Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pascagoula Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Tyron Jerrod Nelson, 35, of Pascagoula, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 128 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bradford L. Byerley. The defendant was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
On March 2, 2016, DEA agents executed a criminal search warrant at Nelson’s home, with Nelson present, wherein DEA agents seized 902 grams of Methamphetamine (ICE), 27 grams of Cocaine, MDMA, and approximately 117 pounds of Marijuana.
Further investigation revealed that, in March 2017, Nelson had traveled to Houston, Texas and purchased a kilogram of methamphetamine. Nelson brought the methamphetamine back to Pascagoula, Mississippi, for further distribution. The individual who sold the methamphetamine to Nelson in Texas was ultimately prosecuted in the Southern District of Mississippi and he corroborated the information uncovered during the investigation. Further investigation revealed that Nelson had also sold multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in December 2017 in both Gulfport, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
DEA agents arrested Nelson in Gulfport, and during the execution of a search warrant at the residence where Nelson was located, DEA agents seized over $160,000.00 hidden in the attic. Nelson admitted to parts of the bulk currency being comprised of funds derived from the illicit sale of narcotics.
The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Flowood Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to over 5 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Trent Deundra Crump, 28, of Flowood, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III to 65 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Crump was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
On April 4, 2017, officers with the Pearl Police Department responded to an accident on the eastbound ramp of the I-20 exit to Highway 49 North. As a result of a consent search, a semi-automatic pistol was found in Crump’s vehicle. Crump has a prior felony conviction for attempted illegal drug sales.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Atlanta Man Sentenced to Almost 20 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Antonio Castillo, 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 235 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations ("HSI") in New Orleans. Castillo was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.
In late 2017, HSI agents in Gulfport began investigating Castillo’s drug trafficking organization. Based on numerous sources of information, agents determined that Castillo was supplying at least three individuals on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with methamphetamine. Those three individuals would travel to Atlanta, Georgia, and meet Castillo at an automotive shop where he worked. Castillo would provide pound quantities of methamphetamine to these individuals in exchange for money. The individuals purchasing the methamphetamine from Castillo would then bring that meth back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and sell it.
In July 2018, local HSI agents traveled to Atlanta and arrested Castillo. At the time of his arrest, Castillo had over 800 grams of methamphetamine in his car. Agents also executed search warrants at Castillo’s home and the automotive shop.
To date, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi has prosecuted seven individuals involved in Castillo’s drug trafficking organization. All seven of those individuals have pled guilty.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations in Gulfport, Homeland Security Investigations in Atlanta, and the Georgia Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Salvadoran Citizen Pleads Guilty to Transporting Illegal Alien Within the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Oscar A. Fajardo, 50, a legal permanent resident in the United States and a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to transporting an illegal alien within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Fajardo is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on November 12, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and special assessments that could total $5,100. Fajardo also will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings and potential loss of his Legal Permanent Resident status.
On March 26, 2019, in Jackson County, Mississippi, a South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team agent stopped a vehicle on Interstate 10 eastbound for a traffic violation. The agent initiated the traffic stop while calling for back-up, and a U.S. Border Patrol Agent arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. The Border Patrol Agent made contact with the driver of the vehicle, identified as Oscar A. Fajardo. The agent identified himself as a Border Patrol Agent, and learned that Mr. Fajardo is a legally admitted permanent resident alien to the United States, who is a citizen of El Salvador.
Fajardo and his passenger, Andres Barrientos-Flores, were traveling from Houston, Texas, to Virginia. Barrientos Flores, also a citizen of El Salvador, was determined to be an illegal alien to the United States who had been previously removed from the United States. Barrientos-Flores was separately prosecuted and pled guilty to unlawful return by an alien after removal.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Border Patrol, and by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Transport Stolen Motorcycles Across State LinesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Brandon Soublet, 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiring to transport stolen motorcycles across state lines, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Mississippi.
Starting in February 2017, members of the East Side Wheelie Kings, a motorcycle gang in New Orleans, traveled from New Orleans, Louisiana, to various parts of Mississippi and burglarized numerous cycle shops throughout the state. They would steal Uhaul trucks and use them to transport stolen motorcycles back to New Orleans. Once in New Orleans, they used Instagram and other internet sites to sell the stolen merchandise.
On February 22, 2017, Brandon Soublet and others were caught running from a stolen Uhaul truck on Interstate 10 in Harrison County. The Uhaul truck was filled with motorcycles that Soublet and others had stolen from a motorcycle shop in Biloxi.
Soublet will be sentenced on October 30, 2019, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Biloxi Police Department, and Louisiana State Troopers. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Natchez Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Stealing a Firearm from a Licensed Firearms DealerRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Javonte Lamar Butler, 20, of Natchez, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III to stealing a firearm from a business that is licensed to sell firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On December 14, 2018, Javonte Lamar Butler visited Peddlers Antique Pawn and Salvage, a federally licensed reseller of firearms, located in Natchez, Mississippi. While a store employee assisted two other persons, Butler reached into a glass display case, removed a pistol, and left the store without lawfully purchasing it. Butler was subsequently indicted on June 14, 2019, for stealing a firearm from a business licensed to sell firearms.
