Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sex Offender from Illinois Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register in MississippiRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Clynn Partee, 46, of Pascagoula, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to the federal crime of failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal George White.
Partee is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on February 21, 2019, in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison in addition to a $250,000 fine and a minimum of 5 years to life of supervised release.
In 2006, Partee had been convicted in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, of Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault. This sexual offense was perpetrated against a 12-year old female victim, and Partee was sentenced to eight years with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Partee was deemed a Tier III Sex Offender and has a lifetime registration requirement. After his conviction in Illinois, Partee acknowledged his continuing requirement to register as a sex offender. In or about June 2015, Partee was released from Illinois state custody.
Later in 2015, Partee moved from Illinois to Mississippi. He did not register as required when he departed Illinois, and he did not register within the required time of his arrival in Mississippi. Partee was issued a Mississippi State Identification card in or about September 2015, with an address in Richton, Mississippi, and ultimately relocated to Pascagoula.
In September 2018, Pascagoula Police responded to a disturbance call at a hotel in Pascagoula and encountered Partee. While Partee was not arrested during that encounter, a National Criminal Information Center database check was conducted regarding him. It was brought to the attention of a sex offense investigator with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, that Partee was a convicted sex offender, and that he had been listed as a non-compliant sex offender in Illinois. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Investigator contacted the U.S. Marshals Service, which conducted further investigation.
The Marshals Service learned that Partee was not listed as a registered sex offender in the State of Mississippi, via the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry. The Marshals Service contacted the Mississippi Department of Public Safety concerning the Defendant’s current sex offender registration status. Mississippi authorities provided the Marshals Service with a letter certifying that Defendant Partee was not listed as a registered sex offender in Mississippi. The State of Mississippi also had not received a notification from the State of Illinois indicating the Defendant’s intent to relocate to Mississippi. It was conclusively determined that Partee had never registered as a sex offender in the State of Mississippi.
The Marshals Service investigation concluded that Partee’s current residence was at a Pascagoula hotel that also routinely houses a wide variety of people including children. Partee was arrested by local law enforcement officials as a non-compliant sex offender in September 2018. Subsequent to his federal indictment, Partee was arrested by the U.S. Marshal’s Service in October 2018.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, law enforcement officials in the State of Illinois, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County, Mississippi, Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Pascagoula Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Pearl Man Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Prison under Project EJECT for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Gino Washington, 26, of Pearl, Mississippi, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 20 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for 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 Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was also required to forfeit the firearm and pay a $1,000 fine.
On December 6, 2017, the Jackson Police Department made a traffic stop of a vehicle wherein Washington was a passenger. Washington initially gave the officer a false name when a firearm was taken from his waistband during the traffic stop in Jackson. The arresting officer determined he had been given a false name and Washington then admitted to his real identity when confronted about his deception. Washington has a prior felony conviction for house burglary.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The 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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program 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.
Pascagoula Drug User Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as an Unlawful User of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Cornelius Javon Massey, 20, of Pascagoula, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 33 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of controlled substances, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Massey was in a car with three others pulled over by the Pascagoula Police Department on March 31, 2018. Once stopped and the windows down, the officer noticed a .223 caliber rifle with a large magazine laying in the rear floorboard. The officer noticed a handgun in the glove compartment when the driver reached for proof of insurance. A narcotics dog alerted for the presence of narcotics in the car. A search yielded marijuana and a grinder, the rifle, a Glock pistol with 4 magazines, a Springfield Arms 9mm pistol with a loaded magazine, and 2 ski masks. Massey admitted in an interview that he smoked marijuana regularly. Under Federal law, unlawful users of controlled substances are prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Pascagoula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Kilos of Marijuana and Firearms Nets D’Iberville Man over 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Dung Anh Nguyen, 35 of D’Iberville, was sentenced to a total of 75 months by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dana Nichols.
After receiving a tip that drugs were being sold out of a D’Iberville home, Harrison County Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, served a search warrant on Nguyen’s home in March 2018. Agents found approximately 2 kilos of marijuana along with several loaded firearms, large capacity magazines, ammunition and a ballistic vest. Nguyen was previously convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in Texas and Harrison County courts.
The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to over Ten Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Roderick Simpson, 44, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 121 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Simpson was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On October 10, 2016, DEA agents utilized a confidential source to purchase 55.4 grams of methamphetamine from Simpson for $900. Simpson pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 6, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to Almost 17 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – John Foster, 42, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 200 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Foster was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On September 19, 2016, DEA agents utilized a confidential source to purchase 27.8 grams of methamphetamine from Foster for $1,050. Foster pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on June 6, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Carjacker Sentenced to over 12 Years in Prison Under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Reginald Henderson, 26, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to serve a total of 150 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for armed carjacking and brandishing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On February 5, 2017, Jackson Police officers responded to an armed carjacking that occurred on Grafton Street in Jackson, Mississippi. Upon arrival, the victim told officers that she had been carjacked at gunpoint of her 2016 Chevrolet Equinox while in the driveway of her home. JPD Officers identified the stolen vehicle in transit on I-55 South in Jackson with a male subject driving the vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle until the driver wrecked near Terry Road and I-20 East in Jackson. Henderson was identified as the driver and placed under arrest. A .45 caliber handgun was located in the vehicle at the time Henderson was arrested. Henderson was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of arrest and is also a previously convicted felon.
"I applaud the men and women of the Jackson Police Department for responding so quickly to this carjacking and apprehending this violent criminal before he could harm someone else. I also commend the FBI for assisting in the investigation and our prosecutors for seeing that justice is done. This is another great example of Project EJECT making our citizens safer by taking violent criminals off our streets and delivering justice to victims," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Mayberry.
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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson
Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program 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.
