Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Neshoba County Man Found Guilty of Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On September 10, 2025, following a three-day jury trial, a Neshoba County man was found guilty of second degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of the murder. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Brian Keith Bell, 56, of the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation used a handgun to shoot and kill another tribal member.
In April of 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Bell on the charges of Murder in the Second Degree and the Use of a Firearm in a Crime of Violence.
Honorable Daniel P. Jordan, III., United States District Judge, presided over the trial and scheduled Bell’s sentencing for November 14, 2025. Bell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. He is currently being held in federal custody.
Acting United States Attorney Lemon commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the Federal Bureau of Investigation who investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns.
Mexican National Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States for the Fourth TimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS - A Mexican national was sentenced to two years in federal prison today for illegally reentering the United States following multiple prior deportations.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Francisco Rios-Munoz was found illegally present in Rankin, County, Mississippi on February 2, 2025, after having been previously removed from the United States three times. Rios-Munoz was encountered after being arrested by Rankin County Sheriff’s Department for aggravated assault.
Rios-Munoz was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 22, 2025, and pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after removal of an alien on June 6, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana made the announcement.
The United States Department Homeland Security and the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber S. Jones prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Meridian man pleaded guilty on Tuesday, September 2nd in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 28, 2023, Jimmy Hodges, 40, was identified by East Mississippi Drug Task Force members as a distributor of narcotics in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. Officers determined that Jimmy Hodges sold methamphetamine on multiple occasions in the district. While executing a search warrant of his home, law enforcement discovered that the home was outfitted with an internal barricade, surveillance system, and delivery door for drug sales along with quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs.
Jimmy Hodges is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating the case with assistance from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Colorado Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – A Colorado man was sentenced September 15, 2025, to 12 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Erick Moreno, 44, was found in possession of a firearm after a traffic stop in Warren County. Moreno has a previous conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and was on federal supervised release for that conviction at the time of this possession. As a convicted felon he is prohibited by federal and state law from possessing a firearm.
Moreno was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 10, 2024, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty on June 10, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Jones prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mexican National Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States for the Third TimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Mexican national was sentenced to three years in federal prison today for illegally reentering the United States following multiple prior deportations and felony convictions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 17, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were conducting enforcement operations in Rankin County on Interstate 20. Agents conducted a vehicle stop and Luis Simon Acevedo-Rodriguez, 33, freely admitted to being a citizen of Mexico and to being present in the United States without the requisite permission. He was arrested and processed for removal. Acevedo-Rodriguez’s fingerprints were scanned into DHS databases resulting in a computer match to his prior immigration records, including photographs. Acevedo-Rodriguez has previously been convicted three times in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas – once for improper entry by an alien and twice for illegal reentry by a deported or removed alien. He has been formally removed from the United States three times previously.
A Criminal Complaint was filed against Acevedo-Rodriguz on March 20, 2025. Acevedo-Rodriguez was then indicted by a federal grand jury on April 8, 2025, and pleaded guilty to unlawful return of an alien removed after conviction of a felony on June 6, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Adam M. Calderon, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, made the announcement.
The United States Border Patrol investigated the case with assistance from the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – Wilbert Lindsay Ransom, 45, pleaded guilty today to bank robbery.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, Wilbert Lindsay Ransom pleaded guilty today after being indicted by a federal grand jury. Ransom pleaded guilty to one count of Bank Robbery. Ransom’s charges stemmed from the May 27, 2025, robbery of the Trustmark National Bank branch location on Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson. Security footage from the incident showed Ransom enter the bank and approach the teller window with a hand-written demand note. In one angle of the security footage, Ransom is shown reaching into his pocket and removing a folding knife while making his demand. Ransom fled from the bank and was later arrested in Brandon the same day.
Ransom is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2026. Ransom faces a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff made the announcement.
The Jackson Field Office of the FBI investigated the matter with assistance from the Capitol Police Department and the Brandon Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
D’Iberville Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Plus Fifty Years for Coercion of Minors and Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A D’Iberville, Mississippi man was sentenced today to life in prison, plus a consecutive fifty years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for coercing minor victims to participate in sexual activity and for producing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In December 2024, multiple minor children notified law enforcement that they were being sexually abused by Sean Parol, a 53-year-old male. That same month, a search warrant was executed at Parol’s residence.
During the search warrant, officers with the D’Iberville Police Department found various electronic devices belonging to Parol and hidden cameras throughout Parol’s house. Parol was able to record some of the sexual abuse with the hidden cameras.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and a forensic examiner with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division conducted a forensic analysis on the devices and cameras that were in Parol’s house and found videos of Parol performing oral sex on multiple minor boys as well as having the minor boys perform oral sex on him.
On one electronic device, Parol was in possession of over 30,000 images and/or videos of child sexual abuse material.
