Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Ricardo Arcanjo Ramos, age 37, an illegal alien and a former citizen of Brazil, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to one count of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, 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.
In July of 2017, Ramos and others placed skimmers and cameras on Automated Teller Machines at a credit union in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Ramos obtained over 15 account numbers, electronic serial numbers and personal identification numbers. He and others used these numbers to obtain money and transfer funds days later in Florida at two banks and a resort. In the process of committing this fraud, Ramos possessed and used, without lawful authority, the identification of another person, committing aggravated identity theft.
Ramos will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on December 3, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for access device fraud, and a mandatory sentence of 2 years for aggravated identity theft in addition to the sentence imposed for access device fraud.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Forest Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jaycie Mario Thomas, 35, of Forest, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
On March 3, 2016, an officer with the Louisiana State Police stopped Thomas for a traffic violation. During the stop, the officer learned that a gun in Thomas’s possession was stolen. The officer arrested Thomas, and upon inventorying his car, the officer located 15 kilograms of cocaine in the trunk. During the subsequent investigation by the DEA, it was revealed that Thomas was trafficking the cocaine to Jackson County, Mississippi, for his relative, Keith Brown, who was following in another car behind Thomas.
Brown pled guilty last Wednesday before Judge Guirola to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. In addition to the cocaine found in Thomas’ car, Brown admitted to conspiring with others to have over 30 kilograms of cocaine brought to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from Texas. He will be sentenced on November 7, 2018 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Thomas will be sentenced on November 12, 2018, by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Canton Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Toroski Wolfe, 32, of Canton, was sentenced today, by United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Wolfe was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
In 2017, Wolfe, a convicted felon, bought a 38-Special revolver from a friend for $100. On December 11, 2017, Wolfe got into an altercation with another man and used the revolver to fire two warning shots into the ground. Jackson Police Department responded, and Wolfe admitted that he possessed and shot the gun.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with FBI agents and Project EJECT task force members in the investigation of this case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Commercial Driver’s License FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. –Benjamin James McGrigg, 43, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to commercial driver’s license fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General Regional Special Agent in Charge Marlies Gonzalez.
On March 5, 2018, McGrigg was charged in a five-count federal indictment charging conspiracy and making false and fraudulent material representations.
McGrigg 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 that were students of the company. McGrigg provided paperwork to those whom wanted a CDL that were not students of his employer. McGrigg prepared the paperwork representing that the applicant had taken the road skills test, when in fact the applicant had not. This fraudulent paperwork would be given to an individual seeking to obtain a CDL in exchange for payment to McGrigg. Such fraudulent paperwork would be presented by these individuals to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in order to secure a commercial driver’s license. 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 Commercial Driver’s License holders were interviewed and said they had never taken the test and just paid McGrigg 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 Marlies Gonzalez, 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."
McGrigg will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on November 16, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. He is facing a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation-Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Texas Man Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Prison for Possessing over Thirty Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Mario Guadalupe Pecina, 44, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 123 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 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 in New Orleans. Pecina was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
On January 11, 2018, a United States Border Patrol officer stopped Pecina for committing a traffic violation while traveling on Interstate 10 in Harrison County, Mississippi. During the stop, the officer learned that Pecina was previously arrested for smuggling cocaine in 2009. While speaking with the officer, Pecina began displaying signs of nervous behavior. Pecina consented to a search of the vehicle, and upon searching, the officer located 31 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the door and rear hatch panels of the vehicle. Pecina pled guilty on May 9, 2018.
Pecina was also revoked and sentenced to 30 months for violating the terms of the court imposed supervised release from his 2009 conviction for smuggling 9 kilograms of cocaine. The sentences will run consecutive for a total of 153 months in prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – Keith Lavell Brown, age 46, of Moss Point, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Brown admitted being involved in a conspiracy to bring cocaine to the Mississippi Gulf Coast from 2015 until August, 2017. The conspiracy involved several trips with multiple kilograms of cocaine. On one occasion, in March of 2016, an individual was stopped in Louisiana and, upon arresting the driver, Louisiana State Police located 15 kilograms of cocaine inside his vehicle. During the DEA and FBI’s investigation, they determined that Brown had conspired with the driver and others to have the cocaine brought from Texas to Mississippi.