Two Additional Mississippi Real Estate Investors Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Rig Bids at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
Mississippi real estate investors Christopher Vaughan and Jon Gregg Goodhart Jr. pleaded guilty today for their roles in a conspiracy to rig bids at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Mississippi, the Department of Justice announced.
Including Vaughan and Goodhart, nine real estate investors have entered guilty pleas in this conspiracy. Separate felony charges were filed against Vaughan on November 9, 2018, and Goodhart on November 19, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
“The conspirators worked together to cheat the system and thereby increased the financial losses on these foreclosed homes,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “The Justice Department will continue to work with our partners to hold violators of the antitrust laws accountable.”
“These types of crimes affect all Americans, because when individuals rig bids at auctions, it ultimately damages our economy and hurts individuals,” said Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. “We want to send a clear message to those participating in this type of corruption: the FBI and Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute anyone betraying the trust of our country’s economic foundation.”
According to court documents, from at least as early as June 9, 2011, through at least as late as February 8, 2017, Vaughan conspired with others not to bid against one another for selected public real estate foreclosure auctions in the Southern District of Mississippi. Goodhart participated in the conspiracy from as early as August 20, 2009, through at least as late as December 11, 2014. Co-conspirators made and received payoffs in exchange for their agreement not to bid.
A violation of the Sherman Act carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine for individuals. The maximum fine for a Sherman Act charge may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine.
The investigation is being conducted by Antitrust Division attorneys in the Washington Criminal II Section and the FBI’s Gulfport Resident Agency, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. Anyone with information concerning bid rigging or fraud related to public real estate foreclosure auctions should contact Antitrust Division prosecutors in the Washington Criminal II Section at 202-598-4000, or visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Drug Trafficking ProceedsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Erika Shanta Kelly, 42, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to laundering proceeds from drug trafficking, 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 April 22, 2014, March 3, 2015, and September 4, 2015, Kelly used money obtained from drug trafficking to purchase and make payments on vehicles. The purchases and payments made were to conceal or disguise the nature, source, ownership and control of the drug trafficking money. On November 28, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Kelly for conspiracy to money launder and using proceeds from drug trafficking to purchase vehicles for another person.
Kelly will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on March 8, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $500,000.
This case is the result of an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, dubbed AOperation Pipeline,@ which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi involving cocaine and marijuana. The distribution network encompasses the States of California, Texas and Mississippi.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst issued the following statement in response to nooses and hate signs found this morning outside the Mississippi State Capitol:Read the Press Release
"With our law enforcement partners, we are actively looking into these acts of hate and intimidation. Let me be perfectly clear - there is absolutely no place in our state for these unacceptable symbols or tactics to intimidate others. If we find evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that a federal crime has occurred, these criminals will be swiftly prosecuted and held accountable. Let us all respond to these despicable acts by voting, working, raising our families, practicing our faith, and pursuing the American dream here in our great state without fear or trepidation and in harmony with our fellow citizens."
Sumrall Man Sentenced to Nearly 12 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and an Unregistered SilencerRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Asa Jefferson Sanford, Jr., 61, of Sumrall, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to serve a total of 140 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing a silencer which was not registered to Sanford in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Sanford was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
On July 20, 2015, law enforcement officers executed state search warrants on Sanford’s vehicle and home. During the search, state and federal agents seized numerous firearms and ammunition in Sanford’s possession, as well as an unregistered silencer. Sanford has six prior felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Hattiesburg Man Gets 96 Months for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – William Russell Oswalt, 29, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a total of 96 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on firearm and drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Oswalt was sentenced to 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and 36 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. He was also ordered to pay $5,000 fine on each charge, for a total of $10,000.
On January 4, 2016, officers with the 12th Circuit Court Narcotics Enforcement Team made an undercover purchase of heroin from Oswalt. On January 17, 2017, officers executed an arrest warrant on Oswalt at a Hattiesburg hotel finding him in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, digital scales, numerous pills and a loaded firearm. Working with the officers from the Narcotics Enforcement Team, DEA and ATF agents learned that Oswalt had been distributing heroin in the Hattiesburg area since 2013.
The 12th Circuit Court Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Hattiesburg Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Brandon Easterling, 35, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett, to serve 264 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Easterling was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On June 24, 2014, DEA agents utilized an undercover agent to purchase 28.02 grams of methamphetamine from Easterling for $1,800. Easterling pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on August 9, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Dale Ricardo Easterling, 43, of Moss Point, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to conspiring to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
On July 13, 2018, a Louisiana State Trooper stopped a car driven by Easterling traveling east bound on Interstate 10. The trooper searched the car and found a hidden compartment with seven kilograms of cocaine. Easterling admitted that he was taking the cocaine back to Moss Point for further distribution. He also admitted that this was not his first trip back to Moss Point with cocaine.
On the same day, FBI Safe Streets Task Force agents executed a search warrant at Easterling’s home and found ammunition, over 500 grams of marijuana brownies, 1.5 kilograms of marijuana, 833 grams of Fentanyl, 5 grams of heroin, and 99 pills made to look like oxycodone, but actually containing fentanyl and acetaminophen, a dangerous and sometimes deadly combination.
Easterling will be sentenced on February 14, 2019, by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, and the Louisiana State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Federal Prisoner Sentenced to over 14 Years for Assaulting Two Victims with a ShankRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Valentino Gonzalez, 47, of Texas, a federal inmate in the United States Penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi, was sentenced Friday, by Chief United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to 170 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for two counts of assault, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
In 2005, Valentino Gonzalez was convicted and sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison for conspiracy to murder. He was serving that sentence in the United States Penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi, when in September 2017, Gonzalez attacked another prisoner with a long, metal shank stabbing him repeatedly. When a correctional officer attempted to intervene, Gonzalez stabbed the officer. Both victims sustained serious injuries.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in the investigation of this case.