The investigation revealed that to continue the sexual abuse, Parol would give the children vapes, buy them various items, and show the children adult pornography.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, and the D’Iberville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Fifth Defendant Sentenced in Federal Court for Role in Automobile Dealership Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Louisiana woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in connection with a scheme to use the stolen identities of others to purchase expensive vehicles in the Jackson metropolitan area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2023, Anna Waldei, 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, conspired with Paul Anthony Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Calderon, Joshanique Elouise Bailey, and David L. Jones, Jr. to obtain the identity information of credit-worthy individuals, create false identity documents in the names of those individuals, and then pose as those individuals at automotive dealerships in order to apply for vehicle financing. The defendants submitted credit applications and purchased or attempted to purchase vehicles from dealerships in the Jackson metro area. The defendants traveled from Louisiana to Mississippi in a vehicle rented by Waldei.
Waldei pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 27, 2025. She received a sentence of 12 months and one day in federal prison.
Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on October 18, 2024. He received a sentence of 46 months in federal prison on June 27, 2025.
Calderon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on November 26, 2024. She received a sentence of 39 months in federal prison on June 27, 2025.
Bailey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on April 9, 2025. She received a sentence of two years’ probation on June 25, 2025.
Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on February 13, 2025. He received a sentence of 32 months in federal prison on June 25, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
- Fifth Defendant Sentenced in Federal Court for Role in Automobile Dealership Fraud Conspiracy
Texas Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison in Connection with Theft of Vehicle from Local DealershipRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Texas man was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison in connection with the fraudulent purchase of a 2023 Ford Shelby F-150 valued at $130,850 from a local automobile dealership.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2023, Mario Martinez Smiley, 57, of Fort Worth, Texas, fraudulently obtained an expensive truck from a Jackson dealership by representing himself to be another individual and using someone else’s credit card number to make a $5,000 down payment on the truck. Smiley was recruited by an individual in Texas to pick up vehicles in exchange for $1,000 each. Smiley induced a salesperson from the dealership to meet him in Ruston, Louisiana, where he took possession of the truck after posing for a photograph with it.
Smiley was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2025. Smiley pleaded guilty to wire fraud on May 21, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Long Beach Man Sentenced to 110 Years in Prison for Production of Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Long Beach, Mississippi man was sentenced today to 110 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for producing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In February 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Gulfport learned that Jason Leonard Rhodes, a 47-year-old male, had sexual contact with three minor boys. With that information, the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, conducted a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on February 8, 2023.
During the search warrant, the FBI found various electronic devices belonging to Rhodes. A forensic examiner with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division conducted a forensic analysis on those devices and found videos of Rhodes performing oral sex on three minor boys, beginning when at least one of the boys was 5 years old. The forensic examiner also found chats between Rhodes and others in which Rhodes sent some of those videos to other people as well as videos of other children being sexually abused.
During the search warrant, Rhodes gave a confession to law enforcement, admitting to videoing himself performing oral sex on the minor boys and to sending out pictures and videos of children being sexually abused.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, and the Long Beach Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Smith, Glenda Haynes, and Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Romanian National Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Romanian woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 19th to a wire fraud scheme defrauding grocery stores in Central Mississippi.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 7, 2025, a popular supermarket chained observed Loredana Sava, 36, and an accomplice execute a “quick change” scheme involving a wire transaction to steal money from five local stores and impacting five others in the district.
Loredana Sava could be seen on surveillance video at various stores on May 7 in Flowood, Brandon, Ridgeland, and Jackson requesting $2500 wire transfers from kiosks inside the stores, using sleight- of-hand techniques to trick cashiers into giving over money to which she was not entitled. The scheme’s design exploited the supermarket terminals and interstate wires for servers located in Denver, Colorado. At all times, Loredana Sava did not have authorization to be lawfully present in the United States.
Loredana Sava is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys C. Brett Grantham and Kimberly T. Purdie are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mississippi Medicaid Recipients Agree to Pay over $170,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Health Care Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS - Patrick A. Lemon, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced that former Medicaid recipients, Rajwinder Kaur and Kawaldeep Singh; Narinder Kaur and Prabhdeep Momi; Bobby and Priyalpreet Babber; Gurinder and Mehaknoor Babber; and Navdeep Basra, have agreed to pay a collective total of $173,627.00 to resolve allegations that they knowingly falsified income to unlawfully create eligibility for Mississippi Medicaid health care benefits for their dependents.
The Medicaid Program is a state and federally funded health benefit program intended to assist low-income individuals and families. The Mississippi Division of Medicaid (MDOM) is the single state agency responsible for administering health care benefits for eligible, low-income individuals in Mississippi.
According to the United States, despite Medicaid’s low-income requirement, these recipients, who were either officers, registered agents, members or owners of convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores, restaurants or other businesses, falsely represented on various Mississippi Medicaid health care benefit applications and renewals that their respective household derived a nominal amount of income from employment. As such, the United States alleges that they misrepresented their earned income, causing the MDOM to pay health care coverage benefits to which they were not entitled.
Individuals who fraudulently obtain Medicaid benefits that they are not entitled to divert funds meant to pay for services for legitimate enrollees, including the elderly and disabled,” stated Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to investigate Medicaid enrollment fraud schemes to protect the integrity of this vital, taxpayer-funded program.
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Deidre Colson and Keesha Middleton for the Southern District of Mississippi handled the cases.
