quick buck, caring not that it would cause damage, destruction and death in our communities. Because of the great work of our federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as our prosecutors, this criminal will not be peddling these toxins to our kids or anyone else anymore,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“By concealing dangerous narcotics as children’s candy, the defendant targeted our most vulnerable population, our youth,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Thanks to HSI special agents, and our partners at the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, our communities will be safer with this criminal behind bars.”
On April 16, 2018, McKinney traveled to Brandon, Mississippi from Atlanta, Georgia, to retrieve a drug shipment that originated in Mexico and entered the United States through Brownsville, Texas. The drugs were concealed in what appeared to be shrink-wrapped, bulk packaged children’s candy. McKinney was to transport the drugs to Atlanta and deliver them to his co-conspirator, Evelyn Michelle Hernandez.
Unbeknown to McKinney, HSI already had intercepted the narcotics shipment and had replaced the drugs with a false substance in packaging almost identical to the children’s candy packaging that had concealed the illegal methamphetamine and heroin. McKinney drove to the designated location and retrieved the packages that he believed contained the illegal drugs. He then began his return trip to Atlanta. He was arrested shortly thereafter. McKinney was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on November 21, 2019.
Evelyn Michelle Hernandez was also indicted and was sentenced by Judge Bramlette on November 19, 2019, to 168 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office Interdiction Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark.
Federal Jury Finds Tennessee Man Guilty of Major Cocaine Conspiracy Stretching Across Several StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. –Fortrell Latrae Sain, 38, of Memphis, Tennessee, was found guilty by a federal jury on Friday of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in New Orleans.
In late 2018, HSI agents began investigating a drug trafficking organization with connections to Memphis, Tennessee and Indianapolis, Indiana. Through their investigation, agents determined Sain acted as the middle man in the multi-state, cocaine conspiracy that involved co-defendants, Ray Parham and Riondal Taylor. During trial, it was revealed that Sain played an intricate role in aiding the drug trafficking organization with making connections for their supply of cocaine. Throughout the conspiracy, Sain communicated with Parham and others with the goal of securing a purchase of 25 kilograms of cocaine.
Parham and Taylor pled guilty for their roles in the conspiracy on November 8, 2019. Taylor will be sentenced on March 3, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., and Parham will be sentenced on March 4, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. Both sentencings will be before Judge Guirola.
Sain will be sentenced on May 26, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shundral H. Cole and Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethemphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kelvin Watkins, 43, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Watkins was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
From February 2017 to January 2019, Watkins was involved in a methamphetamine trafficking organization. On multiple occasions, Watkins delivered methamphetamine to a confidential source. In total, he delivered approximately 188 grams of methamphetamine, which was tested and found to be between 96-99% pure. Watkins was indicted on January 25, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on August 13, 2019.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Drama Queen,” targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi, 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, Pearl Police Department, Biloxi Police Department and Richland Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Nicholson Man Sentenced to over 15 years for being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Ronald Christopher Dressner, 41, of Nicholson, was sentenced on February 21, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 184 months in federal prison, followed by five 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 (“ATF”). Dresser was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
On May 20, 2019, interdiction officers with the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Dressner for a stolen tag. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, Dressnerfled. Dressner eventually stopped his vehicle and a passenger in the vehicle advised officers that she saw Dressner throw a silver and black handgun out of the passenger window. Officers returned to the location and discovered a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber pistol loaded with five live rounds. When Dressner was interviewed, he ultimately admitted to throwing the firearm out of the window during the pursuit. Dressner had previous felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance in the Circuit Court of Pearl River County for which he was sentenced to serve 16 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Dressner was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on November 13, 2019.
The Jackson County South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Mississippi Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Macon, Mississippi, tax return preparer was sentenced to 16 months in prison today for aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately January 2012 through April 2016, Shelleen Ivory-Farmer managed ABS Tax Services, a tax preparation business in Macon, Mississippi. Through the firm, Ivory-Farmer falsified clients’ tax returns by claiming false education credits, itemized deductions, and business and farming losses to fraudulently increase client refunds paid by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The tax loss resulting from the false education credits alone was more than $870,000. The total tax loss caused by Ivory-Farmer was more than $1.1 million.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III ordered Ivory-Farmer to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $236,887 in restitution to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney William Montague of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Annual Office Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Yesterday, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst recognized members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and its partners with the presentation of the Southern District’s annual awards for outstanding performance in 2019.
"We have some of the hardest working, most dedicated public servants in government service, and these awards reflect the truly best of the best. Because of their tenacity and commitment to our state and our communities, taxpayer money has been recovered, criminals have been captured and held accountable, and our neighborhoods are safer today. I am proud of their work and the difference they are making in people’s lives," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
James B. Tucker Award for Superior Prosecutorial Service in Criminal Justice
This award is named for James B .Tucker, the first person to serve as Chief of the Criminal Division in the Southern District. Mr. Tucker distinguished himself in his position and gained a national reputation as a tough but judicious prosecutor throughout the state and throughout the U.S. Department of Justice. The award is presented each year to the Criminal Assistant United States Attorney having demonstrated superior prosecutorial service in the Criminal Division throughout the year.
The 2019 recipient of the James B. Tucker Award is Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Eichner.
AUSA Eichner joined our office in November 2018, and made an immediate and significant impact in his very first year. In FY 2019 alone, he presented forty-one indictments to the grand jury, ranging from gun cases, computer crimes and mail theft, to immigration and violent crime cases. Sixteen of those indictments were generated from AUSA Eichner’s work spearheading Project EJECT in Hattiesburg, which demands coordination with no fewer than three federal agencies, two local law enforcement agencies and two district attorneys’ offices. In addition to his courtroom work, AUSA Eichner authored two appeals and still had time to volunteer in the Hattiesburg area by speaking to a group of kids at the Hattiesburg YMCA about the benefits of staying in school and out of trouble. His work has drawn the attention and praise of police officers, district attorneys, and many others. He is always a team player and never hesitates to assist other AUSAs in trial or covering court appearances. AUSA Eichner’s positive attitude, good-natured spirit, unrelenting grit, unwavering character, impressive intellect and professional accomplishments in 2019 have all earned him this year’s Tucker Award.
Daniel E. Lynn Award for Superior Litigation Service in Civil Litigation
This award is named for Daniel E. Lynn, the first person to serve as Chief of the Civil Division in the Southern District. Mr. Lynn set the highest standards of excellence through selfless competence, integrity, and professionalism. The award is presented each year to the Assistant United States Attorney having demonstrated the most superior litigation service affecting the Civil Division throughout the year.
The 2019 recipient of the Daniel E. Lynn Award is Assistant United States Attorney Tabitha Bandi.
Joining our office in July 2018, AUSA Bandi quickly became responsible for all bankruptcy matters in the District. In 2019, she reviewed hundreds of notices and filings and handled several bankruptcy cases and adversarial proceedings, which historically were handled by more experienced and senior attorneys in the Department of Justice. For example, in an adversarial proceeding in which the liquidating trustee for a bankrupt hospital sued the Department of Health and Human Services for almost $400,000, Tabitha’s legal maneuvers and tough negotiating convinced the trustee to settle the matter for less than 10%.
In addition to managing all bankruptcy matters in the District, AUSA Bandi handled several important and challenging defensive cases, including cases involving employment discrimination and tort actions. She was co-counsel in two cases involving government employees and government-owned vehicles, settling both cases for approximately half the amount demanded by the plaintiffs.