After the stop in Louisiana, another individual driving an RV was stopped in Mississippi. During the stop, the RV was searched and law enforcement located 10 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside. During the investigation into the second stop, DEA and FBI agents learned that the 10 kilograms of cocaine were supposed to be delivered to Brown and others in Moss Point. Further information and evidence also showed that the cocaine located in the RV was not the driver’s first time to deliver cocaine to Brown. The driver had previously had a successful delivery of 13 kilograms of cocaine to Brown.
Brown will be sentenced on November 7, 2018 by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Louisiana State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Fabeon Ah’Keem Minor, 19, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 8 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Minor was ordered to spend 8 months in a halfway house following release from the Bureau of Prisons. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The case began with the Gulfport Police Department searching a home where Minor was residing, finding two firearms and a stack of cash in the closet of Minor’s room. A loaded revolver with the serial number obliterated was found under Minor’s mattress. In another bedroom, police found distribution amounts of marijuana and five more firearms, including a loaded MK-99 7.62 caliber rifle under the mattress.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work conducted by agents of the ATF and officers of the Gulfport Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to over Nine Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Christopher Bryan Smith, 45, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 109 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. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution to a known victim in the amount of $5,000, a fine in the amount of $5,000, and an additional assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.
An investigation conducted by HSI, the Wiggins Police Department, and the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force resulted in the identification of an internet protocol address belonging to Smith and his use of a computer file sharing program. Thereafter, a federal search warrant was executed in July 2017 at Smith’s Biloxi home. Smith’s 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 Smith 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force, and the Wiggins Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Picayune Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Trafficking Cocaine and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Patrick Johns, 46, of Picayune, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 160 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in Picayune, Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Johns pled guilty on January 11, 2018 to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was part of a five-person indictment against a group of individuals who were distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in the Picayune area. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement purchased cocaine from Johns on two occasions and methamphetamine on two other occasions. Johns was also held accountable as a supplier to one of his co-defendants, Antonio Irwin. Irwin was sentenced on March 30, 2018 to 128 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Re-entry After RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Joaquin Luna-Cijeros, age 27, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to the crime of unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
In May, 2018, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confidential informant identified Luna-Cijeros as an alien who was illegally present in the United States and who had been previously removed. The confidential informant told officials that Luna-Cijeros was working as a kitchen worker at Juan Tequila’s Restaurant in Saucier, Mississippi. Based on this information, HSI began an investigation which revealed that Luna-Cijeros was living in Long Beach, Mississippi, and working in Saucier.
Immigration databases revealed that on or about February 3, 2015, the U.S. Border Patrol had encountered, apprehended, and processed Luna-Cijeros for removal near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Luna-Cijeros was lawfully ordered removed and, on or about February 4, 2015, Luna-Cijeros was verified by federal officials as having been physically removed from the United States pursuant to his removal order. At that time, he was given notice that he could not lawfully re-enter the United States for a minimum of five years, and that an unlawful re-entry could subject him to criminal prosecution.
Luna-Cijeros will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on November 13, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also faces being removed from the United States following the completion of any prison sentence.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Sumrall Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm and Unregistered SilencerRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Asa Jefferson Sanford, Jr., 60, of Sumrall, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, and one count of possessing a firearm 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 ("ATF").
On July 20, 2015, Sanford, a previously convicted felon, came in contact with law enforcement officers which resulted in the obtaining and execution of state search warrants on Sanford’s vehicle and home. State and federal agents seized numerous firearms and ammunition in Sanford’s possession, as well as a silencer that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Sanford will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on October 16, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Conspiracy and Illegal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – William Russell Oswalt, 29, of Hattiesburg, entered guilty pleas yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (heroin) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Oswalt faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy charge and 5 years to life in prison for the firearm charge. He further faces fines of $250,000 and $1 million, along with at least 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 16, 2018, at 9:45 a.m.