Biloxi Man Gets 17 ½ Years in Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Julio Chantello Williams, 35, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to a total of 211 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Williams received the maximum of 120 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and 211 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentences will run concurrently. Williams was also ordered to pay fines totaling $8,000.
In August 2017, Gulfport Police foot patrol checked a parked car with loud music to find Williams with a handgun and marijuana in his lap. Three months later in November 2017, Williams was hit by a car while walking. Biloxi Police found a handgun on the windshield of the car and 16 grams of methamphetamine in Williams’s pocket. Later in November and December of 2017, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Homeland Security Investigations made undercover buys of methamphetamine from Williams.
Williams has prior state convictions for auto burglary, possession of controlled substances and 2 counts of transfer of controlled substances.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Homeland Security Investigations, Gulfport Police, Biloxi Police and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
South Carolina Man Sentenced to over 18 Years in Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jason Cooper, 32, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to serve 223 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Cooper was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On March 26, 2018, a U.S. Border Patrol agent attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in D’Iberville on a vehicle driven by Cooper. Cooper failed to stop and began throwing what was later determined to be methamphetamine from the driver’s side window. Cooper exited the interstate in Ocean Springs where law enforcement lost sight of the vehicle. Agents canvassed the area and located the vehicle, which was still occupied by Cooper and his codefendant, Jesus Ernesto Rodriguez. Inside the car, agents located 78.2 grams of methamphetamine.
Cooper pled guilty on August 13, 2018. His co-defendant, Rodriguez, pled guilty on October 15, 2018 and will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on January 17, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Rodriguez faces a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Local Murder Suspect Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to Carjacking and Shooting at Victim During CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Darrell D. Moore, 22, of Clinton, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr. to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Those who commit violent crime in our Capitol City and terrorize our citizens will face the full force of federal law enforcement. I commend the Jackson Police Department and the FBI for snatching this criminal off our streets and our prosecutors for getting him detained. Through their actions, others were prevented from becoming victims at the hands of this individual. Under Project EJECT, we are making our citizens safer and the City of Jackson more secure," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
On November 7, 2017, while Moore was on bond for murder in Hinds County, he, Alexus Guster, and Cedric Winfield agreed to rob and carjack a victim at gunpoint. At the instruction of Moore and Winfield, Guster lured the victim to a location where Winfield and Moore were waiting to carjack and rob him. Guster and Winfield spoke to the victim while standing at the passenger side of the vehicle. While the victim was distracted, Moore approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, pulled the victim out of the car at gunpoint, and forced him to give up his money and the vehicle. The victim then fled the scene on foot and Moore fired his gun twice in the direction of the victim. Winfield drove the car to his residence where Moore and Guster met him to search the car for valuables.
Moore faces a maximum penalty of twenty-five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the carjacking and brandishing a firearm. His sentencing date will be determined by the Court. Guster and Winfield previously pled guilty to carjacking and are awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Kimberly Taft Purdie.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine, Marijuana, and HydrocodoneRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Ance Payton, 42, of Jackson, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to 79 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing several illegal drugs with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
In 2017, the Jackson Police Department received several complaints from Crime Stoppers and concerned citizens about a home on Plantation Boulevard in Jackson. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home and found hundreds of grams of marijuana, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and hydrocodone pills. They also found a digital scale and other evidence of drug-distribution activities. Payton was indicted on May 15, 2018, and pled guilty on July 19, 2018.
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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program 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.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with ATF agents and Project EJECT task force members in the investigation of this case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Justin A. Sterling, 23, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On May 1, 2018, officers with the Clinton Police Department stopped a vehicle in which Sterling was a passenger for a traffic violation. Two firearms were found in the vehicle. Sterling, who had a prior felony of robbery, pleaded guilty to possessing the firearms.
Sterling will be sentenced on February 7, 2019 at 9:30 a.m., and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Clinton Police Department and their cooperation with ATF agents and Project EJECT task force members. AUSA Erin Chalk is prosecuting 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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is program 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.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Transporting Illegal Aliens Across the CountryRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Joe Jones, Jr., 24, of Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to 27 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for transporting illegal aliens across the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
In June of 2018, Jones was being paid to drive a minivan full of illegal aliens from Louisiana to Georgia. On his way through Mississippi, a Mississippi Highway Patrol Officer stopped the van and found 10 illegal aliens inside, four of whom were deported from the United States during the past few years.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Mississippi Highway Patrol in their investigation of this case.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to 5 years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Purchase CocaineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Angel Valdez Deras, age 33, of Terrytown, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for attempting to purchase 5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Derryle Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Valdez Deras pled guilty on July 30, 2018 to one count of attempting to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Valdez Deras and his co-defendant had previously paid $50,000 to government agents acting as sellers and were en route to pay the remaining money for the purchase of five kilograms of cocaine when they were arrested by law enforcement officers on February 9, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Michael Todd Ward, 52, of Moss Point, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 151 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Derryle Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
In 2016, Ward supplied co-defendants living in an area known as “the Hill” in Vancleave, Mississippi with more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and a half a kilogram of cocaine. He pled guilty on January 26, 2018 to an indictment that named him as a co-conspirator.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Holly Springs Man Sentenced to over Four Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Marquavius Dewante Morrow, 25, of Holly Springs, was sentenced Friday by Chief United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to fifty-four months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Morrow, also known as "Peanut," was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On November 8, 2017, Morrow and Gathern McClain carjacked a victim at knifepoint near the Regions Bank ATM located at 947 North State Street in Jackson. The victim later identified Morrow in a photo lineup. Each of the defendants confessed to their involvement in the carjacking. McClain was sentenced in July to eighty-four months imprisonment for his involvement in the crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Jackson Police Department. It 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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Julian Miller, 51, of Jackson, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On November 22, 2017, the Jackson Police Department executed a search warrant at a home in Jackson, Mississippi. While inside, law enforcement discovered that Julian Miller, a convicted felon, had a firearm in his possession. Miller has several previous felony convictions, including convictions for armed robbery and for sales of crack cocaine near schools.