AUSA Bandi also worked on some sensitive matters in which opposing counsel sought certain records from federal agencies and testimony from federal witnesses. For instance, in one case, she moved to quash a trial subpoena seeking testimony and documents from a witness who used to work in the federal government, and, unbeknownst to the DOJ trial lawyers, had been cooperating with the plaintiff, a former federal employee who had been fired for misconduct.
In her first full year in the office, AUSA Bandi has already left an incredible impression on her colleagues. Her initiative and ability to work well with others, including agency counsel, several of whom have praised her collegiality and competence, reflect very well on herself, the Civil Division and our office as a whole.
PauletteWomack Support Staff Award for Superior Performance
This award was named in honor of Paulette Womack, a long-time, much-loved member of the office who served as Secretary to the first Criminal Division Chief and as the Victim Witness Coordinator for the Southern District. She performed her work with tenacity, persistence and professionalism. This award is presented each year to the Support Staff Employee having demonstrated the most superior efforts in support of the mission of the District, whether it be in the area of administration or legal support.
The 2019 recipient of the PauletteWomack Award is Paralegal Specialist Mary Margaret Buchanan.
Ms. Buchanan is the Paralegal Specialist in the Civil Division’s Financial Litigation Unit. She is currently performing tasks which were previously performed by four, long-time, experienced employees. Her current criminal caseload includes almost 2,700 collection cases valued at over $850 million. Her current civil caseload is almost 50 collection cases valued at $2.1 million. In Fiscal Year 2019, the Financial Litigation Unit opened 437 criminal collection cases (a 42% INCREASE from the previous fiscal year), and recovered $2,447,376.16 in criminal debt (a 8.92% INCREASE over the previous fiscal year) and $1,941,201.32 in civil debt.
Ms. Buchanan assisted with several significant civil cases. In her pre-trial and trial support role in a medical malpractice case, she assisted the trial lawyers by organizing, and analyzing medical records. In an employment discrimination case, she assisted the trial attorneys by summarizing and analyzing deposition transcripts and identifying those instances where the witnesses testified about other potential trial witnesses. Additionally, Ms. Buchanan continued to help transition the Office’s bankruptcy practice from a long-time, experienced attorney to newly-hired AUSAs. In that role, she drew upon her extensive bankruptcy and litigation experience and helped the attorneys by reviewing hundreds of bankruptcy filings, including notices and proofs of claim for agency clients.
Ms. Buchanan is a dedicated and dependable employee; she’s a smart contributor; and she is a straight-shooter—all characteristics that Paulette Womack exhibited in her career with the Department of Justice. She has done a masterful job running the Financial Litigation Unit despite losing personnel with decades of experience and almost doubling the number of criminal collection cases.
Donald R. Burkhalter Award for Exemplary Leadership
This award is named after long-time First Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Burkhalter. This award seeks to recognize, via nomination throughout the office, the employee who has demonstrated extraordinary courage and leadership throughout the year, no matter their position in the office. The award seeks to honor those who lead from action, not a title, who exhibits a positive, upbeat attitude that encourages cooperation and teamwork, and who works tirelessly in advancing the mission and goals of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice.
The 2019 recipient of the Donald R. Burkhalter Award for Exemplary Leadership is Grand Jury Coordinator Karen Coates.
Karen has been with our office since 2002 and has been our Grand Jury Coordinator since 2006. In 2019, Karen reviewed and processed approximately 591 indictments and informations, a record number for the District. She also served as legal assistant to several AUSAs. Even though she is not a "manager," Karen was selected by the supervising legal assistant and former criminal chief to "train" new hires in the office. Karen is also the face of the office when dealing with the clerk of court, and by all accounts, the clerk’s office staff enjoy working with Karen.
Because of her selflessness, her leadership, and her dedication to the mission of the office and DOJ, Karen is more than worthy to receive the 2019 Donald R. Burkhalter Award for Exemplary Leadership.
George L. Phillips Distinguished Community Support Award
This award is named for former U.S. Attorney George L. Phillips, who began his service as the youngest U.S. Attorney in the nation, went on to serve under three Presidents for 14 years, and is credited with creating DOJ’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee. This award seeks to recognize individuals outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office who have contributed significantly to the increased coordination of law enforcement, who have substantially advanced the goals and mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and who have exhibited genuine, consistent support of law enforcement generally and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in particular.
The 2019 recipient of the George Phillips Award is Patricia Burchell.
From October 2010 to January 2020, Ms. Burchell was the District Attorney for the 12th Circuit Judicial District, covering Forrest and Perry Counties. Prior to becoming DA, she was an Assistant District Attorney in the 12th Judicial District for seven years. In addition to all of her work leading that office and prosecuting cases, Ms. Burchell pro-actively sought the advice and assistance from the FBI and other state and federal agencies to help rout out corruption she saw in her community. She was instrumental in providing information and assistance that led to the conviction of Forrest County Chief Deputy Sheriff Charles "Plukey" Bolton and his wife, as well as the convictions of other prominent corrupt Hattiesburg individuals such as the Rev. Kenneth Fairley, attorney Jon Lee, and accountant Carl Nicholson, just to name a few. In her time as District Attorney, she has been unwavering in cooperating, collaborating, and assisting this office and its AUSAs in prosecuting crime in Hattiesburg. Most recently, she has been one of
our office biggest supporters in Hattiesburg for the implementation of Project EJECT under DOJ’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Ms. Burchell also agreed to serve and still serves, even in retirement, on our office’s PSN Committee.
Ms. Burchell is most deserving of this award because her character and her work reflected that of George Phillips. She has a reputation throughout our state as someone you can trust and depend on, someone who always has your back, and someone who will always do the right thing, no matter what the cost.
Robert E. Hauberg Award for Distinguished Service
This award is named in honor of the achievements of former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi Robert E. Hauberg, the longest serving United States Attorney in the history of our nation. The Hauberg Award is presented annually by this District to an employee who has displayed superior achievement in their assigned duties and who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in some additional public service that makes a significant impact on the community.
The 2019 recipient of the Robert E. Hauberg Award is Assistant United States Attorney Candace Mayberry. AUSA Mayberry joined our office as a Criminal AUSA in 2016. From the moment she started, she was and always has been a team player. She prosecuted everything from murder to corruption of prison guards to hate crimes involving crossburnings to carjackings to civilly defending a national guardsman under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. AUSA Mayberry was quickly designated as the Office’s Civil Rights AUSA, straddling the line and doing civil rights cases in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions.
In addition, after an AUSA left our office, AUSA Mayberry was tapped to be the Office’s PSN Coordinator, leading one of the office’s top initiatives – Project EJECT. In this role, she not only led the efforts on Project EJECT in Jackson, but also coordinated with other AUSAs assigned to EJECT sites throughout the District, and was responsible for dealing with Main Justice on reporting requirements and PSN grant awards. This latter responsibility involved setting up and managing a committee that would review and select grant awardees.
AUSA Mayberry has also been an advocate in her community, volunteering for Project EJECT’s Book buddy Program at Johnson Elementary, presenting the LEAD Program at various high schools and Boys and Girls Clubs throughout Jackson. She also coached the Callaway High School mock trial team in the State Bar’s annual high school mock trial competition (aided by Civil Chief Marc Perez). She has done all of this work with one of the best, most positive and contagious attitudes in the office, always upbeat, optimistic, collaborative, and encouraging of others.
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Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Antwone Malik Coleman Booker, 19, of Moss Point, pled guilty on February 19, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Halil S. Ozerden to “Hobbs Act” armed robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).