Butler will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on November 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in Natchez. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Harrison County Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Damion Xavier Giglio, 34, of Saucier, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 41 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kirk Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Giglio was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On February 15, 2018, Harrison County Sheriff Deputies responded to a call regarding a shooting and found Giglio with a rifle. Giglio was out on bond for a prior aggravated assault charge and was taken into custody. He admitted to smoking marijuana since he was 16 years old and using methamphetamine.
On January 8, 2019, Giglio was charged in a federal indictment with possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances. He pled guilty before Judge Guirola on April 1, 2019.
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jesse Allen Nichols, 37, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. to transporting images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
“Dealing in sexually explicit videos of children is despicable. I appreciate the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, our Homeland Security agents, trial attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice, and our prosecutors for putting an end to this criminal’s evil trade. We will continue to work with our government and private sector partners to make sure all these types of deviants are brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
In February 2018, Nichols transported images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct to “Dropbox”, on online storage medium, which resulted in the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) issuing a CyberTipline Report to authorities at Homeland Security Investigations containing at least 56 videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed the email and user name of Nichols and it was determined that Nichols’s cell phone was used in transporting the images of the minors.
Nichols was indicted on December 12, 2018. When arrested on the indictment, Nichols admitted to the use of his cellular telephone to access various social media platforms and online storage mediums. He affirmed the use of his cellular telephone and the email identified in the CyberTipline Report, and that through such access on his cellular device he stored images and videos of child pornography.
Nichols will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on November 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones and Trial Attorney Ralph A. Paradiso with the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
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.
Brookhaven Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Lattrick Williams, 26, of Brookhaven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 38 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kirk Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Williams was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
The case arose after an arrest warrant was executed by the United Stated Marshals Service on October 2, 2018 in McComb, Mississippi, in response to pending charges against Williams out of Lincoln County. Upon arrival, agents found Williams in possession of a Taurus .380 firearm. Williams has a previous conviction in Lincoln County for sale of marijuana and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
On November 6, 2018, Williams was charged in a federal criminal indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on March 1, 2019.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Candace Mayberry.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Consuelo Azeneth Garcia Lopez, 39, a legal permanent resident in the United States from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Orleans Field Division.
On September 27, 2016, Garcia Lopez was traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 when she was pulled over for a traffic violation by a Gulfport Police Detective. She informed the officer that she was tired, having driven all day, but could not give a location to where she was traveling. Instead, she said she would be told where to go when she arrived in Alabama. The officer learned that Garcia Lopez had several border crossings into and out of Mexico. The officer asked and obtained consent to search the vehicle and located almost 5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle.
Garcia Lopez was legally in the country but is not a U.S. citizen. She pled guilty on April 30, 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Almost 6 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Ramon Romero Deloera, 24, a legal permanent resident in the United States from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 70 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On December 3, 2018, after negotiating a sale of heroin, Deloera was arrested when he traveled to Gulfport to deliver the drugs. The heroin was located under the rear floor mat of Deloera’s vehicle. There were seven taped bundles each weighing more than a pound. A DEA laboratory confirmed that the packages contained approximately 3.5 kilograms of heroin.
Deloera pled guilty on April 19, 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty to Intentionally Damaging State Agency’s Protected ComputersRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Tara Steverson, 39, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to intentionally damaging protected computers, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
Steverson was terminated from her position at the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) on July 31, 2017. On August 1, 2017, the day after her termination, Steverson unlawfully accessed one of the systems utilized by MDHS and intentionally changed several files, resulting in other users being unable to perform their usual and customary workflow functions. The affected system was used to retain records and plans of home care and generically supports the tracking of home and community based services such as in-home services, meal delivery, and caregiver support. Steverson did over $5,000 in damage before losing access to the system.
Steverson will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on October 28, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Two Mississippi Men Plead Guilty in Odometer Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Long Beach, Mississippi, men pleaded guilty today for their roles in a long-running odometer tampering scheme, the Department of Justice announced.
Oscar M. Baine, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to alter odometers and one count of odometer tampering. Jeffrey Lyn Savarese II, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to alter odometers. Both defendants appeared in federal court in Gulfport before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. The court set sentencing hearings for both defendants for Oct. 17.
As part of his plea agreement, Baine admitted that he purchased high-mileage vehicles from wholesale automobile auctions, dealerships, and individuals, and arranged to alter the vehicles’ odometers to reflect false, lower-mileage readings. Baine admitted that he paid Savarese and others to change or alter odometers at his used car lot in Gulfport. Baine then sold the rolled-back vehicles to unsuspecting consumers for inflated prices. Savarese admitted that he began altering odometers for Mississippi and Louisiana used-car dealers in 2011 and reset the odometers on at least 200 used vehicles for Baine.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting auto dealers who defraud consumers by selling vehicles with unlawfully altered odometers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Consumers rely on mileage information to assess the value and safety of a vehicle, and that information must be accurate.”