On January 4, 2016, the Twelfth Circuit Court Narcotics Enforcement Team made an undercover purchase of heroin. On January 17, 2017, armed with an arrest warrant, law enforcement located Oswalt at a Hattiesburg hotel in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine, digital scales, numerous pills and a loaded firearm. With this information, Agents with the DEA and ATF conducted an investigation of Oswalt that revealed he had been distributing heroin in the Hattiesburg area since 2013. Agents identified his sources in New Orleans, one of whom verified Oswalt purchased quantities of heroin. Other associates admitted they purchased heroin from Oswalt. He was indicted on the federal charges in April 2018.
The Twelfth Circuit Court Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Former Mississippi Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing a Fraudulent Tax Refund ClaimRead the Press Release
A former resident of Durant, Mississippi pleaded guilty today to preparing and filing a fraudulent claim for a tax refund with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Hurst, Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to court documents and information provided in court, from 2005 through 2015, Teresa C. Chism operated tax return preparation businesses in Mississippi named Mo’ Money, MoneyCo USA, and Lady T Taxes . Chism falsified her clients’ returns in different ways in order to increase their tax refunds, including reporting false wages, false self-employment income and expenses, and false education credits. In total, Chism prepared more than 550 false tax returns, seeking over $3.5 million in fraudulent tax refunds. The IRS paid at least $3.2 million in refunds on these bogus claims. Chism also did not file individual tax returns or pay taxes on her own income for 2013-2015, despite earning more than $100,000 during those years.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 8, 2018. Chism faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Robert J. Boudreau and William Montague of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Former Mississippi Return Preparer Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former resident of Durant, Mississippi pleaded guilty today to preparing and filing a fraudulent claim for a tax refund with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Hurst, Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to court documents and information provided in court, from 2005 through 2015, Teresa C. Chism operated tax return preparation businesses in Mississippi named Mo’ Money, MoneyCo USA, and Lady T Taxes . Chism falsified her clients’ returns in different ways in order to increase their tax refunds, including reporting false wages, false self-employment income and expenses, and false education credits. In total, Chism prepared more than 550 false tax returns, seeking over $3.5 million in fraudulent tax refunds. The IRS paid at least $3.2 million in refunds on these bogus claims. Chism also did not file individual tax returns or pay taxes on her own income for 2013-2015, despite earning more than $100,000 during those years.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 8, 2018. Chism faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Hurst commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Robert J. Boudreau and William Montague of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Pharmacy Owner Pleads Guilty as Part of Largest Health Care Fraud Case Ever in MississippiRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Thomas Edward Spell, Jr., 50, of Ridgeland, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a Criminal Information outlining his role in a more than $240 million dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving our nation’s military, veterans, and their respective family members, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, IRS-Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman, III, and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Southeast Field Office.
Spell’s case is part of the largest health care fraud scheme ever investigated and prosecuted in the State of Mississippi. The investigation is ongoing and prosecutions are continuing nationwide, including in states such as California, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Connecticut. Spell will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on October 16, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.
"Ripping off our veterans and members of the military is despicable, and that is exactly what this defendant and others have done by defrauding TRICARE and the American taxpayer. Rest assured that we will hunt down all those who commit this type of fraud and we will not stop until such criminals are brought to justice. I want to thank the agents, AUSAs, DOJ trial attorneys, and our other law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this far-reaching scheme. This fraudulent activity has gone on for far too long, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to enforce our federal laws and clean up crime and corruption throughout our state," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"Spell’s guilty plea today proves that the scheme to defraud TRICARE, and the taxpayers who fund its services, operated throughout the highest professional levels in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Without the participation of those individuals in executive and decision-making positions, these schemes would often not materialize and/or profit those involved," stated Thomas J. Holloman, III, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS – CI. "Thomas Spell was a leader and organizer in this far-reaching fraud and his guilty plea today is a win for all taxpayers. The special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation will continue to seek justice on behalf of this nation’s taxpayers, and will pursue the prosecution of wrong doers at the highest levels of these criminal organizations."
"This guilty plea, resulting from the aggressive and tireless efforts of DCIS special agents, was part of a complex and widespread investigation with other law enforcement partners that brought to justice numerous defendants who believed they could get away with scheming to fleece the Department of Defense of hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars," said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. "Fraud and corruption in TRICARE, the Pentagon’s health care program, especially involving deceptive practices with prescription medications, is far from a ‘victimless’ crime. As a pharmacist who was entrusted with providing safe, effective medications, this defendant selfishly put greed and personal gain before the safety and well-being of our military members, combat veterans, and retirees, who deserve the best medications and care available."