In the early hours of August 15, 2019, in Moss Point, Antwone Malik Coleman Booker entered a Waffle House restaurant in Moss Point and pointed a black handgun at the cashier and demanded money. While the waitress was opening the cash register, Booker shot one round of ammunition from the firearm into the ceiling of the restaurant; and, after the waitress handed the money to Booker, he shot one additional round into the ceiling. Booker then fled the restaurant, but was arrested shortly thereafter.
Booker will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on May 21, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the robbery with at least 7 years added consecutively for use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Moss Point, Ellisville, and Pascagoula Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Darrell Donnell McDonald, 39, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 108 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and by Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). McDonald also was ordered to pay an $8,000 fine and $200.00 in special assessments. McDonald previously pled guilty on November 1, 2019.
On May 1, 2017, the Biloxi Police Department received a citizen complaint that McDonald had been visiting his small rental storage unit 5-10 times a day and criminal activity was suspected. Biloxi police responded to the complaint and noticed a strong odor of fresh marijuana emanating from the storage unit. Police also obtained a copy of McDonald’s rental agreement and, later that same day, McDonald was caught by Biloxi Police closing the door of the storage unit (with the keys in his hand) while marijuana odor emanated from the unit. A Biloxi Police narcotics canine team arrived, and the canine alerted outside the storage unit.
Pursuant to a state search warrant, the rental unit was searched and the following items were found: approximately 316 grams of cocaine, approximately 1,758 grams of marijuana, approximately $4,563 in cash, a loaded Hi-Point 9mm handgun, and other evidence of drug trafficking activity.
McDonald had a criminal history of multiple narcotics felony convictions and one firearm related felony conviction. Included in these felony convictions was his conviction in 2008, in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, for Possession of Controlled Substance With Intent to Distribute, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the coordinated investigation by the ATF and by the City of Biloxi Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces Department of Justice Grant Awards of Nearly $300,000 to Local Mississippi Police DepartmentsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded grants in the amount of $149,900 to the Cities of Biloxi and Natchez under the DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance Gulf States Regional Law Enforcement Technology Training and Technical Assistance Initiative.
“This money will go a long way in helping our partners fight crime at the local level and keep their citizens safe. I am excited about these awards because it furthers our partnership with our local law enforcement by giving officers and prosecutors more tools to investigate and prosecute the criminal element. These cities and their men and women in law enforcement should be commended for pursuing these grants in order to better their cities,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“The Biloxi Police Department is thrilled to have been awarded this grant. The funds will greatly enhance law enforcement’s ability to conduct investigations using cutting edge technologies,” said Biloxi Police Chief John Miller. “Thanks to our friends at the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for realizing and supporting the needs of local law enforcement.”
“This is a huge crime-fighting tool that we will have at our disposal that has already proven to be very successful throughout the year of 2019. We had some major reduction in many of the crime categories last year. I would like to think U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and his office’s Project EJECT, Sheriff Travis Patton, and all of the State, federal and local partners,” said Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong.
This initiative is an innovative new program designed to provide resources and technology to law enforcement jurisdictions within the five Gulf States (Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) to assist with information and intelligence sharing to reduce crime and illegal drug trafficking.
The grants awarded under this initiative are expected to enhance information and criminal intelligence sharing between local law enforcement agencies and their local fusion centers. Awardees are expected to work toward sharing this type of information with federal and state agencies with the intention to reduce crime.
For more information about this grant or other grant opportunities, contact the Office of Justice Program's Office of Communications at (202) 307-0703 or by visiting https://www.ojp.gov.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing and Discharging a Firearm During Waffle House RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Nicholas Thames, 22, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after he had been previously convicted of felony crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Thames was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
“Project EJECT was created to expel this exact type of criminal from our communities – those who violently threaten and terrorize our fellow citizens. Because of the work by the Jackson Police Department and the FBI, this criminal was quickly apprehend and prosecuted before he was able to harm anyone else. For at least the next decade, this criminal will not be able to hurt any more innocent civilians,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
On October 27, 2017, Thames entered a Waffle House restaurant on Beasley Road in Jackson, armed with a .45 caliber handgun. Thames covered his face with a red bandana in an attempt to conceal his identity. However, Thames was recognized by several witnesses because he had eaten at the restaurant just an hour earlier. Thames fired one shot from his pistol into the ceiling of the business, then pointed the gun at an employee, demanding money. The employee emptied the register, giving the contents to Thames. After receiving the cash, Thames fled on foot. In all, Thames got away with approximately $400.00.
Officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to the scene immediately. An officer spotted Thames walking in an apartment complex wearing clothing that matched the description given by the Waffle House employees. Thames was arrested and officers found a large sum of money and a black handgun on his person. Officers also found several other items that the defendant admitted taking from a vehicle that he had broken into in the area.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to Almost 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Semaj Jermal Jefferson, 27, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by Senior U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 46 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession 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”). Jefferson was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
On August 16, 2018, Jefferson, a previously convicted felon, sold a semi-automatic rifle loaded with 10 live rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition to an individual at a Gulfport, Mississippi, residence, for $450. Jefferson was previously convicted of burglary of a dwelling in Harrison County, Mississippi, and was therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
Jefferson was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2019. He pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 13, 2019.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Statement by U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Regarding State Investigation and Local Arrests Relating to Fraud at Mississippi Department of Human ServicesRead the Press Release
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office has received numerous inquiries regarding the State Auditor’s investigation into the Mississippi Department of Human Services and local indictments returned by a Hinds County grand jury in that case.
While we commend the reported actions, neither the FBI nor the United States Attorney’s Office was contacted by the State Auditor or the Hinds County District Attorney about this investigation, although millions of federal dollars are alleged to have been stolen.
After hearing about the investigation, I reached out to the State Auditor and met with him last week to inquire into this matter. I subsequently spoke with the District Attorney about this matter as well. While information about this investigation was made available to us on Tuesday, we in the United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI only learned on Wednesday afternoon from media reports about the indictment and arrests, at the same time as the general public did.
Investigating and prosecuting cases of this magnitude and complexity is routinely what the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices do here in Mississippi and around the country. In the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi we have a long, successful record of working with our local and state law enforcement, prosecuting public corruption and complex white collar fraud, and bringing all who violate the law to justice.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI continue to have good working relationships with the new State Auditor, the new Hinds County District Attorney, and their offices. We stand ready to put the substantial experience and expertise of our offices and the entire U.S. Department of Justice to work to help our colleagues bring fraudsters to justice and stamp out public corruption.”
Mississippi Tax Return Preparer Indicted for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Moss Point, Mississippi, resident was arrested today on a federal grand jury indictment charging her with aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and filing false personal tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi. The indictment was returned on Jan. 15, 2020.
According to the indictment, Talvesha Glaude owned and operated a tax return preparation business under the names TMG Tax Service and Regional Tax Service. From 2014 through 2019, Glaude allegedly prepared and filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent client tax returns claiming inflated refunds based on false income tax withholdings and education expenses. The indictment also charges that during those years, Glaude reported false withholdings and education expenses on her own personal returns.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Glaude faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for each count of the indictment. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who are investigating the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Arthur L. Flowers, 35, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Daniel P. Jordan III to fifteen months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On September 11, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to the McDowell Road and I-55 underpass in Jackson on a shooting complaint. They found Arthur Flowers laying on his back stating that he had been shot. Upon questioning, Flowers admitted to accidentally shooting himself in the leg while trying to holster a pistol. Flowers was transported to UMMC for treatment of the gunshot wound.
Because Flowers has grand larceny convictions in Copiah County in 2004 and Hinds County in 2005, it is illegal for him to possess a firearm. He pleaded guilty before Judge Jordan on November 8, 2019.