Claims resolved by settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Domique Desha Mathews, 30, was found by the Ridgeland Police Department to be in possession of two firearms during a traffic stop. One of the firearms was a Glock pistol with an attached machinegun conversion device a/k/a a switch, which converts a pistol into a functioning machinegun and is a violation of federal and state law. Mathews has a previous felony conviction for attempted house burglary. As a convicted felon he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Mathews was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2025. He pled guilty to the federal charge on May 21, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery with FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man pleaded guilty on Wednesday, August 20th in federal court to the attempted robbery of a dollar store in Jackson.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 2, 2022, Torrance Stewart, 31, entered a local business with the intent to rob the store with a firearm. Stewart brandished a pistol and threatened the store clerk into retrieving money from the cash register. When the register malfunctioned, Stewart fled on foot. Jackson Police Department (JPD) officers responded and apprehended Stewart in a nearby neighborhood.
Torrance Stewart is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive is investigating the case with assistance from the Jackson Police Department.
This case was investigated as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Meridian Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Meridian man was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Steven Wright, 30, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Wright and found him to be in possession of a firearm. Wright has a previous felony conviction for armed robbery, and he was on state supervised release for that conviction at the time of this possession. As a convicted felon he is prohibited by federal and state law from possessing a firearm.
Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2025. He pled guilty to the federal charge on May 9, 2025. His supervised release with the state was also revoked as a result of this illegal possession, for which he received a state sentence of 11 years and 175 days imprisonment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mexican National Sentenced to a Total 44 Years for Murder and Possessing a Firearm as an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 34 years in prison for murder, which occurred on the Natchez Trace Parkway, after being sentenced previously to 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 23, 2018, Cristian Mitchel Mondragon Gonzales, 30, while unlawfully in the United States, had an altercation with the victim following a party at a residence where they both lived. The victim left the residence and Mondragon Gonzales sought after him and found him. He convinced the victim to go for a ride with him. He then drove the victim to a location on the Natchez Trace Parkway where they both got out of the car. Mondragon Gonzales shot the unarmed victim multiple times. After shooting the victim, Mondragon Gonzales took the victim’s identification. The victim was discovered the following morning by an individual walking along a trail on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Despite the victim having no identification, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ridgeland Police Department were able to identify the victim and, within 24 hours, locate and identify Mondragon Gonzales as the shooter.
On October 1, 2019, Mondragon Gonzales pled guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, and on August 25, 2020, he was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison.
On November 14, 2024, Mondragon Gonzales pled guilty in federal court to second-degree murder and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime—murder, and on August 14, 2025, he was sentenced to an additional 34 years in prison which will be served consecutively to the sentence imposed in 2020.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Natchez Trace Parkway Police, and the Ridgeland Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Third Defendant Sentenced in Federal Court for Installing Skimmers throughout the Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – Bogdan Gabriel Radu, 23, of Romania, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in federal prison for possession of device-making equipment, also known as skimmers. His co-defendants, Alexandru Ionut Gheorghe and Marian Aurelian Neacsu, were sentenced on April 15, 2025, to 15 months in federal prison for the same crime. All three defendants are Romanian nationals who entered the United States illegally.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning on June 21, 2024, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Division began receiving reports from various agencies regarding the discovery of skimmer devices being located at various stores in central Mississippi. The Cyber Fraud Task Force began investigating leads that would determine the location of installed skimmers throughout the Southern District of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana.
Gheorghe, Neacsu, and Radu could be seen on surveillance video at various stores throughout the Southern District of Mississippi placing skimming devices on point-of-sale machines in June and July 2024. The skimmers were adhered using double-sided tape and were equipped with electronics that captured or recorded bank card magstripe track data and PIN numbers, stored the skimmed card data, were Bluetooth capable for remote connectivity, and were powered by lithium batteries. Gheorghe and Neacsu would install the skimmers while making a small purchase using a gift card. Radu was primarily responsible for retrieving the stolen data from the skimmers.
Included in the information skimmed or stolen by these defendants were SNAP benefits totaling over $85,000, for which the defendants will be required to pay restitution. SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget. These stolen SNAP benefits were used in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and can be traced back to the skimming devices in Mississippi.
A criminal complaint was filed against Gheorghe and Neacsu on August 2, 2024. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against them on August 13, 2024. Thereafter, a superseding indictment was filed on November 6, 2024, adding Radu as a codefendant. As the defendants entered the United States illegally, they may be subject to deportation upon their release from prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly T. Purdie and Samuel Goff prosecuted the case.
Brandon Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Brandon man pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in August 2022, Beu Patrick Hall, 41, sold approximately 83 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $1,100 at a Motel 6 in Jackson.
Hall pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.
Woodville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Woodville, Mississippi man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Reginald Lionel Gilmore, 40, in January 2023, sold 228 grams of methamphetamine to an individual for $3,000.00 in Wilkinson County, Mississippi.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Guatemalan national was sentenced on August 6, 2025, to seven months in federal prison for unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed from the country.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Felino Fernando Perez-Jimenez, 25, was found by law enforcement officials to be unlawfully present in the country on or about January 11, 2025, when he was arrested by the Carthage Police Department for simple assault, resisting arrest, public drunk, and failure to comply with an officer. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encountered Perez-Jimenez at the Leake County Jail in Carthage, Mississippi, on January 12, 2025. A records check identified the defendant to be a citizen of Guatemala by virtue of birth, and not in possession of valid immigration documents allowing him to be or remain in the United States legally. Perez-Jimenez had been previously removed from the United States in 2023.