“These criminals put the public at risk by rolling back odometers and defrauding hundreds of people out of one of their biggest investments. I commend the investigators and prosecutors for bringing these criminals to justice and for protecting the public from further fraudulent acts by these two. We will remain vigilant as to these types of crimes and continue working to make our roads and communities safer for everyone,” said Mike Hurst, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
In pleading guilty, Baine admitted that he and a co-conspirator caused at least 387 vehicles to be rolled back between 2011 and 2014, with resulting consumer losses of more than $600,000. Baine also admitted that, at times, the altered odometers and fraudulent titles included false mileages that were more than 100,000 miles less than the vehicles’ actual mileages.
Senior Litigation Counsel Linda I. Marks of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi are the prosecutors for the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA), assisted by the State of Mississippi Office of the Attorney General, investigated the case.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761.
Two Mississippi Men Plead Guilty in Odometer Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Long Beach, Mississippi, men pleaded guilty today for their roles in a long-running odometer tampering scheme, the Department of Justice announced.
Oscar M. Baine, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to alter odometers and one count of odometer tampering. Jeffrey Lyn Savarese II, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to alter odometers. Both defendants appeared in federal court in Gulfport before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. The court set sentencing hearings for both defendants for Oct. 17.
As part of his plea agreement, Baine admitted that he purchased high-mileage vehicles from wholesale automobile auctions, dealerships, and individuals, and arranged to alter the vehicles’ odometers to reflect false, lower-mileage readings. Baine admitted that he paid Savarese and others to change or alter odometers at his used car lot in Gulfport. Baine then sold the rolled-back vehicles to unsuspecting consumers for inflated prices. Savarese admitted that he began altering odometers for Mississippi and Louisiana used-car dealers in 2011 and reset the odometers on at least 200 used vehicles for Baine.
“The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting auto dealers who defraud consumers by selling vehicles with unlawfully altered odometers,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “Consumers rely on mileage information to assess the value and safety of a vehicle, and that information must be accurate.”
“These criminals put the public at risk by rolling back odometers and defrauding hundreds of people out of one of their biggest investments. I commend the investigators and prosecutors for bringing these criminals to justice and for protecting the public from further fraudulent acts by these two. We will remain vigilant as to these types of crimes and continue working to make our roads and communities safer for everyone,” said Mike Hurst, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
In pleading guilty, Baine admitted that he and a co-conspirator caused at least 387 vehicles to be rolled back between 2011 and 2014, with resulting consumer losses of more than $600,000. Baine also admitted that, at times, the altered odometers and fraudulent titles included false mileages that were more than 100,000 miles less than the vehicles’ actual mileages.
Senior Litigation Counsel Linda I. Marks of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi are the prosecutors for the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation (NHTSA), assisted by the State of Mississippi Office of the Attorney General, investigated the case.
NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud in the United States results in consumer losses of more than $1 billion annually. Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s odometer fraud hotline at (800) 424-9393 or (202) 366-4761. More information on odometer fraud is available on the NHTSA website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/odometer-fraud and tips on detecting and avoiding odometer fraud are available at www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nvs/pdf/811284.pdf.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry by an Alien After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Miguel Angel Garcia-Escobar, 26, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to “time served” (132 days) and one year of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Scott Sutterfield, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans.
Garcia-Escobar will also be administratively detained for Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. If he were to unlawfully return to the United States after removal, he would be subject to up to ten years in prison and other consecutive penalties if he returned during the one year period of supervised release. Garcia Escobar pled guilty and was convicted of the felony offense by Judge Ozerden on April 25, 2019.
On January 11, 2019, Garcia-Escobar was arrested by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and was taken to the Harrison County Adult Detention Facility. Harrison County officials notified the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO). An ERO Deportation Officer interviewed Garcia-Escobar and filed a federal detainer due to the defendant being an illegal alien in the United States. Records revealed that Garcia-Escobar was a 26-year old citizen of Mexico, who had been removed from the United States on May 18, 2018, and had unlawfully returned to the United States after official removal.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Mitchell Dewayne May, Jr., 28, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kirk Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On October 2, 2018, May was found in possession of a firearm when Hattiesburg Police officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle he was driving. May was previously convicted of armed robbery in Forrest County in 2006.
May will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on November 5, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
ByramMan Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Christopher Brian Birdsong, 39, of Byram, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On December 5, 2017, Birdsong was caught shoplifting from Wal-Mart in Byram. When officers attempted to approach him, he fled. Once he was apprehended, he was found to be in possession of a Taurus .38 caliber revolver. Birdsong was also charged with shoplifting and resisting arrest. He was previously convicted of Felony DUI in Rankin County.
Birdsong will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on October 25, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Byram Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Justin Darby, 37, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 156 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for carjacking and using a firearm to facilitate the carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Darby was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
On December 11, 2017, in Hinds County, Justin Darby crashed into the rear of another vehicle at the intersection of Lynch Street and Highway 80, forced the driver of that vehicle out of that car, and fled the scene. Darby was carrying a military style rifle when he carjacked the other vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Murray and Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Jackson Man Sentenced Under Project EJECT to over Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Adrian Charleston, 24, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 50 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kirk Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Charleston was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On June 30, 2018, Jackson Police officers attempted to pull over a vehicle occupied by Charleston and others. The occupants fled from the officers before abandoning the vehicle in an alleyway. While leaving the alleyway, Charleston possessed a firearm and tried to hide the evidence by discarding the firearm in a dumpster. Shortly thereafter, Charleston was apprehended and the firearm was recovered. Charleston was previously convicted of manslaughter in Hinds County in 2013.