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.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to Two Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Marcus Foster, 30, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 24 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 Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On February 11, 2019, Foster was found in possession of two firearms during the search of an apartment in Forrest County. He has prior felony convictions in Forrest County for burglary of a dwelling and receipt of stolen property. On July 24, 2019, he was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on October 3, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon While on State ProbationRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Alfred McCaskill, 25, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett 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 Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
McCaskill has previous convictions in Forrest County for possession of a stolen firearm and possession of cocaine. On February 27, 2019, while still on state probation, McCaskill was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop in Forrest County. He fled on foot and evaded law enforcement until his arrest in April 2019.
McCaskill was indicted on July 24, 2019, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on October 3, 2019. In adjudicating McCaskill’s sentence, Judge Starrett specifically indicated that his federal confinement would run consecutive to whatever confinement he receives related to his state charges.
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 Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hattiesburg Man Gets over Ten Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Multiple, Violent Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Christian Jamal Martin, 20, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 126 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his involvement in multiple armed robberies in Hattiesburg, as well as possessing ammunition while being 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. Martin was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of the robberies.
Martin was involved in the robberies of two gas stations in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on the morning of March 4, 2019, as well as a third attempted robbery at a Captain D’s restaurant on March 26, 2019. Firearms were discharged at all three locations. Martin functioned as the getaway driver during the incidents. On March 28, 2019, when Martin was apprehended by law enforcement, he was found in possession of ammunition and admitted during a subsequent interview to be an unlawful user of a controlled substance at the same time as the possession.
Martin was indicted on April 16, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Starrett on October 3, 2019. In adjudicating Martin’s sentence, Judge Starrett discussed the dangerous nature of the crimes Martin committed.
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 Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Raphael Donzell Johnson, Jr., 40, of Moss Point, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Johnson will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 29, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
In May 2019, an individual made two purchases of heroin and methamphetamine from Johnson. In June, agents executed a search warrant on his Moss Point residence where they found over 400 grams of heroin, methamphetamine and two firearms.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Jackson Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Demarkis Addison, 33, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to 15 years in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On February 6, 2019, while a United States Marshals Task Force was searching for a wanted man in Jackson, a man fitting the description was observed getting into a car at America’s Best Inn located on Interstate 55. As the Task Force officers approached, the man ran on foot and was seen tossing a handgun. Officers caught the individual, Demarkis Addison, and determined he was a convicted felon at the time he was observed by the Task Force with the handgun. Addison was previously convicted of five separate house burglaries between November 2004 and February 2013.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Albert Thompson, 24, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On January 21, 2019, Jackson Police officers responded to a possible house burglary in the city of Jackson. Upon arrival, officers observed three men matching descriptions provided via 911. Officers pursued the three men on foot. One of the men, Albert Thompson, brandished a handgun towards an officer which caused the officer to draw her service weapon. However, that officer was able to order Thompson to the ground and avoid deadly force. Thompson had been previously convicted of multiple house burglaries in 2012 and served time for those.
On April 16, 2019, Thompson was charged in a federal indictment with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime.
Thompson will be sentenced by Judge Lee on April 30, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The 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.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Douglas Gary Mayes, 66, of Gulfport, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 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 (“ATF”).
On July 2, 2019, ATF agents went to Mayes’ residence in Gulfport to arrest him on an underlying federal indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Mayes advised agents that he had additional firearms in his home, but would not give consent to search. A federal search warrant was obtained and, after searching the residence, agents found three additional firearms and ammunition. Mayes had a previous conviction in Harrison County, Mississippi for receiving stolen property.
Mayes will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
First Annual Mississippi Human Trafficking Summit Held in JacksonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern and Northern Districts of Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety presented the first annual Mississippi Human Trafficking Summit today at the Jackson, Mississippi, Convention Center. More than 400 participants, including local, state tribal, and federal law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim service providers, nonprofits, policy makers and social workers, attended and participating in the Summit.
“Human trafficking is here in Mississippi, and sadly, it is significantly and adversely impacting the lives of many Mississippians,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst. “Our intent with the Mississippi Human Trafficking Council and with this summit is to train and raise awareness among the public, our nonprofits, and our law enforcement in order to prevent future trafficking, rescue and protect victims, and swiftly prosecute these evildoers. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Mississippi have made combatting this horrific and reprehensible crime one of our highest priorities in order to keep the public safe.”
“Today has been such a powerful and important day in the fight against human trafficking here in Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Lamar. “We have seen a large, diverse and committed group of people come together to hear about the work that has been done so far, to celebrate the successes and milestones of those engaged in the fight, and to make plans for combatting human trafficking crimes in our Stare in the future. With the continued and combined efforts of those present and others who are willing to work together, we can make a difference in the lives of victims and combat these heinous crimes that strike at the heart of basic human dignity.”
The Mississippi Human Trafficking Council was formed in September 2019, and is chaired by an Assistant U.S. Attorney from Northern District of Mississippi, an Assistant U.S. Attorney from Southern District of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Human Trafficking Coordinator, who works for the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. The mission of the Council is to use a victim-centered, collaborative, and multi-disciplinary model to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute criminals in all forms of domestic and international human trafficking, to include commercial sex trafficking and labor trafficking for the protection of both adult and minor victims.
Today’s Summit began with opening remarks from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, Colonel Chris Gillard, Assistant Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben, U.S. Attorney Chad Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi, and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi.
Summit attendees also heard from:
- Bill Woolf, Human Trafficking Programs Director at the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice;
- Alexandra Perron with A21’s Freedom Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, regarding the upcoming Mississippi Human Trafficking Council Billboard Campaign;
- Council Co-Chairs Kathlyn Van Buskirk - Assistant US Attorney, Southern District of MS, Susan Bradley - Deputy Criminal Chief US Attorney, Northern District of MS, and Ashlee Lucas - Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator, MS Bureau of Investigation
- Council Subcommittee Chairs:
- Outreach and Public Awareness - Chair: Mandy Davis, Chief of Staff, MSDPS
- Strategic Planning and Trafficking Protocol - Chair: Dr. Tamara Hurst, School of Social Work, University of Southern Mississippi
- Policy and Legislation - Co-Chairs: Angela Cockerham, MS House of Representatives; Lora Hunter, General Counsel, MS Department of Public Safety
- Training - Chair: Paula Broome, MS Attorney General’s Office
- Victim Service - Co-Chairs: Hollie Jeffery, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi; Heather Wagner, Mississippi State Department of Health, Office Against Interpersonal Violence
- A Human Trafficking Survivor
- U.S. Department of Justice Grantees Relating to Human Trafficking:
- Heather Wagner - Grant - Victim Services
- Ashlee Lucas - Grant - Law Enforcement
- Those Involved in Mississippi Initiatives Addressing Human Trafficking:
- Heather Collins - Statewide Human Trafficking Analyst, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
- Guy Collins - Master Sergeant, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Human Trafficking Special Victim’s Unit
- Nick Brown - Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Task Force Officer
- Mike Hurst - US Attorney, Southern District of Mississippi
- Chad Lamar - US Attorney, Northern District of Mississippi
- Leslie Williams Fisher, Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division Child Exploitation & Obscenity Section
The Department of Justice continues to fight human trafficking through investigating and prosecuting traffickers, dismantling transnational human trafficking networks, enhancing victim identification and protection of all victims of trafficking, and funding and providing domestic and international anti-trafficking programs. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found here. An update on human trafficking prosecution statistics can be found here.
Information about the Mississippi Human Trafficking Council can be found here.