Perez-Jimenez was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2025, and pleaded guilty on May 2, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon; Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Wade Allen and Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security investigations as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
El Salvadoran Man Recently Convicted of Sexual Battery Sentenced to Maximum Federal Prison Term for Unlawful Reentry by a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – An El Salvadoran national who recently pled guilty to sexual battery was sentenced August 6, 2025 to twenty-four months in federal prison, the maximum sentence for unlawful reentry by a removed alien. Jose Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias will serve his federal prison sentence consecutively to the twenty-five-year sentence for his sexual battery conviction in the Madison County Mississippi Circuit Court.
According to court documents, Mejia-Cubias was arrested on January 30, 2025, by the Madison Police Department and charged with the sexual battery of a patron of a local restaurant where he worked as a bartender. Immigration officials determined that Mejia-Cubias was illegally in the United States and that he had previously been removed from the United States to El Salvador on August 26, 2010. Mejias-Cubias was charged with both federal and state crimes, and he later pled guilty to the state and federal charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kabah Ealy prosecuted the case.
ATF Operation Yields Six Convictions for Narcotics Distribution Offenses in JacksonRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – Six individuals have pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution offenses after an ATF Operation in Jackson, Mississippi in 2024 and 2025.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, the ATF Jackson Field Office began a street-level narcotics operation in Jackson in September 2024 with the goal of identifying and investigating narcotics traffickers in Jackson. Over the course of four months, the ATF made numerous controlled purchases of illegal narcotics and executed search warrants at three separate residences in Jackson. Fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and ecstasy were seized during the operation. Also seized were firearms, ammunition, and two ballistic vests. These narcotics traffickers have pleaded guilty and await sentencing:
- Stevenson Bentley, 46, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on August 7, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for November 5, 2025. Bentley faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
- Michael Murrell, 61, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on May 28, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for August 27, 2025. Murrell faces a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment.
- Lorenzo Loggins, 35, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on May 13, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for August 11, 2025. Loggins faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment.
- David Ransom, 56, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base on July 11, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 17, 2025. Ransom faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment.
- Rodrick Hunter, 48, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on June 13, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 16, 2025. Hunter faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment.
- Brian Hobson, 35, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 16, 2025. Hobson faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, and the Capitol Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case.
Honduran National Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry by a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Honduran national was sentenced on August 6, 2025 to 5 months and 23 days of incarceration for unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed from the country. The defendant will be transferred to ICE custody following his release.
According to court documents, Johny Antonio Nunez-Meza, 45, was found by law enforcement officials to be unlawfully present in the country on or about February 2, 2025 in Hinds County after being arrested for burglary. Nunez-Meza had previously been removed from the United States on multiple occasions and was convicted of illegal entry into the United States on August 21, 2012.
Nunez-Meza was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 20, 2025 and pleaded guilty on May 2, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security investigations as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry by a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Guatemalan national was sentenced on August 1, 2025 to 4 months in prison for unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed from the country.
According to court documents, Mario Armando Crisostomo-Crisostomo, 27, was found by law enforcement officials to be unlawfully present in the country on or about April 28, 2025 in Leake County during a traffic stop where he was driving without a license or insurance. Crisostomo-Crisostomo had previously been removed from the United States in 2018 following a conviction in the Southern District of Texas for illegal entry into the United States.
Crisostomo-Crisostomo was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 6, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security investigations as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline). Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Meridian Man Found Guilty of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A federal jury convicted a Meridian, Mississippi man today of drug trafficking offenses after four days of trial.
According to court documents, Jabreon Deshon Mosley, 34, was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Evidence presented at trial, showed that in January of 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Mosley’s residence where they recovered from him over 87 pounds of methamphetamine, 45 pounds of fentanyl, and 35 pounds of cocaine, 2 different pill press machines, 13 firearms, and 1 suppressor. From at least October of 2023 until January of 2024, Mosley was utilizing an illegal automatic pill press machine to manufacture thousands of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. These counterfeit pills were then distributed to the streets of Meridian, Mississippi and parts of Alabama.
“I am proud of the work and collaboration between my office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics to take this massive amount of drugs off our streets”, stated Acting United States Attorney Patrick A. Lemon.
"The seizure of this massive amount of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with illegal firearms and pill presses, is a significant blow to the criminal organizations that endanger our streets," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. "This successful outcome is a direct result of the collaboration and dedication of the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force as part of Operation Take Back America, which is marshaling the full resources of the Department of Justice to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations."