Miller will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on February 8, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristi H. Johnson.
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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
California Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Today, a federal jury in Gulfport found Frederick Arayatanon, 35, of Westminister, California, guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr., announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
"I applaud the outstanding work of these prosecutors, agents and officers, as another major drug dealer and network have been taken down and dismantled, and countless lives have been saved. While meth continues to be a scourge in Mississippi that is killing our communities, this office and our law enforcement partners will not rest as we continue the fight against this deadly epidemic sweeping our country," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
During the course of a drug investigation that began in 2017, DEA agents discovered that Arayatanon was shipping large quantities of methamphetamine from California to Tuyen Ngoc Le in Biloxi, Mississippi. Once Le received the methamphetamine shipments, she would give them to Demetrius Mason for distribution in the Ocean Springs area.
Le pled guilty on October 16, 2018 for her role in the drug conspiracy and will be sentenced on January 15, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Mason pled guilty for his role and was sentenced by Judge Guirola on May 31, 2018 to 292 months in federal prison.
Arayatanon will be sentenced on January 31, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. 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. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole and Assistant United States Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Alabama Man Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Gregory A. Mclin, age 45, of Huntsville, Alabama, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to serve 97 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans. Mclin was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $10,000, and an additional assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
An investigation conducted in May 2016 by HSI, along with the Wiggins Police Department and the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force, resulted in the identification of an internet protocol address belonging to Mclin and his use of a computer file-sharing program. In November 2016, a federal search warrant was executed at Mclin’s then-Gulfport, Mississippi, residence. His electronic devices were seized and forensic examinations were conducted. The examination reports, as well as the submissions of the visual depictions found and submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, resulted in a finding that Mclin knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to include visual depictions of a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force, and the Wiggins Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
U.S. Attorneys in Mississippi Stand Ready to Protect Voting Rights on Election DayRead the Press Release
United States Attorneys Mike Hurst of the Southern District of Mississippi and William C. Lamar of the Northern District of Mississippi announced today that they have appointed District Election Officers ("DEO") in their respective Districts to be responsible for overseeing the handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in Mississippi in consultation with U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley in the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant United States Attorney Robert Coleman in the Northern District of Mississippi will lead the efforts of the United States Attorneys’ Offices in Mississippi in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election.
"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and ensuring free and fair elections is one of the most important responsibilities we have as U.S. Attorneys. If anyone has specific information about election fraud or discrimination, please contact our offices, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division. We stand ready to act promptly and aggressively to protect voter rights and the integrity of the election process," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
U.S. Attorney Lamar said, "The fairness of the election process hinges on our citizens’ ability to fully and fairly exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear, resistance or undue outside influence. We will work diligently to insure that the right of our citizens to vote and to participate in the electoral process will not be impeded."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further,
federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Chris Wansley and AUSA/DEO Robert Coleman will be on duty in their respective Districts while the polls are open. Wansley can be reached at 601-973-2883 and Coleman can be contacted at 662-238-7676.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 601-948-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php
Moss Point Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm After Bringing Stolen Firearm to a Police StationRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Kevin LaMarcus Mitchell, 20, of Moss Point, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of post-release supervision, after having pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Dana Nichols. Mitchell was also ordered to pay a $5,500 fine.
On April 6, 2018, Mitchell went to the Pascagoula Police Department with his twin brother Tevin Mitchell and Joseph Smith to retrieve firearms seized by the police on March 31, 2018. During that visit, Pascagoula Police officers and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives arrested Tevin Mitchell and Smith for being unlawful users of controlled substances with guns from the prior incident. While doing an inventory search of Smith’s car, police found a gun stolen from St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, under Kevin Mitchell’s seat. Mitchell admitted in an interview that he smoked marijuana regularly. Mitchell admitted to a friend in a recorded call that he brought the gun to the police station.
Pascagoula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost Twenty Years in Believed to be Largest Ponzi Scheme in State HistoryRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Arthur Lamar Adams, 58, of Jackson Mississippi, was sentenced today to 235 months in federal prison for wire fraud involving a large, multi-state Ponzi scheme involving more than one hundred million dollars and hundreds of victims spanning a number of years, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
United States District Judge Carlton Reeves sentenced Adams to serve nineteen and a half years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on a charge of wire fraud involving a scheme and artifice to defraud investors in connection with a Ponzi scheme using Madison Timber Properties, LLC, a company wholly owned by Adams. Judge Reeves ordered full restitution to be paid to the victims of the scheme. During the last year of the scheme, Adams fraudulently obtained in excess of $164.5 million dollars from more than 320 investors located in at least 14 different states.
"Justice was served today, but does not end today. While this fraudster will now spend almost the rest of his entire life behind bars, we will not rest until restitution is recovered and victims are restored. My heart goes out to those who lost their retirement, their life savings, their life lines to this greedy, selfish man. Rest assured that we will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to root out fraud in the future and bring these criminals to justice," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
Over a period of at least 7 years, Adams executed this sophisticated Ponzi scheme using Madison Timber Properties, LLC, a company wholly owned by Adams. From as early as 2011 through April 2018, Adams’s scheme defrauded investors by soliciting millions of dollars of funds under false pretenses, failing to use the investors’ funds as promised, and converting investors’ funds to Adams’s own benefit without the knowledge of the investors. Instead of investing his clients’ money, Adams used the invested funds for his own personal benefit and for purposes other than those represented to investors, which also included making payments due and owing to other investors, thus perpetuating the Ponzi scheme. During the fraudulent scheme, Adams fraudulently obtained well in excess of one hundred million dollars from more than 250 investors located in at least 14 different states.