On December 12, 2018, Charleston was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty before Judge Jordan on April 5, 2019.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for EscapeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Roger Stokes, 36, of Walnut Grove, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for escaping from federal custody, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal Mark B. Shepherd of the United States Marshals Service.
Stokes was previously convicted of illegal transportation of an alien and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to two years in custody, followed by three years of supervised release. Following a revocation of his supervised release and the imposition of an additional two years in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Stokes was transferred to the Bannum Place Residential Reentry Center in Jackson to serve the remainder of his time with an anticipated release date of March 18, 2019. On January 11, 2019, after being confronted by facility personnel with a positive drug test, Stokes escaped from the facility and was caught by law enforcement in Attala County ten days later.
Stokes was indicted on February 6, 2019, for escaping from federal custody. Stokes pleaded guilty on April 5, 2019, before Chief Judge Jordan. In articulating the reasons for his sentence, Chief Judge Jordan cited to Stokes’s extensive criminal history and the need to deter other inmates from trying to escape in the future.
The United States Marshals Service investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Vicksburg Felon Sentenced to Almost 6 Years in Federal Prison for International Gun Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Maurice Taylor, 33, of Vicksburg, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Taylor was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine.
Maurice Taylor carried out a scheme in which he shipped stolen firearms from Mississippi to a co-conspirator in London, England. He prepared two separate packages containing stolen firearms concealed within children’s toys, and mailed the packages to London, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. DNA evidence confirmed that Taylor, who is a convicted felon, was one of the people who handled the firearms. The firearms had been stolen days earlier during a burglary of a pawn shop in Natchez, Mississippi. Taylor texted with his co-conspirator messages and photographs of the guns he would mail, and received back from London confirmation numbers for wired payments for the guns, through a mobile phone application. After the London Metropolitan Police arrested Taylor’s partner, the LMP seized his phone and several firearms from his car. Evidence of the communications and the electronic payments were retrieved from the co-conspirator’s phone.
Taylor pled guilty before Judge Lee on March 28, 2019 to conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He has prior felony convictions for burglary and grand larceny in Sharkey County, Mississippi.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the London Metropolitan Police Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore M. Cooperstein and Charles W. Kirkham.
Meridian Man Sentenced Under Project EJECT to over 3 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Patrick Emanuel Battle, Sr., 48, of Meridian, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 42 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Battle was also ordered to pay a $1,200 fine.
On November 15, 2018, deputies with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Battle’s home after they received information and pictures showing that Battle, a previously-convicted felon, was illegally in possession of multiple firearms. As a result of the search, five weapons, including a semi-automatic shotgun equipped with a large magazine, were found in the home. Battle has prior felony convictions for burglary of an automobile, possession of marijuana, and aggravated assault.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Johnny Jerome Morgan, 38, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Henry T. Wingate to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On December 30, 2018, Jackson police officers responded to a call requesting assistance from a woman to enter her residence to retrieve her belongings. The woman needed police assistance because her boyfriend, Johnny Jerome Morgan, was inside and she was afraid that he might hurt her when he realized she was leaving. The woman alerted the officers that Morgan was a convicted felon and had an assault rifle inside the residence. Morgan was inside the residence when police entered. The officers found the assault rifle where the woman told them it would be. Morgan denied owning or possessing the rifle, but evidence in the form of pictures, witness statements and a recorded phone call all indicated that Morgan purchased the rifle a few years earlier.
Morgan was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 3, 2019. He will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on October 16, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Byram Man Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal Prison for Lying to Obtain a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Christian Matthew Storey, 27, of Byram, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to 21 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for attempting to acquire a firearm by making fraudulent statements on a federal background check form, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Kirk Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Storey was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On October 18, 2018, Storey attempted to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop in Jackson, Mississippi. Storey had previously been judicially committed for mental treatment in 2016 by the Chancery Court of Hinds County. He was subsequently treated and discharged from a mental hospital in Mississippi.
Storey, in an attempt to purchase a 9mm pistol, completed and signed ATF Form 4473 while at the pawn shop as part of the federally required background check process. One question on that form asks a firearm purchaser whether or not they have ever been committed to a mental institution. Storey fraudulently checked “No” as to that question and then signed the form certifying that his false answer was correct.
The firearm purchase was denied after the National Instant Criminal Background Check System rejected the purchase due to Storey’s previous commitment for mental treatment. Under federal law, it is unlawful for a person who has been involuntarily judicially committed to either possess or purchase a firearm.