Picayune Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Angel Christine Labauve, 40, of Picayune, Mississippi, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Labauve will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 29, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines.
In July, 2018, an individual made 4 purchases of heroin and cocaine from Labauve at her home in Picayune. Labauve sold a total of 1.5107 grams of heroin, some of which contained Fentanyl, for $350. She also sold an ounce of cocaine for $800.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Major Drug Dealer Found Guilty of Conspiracy and Narcotics TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Daniel Robert, 43, of Meridian, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury after a three day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III in Jackson. Robert was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and one count of attempted possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“This case proves that law enforcement and prosecutors will always get their man. Criminals can run, but they cannot hide, as the long arm of the law will always grab them wherever they are and bring them to justice. I applaud our men and women in law enforcement for their tenacity and fortitude in ensuring this drug dealer is taken off our streets and sent to prison where he belongs,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"The amount of time it takes to bring someone to justice does not deter our commitment to protect our communities," said SAC Sutphin. "This case is a great example of the resolve of the Special Agents and prosecutors, along with our law enforcement partners, to rid our streets of those who are intent on flooding it with illicit drugs."
From 2007 through 2009, Robert was being investigated by the FBI along with several other individuals. The FBI’s investigation showed that Robert directed the sale of multiple kilograms of cocaine and took in tens of thousands of dollars. Robert organized the transport of cocaine from Houston, Texas, and sold the narcotics in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. Robert’s criminal organization involved numerous people and utilized vehicles with custom built hidden compartments for transportation of drugs and money.
An undercover operation specifically showed that Robert received $16,000 in exchange for over a kilogram of cocaine. Robert used two different individuals, who were both charged as co-conspirators, to receive money and distribute cocaine.
On June 26, 2009, Robert, along with another co-conspirator, were stopped in Vidor, Texas, driving a truck with a hidden compartment containing almost 8 kilograms of cocaine. Robert was released from custody in Vidor, Texas, and traveled back to Mississippi. With the help of his girlfriend, Robert attempted to reclaim his cocaine, which he believed had not been discovered in the hidden compartment.
Robert believed his girlfriend was arranging to purchase the truck from insurance adjusters who had taken possession of the truck on the basis that it was reported stolen. The insurance adjusters were actually undercover FBI agents with the consent of the insurance company that actually owned the truck. Video recordings and pictures were taken of Robert and his girlfriend when they came to the insurance “sale.” After “purchasing” the truck, Robert returned to Meridian, and proceeded to attempt to recover the cocaine he thought was still inside the hidden compartment.
FBI and SWAT officers descended on the location and arrested most of the organization, but Robert was able to elude capture by fleeing into a nearby field. Robert remained at large for a decade before he was taken into custody by the FBI.
Robert has an additional pending charge for witness tampering in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Robert also faces charges in Illinois for narcotics distribution and witness tampering.
Robert was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 3, 2009. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced on May 1, 2020, by Judge Jordan. Robert faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin O. Chalk and Chet Kirkham.
Former Housing Authority Director Pleads Guilty to Stealing Federal FundsRead the Press Release
Hazlehurst, Miss. – Barbara Thedford Skipper, 51, of Hazlehurst, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to theft of federal funds, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Jerome Winkle with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Office of Inspector General (“OIG”).
From 2015 through 2017, while serving as Executive Director for the Hazlehurst Housing Authority, Skipper knowingly converted and misapplied funds from the Housing Authority’s operating account to her own use. Operating account funds are designed to assist the Housing Authority with the upkeep of public housing residential living conditions. Such public housing is established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
In the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Skipper utilized Hazlehurst Housing Authority’s operating account to purchase personal items, including, but not limited to, clothing, perfume, countertop ice makers, electronic tablets, cookware, a fitness wristband, portable boom box, champagne flutes, Fire TV stick and several gift cards. It was also discovered that Skipper made unauthorized purchases from an online retailer and made payments to her personal Bank of America credit card from the Housing Authority operating account. The total amount of loss was $57,202.
Skipper will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on April 22, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as restitution.
The case is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Dallas Smith, 59, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 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.
On September 11, 2017, officers with the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to an apartment complex after receiving a shooting complaint. Based upon the statements of eyewitnesses, officers stopped a vehicle in which Dallas Smith was a passenger. Upon questioning, Smith admitted to possessing the pistol and rifle found in the vehicle. Smith also admitted to discharging the firearms at the apartment complex.
Smith has a forgery conviction in Madison County in 2001 and a grand larceny conviction in Rankin County in 2004, and it is illegal for him to possess a firearm. He will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on April 22, 2020.
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.
Two Mississippi Men Sentenced for Roles in Automotive Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Long Beach, Mississippi men were sentenced today for their roles in a long-running odometer tampering scheme, the Department of Justice announced.
U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. sentenced Oscar M. Baine, 42, to 36 months’ incarceration and ordered him to pay $619,200 in restitution. Jeffrey Lyn Savarese II, 36, was sentenced to 15 months’ incarceration and ordered to pay $320,000 in restitution. Both men pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to alter odometers. Baine also pleaded guilty to odometer tampering.
As part of his guilty plea, Baine admitted that he purchased high-mileage vehicles from wholesale automobile auctions, dealerships, and individuals, and arranged to alter the vehicles’ odometers to reflect false, lower-mileage readings. Baine admitted that he paid Savarese and others to change or alter odometers at his used car lot in Gulfport. Baine then sold the rolled-back vehicles to unsuspecting consumers for inflated prices. He also admitted that he and a co-conspirator caused at least 387 vehicles to be rolled back between 2011 and 2014, which resulted in consumer losses of more than $600,000. Savarese admitted that he began altering odometers for Mississippi and Louisiana used-car dealers in 2011 and reset the odometers on at least 200 used vehicles for Baine.
"The Department of Justice has long been committed to prosecuting automobile dealers, wholesalers, and mechanics who defraud consumers by selling vehicles with unlawfully altered odometers," said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. "Vehicle mileage is critical to consumers who rely on that information to evaluate the value and safety of a used vehicle."
"These criminals not only defrauded hundreds of people but they directly put families and the general public at risk," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi. "We will continue to do all that we can to protect our citizens from fraudsters who endanger others just to make a quick buck."
Senior Litigation Counsel Linda I. Marks of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA), assisted by the State of Mississippi Office of the Attorney General, investigated the case.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761. More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud and tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf .
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Two Mississippi Men Sentenced for Roles in Automotive Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Long Beach, Mississippi men were sentenced today for their roles in a long-running odometer tampering scheme, the Department of Justice announced.
U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. sentenced Oscar M. Baine, 42, to 36 months’ incarceration and ordered him to pay $619,200 in restitution. Jeffrey Lyn Savarese II, 36, was sentenced to 15 months’ incarceration and ordered to pay $320,000 in restitution. Both men pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to alter odometers. Baine also pleaded guilty to odometer tampering.
As part of his guilty plea, Baine admitted that he purchased high-mileage vehicles from wholesale automobile auctions, dealerships, and individuals, and arranged to alter the vehicles’ odometers to reflect false, lower-mileage readings. Baine admitted that he paid Savarese and others to change or alter odometers at his used car lot in Gulfport. Baine then sold the rolled-back vehicles to unsuspecting consumers for inflated prices. He also admitted that he and a co-conspirator caused at least 387 vehicles to be rolled back between 2011 and 2014, which resulted in consumer losses of more than $600,000. Savarese admitted that he began altering odometers for Mississippi and Louisiana used-car dealers in 2011 and reset the odometers on at least 200 used vehicles for Baine.