From approximately August 2014 through January 2016, Spell owned and operated a pharmacy in Madison County, Mississippi, and several other pharmacies across the United States. During this time, Spell and other co-conspirators marketed compounded medications at his pharmacies. Rather than formulating compounded medications based on the individualized needs of patients, formulas were selected to maximize profit based upon reimbursements fromTRICARE and other health care benefit programs.
At the direction of Spell and his co-conspirators, Spell’s pharmacies submitted fraudulent claims to TRICARE and other health care benefit programs. The result was that TRICARE reimbursed Spell’s pharmacies on these fraudulent claims totaling over $243 million.
In order to further their scheme, Spell and his co-conspirators waived TRICARE’s requirement that a beneficiary make a copayment to receive medicine. Instead, Spell and his co-conspirators had their employees purchase prepaid debit cards and money orders to use towards a copayment for a beneficiary, with Spell and his co-conspirators reimbursing their employees. Additionally, Spell and his co-conspirators paid kickbacks and bribes to marketers in order to obtain prescriptions for compounded medications from prescribers for beneficiaries who were covered by the most lucrative health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, irrespective of whether the compounded medications were medically necessary for the treatment of beneficiaries.
As a result of this fraudulent activity, Spell personally obtained over $29 million in proceeds from the illegal scheme. Spell used these proceeds to fund bank accounts and investment accounts in his name, in the name of familymembers, and in the name of various business entities. Spell also used these proceeds to lend money and to purchase vehicles, boats, and property. The United States is seeking forfeiture of these assets listed in the Information.
This case has been designated as a related prosecution to cases charged earlier this year in the Southern District of Mississippi. Silas K. Richmond, II, a licensed pharmacist and marketer, pled guilty on July 18, 2018, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud regarding a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, of more than $545,000. To date, a total of 11 people have been charged and 8 convicted in the compounding pharmacy scheme in the Southern District of Mississippi.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall and U.S. Department of Justice trial attorneys Katherine Payerle and Sean Welsh of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section.
Vancleave Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marcus Shanord Reddix, 35, of Vancleave, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Vancleave, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On January 11, 2017, Reddix sold methamphetamine to a confidential source from his home on the "Hill" in Van Cleave, Mississippi. Reddix had been distributing methamphetamine and cocaine from that locale for several years and law enforcement was able to make several purchases of methamphetamine from him. His sentence was reflective of his prior criminal history and his position in the organization.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Prisoner Pleads Guilty to Intentionally Assaulting Two Victims with a Deadly WeaponRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Valentino Gonzalez, 31, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to two counts of intentional assault with a deadly weapon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
In 2005, Valentino Gonzalez was sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to murder. He is presently serving that sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
In September 2017, Gonzalez lured another inmate into his prison cell. Gonzalez intended to physically harm the other inmate. Moments later, the lured inmate—and intended victim—fled, running away from Gonzalez’s cell. Armed with a shank, Gonzalez pursued his intended victim. Ultimately, he caught the victim and stabbed him repeatedly with the long, metal shank. When a correctional officer attempted to intervene, Gonzalez stabbed the officer in the hand. Both victims sustained serious injuries.
Gonzalez will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Daniel P. Jordan III on November 9, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Section.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost 8 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Willie Tyrone Lott, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Barbour to 94 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. He was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine. Lott pled guilty before Judge Barbour on May 8, 2018.
The case arose when the Jackson Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Lott’s vehicle on July 6, 2017. During the stop, it was discovered that Lott had outstanding warrants and he was placed under arrest. Incident to arrest, the police discovered hydrocodone, MDMA, and an AM-15, Caliber .223 rifle. The rifle had been reported stolen to the Jackson Police Department.
As a convicted felon, Lott was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. He was previously convicted of robbery, a state felony, in Madison County Circuit Court.
Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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. 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.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Ocean Springs Woman Sentenced for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Robyn Paige Kisling, 46, of Ocean Springs, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 43 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin in Ocean Springs, 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.
Kisling pled guilty on February 15, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin. On April 19, 2016, she sold an ounce of heroin to an individual acting in an undercover capacity in a parking lot in Ocean Springs.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie
Laurel Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Jack Benny Hales, 30, of Laurel, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, Jr. to 157 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Hales was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
On January 23, 2018, Hales delivered over 50 grams of 94% pure methamphetamine to a cooperating source in Gulfport, Mississippi. Prior to successfully delivering the methamphetamine, HSI agents learned of Hales’s location. Agents went to the location and blocked Hales’s car in the parking lot. While arresting Hales, agents found the methamphetamine in a bag in his car.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Van Cleave Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - Terry Lee Reddix, 43, of Vancleave, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 360 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Vancleave, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On May 23, 2016, Terry Lee Reddix sold methamphetamine to a confidential source from his home on the "Hill" in Van Cleave, Mississippi. Reddix had been distributing methamphetamine from that locale for several years and law enforcement was able to make several purchases of methamphetamine from him. His sentence was reflective of his prior criminal history and the extensive organization he ran from the Hill.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Gulfport Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Dannell Elanta Thompson, 37, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 48 months in federal prison followed by five 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 ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Thompson pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on April 30, 2018. The case arose when the Gulfport Police Department executed a search warrant on Thompson’s residence after Thompson sold methamphetamine to an informant. During the search, the police discovered marijuana, methamphetamine, a loaded Ruger LCP .380 pistol, and a Savage Arms Mark II .22 caliber rifle. Both of the firearms had been reported stolen to the Gulfport Police Department.
As a convicted felon, Thompson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. He was previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance, a state felony, in Harrison County Circuit Court.
The case was investigated by the Gulfport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Emily Nobile.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine and Crack ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – L.C. Hatfield, Jr., 43, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to his role in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine base ("crack") and more than 500 grams of a detectible amount of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.
In October and November 2015, Hatfield was responsible for distributing cocaine and crack to individuals out of a residence located in Jackson. The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Rock Bottom", which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of cocaine, crack and methamphetamine.
Hatfield will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on October 26, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from: Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, Flowood Police Department, Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Eric Jameson Graham, 39, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to the maximum 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On October 4, 2017, an informant advised agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Graham sold an SKS rifle to a known felon. On October 5, 2017, Agents obtained a search warrant for the home Graham shared with his codefendant Erin Woods, where they found marijuana, methamphetamine, and 21 firearms. The firearms were stolen from Woods’ father, a collector. Graham had a prior felony conviction for grand larceny and therefore is prohibited from possessing any firearm.
Co-defendant Woods previously pled guilty in federal court, before Judge Guirola on April 25, 2018, to being a user of controlled substances illegally possessing a firearm. Woods was sentenced on July 25, 2018 to the maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for that crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
U.S. Attorney’s Office and Law Enforcement Partners to Hold Town Hall Meetings in Jackson to Discuss and Solicit Feedback on Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – The United States Attorney’s Office, along with its law enforcement partners, will hold several town hall meetings throughout the City of Jackson over the next several weeks to discuss Project EJECT and solicit input from the community, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together."
As part of the awareness component under Project EJECT, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to engaging with the communities of Jackson and not only explaining the good work that law enforcement is doing to combat crime but also soliciting input, suggestions and feedback from citizens directly in order to ensure the work of Project EJECT is positive and has a long-lasting impact.
"In order to effectively combat crime in Jackson, we must raise awareness in our communities to the work we are doing under Project EJECT and solicit input and feedback about our work from our fellow citizens. Law-abiding people of the metro area vastly outnumber the criminals, and by working and partnering together, we can do so much more to clean up our Capitol City for all Mississippians and future generations," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Town hall meetings will be held on the following dates, from 6-7 p.m.:
August 6 – Sykes Park Gymnasium - 520 Sykes Road, Jackson
August 9 – Greater Bethlehem Temple - 1505 Robinson Street, Jackson
August 16 – First Baptist Church Jackson - 431 N. State Street, Jackson
August 20 – Broadmeadow United Methodist Church - 4419 Broadmeadow St, Jackson
August 27 – New Horizon Church - 1770 Ellis Avenue
August 28 – Medgar Evers Library - 4215 Medgar Evers Boulevard
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is currently working on scheduling dates for additional locations in other areas of Jackson in the very near future.