As part of his fraudulent scheme, Adams falsely represented to investors that Madison Timber Properties was in the business of buying timber rights from landowners and then selling the timber rights to lumber mills at a higher price. The object of the scheme was to cause
individuals to invest in loans that purportedly were for the purpose of financing contracts for the purchase of timber rights to be sold to lumber mills at a higher price. However, neither Adams nor Madison Timber Properties had such timber rights or contracts with lumber mills, except in only a few instances.
Adams entered into fraudulent investment contracts with investors, most often in the form of promissory notes on behalf of Madison Timber Properties. The loans typically guaranteed investors an interest rate of 12-13%, with the interest to be repaid to investors over the course of 12-13 months. The monthly payments due on these promissory notes were typically due on either the first or the fifteenth of the month.
Adams created false documents causing investors to believe that their investments were secured by sufficient collateral from which they could recover all or part of their investment in the event that Madison Timber Properties defaulted on the loans. Specifically, Adams created false timber deeds purporting to be contracts conveying timber rights from landowners to Madison Timber Properties. Adams forged the signatures of landowners and also created false timber deeds purporting to convey timber rights from Madison Timber Properties to the investors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Bomb Veterans Administration OfficeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Undrey L. Jones, 48, Jackson, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to threatening to bomb the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Jackson, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge, James Ross, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, South Central Field Division.
Jones was charged in a one-count federal indictment on May 2, 2018. A superseding indictment was filed on June 12, 2018.
On February 27, 2018, Jones called the Veterans Benefits Administration Call Center, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jones identified himself by name and angrily demanded to talk to the Director of the Veterans Administration Medical Center and Regional Office in Jackson, Mississippi. Jones became increasingly agitated during the call, and stated that he would "come up there and blow the building up," referring to the Veterans Administration Regional Office in Jackson. Jones used several expletives during this call. Jones was arrested on February 28, 2018.
Jones is set for sentencing on January 22, 2019 at 10:00am and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
"These charges underscore the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s commitment to the safety of the Veteran Affairs’ patient population, as well as its employees, guests, and facilities," said Special Agent in Charge James Ross
The case were investigated by the Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force, Mississippi Homeland Security, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Madison Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. AUSA Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Mississippi Doctor Ordered to Forfeit Assets for Bribery of Former Corrections CommissionerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Chief United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III today ordered convicted felon, Dr. Carl Reddix, 60, of Jackson, to forfeit bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and land to satisfy a judgment of $1,266,438.00 in illegal proceeds he derived from paying bribes and kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner (MDOC) Christopher B. Epps, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
"Dr. Reddix discovered today that the arm of justice is long and unrelenting. Today’s order should serve as a warning to others who may think a life of crime is profitable and that you can hide your assets. It is not profitable and you cannot hide. We will find you, you will be prosecuted, and your illegal money will be taken from you in order to make victims whole," said U.S. Attorney Hurst
Reddix was sentenced on December 15, 2017, to serve 72 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. He was also fined $15,000 and ordered to forfeit $1,266,438.00. Efforts of the Department of Justice to seek assets to satisfy this Judgment led to Judge Jordan’s order.
Reddix was a part owner of an inmate health care services provider known as Health Assurance, LLC. Reddix began paying bribes and kickbacks to Epps in 2012 to obtain contracts for Health Assurance to provide inmate health care services at East Mississippi Correctional Facility and Marshall County Correctional Facility. In 2013, Health Assurance obtained an additional contract to provide inmate health care services at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. Reddix paid monthly bribes and kickbacks to Epps for these contracts and other potential contracts. When the scheme was discovered, Reddix had paid Epps a total of $187,500.00 in kickbacks. In return, Reddix and his company, Health Assurance, had obtained over 22 million dollars in contracts with the MDOC resulting in a $1,266,438.00 benefit to Reddix.
Reddix is currently serving his sentence in Butner, North Carolina.
Clinton Man Pleads Guilty to Commercial Driver’s License FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss –Robert Anthony Davis, 49, of Clinton, pleaded guilty today to commercial driver’s license fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Regional Special Agent in Charge Todd Damiani with the U.S. Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General.
Davis was charged on March 5, 2018, with making false and fraudulent material representations. Davis previously worked for a company that provided training and certification to individuals seeking commercial driver’s licenses ("CDLs"). His employment only authorized certification to those who were students of the company. However, Davis provided paperwork to those who were not students of his employer, representing that the applicant had taken the road skills test, when in fact the applicant had not. The fraudulent paperwork was provided to individuals seeking to obtain a CDL in exchange for payment to Davis. The fraudulent paperwork was presented by these individuals to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in order to secure a CDL. A review of the commercial drivers’ paperwork in Mississippi showed that some of the applicants could not have achieved the results on the paperwork. Some CDL holders were interviewed and said they had never taken the test and just paid Davis for the paperwork.
"This investigation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the efficacy of DOT’s commercial driver’s license regulations and advancing safety on the roads by ensuring that only qualified individuals obtain CDLs," stated Todd Damiani, Regional Special Agent-In-Charge at U.S. DOT-OIG. "Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to prevent, detect and prosecute fraud schemes which endanger the traveling public."
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General, 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.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kevin Ashley Wells, a/k/a “Big 50,” 37, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 53 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On October 13, 2015, Wells sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. He pled guilty on July 20, 2018, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed AOperation Highlife,@ which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in east central Mississippi area that involved the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana. The distribution network encompasses the States of California, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
“Methamphetamine has devastated countless communities due to the dramatic health and public safety consequences that typically accompany its introduction into an area,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Jere T. Miles. “Today’s guilty plea stems from an extensive HSI effort with its federal, state and local partners to dismantle a drug trafficking organization that decimated parts of Mississippi and Alabama with methamphetamine smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. This operation is a testament to the seamless partnership between HSI, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and we are thankful for their assistance as well as the U.S. Attorneys’ to improve the lives of law-abiding residents throughout Mississippi and Alabama.”