"The Department of Justice has long been committed to prosecuting automobile dealers, wholesalers, and mechanics who defraud consumers by selling vehicles with unlawfully altered odometers," said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. "Vehicle mileage is critical to consumers who rely on that information to evaluate the value and safety of a used vehicle."
"These criminals not only defrauded hundreds of people but they directly put families and the general public at risk," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi. "We will continue to do all that we can to protect our citizens from fraudsters who endanger others just to make a quick buck."
Senior Litigation Counsel Linda I. Marks of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA), assisted by the State of Mississippi Office of the Attorney General, investigated the case.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761. More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud and tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf .
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms.
Leakesville Man Pleads Guilty to Making a False Statement When Purchasing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Thomas Truitt Lott III, 33, of Leakesville, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Halil S. Ozerden to knowingly making a false statement to a firearms dealer 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.
On November 9, 2018, while purchasing a firearm at a Leakesville pawn shop, Lott knowingly made a false statement to a federal firearms licensee when he filled out an ATF Form 4473 and stated on the form that he was not under indictment. At the time of the purchase, Lott knew that he was under an Indictment in Green County, Mississippi for transfer of a controlled substance. On May 15, 2019, Lott was charged in a federal criminal indictment.
Lott will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 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 U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, 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. For more information about Project Guardian, please click here.
Former Mississippi Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Shelley Griffith, 29, a former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) officer, was sentenced today in Jackson, Mississippi, by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan II of the Southern District of Mississippi to serve 70 months in prison for her role in assaulting an inmate at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Rankin County, Mississippi.
Griffith pled guilty on Dec. 14, 2017, to violating the civil rights of an inmate by using excessive force against him.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to prosecuting those who violate the civil rights of others.”
“Violating a person’s civil rights, whether the person is incarcerated or not, is a serious offense and only damages the already delicate relationship between corrections officers and inmates,” said Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the FBI’s Jackson Division. “The FBI will continue working with our partner agencies to investigate violations of civil rights within Mississippi prisons.”
According to the Criminal Information, on May 25, 2016, Griffith assaulted the inmate, identified as “L.H.,” by kicking, punching, and stomping on him. Griffith’s assault resulted in bodily injury to “L.H.” and involved the use of a dangerous weapon. At the time of the incident, Griffith was working as a corrections officer at CMCF in Rankin County, Mississippi.
Two other former MDOC officers, Reginald Brown and Sharalyn McClain, have pled guilty to violating the civil rights of “L.H.” based on their own conduct during the assault. Brown was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 60 months. McClain will be sentenced on March 20, 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi, Field Office. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer and Trial Attorneys Cameron Bell and Mary J. Hahn of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes of Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
Former Mississippi Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Shelley Griffith, 29, a former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) officer, was sentenced today in Jackson, Mississippi, by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan II of the Southern District of Mississippi to serve 70 months in prison for her role in assaulting an inmate at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Rankin County, Mississippi.
Griffith pled guilty on Dec. 14, 2017, to violating the civil rights of an inmate by using excessive force against him.
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to prosecuting those who violate the civil rights of others.”
“Violating a person’s civil rights, whether the person is incarcerated or not, is a serious offense and only damages the already delicate relationship between corrections officers and inmates,” said Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the FBI’s Jackson Division. “The FBI will continue working with our partner agencies to investigate violations of civil rights within Mississippi prisons.”
According to the Criminal Information, on May 25, 2016, Griffith assaulted the inmate, identified as “L.H.,” by kicking, punching, and stomping on him. Griffith’s assault resulted in bodily injury to “L.H.” and involved the use of a dangerous weapon. At the time of the incident, Griffith was working as a corrections officer at CMCF in Rankin County, Mississippi.
Two other former MDOC officers, Reginald Brown and Sharalyn McClain, have pled guilty to violating the civil rights of “L.H.” based on their own conduct during the assault. Brown was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 60 months. McClain will be sentenced on March 20, 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi, Field Office. Special Litigation Counsel Julia Gegenheimer and Trial Attorneys Cameron Bell and Mary J. Hahn of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes of Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.
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.
Gulfport Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Gulfport, Mississippi, tax return preparer was sentenced to 15 months in prison today for aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Stacey Pritchett Williams owned and operated Stacey’s Unique Tax Service, a tax return preparation business located in the Gulfport area. From 2015 through 2016, Williams filed returns for her clients that reported false business income, education credits, and fuel credits, in an effort to obtain inflated refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Williams often deducted her fee from the client’s refunds and, at times, charged $999 to prepare a return. In all, Williams caused a tax loss to the United States of at least $100,000.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr., ordered Williams to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution of $102,382 to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Three Jackson Residents Plead Guilty to Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Edward Deshawn Williams, 29, and Christopher Griffin, 30, both of Jackson, pled guilty Friday, and Charmaine Turner, 27, also of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III for their roles in a human trafficking operation, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Mississippi.
“Criminals who do such evil things to children for money will be pursued, caught and punished with all the resources that this office and the U.S. Department of Justice and our partners can bring to bear. We are redoubling our efforts in this area and intend to do whatever it takes to eliminate this heinous crime from our communities. I am extremely thankful to our prosecutors, the FBI, and our state and local law enforcement and nonprofit partners who work with us to rescue these victims and put away these criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“People, especially children, are not a commodity to be bought and sold, and those who traffic humans for any purpose will be pursued by the FBI and our partners,” said SAC Sutphin. “Law Enforcement Task Forces and partnerships between agencies continue to be successful in removing these types of offenders from our communities.”
Williams pled guilty to one count of sex trafficking a minor, and one count of advertisement and promoting prostitution via the Internet. Griffin pled guilty to one count of advertisement and promoting prostitution via the Internet. Turner pled guilty to two counts of advertisement and promoting prostitution.
The defendants will be sentenced by Chief Judge Jordan on April 10, 2020. Williams faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Griffin faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Turner faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
In April 2019, FBI Special Agents, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and investigators with the Mississippi Attorney General Office began investigating advertisements and posting of advertisements on the Internet promoting commercial sex acts with younger-looking females in and around Jackson. The investigation led to the arrest of Williams, Turner and Griffin for promoting prostitution of a 15- year-old runaway female engaging in the commercial sex acts with men for money. Williams knew the 15-year-old would be engaged in commercial sex acts with men for money from the ads posted via the Internet. Williams rented rooms at local hotels for the minor in Jackson for days at a time. Williams kept most, if not all, of the money earned by the minor from the sex acts. Griffin introduced the minor victim to Williams, who in turn took the 15 year old to Turner for work in the commercial sex trafficking trade.
This case was investigated by the FBI, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jonathan Beasley, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan II to 60 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 Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Beasley was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On December 20, 2016, Beasley was convicted of felonious possession with intent to distribute marijuana in Hinds County and was sentenced to time served. On March 19, 2017, just three months after his conviction, Beasley was found with a firearm in his possession after wrecking his car at a gas station in Hinds County. During a subsequent law enforcement interview, Beasley admitted to possessing the gun and to purchasing the gun off the street.
Beasley was found guilty pursuant to a jury verdict on October 17, 2019 following a two-day 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.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Jackson Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew W. Eichner and Theodore Cooperstein.
Illegal Alien from Mexico, Previously Deported Three Times, Sentenced for Unlawfully Reentering the United States after Previous RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Luis Alberto Preza-Mendez, 31, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for unlawful reentry by an alien after deportation or removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and William Joyce, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans.