“This case is a clear example of the dangerous impact drug trafficking has on our communities,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “I commend the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and our federal partners for their tireless work in getting these deadly drugs and illegal weapons off the streets. We will continue to work together to dismantle the criminal networks pushing poison into our neighborhoods.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration Jackson and Birmingham District Offices, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart and Kabah S. Ealy are prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Federal Jury Convicts Two Meridian Drug Traffickers for Conspiracy to Distribute Kilograms of Cocaine from MexicoRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A federal jury convicted Fredrick Dywane Campbell, 51, and Ramonz Payne, 45, both of Meridian, MS, for conspiring with each other and several others to possess cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute those drugs. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from at least November 2019 through at least July 2020, Campbell arranged with separate sources of supply in Texas and in Alabama to illegally obtain approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine imported from Mexico and then sell the cocaine to other drug dealers in the Meridian area for their further sale or distribution to more people. The conspiracy also included the illegal distribution of marijuana. Ramonz Payne likewise was convicted of participating in the conspiracy with Campbell and others to possess the cocaine from Mexico, as well as marijuana, with the intent to distribute the drugs to others.
Other charged coconspirators have previously pleaded guilty in the case, one of whom have been sentenced, and some of whom await sentencing:
- Americo Aldrete, 57, Houston, TX: pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
- Billy Wilson, 53, Cuba, AL: pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
- James Green, 53, Meridian, MS: pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024, and was sentenced to serve the statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and the $100 statutory special assessment in criminal cases.
- Jeffery Jennings, 42, Meridian, MS: pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for November 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director Phillip Pope, and Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun, III, made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Clark and Samuel P. Goff prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Possession of Videos and Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Gulfport, Mississippi man was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in prison, followed by twenty-five years of supervised release, for possessing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
In 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in Gulfport learned that Nicholas Snyder, a now 29-year-old male, was in possession of images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In May 2020, HSI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, seized the defendant’s cellphone.
A forensic examiner with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, conducted a forensic extraction on those devices. The evidence showed Snyder possessed multiple images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including children under the age of five years old.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Smith and Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Neshoba County Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS –A Neshoba County man was sentenced to over fifteen years in federal prison for possession of child pornography.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents, Brandon Keith Farmer, 23, filmed himself engaging in sexual contact with a female minor. Court records show that the offense occurred in the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation in July of 2024.
In addition to being sentenced to federal prison for 182 months, once released, Farmer will serve a twenty-five-year term of supervised release. Farmer was also ordered to pay $3,000.00 to the Child Pornography Victims Reserve Fund established by the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.
The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian K. Burns and Kevin J. Payne prosecuted the case.
Indianapolis CPA Sentenced for Participation in Illegal Tax ShelterRead the Press Release
An Indiana CPA was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for assisting in the preparation of false tax returns on behalf of clients who participated in an illegal tax shelter.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: between 2013 and 2022, Jason L. Crace prepared income tax returns for clients that claimed millions of dollars in false deductions for so-called “royalty payments.” However, as Crace knew, these “royalty payments” were merely circular flows of money designed to give the appearance of genuine business expenses. Typically, a client would send money to bank accounts controlled by scheme promoters who then sent the money — minus a fee — back to a different bank account controlled by the client. In this way, tax shelter participants retained control of the money they transferred, while falsely deducting the transfers as business expenses on their tax returns. One of the scheme’s promoters, Stephen T. Mellinger III, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years in prison for his role promoting the scheme.
In total, Crace’s preparation of false tax returns claiming fraudulent “royalty” deductions caused a loss to the IRS of more than $2.5 million.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court sentenced Crace to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution of $2,532,936.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Richard J. Hagerman, William M. Montague, and Matthew C. Hicks of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Return to the United States by an Alien After Deportation or RemovalRead the Press Release
GULFPORT, MS – Pedro Aranda-Zaragoza, age 49, of Mexico pleaded guilty on July 17, 2025, to Unlawful Reentry into the United States by a Deported or Removed Alien.
Aranda-Zaragoza is scheduled to be sentenced on August 26, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Federal law also provides for Aranda-Zaragoza to face Homeland Security removal proceedings after serving any prison sentence.
On April 24, 2025, Aranda-Zaragoza was arrested as part of a Homeland Security Investigations review of employee documentation at the El Patron Mexican Grill in Vancleave, MS. Aranda-Zaragoza admitted to knowingly being an alien illegally present in the U.S., and to illegally returning after being lawfully removed from the United States. A review of his prior immigration records revealed that a Final Order of Removal had been issued against Aranda-Zaragoza in 2012. Aranda-Zaragoza was arrested by immigration officials in August 2018, and physically was removed from the United States to his home nation of Mexico that same month. A review of immigration records also revealed that Aranda-Zaragoza had not received permission or consent to apply for readmission or to lawfully reenter the United States from either the US Attorney General or from the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon, praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Two Tren de Araqua Associates Plead Guilty to Bank TheftRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – Two individuals with ties to the Venezuelan organized crime syndicate Tren de Araqua pleaded guilty to bank theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, Jesus Rene Cabrera Tobias, 25 and Darwin Javier Delgado, 46, pleaded guilty after being indicted by a federal grand jury for bank theft. On August 8, 2024, Tobias and Delgado stole $21,500 from an ATM machine in Enterprise, Mississippi by hacking the ATM operating system and disabling the ATM security features by installing a foreign device that allowed them to assume control of the ATM.