This case is a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assisting agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisville Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Dominican Republic Citizen Pleads Guilty to Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Yerdinson Rodriguez-Tavarez, a 24 year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic and lawful permanent resident of the U.S. living in Texas, pled guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to the crime of transporting an illegal alien within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Gregory K. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Rodriguez-Tavarez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on January 24, 2019. He faces a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, along with special assessments that could total $5,100. He also will be subject to Department of Homeland Security immigration removal proceedings.
On August 6, 2018, a South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team Agent, who also is an officer with the Gautier Police Department, was on duty along Interstate 10 eastbound in Jackson County. The Metro Enforcement Team is an interagency task force that patrols known smuggling routes in Jackson County including I-10. Around 7:45 a.m., the agent stopped a 2015 Toyota Corolla with a fraudulent Texas license paper tag. The task force agent’s training and experience led him to believe that he had interrupted an alien smuggling event in progress, and he called the U.S. Border Patrol.
Ultimately, the driver was arrested for transporting illegal aliens. His five passengers were arrested for being illegally present in the United States, and all were transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station for processing. At the Border Patrol Station, two of the five illegal alien passengers were identified as having been previously lawfully removed from the United States.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the coordinated work of the United States Border Patrol, the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, and the Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Inmate Pleads Guilty to Vicious AssaultRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Curtis Pixley, 39, of Washington, D.C., pled guilty yesterday before Chief United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to intentionally assaulting another person and to possessing a shank in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
On September 7, 2017, Curtis Pixley—a federal prisoner—retrieved a 9-inch shank from his cell in a housing unit at the federal penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He walked to a table where prisoners were seated and as a prisoner got up from the table Mr. Pixley began stabbing him repeatedly. The victim survived his injuries.
Pixley will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Jordan on January 25, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, followed by up to 6 years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Clinton Man Pleads Guilty Under Project EJECT to CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Cedric Winfield, 23, of Clinton, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr. to carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.
A federal grand jury indicted Alexus Guster, Darrell Moore, and Cedric Winfield for carjacking a victim at gunpoint on November 7, 2017. Winfield pleaded guilty yesterday to participating in the carjacking.
Winfield faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the carjacking. Guster pled guilty to carjacking in January and is set to be sentenced on November 29, 2018. Moore’s trial is scheduled for November 14, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Barbour.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Kimberly Taft Purdie.
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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Importation of Chemicals to Manufacture Synthetic Cannabinoid and Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Bilal Hamid Love, 35, of Meridian, pled guilty yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour III to importing the controlled substance AB-PINACA and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
"We will remain vigilant in order to capture this poison being sent through our mail system before it hits our streets and harms our citizens. I commend our Postal agents, Homeland Security agents and prosecutor for being proactive and catching this criminal before he hurt our community even more," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
On March 22, 2015, agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service found two packages that were coming from Hong Kong to a resident in Meridian, Mississippi. Inside the packages was AB-PINACA, a powder that is used in making synthetic cannabinoid. Love lives in Meridian and was also the manager at a local sporting goods store in Meridian. Agents searched the sporting goods store and found 3 firearms and numerous packages of synthetic cannabinoid for sale. Agents also searched Love’s home and found numerous items that are used in making synthetic cannabinoid, such as sprayers, AB-PINACA, flavoring, and dryers. Agents also found more firearms, cocaine and marijuana plants. Love was charged in a multi-count federal indictment on March 7, 2018.
"Homeland Security Investigations is highly focused on identifying illegal cross-border shipments as one of its highest priorities," said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Jere T. Miles. "The boldness of this criminal effort to import illegal drugs into the U.S. through the mail seriously underestimated the dedication of HSI and its federal partners to identify and seek prosecution of those engaged in this brazen criminal activity."
Love faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court.
This case was a joint investigation by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory, and the United States Marshal Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 16 Years Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Prior Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Deonte Terrell Proctor, 33, of Jackson, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr., to 195-months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal 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 Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On December 2, 2016, members of the Jackson Police Department served a search warrant on Archer Avenue in Jackson. During the execution of the search warrant, Deonte Terrell Proctor attempted to flee in his car, nearly running over a JPD detective. Proctor then crashed into a ditch and attempted to flee on foot. Proctor threw a firearm into some bushes, but it was later recovered. Proctor subsequently admitted to police that the firearm was his.
Proctor is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Hinds County for the following felony offenses: receiving stolen goods, felon with firearm, and multiple felony offenses for possession of cocaine and the sale of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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 County Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – James Edward Hays, 34, of Vancleave, entered a guilty plea yesterday, before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to possession of a firearm by a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Hays, a Simon City Royal gang member, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the charge. He further faces a fine of $250,000 along with 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 18, 2019, at 9:00 a.m.
On April 25, 2018, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a person passed out behind the wheel of a running car at a gas station. Deputies found Hays, a three-time convicted felon, with methamphetamine, heroin and a loaded gun.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Clinton Man Pleads Guilty to Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Omar Bankhead, of Clinton, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to armed carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
On April 2, 2017, officers with the Clinton Police Department responded to a carjacking at Mississippi College. The victim reported sitting in the parking deck at Mississippi College when Bankhead entered her 2015 Kia Optima and ordered her out of the vehicle. Officers later recovered the vehicle in Illinois and Bankhead in Iowa.
Bankhead, a previously convicted felon, will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on January 14, 2019, and faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Clinton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Mayberry.