Storey was indicted on January 8, 2019 on one count of making a false statement in an attempt to acquire a firearm and one count of giving false information to a federal firearm licensee. He pled guilty before Judge Lee on March 28, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing Firearms as a FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Nathaniel Teddy Brown, 37, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 68 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Kirk Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Brown was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
On July 2, 2016, Jackson Police officers arrested Brown during a checkpoint operation on U.S. Highway 80 in Jackson for possessing a Raven Arms, .25 caliber semiautomatic pistol and a Smith and Wesson handgun. Brown had a previous felony conviction in Hinds County for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The ATF adopted the case from the Jackson Police Department for federal prosecution. On October 19, 2018, during the arrest of Brown for the July 2, 2016 charge, Brown had four additional handguns in plain sight at his home. Brown was indicted and pled guilty before Judge Jordan on April 4, 2019, to possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Concealing the Smuggling of Aliens within the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Alfonso Tellez-Lopez, 40, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to time served, which was 170 days imprisonment, as well as one year of supervised release, for misprision of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. Alfonso Tellez-Lopez will also be subject to immigration removal proceedings. If he unlawfully returns to the United States after being removed, he could face additional prosecution and imprisonment.
Misprison of a felony means that a person has known that a felony was being committed and did not report it to officials at the earliest opportunity, and took some affirmative action to conceal the crime. Alfonso Tellez-Lopez was charged in connection with the unlawful transportation of aliens within the United States by his brother, Javier Tellez-Lopez. Alfonso Tellez-Lopez pled guilty before Judge Guirola on May 28, 2019.
On May 2, 2019, Alfonso Tellez-Lopez’s brother, Javier Tellez-Lopez, pled guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully transport aliens within the United States, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 7, 2019, by Judge Guirola. Javier Tellez-Lopez, who also is an illegal alien from Mexico, faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, not more than 3 years of supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, $5,100 in assessments, and will be subject to immigration removal proceedings.
On January 28, 2019, an interdiction agent of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team conducted a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle on interstate I-10 eastbound in Jackson County. The agent observed eight occupants of the vehicle driven by Javier Tellez-Lopez. Alfonso Tellez-Lopez was riding in the front passenger seat and had served as a co-driver. Border Patrol Agents arrived on the scene and interviewed the occupants of the vehicle as to their citizenships, determining that none had proper documents and all were illegally present in the United States. Of the 8 total vehicle occupants (2 drivers and 6 passengers), all were illegal aliens from Mexico. All occupants were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport. A Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent joined Border Patrol Agents and determined the 6 passengers were being smuggled within the United States.
Further investigation determined that 5 of the 6 passengers had unlawfully returned after being formally removed from the United States. Each of these 5 passengers were separately prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, pled guilty, and were convicted of the felony offense of illegal return by an alien after removal.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Border Patrol, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Manuel Cristobal-Joaquin, 33, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Scott Sutterfield, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans.
Cristobal-Joaquin was found guilty of the felony offense and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on October 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces being removed from the United States following the completion of any prison sentence.
On or about May 29, 2019, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office notified Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) that Cristobal-Joaquin had been arrested by the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team for public drunk and a misdemeanor controlled substance possession. Cristobal-Joaquin confessed to being an illegal alien from Mexico in an interview with ICE/Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). Cristobal-Joaquin was arrested by ERO and transported to the Gulfport ICE Office.
Further investigation revealed that Cristobal-Joaquin had been physically removed from the United States pursuant to a lawful removal order on or about November 2, 2018, and did not have permission to reenter the United States.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for this case.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Michael Anthony Herrera, 42, of Austin, Texas, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On September 28, 2018, Herrera made a delivery of heroin and methamphetamine to an individual in a local restaurant parking lot in Gulfport. Moments after the delivery, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office arrested Herrera. Agents and deputies located heroin and methamphetamine in Herrera’s truck and more heroin in a nearby hotel room that Herrera had been occupying. In total, agents found two kilograms of heroin and one kilogram of meth.
Herrera will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on October 16, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk and Narcotics Section Chief Annette Williams.
Jackson Man Sentenced under Project EJECT to 22 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Harold Course, 46, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 22 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Course was also ordered to pay a $1,000.00 fine.
On October 19, 2018, officers with the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force arrived at a halfway house in Jackson to serve an arrest warrant on an individual when they observed a man asleep in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck. Agents identified the man as Harold Course. Course was not the subject of the arrest warrant, but agents observed, in plain view, a shotgun between Course and the truck’s center console. Agents determined Course was wanted by Brookhaven Police for robbery and was a convicted felon. Course had been previously convicted in Hinds County, Mississippi, of attempted business burglary on March 6, 2015.
On February 20, 2019, Course was charged in a federal indictment with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pled guilty before Judge Reeves on April 8, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Hinds County Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Estvanico Mack, 35, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana K. Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Mack was previously convicted of felonious false pretense in Hinds County in 2010 as well as felonious vehicular burglary in 2008. On April 25, 2018, Mack was found in possession of a firearm while he was parked at a gas station on Northside Drive in Jackson.
Mack will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on October 10, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Calvin Taylor, 51, of Yazoo City, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 48 months of supervised probation for embezzling parcels of mail during the course of his employment with the U.S. Postal Service, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Southern Area Field Office. Taylor was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
On April 4, 2018, Postal Service Office of Inspector General special agents arrested Taylor after an investigation revealed him purposefully failing to deliver parcels of mail and stealing articles of clothing and shoes from the undelivered parcels.