Surveillance footage recovered by FBI on the night of the theft captured Tobias unlock the ATM and open the machine to access the internal system that controlled the ATM operating system and security features. The footage showed that after manipulating the ATM, Tobias returned to their vehicle and retrieved a small electronic device to install within the ATM. After a brief period of manipulating the ATM using the small electronic device, the ATM then emptied by continuously producing United States currency from the cash tray. Tobias collected the cash as it was disbursed from the ATM and transferred it to another individual in the vehicle.
Investigators identified the suspect vehicle and its owner through the surveillance footage. The registered owner of the vehicle was Delgado. Surveillance footage from a nearby store captured Tobias and Delgado traveling in the suspect vehicle and shopping within the store.
The suspect vehicle was stopped the next day in Texas by officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Delgado and Cabrera were found in the vehicle and arrested. Two cell phones and clothing matching the clothing worn during the bank theft operation were recovered from the suspect vehicle upon execution of a search warrant. A forensic examination of the cellular phones contained photographs and videos from the instant offense, including multiple videos of the defendants manipulating other ATMs and withdrawing cash. The forensic examination also showed that the photographs and videos taken during the theft contained metadata placing the defendants at the scene of the crime. The ATM hard drive was forensically examined by FBI and was shown to have been compromised with malware that disabled the ATM security features.
Tobias and Delgado are citizens of Venezuela. During the investigation, Investigators discovered that Tobias and Delgado committed the theft in coordination with members of the transnational criminal organization Tren de Araqua from Venezuela.
"Today’s announcement sends a clear message: Tren de Aragua transnational criminal operations will not be tolerated and the FBI will aggressively pursue TdA's scourge of criminal activity. Tobias and Delgado brazenly tampered with ATM machines defrauding banks and the American people,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff. “These guilty pleas underscore the FBI's commitment in collaboration with our state and federal partners in identifying, pursuing, disrupting, and dismantling organized crime syndicates, ultimately eradicating TdA’s presence and influence in the U.S."
Tobias is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2025. Delgado is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2025. Tobias and Delgado face a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment followed by possible deportation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office, Meridian Police Department, Decatur Police Department, Enterprise Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case.
Four Defendants Sentenced in Federal Court for Roles in Automobile Dealership Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – Four defendants were sentenced in federal court last week for their roles in connection with a scheme to use the stolen identities of others to purchase expensive vehicles in the Jackson metropolitan area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2023, Paul Anthony Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Calderon, Joshanique Elouise Bailey, David L. Jones, Jr., and Anna Waldei conspired with each other to obtain the identity information of credit-worthy individuals, create false identity documents in the names of those individuals, and then pose as those individuals at automotive dealerships in order to apply for vehicle financing. The defendants submitted credit applications and purchased or attempted to purchase vehicles from dealerships in the Jackson metro area. The defendants traveled from Louisiana to Mississippi in a vehicle rented by Waldei.
Robinson pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on October 18, 2024. He received a sentence of 46 months in federal prison.
Calderon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on November 26, 2024. She received a sentence of 39 months in federal prison.
Bailey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on April 9, 2025. She received a sentence of two years’ probation.
Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft on February 13, 2025. He received a sentence of 32 months in federal prison.
The remaining co-defendant, Anna Waldei, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on March 27, 2025. Waldei is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
“Cases involving identity theft have long lasting implications for victims including difficulties reestablishing their identity and credit,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick Lemon. “I am grateful for the hard work of the Secret Service and Attorney General’s Office in helping to bring these defendants to justice.”
“More than vehicles were stolen here. A person’s identity is their most valuable possession and identity theft is a serious crime,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “It is one of the reasons our Cyber Fraud Task Force is such a vital law enforcement unit. I am proud to see the results of our work in this case with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Secret Service to put the brakes on this auto theft scheme, put these criminals behind bars, and obtain justice for all of the victims.”
“The use of stolen identities by suspects to target unknowing victims represents a serious and evolving threat to public safety, financial security, and personal privacy,” said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis. “These crimes are not just fraud—they are violations that often leave victims emotionally distressed, financially devastated, and struggling to reclaim their sense of security. This type of deception underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness, robust cybersecurity measures, and aggressive law enforcement efforts to investigate and disrupt these schemes. Protecting the identity and integrity of our citizens must remain a top priority, as every stolen identity is a potential gateway to further victimization and criminal enterprise.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Device-Making EquipmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – An Ohio man pleaded guilty on June 30, 2025 to illegally possessing magnetic stripe credit card encoding devices.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on the morning of April 28, 2024, John Carleton Johnson, Jr., 32, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was arrested in Rankin County following a traffic stop wherein he was found to be in possession of approximately 322 gift cards, seventeen reencoded instruments containing stolen bank card data, and two magstripe encoding devices. Johnson and his co-defendant could be seen on CCTV footage at various retail stores throughout the Jackson metropolitan area purchasing gift cads with known cloned instruments.
Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of possession or trafficking of device-making equipment with intent to defraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025, and faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement.
The United States Secret Service, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force with assistance from the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Flowood Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Neshoba County Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On July 1, 2025, a Neshoba County man pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Robert Eikhoff, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement.