Mexican Woman Pleads Guilty to Immigration Document FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Beatriz Martinez-Villasana, 29, a citizen of Mexico and a Legal Permanent Resident living in Georgia, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to the crime of Fraud Regarding Visas, Permits, or Other Immigration Document, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Gregory A. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Martinez-Villasana is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on January 11, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. She also will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings.
On July 12, 2018, a Border Patrol agent was observing Interstate 10 as part of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, an interagency task force in Jackson County. Around 11:10 p.m., a Toyota Corolla that had been identified in Border Patrol intelligence data passed his position on I-10 eastbound. As he neared the vehicle, the agent noticed two occupants slumping down, and he thereafter conducted a traffic stop.
The driver, Martinez-Villasana, was arrested for transporting illegal aliens, and both passengers were arrested for being in the United States illegally. Both passengers pled guilty earlier this month of the felony offense of Illegal Return of an Alien after Removal. Both are awaiting sentencing in U.S. District Court in January 2019.
Also found in Martinez-Villasana’s possession was a fraudulent Legally Admitted Permanent Resident Alien Identification Card and a fraudulent Social Security Card. Both cards were in the name of an illegal alien to the United States who was incarcerated in the State of Georgia on state offenses. Both cards included identification numbers that had been stolen from two victims for whom the numbers had been lawfully assigned by the United States Government. Ms. Martinez-Villasana admitted that she knew the documents were false and that she had been helping the illegal alien named on the cards, who was her friend. She also admitted to unlawfully transporting her two illegal alien passengers and all of her relevant conduct may be used in determining her sentence in federal court.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the United States Border Patrol and the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team Interagency Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to over Twenty Years in Prison on Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Edward Corneilus Bridges, 38, of Moss Point, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 250 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Bridges was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
On March 22, 2018, a state search warrant was executed at Bridges’s home in Moss Point, Mississippi. Upon entering the home, agents located more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, 58 grams of cocaine, scales, large amounts of cash, marijuana, ecstasy, a ledger, ammunition cases, and an SKS rifle.
Bridges entered a guilty plea before Judge Ozerden on June 26, 2018.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, and Pascagoula Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Illegal Alien Found Guilty by Federal Jury of Illegally Possessing a Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Yesterday, after a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, a federal jury in Jackson found Ankit Puri, 34, an illegal alien from India, guilty of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm that had traveled through interstate commerce, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On March 3, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department arrested Puri for aggravated assault, arising from Puri’s shooting of an unarmed individual in a convenience store. Puri had overstayed his visitor visa and was in the process of being removed from the United States at the time of the shooting. Homeland Security became aware of his arrest and brought charges related to his illegal possession of a firearm.
"There is absolutely zero tolerance for those who break our immigration laws and then commit violent crimes. I applaud these JPD officers, HSI agents and prosecutors for bringing this individual to justice and making Jackson safer," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Puri will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on January 4, 2019. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Kennedy and 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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Gulfport Man Receives over Five Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Gun as a Drug UserRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jaquan Deshawn Carter, 21, of Gulfport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 64 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On September 6, 2015, Gulfport Police received a complaint of a person in a car flashing a gun. When officers stopped the car, they smelled the odor of marijuana. Officers found bullets in the backseat and a .44 caliber revolver in the seat pocket with Carter sitting in the backseat. Carter admitted the gun was his, which he explained he had for protection. On September 14, 2015, Gulfport police stopped a car, in which Carter was a passenger, whereby the police smelled a strong odor of burnt marijuana. Police found a .22 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number in Carter’s pocket. In an interview, Carter admitted that he smoked marijuana every day since the age of 9.
Gulfport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst Announces Significant Progress in Making our Communities Safer through Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - In October 2017, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods ("PSN"), which Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders, and partners with locally-based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Throughout the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with all levels of law enforcement, faith-based organizations, non-profits, neighborhood associations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
"Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face. Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities."
"Project EJECT has positively impacted the City of Jackson. By working together, we have taken almost 100 criminals and numerous illegal guns off our streets in less than a year, empowered our citizens through education and feedback, and reduced violent crime in our Capitol City by over 16% since this time last year. I want to commend the Jackson Police Department, FBI, ATF, Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, other federal and state law enforcement partners, and our non-law enforcement allies, as this unprecedented partnership has had a significant, positive effect on the lives of our citizens. In the months ahead, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will expand our fight against violent crime throughout the rest of the Southern District of Mississippi and tirelessly work to keep our communities safe," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"If we expect Jackson and the surrounding metropolitan area to be a viable option for our children and their future, then we need to work diligently to reduce not only violence in general but violence committed with a firearm," said Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson Division. "We will leverage the full resources of the FBI to provide a long term solution to dramatically reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson, and create a safer place today and for our children in the future."
"ATF is committed to reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods, and we accomplish this through strong partnerships with our federal, state, local partners and the community all working together to ensure the safety of our streets, our families and our children," said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols. "The message and mission today is very clear. We will no longer tolerate the senseless violence and criminal activity in our communities. Everyone wants and deserves to live in a safe neighborhood."
"Project EJECT inflicted a debilitating blow to the network of drug traffickers and violent criminals in the city of Jackson and beyond. This year-long project continues a deliberate and strategic effort to cut off and shut down the supply of drugs and guns entering our city and is a milestone in our tireless assault on these violent drug traffickers. The results of Project EJECT clearly demonstrate the combined strength that federal, state, and local agencies, both in law enforcement and civilian, bring to bear in the battle to keep our neighborhoods safe," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.
"Our office has received more support under the administration of President Donald J. Trump than any other administration. The Hinds County District Attorney looks forward to a continued, healthy partnership to enhance the quality of life, welfare and safety of the citizens of Hinds County, Mississippi," announced Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s PSN actions over the past year:
I. Enforcement Actions
On December 7, 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office formally launched Project EJECT with approximately 70 leaders from law enforcement, faith-based groups, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, and businesses, as well as concerned citizens. Project EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together."