On January 8, 2019, Taylor was charged in a federal indictment for theft of mail while a postal employee. He pled guilty before Judge Reeves on March 22, 2019.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Deviassi Adams, 41, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Court Judge Henry T. Wingate to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Jensen with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On September 10, 2018, the United States Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force arrived at a Jackson residence to serve a felony arrest warrant on Adams. While conducting a protective sweep inside the home, task force members observed two firearms: one pistol and one AR-style rifle. In a subsequent interview, Adams confessed to possessing both firearms. Adams has previous convictions for manslaughter in Hinds County and other felony crimes.
On December 6, 2018, Adams was charged in a federal indictment with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He will be sentenced on October 3, 2019, by Judge Wingate, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Justice Expel Crime Together." PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Brandon Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – John Barrett Cotting, 39, of Brandon, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Cotting was indicted following an extensive investigation, dubbed “Drama Queen,” targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in Central Mississippi. During a prostitution sting, agents received messages from Cotting who wanted to meet for sexual purposes related to a Backpage.com ad. Cotting stated that he was willing to bring narcotics with him to the meeting. Once Cotting arrived at the meeting location, agents retrieved approximately 140 grams of actual methamphetamine intended for distribution.
Cotting will be sentenced by Judge Reees on October 8, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, the Richland Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Internal Revenue Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Meridian Man Sentenced to Almost 8 Years in Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kenneth Dewayne Williams, 45, of Meridian, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 95 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Williams was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
Williams was indicted as the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Deadly Dose" which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of heroin and cocaine. During the investigation, agents intercepted telephone calls between Williams and a coconspirator regarding a cocaine transaction. On December 4, 2017, agents conducted a traffic stop of Williams on Interstate 20, east of Jackson. Agents seized approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine and $17,000.00. Williams pled guilty before Judge Jordan on March 26, 2019.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Houston Man Found Guilty of Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – David Quevedo Martinez, 40, of Houston, Texas, was found guilty by a jury in federal court today of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration. U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. presided over the three-day trial.
Trial testimony revealed that Martinez sold numerous kilograms of methamphetamine to co-conspirators in Houston, Texas. Those co-conspirators brought the methamphetamine back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and distributed it throughout Gulfport and Moss Point.
Martinez will be sentenced on September 18, 2019, by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasadena, Texas Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk and John Meynardie.
Pascagoula Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Develon Lashonie Cunningham, 42, of Pascagoula, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
Cunningham sold a total of two ounces of methamphetamine “ice” to a confidential informant on two separate occasions. The purchases were made in Jackson County.
Cunningham will be sentenced on September 30, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Aldo German Arechiga-Gutierrez, a 45 year-old citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 18 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien who was previously deported after a conviction for an aggravated felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Gregory A. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
In 2002, Arechiga-Gutierrez was convicted in California for conspiracy to possess and sell methamphetamine. As a drug trafficking crime, the conviction qualified as an aggravated felony. Arechiga-Gutierrez was ordered removed from the United States to Mexico after serving his prison sentence. He then unlawfully returned to the United States and, in 2012, was convicted in the Southern District of Mississippi for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. After completing his prison sentence on that charge, Arechiga-Gutierrez was again removed from the United States to Mexico in 2014.
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office in Gulfport received information that Arechiga-Gutierrez had returned again to the United States. HSI research and surveillance located Arechiga-Gutierrez residing in the Picayune area and illegally employed in the southeastern Louisiana area. Arechiga-Gutierrez was positively identified and arrested. He later admitted to being a citizen of Mexico, and to voluntarily entering and being in the U.S. unlawfully. Arechiga-Gutierrez pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on March 22, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the City of Picayune Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Two Physicians and Two Registered Nurses Indicted in Mississippi Compounding Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Mississippi-licensed physicians and two Mississippi-licensed registered nurses were charged in an indictment unsealed today for their roles in a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans and their respective family members, as well as private health care benefit programs Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi and United Healthcare of Mississippi.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi, Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Cyndy Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Shahjahan Sultan, M.D., 37, of Madison, Mississippi, Thomas Edward Sturdavant, M.D., 56, of Kingsport, Tennessee, Freda Cal Covington, R.N., 54, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Fallon Deneem Page, R.N., 36, of Soso, Mississippi were each charged in various counts of a 15-count indictment returned on June 11, 2019 in the Southern District of Mississippi. The indictment was unsealed upon the defendants’ arrests today. The defendants will make their initial appearances this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker of the Southern District of Mississippi.
Sultan, Sturdavant, Covington and Page were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud. In addition, Sultan was charged with two counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance, two counts of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and four counts of paying health care kickbacks. Sturdavant was also charged with two counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance and two counts of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance. Page was also charged with two counts of mail fraud.