On March 12, 2019, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office notified ICE that the Defendant, Luis Alberto Preza-Mendez, had been arrested for a domestic disturbance and confessed to being an illegal alien from Mexico. Preza-Mendez was arrested and transported to the Gulfport ICE Office. He was positively identified via a fingerprint scan into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security computerized records system, which accessed his prior immigration records including photographs, fingerprints and prior removal documents. Electronic database queries confirmed that Preza-Mendez is a citizen of Mexico who had been physically removed pursuant to a lawful removal order and did not have permission to reenter the U.S.
Preza-Mendez had been officially ordered removed from the United States on October 13, 2013. After being physically removed based on this lawful order, he returned to the United States, and was again removed in 2014. Thereafter, he reentered the United States again, and was removed again on or about November 4, 2014. At the time of his most recent removal, Preza-Mendez was prohibited from entering, attempting to enter, being in the United States or applying for admission to the United States for a period of 20 years.
Preza-Mendez pled guilty on June 20, 2019, before Judge Ozerden.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for this case.
Owner of Tax Preparation Business Pleads Guilty to Filing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A former Gulfport, Mississippi, tax return preparer pleaded guilty on Friday to aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and United States Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to documents and information provided to the court, Alvin Mays owned and operated City Tax Service, a tax return preparation business in the Gulfport, Mississippi area. From 2012 through 2017, Mays prepared—and trained his employees to prepare—false tax returns. To fraudulently inflate client refunds, the returns claimed false education credits and losses from fictitious businesses. Mays charged his clients exorbitant preparation fees, sometimes as high as $1,600 per return. In total, May’s conduct caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $900,000.
U.S. District Judge Halil S. Ozerden scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2020. Mays faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison on each count, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties. In his plea agreement, Mays agreed to pay restitution of $321,605 to the United States.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanley Harris and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Meth Trafficker from Moss Point Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Lowery Sanders, 54, of Moss Point, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 192 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Sanders was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On June 12, 2018, the Biloxi Police Department Special Crimes Unit received information that Sanders would be conducting narcotic activity at a local hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. On June 13, 2018, DEA learned that Sanders would be traveling to Jackson, Mississippi, to purchase three ounces of methamphetamine for $1,300.00. Through their investigation, agents confirmed that Sanders did in fact pick up the methamphetamine in Jackson.
On June 13, 2018, investigators with the Biloxi Police Department observed Sanders exit his vehicle and enter a Biloxi hotel. Shortly thereafter, they made contact with Sanders and advised him of the complaint received regarding narcotics activity and requested and received verbal consent to search Sanders’ room. While searching the room, investigators discovered approximately three ounces of methamphetamine along with other drugs. The methamphetamine was tested and confirmed to be 72 grams net weight. Sanders was indicted on February 6, 2019, and pled guilty before Judge Wingate on July 24, 2019.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Drama Queen” 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, Pearl Police Department, Biloxi Police Department and the Richland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Diamondhead Man Found Guilty by Federal Jury of Possession of Massive Amount of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – After a five-day trial, a federal jury on Friday found Taryn Goin Naidoo, 41, of Diamondhead, guilty of three counts of possession of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
“I applaud our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for taking this criminal off our streets and making all of our kids a little safer today. This guilty verdict should serve as a warning to others who possess or peddle in this garbage – we are coming after you, we will find you, and you will go to prison. We will continue to do everything within our power to protect the least among us,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
From July 2017 through October 2018, HSI conducted an investigation with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Diamondhead Police Department which resulted in the seizure and forensic examination of multiple electronic devices found at Naidoo’s residence, to include Micro SD cards, laptop computers, notepads or tablets, and hard drives. The evidence found on the electronic devices and the timeline of that evidence proved Naidoo knowingly possessed over 90,000 images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to include images of minors who had not attained 12 years of age.
Naidoo will be sentenced by before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. on April 8, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine on each count.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones and Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Repeat Federal Offender Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Jonas A. Windham, 37, of Laurel, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 13 months in prison 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. Windham was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
Windham’s 13-month sentence will be served consecutive to a 14-month sentence he was given for violating his federal probation in a previous case. In 2013, Windham was convicted in the Southern District of Mississippi and sentenced to 78 months in prison for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. He was still on supervised release when he was arrested on June 18, 2019, for possession of two firearms during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Windham pled guilty before Judge Starrett on October 2, 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 and Laurel Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Neshoba County Man Sentenced to Almost 6 Years in Federal Prison for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – David Keith Frazier, 33, of Neshoba County and a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for bank robbery by use of a dangerous weapon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On March 19, 2019, Frazier made threatening phone calls to two tribal elementary schools. During these phone calls, Frazier threatened to cause damage to both schools by means of explosives. The purpose of these phone calls was to cause law enforcement to respond to the schools and therefore to be away from the local bank that Frazier intended to rob.
Shortly after he made these phone calls, Frazier entered Trustmark National Bank, an FDIC-insured bank located on the Choctaw Indian Reservation at 110 Choctaw Town Center, for the purpose of robbing the bank by use of threatened force. Frazier was carrying an air pistol with the intent of making the employees of the bank believe that it was a real pistol. By brandishing and pointing a dangerous weapon, Frazier threatened to injure the employees of Trustmark if they did not give him money that was in the possession of Trustmark. Frazier’s intentional and intimidating behavior caused the employees to give him money in the bank’s possession out of fear of bodily injury.
Frazier took the money from Trustmark and fled. Law enforcement officers responded quickly and caught Frazier, who was in possession of some of the money taken from Trustmark. Officers found the rest of the money, along with the air gun, in the woods where Frazier had fled after the bank robbery. All of the money taken by Frazier from Trustmark National Bank was recovered by law enforcement. Frazier pled guilty before Judge Reeves on October 15, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from numerous other state and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Law Enforcement and City Officials Announce Significant Reductions in Violent Crime under Project EJECT in Natchez and Adams CountyRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst joined Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong, Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten, Sixth Judicial District Attorney Shameka Collins, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Will McCrary with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Gaddy with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other officials yesterday to announce a significant reduction in crime in the City of Natchez as a result of Project EJECT.
“Project EJECT works, as reflected by these significant reductions in crime, and we have been successful because of the buy-in, cooperation and hard work of our local partners. Leadership matters, and the Mayor, Police Chief, Sheriff, District Attorney and Board of Aldermen should all be commended for welcoming Project EJECT into their communities and working so diligently with us to make Natchez and Adams County safer. We intend to redouble our efforts in the coming year and expand our work under the Department of Justice’s Project Guardian to hopefully prevent more crime before it happens,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
“ATF has been proud to partner with the Natchez Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office in our diligent efforts to reduce violent gun crime,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge William J. McCrary. “It is satisfying to see that these combined actions have had such dramatic results, and it is very encouraging to see such positive community support. ATF is looking forward to continuing to grow our partnerships in the coming year.”
“DEA is proud to be a part of Project EJECT with our federal, state, and local law enforcement and community partners, which has inflicted an astounding blow to the violent drug trafficking networks in this region of Mississippi and beyond. This project continues to show the collective strength that all of our partners have, combining resources to eradicate the supply of drugs and guns in this area, keeping our neighborhoods safe,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
"I feel the joint operation with federal partners and local law enforcement has been extremely effective as it relates to crime fighting in the City of Natchez,” said Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong. “We have had tremendous positive results less than one year into the start of Project EJECT and we are very proud that US Attorney Hurst was willing to bring this operation into Natchez/Adams County. This is a great example of how effective crime fighting efforts can be when you bring all agencies together."
The significant reductions in crimes reported by the Natchez Police Department are included below.