According to court documents, Quindon Bailey John, 23, engaged in sexual contact with two female minors who were older than 12 years old but younger than 16 years old at the time of the offenses. Court records show that the offenses occurred in the Conehatta Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation in 2023 and 2024.
John is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2025, and faces up to fifteen years in prison on each count. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian K. Burns and Kevin J. Payne prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to 17 Months for Unlawful Reentry by a Removed Alien Convicted of an Aggravated FelonyRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Guatemalan national was sentenced on June 30, 2025 to 17 months in prison for unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed from the country.
According to court documents, Juan Lucas-Gomez, 38, was found by law enforcement officials to be unlawfully present in the country on or about February 28, 2025. He had previously been removed from the United States in July of 2010 following his conviction on January 13, 2009 for aggravated battery of a pregnant woman in Florida. Lucas-Gomez served a state jail sentence prior to his removal in 2010 and was subject to an enhanced federal penalty for unlawfully reentering the United States due to his prior conviction.
Lucas-Gomez was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 4, 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security investigations as part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Pearl River Community Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Habitual Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Pearl River Community man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for habitual domestic violence.
According to court documents, Eric Shane Dan, 48, using his fist, struck his spouse causing a laceration to her face which required medical treatment. Dan was previously convicted of domestic assault on two separate occasions.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Choctaw Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.
Man’s United States Citizenship Revoked for Naturalization FraudRead the Press Release
GULFPORT, MS – A Mexican national was sentenced to three months in prison and had his U.S. Citizenship revoked for Naturalization Fraud.
According to court documents, Felix Aguilar-Matias, age 51, was convicted of Naturalization Fraud after pleading guilty on February 18, 2025.
In August 2014, Aguilar-Matias submitted an Application for Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and, in March 2015, he was sworn in as a US citizen. However, in October 2019, he was arrested by the Bay St. Louis Police Department in Hancock, County. He subsequently pleaded guilty and was convicted of two felony offenses and admitted that his criminal acts took place between August 2010 and December 2010. He was sentenced to 20 years in custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and currently is serving that state sentence. Agents determined that Aguilar-Matias knowingly and intentionally made fraudulent representations on his Application for Naturalization to conceal his felony conduct that occurred during a time period prior to his application for US citizenship.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement.
The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.
This case is an example of cases being prosecuted under “Operation Take Back America” (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline). Operation Take Bake America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Kemper County woman pleads guilty to Production of child pornographyRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – On June 27, 2025, a Kemper County woman pleaded guilty to production of child pornography.
According to court documents, in July 2020, Adreoinna Latoria Hickman, age 25, video recorded herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes is prosecuting the case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Attempted Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On June 26, 2025, a Hinds County man pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to produce of child pornography images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
According to court documents, beginning in February of 2023, and continuing through December 2023, Joe Lewis, 54, attempted to persuade, induct, entice, and coerce minors into Face Timing him as the minors exposed their nude private area to him, thereby engaging in sexually explicit conduct for Lewis’ live viewing and recording.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Jackson Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of thirty years per count in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 103 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Jackson, Mississippi man was sentenced on Monday, June 23rd to 103 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm to be served consecutively to 11 years remaining on a state sentence for armed robbery.
According to court documents, Romelo Walker, 27, was found by Capitol Police officers to be in possession of a firearm on August 9, 2024, in Hinds County. Court records indicate that Walker fled a traffic stop in his vehicle at a high rate of speed through a neighborhood before being arrested after a foot chase. Walker had previous state convictions for armed robbery and domestic violence as recently as 2022. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Capitol Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Former Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Engaging in a Sexual Act with a Federal PrisonerRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer pled guilty to Engaging in a Sexual Act with a Federal Prisoner at the Federal Correctional Complex in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
Parker M. Triplett, age 25, was immediately taken into federal custody of the United States Marshal Service until her sentencing, which is scheduled for September 24, 2025. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. The Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kabah S. Ealy is prosecuting the case.
Meridian Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Possession of FentanylRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Meridian, Mississippi man was sentenced on June 17th to 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, Timothy Lavelle Cole, 47, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. In April 2024, the East Mississippi Drug Task Force conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Cole at his residence in Meridian, Mississippi. After two controlled purchases, agents executed a search warrant at Cole’s residence where the transactions occurred. During the search, agents discovered several controlled substances, items related to the distribution of controlled substances, and a firearm. Of the controlled substances recovered in the residence was 101.4 grams of fentanyl. Cole had been previously convicted of two prior controlled substance offenses and was determined to be a career offender under the sentencing guidelines. Cole pleaded guilty to the charged conduct on February 11, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement.
The ATF and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total liminateon of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry by a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
JACKSON, MS – A Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty on June 5, 2025, to Unlawful Reentry into the United States by a Deported or Removed Alien.
According to court documents, Juan Perez-Martin, age 31, of Guatemala was found illegally present in Madison County, Mississippi on March 19, 2025, after having been previously removed from the United States in 2019 and previously deported in 2022.
Perez-Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2025 and faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi; and Field Office Director Mellisa B. Harper of Immigration and Customs (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New Orleans, made the announcement.