The indictment alleges that Sultan, Sturdavant, Covington and Page participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and private health care benefit programs by prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary compounded medications, some of which included ketamine, a controlled substance, to individuals, at times without first examining them, for the purpose of having an Ocean Springs, Mississippi-based compounding pharmacy dispense these medically unnecessary compounded medications. In addition, the indictment alleges that, between March 2014 and February 2015, the defendants’ scheme caused TRICARE and private health care benefit programs to reimburse the compounding pharmacy more than $7 million for dispensing the compounded medications prescribed by Sultan and Sturdavant. The indictment further alleges that Sultan was paid at least 25 percent of the reimbursements received from health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, for compounded medications prescribed by Sultan and Sturdavant. Sultan is alleged to have then paid Sturdavant for prescribing compounded medications to TRICARE beneficiaries and to have paid other co-conspirators for identifying and recruiting TRICARE beneficiaries to receive compounded medications.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI and DCIS. Assistant Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Two Physicians and Two Registered Nurses Indicted in Mississippi Compounding Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Mississippi-licensed physicians and two Mississippi-licensed registered nurses were charged in an indictment unsealed today for their roles in a multimillion dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans and their respective family members, as well as private health care benefit programs Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi and United Healthcare of Mississippi.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi, Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Cyndy Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Shahjahan Sultan, M.D., 37, of Madison, Mississippi, Thomas Edward Sturdavant, M.D., 56, of Kingsport, Tennessee, Freda Cal Covington, R.N., 54, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Fallon Deneem Page, R.N., 36, of Soso, Mississippi were each charged in various counts of a 15-count indictment returned on June 11, 2019 in the Southern District of Mississippi. The indictment was unsealed upon the defendants’ arrests today. The defendants will make their initial appearances this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker of the Southern District of Mississippi.
Sultan, Sturdavant, Covington and Page were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and mail fraud. In addition, Sultan was charged with two counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance, two counts of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks and four counts of paying health care kickbacks. Sturdavant was also charged with two counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance and two counts of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance. Page was also charged with two counts of mail fraud.
The indictment alleges that Sultan, Sturdavant, Covington and Page participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and private health care benefit programs by prescribing and dispensing medically unnecessary compounded medications, some of which included ketamine, a controlled substance, to individuals, at times without first examining them, for the purpose of having an Ocean Springs, Mississippi-based compounding pharmacy dispense these medically unnecessary compounded medications. In addition, the indictment alleges that, between March 2014 and February 2015, the defendants’ scheme caused TRICARE and private health care benefit programs to reimburse the compounding pharmacy more than $7 million for dispensing the compounded medications prescribed by Sultan and Sturdavant. The indictment further alleges that Sultan was paid at least 25 percent of the reimbursements received from health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, for compounded medications prescribed by Sultan and Sturdavant. Sultan is alleged to have then paid Sturdavant for prescribing compounded medications to TRICARE beneficiaries and to have paid other co-conspirators for identifying and recruiting TRICARE beneficiaries to receive compounded medications.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI and DCIS. Assistant Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Kiln Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Louis Brent Ladner, 41, of Kiln, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 92 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On two separate occasions in 2017, Ladner sold methamphetamine to a confidential source. A subsequent search warrant at his residence located approximately two additional ounce of high quality methamphetamine. Ladner pled guilty on March 26, 2019 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over Eleven Years for Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Courtney Tremel Louie, 24, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to serve a total of 141 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on charges relating to sex trafficking of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Jenson, and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
"Trafficking minors for sex is one of the worst, most heinous and despicable crimes we see, and this office will stop at nothing to protect victims and put these criminals behind bars. I want to thank our investigators and prosecutors for diligently pursuing this monster. We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to do all that we can to stamp out human trafficking," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Louie was sentenced to 84 months in prison for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (sex trafficking of a minor). He was sentenced to 57 months in prison for using the internet to promote and advertise the unlawful activity (prostitution). The sentences will be served consecutively for a total of 141 months. Louie was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
Beginning on January 1, 2018, and continuing through January 5, 2018, Louie was actively involved with the sex trafficking of a minor he had transported from Tennessee to Jackson. The minor performed commercial sex acts with men for money at various hotels. Louie used the internet to promote his unlawful activity by placing ads on the website "Backpage.com".
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Police Department and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry by an Alien After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Luis Alberto Preza-Mendez, 31, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Mr. Trey Lund, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans.
Preza-Mendez was found guilty of the felony offense and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden, on June 20, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. He faces a potential maximum penalty of 2 years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He also faces being removed from the United States following the completion of any prison sentence.
On March 12, 2019, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office notified ICE that Preza-Mendez had been arrested for a domestic disturbance and confessed to being an illegal alien from Mexico. Preza-Mendez was arrested and transported to the Gulfport ICE Office. He was positively identified via a fingerprint scan into the Department of Homeland Security computerized records system which accessed his prior immigration records including photographs, fingerprints and prior removal documents. Electronic database queries confirmed that Mr. Preza-Mendez is a citizen of Mexico who had been physically removed pursuant to a lawful removal order and did not have permission to reenter the U.S.
Preza-Mendez had been officially ordered removed from the United States on October 13, 2013. After being physically removed based on this lawful order, he repeatedly returned to the United States, and was removed multiple times in 2014. At the time of his most recent removal in July, 2014, Preza-Mendez was prohibited from entering, attempting to enter, being in the United States or applying for admission to the United States for a period of twenty years.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for this case.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry by an Alien After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marcos Martinez-Jimenez, 39, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Mr. Trey Lund, Acting Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations in New Orleans.