Project EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. 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. 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.
Since announcing Project EJECT in December 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Jackson Police Department, and agents and task force officers from various federal and state law enforcement agencies, have indicted over 70 individuals for federal crimes ranging from carjacking to illegally possessing firearms to business robberies to drugs. Of those individuals whom have been arrested and are being prosecuted, approximately 97% have been detained while awaiting trial. For those whom have been convicted and sentenced, the average sentence thus far for crimes prosecuted under Project EJECT is over 6 years in federal prison.
Illegal Aliens Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Reentering United States as Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Alfredo Pavon-Carranza, 28, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to unlawfully re-entering the United States after having been removed previously as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Gregory A. Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. Pavon-Carranza is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on November 8, 2018. He faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine.
On April 30, 2018, the U.S. Border Patrol received a phone call from a concerned citizen regarding a previously removed alien. The caller stated Alfredo Pavon-Carranza had returned to his residence in Biloxi, Mississippi, and had allegedly made a threat against a neighbor. A Biloxi Police Department “Be On the Look-out” Bulletin and Department of Homeland Security records checks corroborated the caller. Subsequent surveillance confirmed Pavon-Carranza’s address and he was arrested.
On September 13, 2017, a U.S. Immigration Judge in Oakdale, Louisiana, had ordered Pavon-Carranza removed from the United States. Pursuant to the judge’s order, Pavon-Carranza departed the United States on October 3, 2017. Pavon-Carranza had been convicted of a felony offense before his removal from the United States. Specifically, on April 4, 2008, Pavon-Carranza was convicted of Aggravated Assault, and was sentenced to five years in state prison.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the City of Biloxi Police Department and the United States Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Rankin County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Leon Brown, 51, of Rankin County, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release and a $1,500 fine, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.
This case is the result of an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed "Rock Bottom," which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the central Mississippi area. During the investigation, agents intercepted telephone calls wherein Brown was distributing kilogram amounts of cocaine. Based on his role in the conspiracy, Brown was responsible for as much as 15 kilograms of cocaine.
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 the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from: the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Ridgeland Police Department, the Jackson Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Brandon Police Department, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the Pearl Police Department, the Flowood Police Department, the Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Antonio Michael Ross, 49, of Biloxi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in D’Iberville, 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. Ross pled guilty on February 5, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On March 31, 2017, Ross approached a safety checkpoint in D’Iberville. As he approached the checkpoint, he took evasive action, which was observed by police officers. As a result, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Ross did not immediately stop his vehicle, sped up and ran a stop sign. As he was fleeing, he threw a bag out of the vehicle which later was discovered to contain over 100 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Moss Point Man Arrested After Bringing Gun to Police Station Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Firearm by a Drug UserRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Kevin Lamarcus Mitchell, 20, of Moss Point, pled guilty yesterday, before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to being an unlawful user of controlled substances 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 (ATF).
Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on October 16, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.The case arose on April 6, 2018, when 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. 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. Kevin Mitchell admitted in an interview that he smoked marijuana regularly. Kevin Mitchell admitted to a friend in a recorded jail call that he brought the gun to the police station.
The Pascagoula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Gulfport Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Erin Woods a/k/a Erin Graham, 34 of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to the maximum 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a user of controlled substances in possession of a firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Woods was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The case began with the Bureau of ATF getting reports of a felon selling firearms and possessing hand grenades. The report led to the October 5, 2017, search of the Gulfport home of Erin Woods and two other individuals, one of whom was Woods’ boyfriend and a convicted felon. Twenty-one firearms stolen from Woods’ father and methamphetamine were seized in the search. Woods, who had no prior felony convictions, admitted she had regularly consumed crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the incredible work conducted by ATF agents to track down and recover the numerous stolen firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Biloxi Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Conspiracy on Second Day of TrialRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Donald Eric McRoy, 53, of Biloxi, pled guilty yesterday, on the second day of his trial before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On four separate occasions in 2016, McRoy sold, directly or indirectly, quantities of heroin to an individual acting in an undercover capacity. The investigation also revealed that McRoy was obtaining large quantities of heroin from a dealer in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
McRoy will be sentenced on November 2, 2018 by Judge Ozerden and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jose Luis Solorio Morales, 27, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to his role in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a detectable amount of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.