This case was investigated by ICE ERO.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Jones prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Conehatta Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On June 17, 2025, a Newton County man pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a minor under the age of sixteen.
According to court documents, in February of 2024, Javeon Deshaun Jefferson, 25, engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor in the Conehatta Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Jefferson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 28, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Setnenced for Firearm Possession and Illegal Re-Entry After RemovalRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A citizen of Mexico was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and illegal re-entry into the United States after having been removed or deported.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, Erik Sel Camacho-Lara, 31, was arrested by the Ridgeland Police Department for possession of a stolen firearm after law enforcement responded to a call for service at a Ridgeland residence. The caller was a minor child that resided in the home. The minor child told Ridgeland Police that Camacho-Lara was armed and had possibly discharged a firearm inside the home. Responding officers were forced to make entry into the home to apprehend Camacho-Lara. Officers opened a bedroom door inside the home and heard the slide of a semi-automatic handgun being manipulated. Once inside the room, Officers saw Camacho-Lara holding a handgun. After speaking with officers, Camacho-Lara surrendered the firearm and was taken into custody. The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations then took over the investigation. A biometric verification confirmed Camacho-Lara’s identity and revealed that he had been previously removed from the United States on April 2, 2013, by United States Border Patrol Agents in Texas. Camacho-Lara pleaded guilty to the charged conduct on March 6, 2025.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, made the announcement.
The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Ridgeland Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Forrest County Siblings Sentenced in Federal Court for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A Forrest County man and woman were sentenced today in federal court for their role in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Thaddieus Cooper, 31, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Artista Garner, 37, was sentenced to probation for a term of three years. Both were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,600 to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Garner, 37, of Hattiesburg, assisted her brother, Cooper, 31, in applying for unemployment insurance benefits with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. As an inmate in the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), Cooper was not entitled to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Cooper was serving a sentence of six years in MDOC custody for armed robbery. Garner used the unemployment funds for her personal benefit and transferred some of the funds to Cooper via his commissary fund.
The unemployment insurance benefits were federally subsidized through the CARES Act in response to the pandemic.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Cooper and Garner on September 10, 2024. Both Cooper and Garner pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on January 30, 2025.
“These sentences demonstrate that those who defraud the government will be held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick Lemon. “These defendants took advantage of a program developed to help families facing difficult times. The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute pandemic-related fraud wherever it occurs.”
"Artista Garner engaged in a scheme to defraud the Mississippi Department of Employment Security by filing for unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of co-defendant, Thaddieus Cooper. Cooper was incarcerated that the time and thus ineligible for unemployment benefits. Garner and Cooper stole taxpayer funds from a program intended to assist American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. "We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of U.S. Department of Labor programs.”
“The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s office is proud to work with federal prosecutors to deliver record results for taxpayers,” said State Auditor Shad White. “Thank you to my team of investigators and to the prosecutors for bringing this case to a close.”
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Purdie prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force (NUIFTF). In response to the unprecedented scope of Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud, the Department of Justice established the NUIFTF. The NUIFTF is a prosecutor-led multi-agency task force with representatives from FBI, DOL-OIG, IRS-CI, HSI, DHS-OIG, USPIS, USSS, SSA-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and other agencies. Members of the NUIFTF are working with state workforce agencies, financial institutions, and other law enforcement partners across the country to fight UI fraud, and consumers should be vigilant in light of these threats and take the appropriate steps to safeguard themselves.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization that expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Carthage Woman Pleads Guilty to ArsonRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On June 12, 2025, a Leake County woman pleaded guilty to setting fire to a Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians tribal member’s home located in the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
According to court documents, in September of 2021, Lashandell F. Thomas, 25, attempted to burn down the residence by starting a fire in the interior of the home. Thomas was indicted in January of 2022.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department investigated the case.
Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry for Third TimeRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to illegally reentering the United States following multiple prior deportations and felony convictions.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 17, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were conducting enforcement operations in Rankin County on Interstate 20. Agents conducted a vehicle stop and Luis Simon Acevedo-Rodriguez, 32, freely admitted to being a citizen of Mexico and to being present in the United States without the requisite permission. He was arrested and processed for removal. Acevedo-Rodriguez’s fingerprints were scanned into DHS databases resulting in a computer match to his prior immigration records, including photographs. Acevedo-Rodriguez has been convicted three times in the Western District of Texas – once for improper entry by an alien and twice for illegal reentry by a deported or removed alien. He has been formally removed from the United States three times previously.
Acevedo-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to unlawful return of an alien removed after conviction of a felony. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Adam M. Calderon, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, made the announcement.
The United States Border Patrol investigated the case with assistance from the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Jackson Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced today to five years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Felix Peire Brown, 38, was found by United States Probation Officers to be in possession of a firearm while staying in a hotel in Jackson. Brown has prior felony convictions, including a prior federal felony conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was on supervised release for that prior federal felony conviction at the time of this illegal firearms possession. As a convicted felon he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 11, 2023. He pled guilty on September 26, 2024.
In addition to five years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Brown was also sentenced to an additional 10 months in prison for having violated the terms of his supervised release from his previous federal felony conviction.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.
The ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).