Martinez-Jimenez was found guilty of the felony offense and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden, on June 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. He faces a potential maximum penalty of 2 years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He also faces being removed from the United States following the completion of any prison sentence.
On April 17, 2019, during criminal alien program duties at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, an ICE agent encountered Martinez-Jimenez who was being held for a misdemeanor city noise violation. Martinez-Jimenez was positively identified via a fingerprint scan into the Department of Homeland Security computerized records system which accessed his prior immigration records including photographs, fingerprints and prior removal documents.
Officials confirmed through record checks that Martinez-Jimenez originally was removed from the United States on December 2, 2015. He then, illegally reentered the United States and was removed three additional times on December 6, 2015, December 14, 2015, and December 22, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for this case.
Illegal Alien Arrested with Enough Fentanyl to Kill One Million People Pleads Guilty to Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Pablo Vega-Ontanon, 53, an illegal alien from Mexico living in Georgia, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On November 6, 2018, Vega-Ontanon and two co-defendants arrived in Gulfport to sell heroin to a confidential informant. They claimed to have ten kilograms of heroin hidden in a compartment of their vehicle. All three were arrested shortly thereafter. The substance was eventually tested and found to contain nine kilograms of heroin and one kilogram of fentanyl.
That amount of fentanyl can produce one million fatal doses.
Vega-Ontanon was indicted on November 27, 2018 along with co-defendants Eder Ortega- Casarrubias and Eric Estudillo Carrazco.
Vega-Ontanon will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on September 23, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.
Ortega- Casarrubias pled guilty on March 20, 2019 and will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on June 26, 2019. Carrazco is awaiting trial.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Pearl River County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Kirk Johnson, 43, of Pearl River County, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Johnson was found guilty of the felony offense and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on September 19, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
On October 18, 2018, Johnson, who had previously been convicted of possession of precursor chemicals in Pearl River Circuit Court, sold a loaded .22 caliber revolver to a confidential informant.
The case was investigated by agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Carter.
Lexington Woman Sentenced for Theft of Mail by a Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jasmine Marshall, 29, of Lexington, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 12 months’ probation for theft of mail while she was a U.S. Postal Service employee, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Inspector in Charge Chris Cave with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Southern Area Field Office. Marshall was also ordered to pay $197 in restitution.
On May 3, 2018, Postal Service Office of Inspector General special agents arrested Marshall after an investigation revealed her purposely failing to deliver mail and stealing money from undelivered boxes and letters. Marshall’s position as a rural postal carrier was terminated by the Postal Service.
On December 11, 2018, Marshall was charged in a federal criminal indictment for theft of mail while a postal employee. She pled guilty before Judge Reeves on March 4, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Former Corrections Counselor Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes from Federal PrisonersRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Kellie Fuqua, 57, of Roxie, Mississippi, and a former corrections counselor at the Adams County Correctional Center, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III to accepting bribes from federal prisoners in exchange for introducing contraband into the facility, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and James Boyersmith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Miami Field Office.
Fuqua was charged in a one-count Criminal Information with being a public official receiving money in exchange for providing contraband to federal prisoners.
Fuqua is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on October 1, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. in Natchez. She faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Former Smith County Deputy Sheriff Indicted for Sexual Contact with an InmateRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Charles Drew Johnson, 43, of Magee, Mississippi, and a former Smith County Deputy Sheriff, has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on four counts of having sexual contact with an inmate housed at the Smith County Jail, without the inmate’s consent, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Federal Bureau of Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Luis M. Quesada.
According to the indictment, Johnson allegedly had sexual contact with the inmate on four separate occasions from April 2016 through November 2016. The indictment also alleges that Johnson’s conduct resulted in bodily injury to the victim and included aggravated sexual abuse.
Johnson appeared for an arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson. The case is scheduled for trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III on August 19, 2019 in Jackson.
If convicted of the charges against him, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Petal Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Martina Tashay Wade, 34, of Petal, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a Criminal Information charging her with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Inspector in Charge Chris Cave with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Southern Area Field Office.
In November 2015, Wade conspired to commit bank fraud and participated in the execution of a scheme to obtain money from Citizens Bank by presenting an altered $5,000 check, which had her name added for cashing, and on which she was paid due to her false representation.
Wade will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on October 2, 2019, at 9:45 a.m, in Hattiesburg.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Newton Woman Pleads Guilty to Commercial Driver’s License FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. –Tonya Levera Davis, 49, of Newton, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to aggravated identity theft and to making false statements, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General Regional Special Agent in Charge Todd Damiani.
Davis was employed by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Newton Department of Motor Vehicles, as a driver’s license examiner. Her employment included the administration of driver’s license applications, both written and computer tests, as well as the administration of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) testing. Davis was an authorized tester of the written skills portion of the CDL test, but not for the road skills portion.
From June 2016 through May 2018, Davis authorized CDLs to applicants that had not passed the written or road skills portions of the test. She sold CDLs to over 88 unqualified applicants by providing answers to the written skills test. She would further pass the unqualified applicant and use state issued identification numbers of other third party testers to pass unqualified applicants and issue fraudulent CDLs.
Davis is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Reeves on September 13, 2019, at 8:45 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation-Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.