Originally launched by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi in December 2017 in the City of Jackson under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”) initiative, Project EJECT is designed as an enhanced violent crime reduction program under the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods that incorporates decades of experience in bringing various levels of law enforcement together with stakeholders in the community, with the overall goal of producing a long-term, meaningful reduction in and prevention of violent crime. EJECT stands for: “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.”
In 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will further expand its efforts throughout the Southern District of Mississippi by implementing the Department of Justice’s new initiative, Project Guardian. Project Guardian will involve enhancing coordination among federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improving 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 ensuring that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please click here.
Natchez, Mississippi Crime Statistics: 2018-2019*2018
2019*
Difference
Reduction
Increase
Murder
12
3
-9
75%
Attempted Murder
3
1
-2
66%
Burglary
172
142
-30
17%
Burglary Motor Vehicle
170
84
-86
51%
Rape
8
7
-1
12%
Aggravated
69
53
-16
23%
Simple Assault Domestic
179
133
-46
26%
Motor Vehicle Theft
31
23
-8
26%
Kidnapping
3
1
-2
66%
Weapon Offenses
12
10
-2
16%
Robbery
24
11
-13
54%
Other Sex Offense
12
12
-0-
-0-
Aggravated Domestic
18
25
+7
38%
Simple Assault
203
252
+49
24%
Grand Larceny
47
54
+7
15%
Petit Larceny
112
135
+23
21%
Shoplifting
155
211
+56
36%
Arson+
8
11
+3
36%
* As of December 30, 2019
+ Fire Marshal has lead on the arson cases
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – James Douglas Maxwell, 26, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to four months in prison, consecutive to the 11 months he has already served, 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. Maxwell was also ordered to pay a $3000 fine and to serve three years of supervised release following his confinement.
Maxwell was previously convicted in Forrest County in 2013 of being an accessory after the fact to armed robbery and was sentenced to serve 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections with all 20 of those years suspended. On February 14, 2019, Maxwell was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop in Hattiesburg. He pled guilty before Judge Starrett on October 2, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – D’Andre Garry, 23, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty yesterday, before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett, to committing Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On March 31, 2019, Garry and a criminal associate robbed a Family Dollar store in Hattiesburg. As Garry’s associate held the cashier at gunpoint, Garry emptied the cash register. The robbery was captured by store surveillance and Garry was quickly apprehended by Hattiesburg Police officers.
Garry will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on May 5, 2020 at 9:45 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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 Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Gregorio Xolotl-Hipolito, 42, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Mr. William Joyce, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations, in New Orleans, and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Upon completion of his federal prison sentence, Xolotl-Hipolito will be surrendered to the administrative custody of ICE officials in the Department of Homeland Security, where he will face removal proceedings to remove him from the United States to his home nation of Mexico. Were he to return to the U.S. during the three-year period after his imprisonment, he would be subject to additional prison time consecutive to imprisonment that could result from further prosecution for the crime of return-after-removal. Xolotl-Hipolito pled guilty before Judge Starrett, on October 1, 2019.
On June 24, 2019, while conducting Criminal Alien Program duties at the Forrest County Adult Detention Center, in Hattiesburg, an agent of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encountered Xolotl-Hipolito, who had been arrested by Hattiesburg Police for possession of a stolen firearm and driving while consuming alcohol. When stopped by police, Xolotl-Hipolito had no driver’s license and only a Tennessee ID card. A .22 caliber pistol was found in plain view next to Xolotl-Hipolito in the vehicle of which he was the sole occupant. Police also found .22 ammunition in Xolotl-Hipolito’s pocket as well as elsewhere in the vehicle. Local officials notified ICE, and Xolotl-Hipolito was identified as an illegal alien from Mexico who had been removed from the United States. Records revealed that, in 2011, an Immigration Judge ordered Xolotl-Hipolito removed from the U.S. Records also documented that Xolotl-Hipolito illegally reentered the U.S. and was removed four previous times.
Additionally, police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), determined that the pistol had been reported as stolen. ATF also determined that the firearm had traveled in and affected interstate commerce.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hattiesburg Police Department and the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to llegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Edmond Dewayne Miller, 22, of Meridian, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 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.
On July 4, 2019, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office responded to a noise complaint concerning loud music and multiple episodes of gunfire at Miller’s residence. Miller’s neighbors told the deputies that there had been consistent gunfire over a period of several days. One neighbor said that he had heard bullets pass near him while he was on his tractor in a pasture that bordered Miller’s property.
Two deputies went to Miller’s residence and spoke with him concerning the loud music and gunfire. The deputies cautioned Miller concerning the use of firearms in the area of other houses and asked him to turn down the music. At that time, the deputies were unaware that Miller had a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault. Miller agreed to turn down the music and indicated he would be more careful where he and his friends and family fired their weapons.
After leaving Miller’s residence the deputies were contacted by the same neighbors who told them that the music had been turned back up. One deputy returned to Miller’s residence and found Miller heading through the wood line in the direction of the complaining neighbor’s residence with a .40 caliber pistol in his waistband. The deputy stopped Miller and took custody of the firearm.
The deputies soon discovered that the firearm was stolen and that Miller was a convicted felon.
Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019. He will be sentenced on April 10, 2020, by Judge Jordan. Miller faces a maximum penalty of ten 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 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). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Hinds County Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to over Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Herbert Thomas, 41, of Jackson, was sentenced today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan to 30 months confinement, three years of supervised release, and a $1500 fine, 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.
Thomas was previously convicted of felonious motor vehicle theft and felony fleeing from a law enforcement officer in Hinds County in 2009. On January 23, 2018, Thomas fled from Jackson Police Department officers, first in his vehicle and then on foot, before ultimately being subdued by law enforcement. Upon a subsequent inventory of his vehicle, a firearm was located. When interviewed, Thomas admitted to both knowingly possessing the firearm as well as to his prior felony conviction.
Thomas pled guilty before Chief Judge Jordan on September 4, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jackson Police Department investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Murray and Andrew W. Eichner.
Georgia Woman Sentenced to almost 20 Years in Prison for Aiding Armed Robberies during Violent RampageRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss.– Sharae Threadgill, 21, of Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 238 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting two business robberies and the use of firearms to facilitate the robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michele Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Threadgill was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On March 25, 2019, Threadgill aided another person in robberies of a Jimmy John’s restaurant in Meridian and of a McDonald’s in Brandon. Threadgill drove the vehicle used during both robberies and provided a firearm used in both robberies. She was subsequently arrested by Warren County Sheriff deputies in Vicksburg.
On April 16, 2019, Threadgill was charged federally with aiding and abetting two business robberies and the use of firearms to facilitate the robberies. She pleaded guilty before Judge Jordan on October 4, 2019.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
Cuban Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Counterfeit Access DevicesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Duniesky Vizcay De La Cruz a/k/a Vizcay Delacruz Duniesky, 35, a citizen of Cuba, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for knowingly possessing 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Shawn Wolfe, Resident Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service in Mississippi. The Court also ordered De La Cruz to pay $97,174.49 in restitution to a victim.
On December 6, 2017, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Task Force conducted a traffic stop on Interstate I-10 in Jackson County. De La Cruz, a passenger in the car, was found to be in possession of approximately 528 “Vanilla MasterCard” pre-paid gift cards in his luggage. The investigation revealed that the 528 gift cards had been purchased with victims’ money at wholesale club stores in Georgia and Florida a few days prior to this traffic stop in Mississippi.
De La Cruz was charged on March 5, 2019 in a federal criminal indictment. He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on August 21, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service with assistance from the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.