• In less than one year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has made significant strides in fighting and reducing violent crime throughout the City of Jackson:
o Almost 100 individuals have been indicted and arrested for various federal crimes in and around Jackson, ranging from carjacking to illegally possessing firearms to robbing local businesses
o Almost half (48) of those indicted have already pled guilty or been found guilty
o Approximately 98% percent of those arrested have been detained while awaiting trial
o Sentencings for these criminals have ranged from 13 to 320 months, with the average sentence being 75 months (over 6 years in federal prison).
• In June 2018, the U.S. Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force and its law enforcement partners completed a six-week-long violence reduction initiative in the Southern District of Mississippi known as "Operation Triple Beam," resulting in the arrests of 270 individuals for various crimes, including approximately 90 gang members, as well as the seizure of 50 firearms, including military style assault rifles, illegal narcotics valued at approximately $7,500, and approximately $26,000 in cash. This was the first time the U.S. Marshals had ever conducted an Operation Triple Beam throughout an entire U.S. Attorney’s district and, at the time, was believed to be one of the most successful Operation Triple Beams of this scale that the Marshals had ever executed since the program began in 2010.
II. Community Partnerships and Engagement
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has made it a priority to empower and engage various communities in Jackson by bringing prevention presentations to high school kids, hosting town hall meetings around the City, and partnering with schools to read and tutor to elementary kids.
• Assistant U.S. Attorneys and special agents have been presenting the L.E.A.D. ("Legal Enrichment and Decision Making") Program in various Jackson public high schools and after-school clubs. The L.E.A.D. Program is an initiative to teach children that the choices they make today can affect their lives and the lives of others forever. At the end, youth signed a "Students Against Gun Violence" pledge, whereby students promised never to bring a gun to school, never to use a gun to settle a personal problem or dispute, and to use their influence to keep friends from settling disputes with guns.
• The United States Attorney’s Office, along with its law enforcement partners, held several town hall meetings throughout the City of Jackson to discuss Project EJECT and solicit input from the community.
• Employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office are partnering with a local church through its "Book Buddy" Program to tutor third graders at a local Jackson elementary school.
III. Improvements to Community Safety
• Despite two consecutive, historic increases in violent crime from 2014-2016, the FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that, in the first year of the Trump Administration, the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline. The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.
• The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.
• According to recent COMSTAT reports from the Jackson Police Department, dated September 16, 2018, the violent crime rate in the City of Jackson has fallen 16.6% since this time last year. Based on these COMSTAT numbers, since this time last year, there were:
o 131 fewer aggravated assaults (down 7.2%)
o 87 fewer armed robberies (down 23.2%)
o 41 fewer carjackings (down 58.6%)
o 26 fewer rapes (down 28.3%)
• Attorney General Sessions awarded the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi 5 new federal prosecutors, 4 of whom will specifically tackle violent crime throughout the district and one whom will focus on affirmative civil enforcement. These new prosecutors, who are just now coming on board, will allow the U.S. Attorney’s Office to greatly expand its crime fighting efforts throughout the entire district.
• The Department of Justice recently awarded the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi $177,361 in grant funding to continue combatting violent crime under PSN.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Three-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Randy Williams, 47, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On November 6, 2016, officers with the Jackson Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a black Nissan Sentra at the intersection of Ellis Avenue and Highway 80 for a traffic violation. During the stop, the driver, Randy Williams, was found to be in possession of a .38 caliber revolver. Williams has three prior felony convictions in the Circuit Court of Hinds County, which include sexual battery, possession of cocaine, and delivery of cocaine.
Williams will be sentenced on January 8, 2019, before Judge Wingate, 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 and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie.
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 in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. 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.
Jasper County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Unregistered Machine GunRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – James Christopher Varner, 39, of Stringer, Mississippi, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to illegally possessing a machine gun that was not registered, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Varner, 39 of Stringer, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the charge. He further faces a fine of $10,000 along with 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for January 3, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
On January 22, 2018, deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call at a home in Stringer, Mississippi. Once there, they found a female who had been injured, along with several firearms. When Deputies tracked down Varner, they found additional firearms, along with controlled substances, a KKK robe, hood and literature. With the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a total of 46 firearms were seized, including 4 machine guns, 2 sawed-off rifles, multiple silencers, multi-round magazines, machine gun conversion kits, and other weapons.
Hurst commended the incredible work of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Fernando Ochoa-Hernandez, 29, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to the crime of Unlawful Reentry by an Alien After Removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and 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.
Ochoa-Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on January 10, 2019. He faces a potential maximum penalty of 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings following the completion of any prison sentence.
On August 8, 2018, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office deputies encountered Ochoa-Hernandez at a residence while investigating a complaint of suspected narcotic activity. Deputies then requested assistance from Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol. In response to questioning, Ochoa-Hernandez produced a Mexican identification document. Computerized records check revealed that Ochoa-Hernandez had been previously removed from the United States by the U.S. Border Patrol on three prior occasions. Ochoa-Hernandez was arrested and transported to the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Gulfport, Mississippi.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is prosecuting the case.
Federal Corrections Officer Indicted and Arrested for Accepting BribesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Anthony Robinson, 39, of Yazoo City, was arrested by FBI Agents this morning based on a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging him with accepting bribes, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst, Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, and Robert A. Bourbon, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), Miami Field Office.
According to the indictment, Robinson accepted bribes from inmates at the Yazoo City Federal Correctional Complex in exchange for bringing contraband into the prison for inmates.
Robinson will have his initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson in Jackson tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. If convicted, Robinson faces up to 15 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division and the DOJ-OIG. The Federal Bureau of Prisons also assisted with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Criminal Chief Patrick Lemon.
These charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.