Solorio Morales admitted to assisting in the conversion of approximately 30 pounds of liquid methamphetamine on or about December 28, 2017. The liquid methamphetamine was stored and converted in a home located in Jackson, Mississippi.
Solorio Morales will be sentenced by Judge Bramlette on October 2, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison followed by a $10,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Former Gulfport Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – Gregory A. Mclin, 45, a former Gulfport resident who now resides in Huntsville, Alabama, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to one count of knowingly possessing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
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 Gregory A. Mclin and his use of a computer file sharing program. In November 2016, a federal search warrant was executed at Mclin’s Gulfport 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.
Gregory A. Mclin will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on October 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force, and the Wiggins Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones
Two Drivers Sentenced for Human Smuggling Four Passengers Sentenced for Illegally Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Ever Anibal Silva-Escobar, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, to 27 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, 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.
Additionally, one of Silva-Escobar’s passengers, Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced on Thursday, July 19, 2018, to 5 months and 19 days imprisonment. Rojas-Baten was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden for her violation of being an alien who illegally returned to the United States after having been lawfully removed. Rojas-Baten previously pled guilty on April 30, 2018. Silva-Escobar and Rojas-Baten both were sentenced to 1 year of supervised release following their imprisonment. Silva-Escobar was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
On January 30, 2018, two Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies, working together, but in separate patrol vehicles, conducted traffic stops of two Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that were traveling together. Silva-Escobar was the driver of one of the SUVs and Kenneth Samuel Hernandez-Valdez, also known as Kenneth Hernandez, was the driver of the other SUV. The U.S. Border Patrol was contacted and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter.
Neither of the drivers had a valid driver’s license, and both were in the United States illegally. Each vehicle contained eight passengers who also were found to be illegal aliens. The SUVs each contained a total of nine occupants even though each vehicle only had seat belts for eight occupants. All eighteen occupants of both vehicles were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport, MS.
Silva-Escobar and Hernandez-Valdez, confirmed that they knew their passengers were illegal aliens, and the evidence showed that they were being paid to transport the aliens from Texas. On April 3, 2018, Hernandez-Valdez also pled guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens Within the United States, and he was sentenced on June 27, 2018, to 27 months in federal prison and 2 years of supervised release upon completion of his sentence.
Further, three other passengers, Pedro Lopez-Alvarez a/k/a Pedro Lopez Alvarez a/k/a Pedro Alvarez-Baten, a citizen of Guatemala; Silvano Doroteo Morales-Ventura a/k/a Silvano Morales Ventura, a citizen of Mexico; and Wilmer Antonio Rubi-Padilla a/k/a Wilmer Rubi Padilla, a citizen of Honduras, were sentenced on July 3, 2018, for Unlawfully Returning to the U.S. After Removal. The three men were sentenced by Judge Guirola to terms ranging from just over 5 months to 6 months in prison. Each of the men had been convicted after pleading guilty on April 10, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Cornelius Javon Massey, 20, of Pascagoula, entered a guilty plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden for being an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Massey faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for November 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.
The case arose when officers with the Pascagoula Police Department pulled over a car with four people for a traffic violation. Once stopped and windows down, the Officer noticed a .223 caliber rifle with a large magazine laying in the rear floorboard. While asking for proof of insurance, the officer noticed a handgun in the glove compartment. 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.
Pascagoula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The case is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kevin Ashley Wells, a/k/a "Big 50," 37, of Philadelphia, pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting 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. The case is the result of an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) 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.
Wells will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on October 24, 2018, at 9:30, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
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.
This OCDETF 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, United States Attorney=s Office Southern
District of Mississippi and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Michael Gene Rushing, 58, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to 210 months to serve, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing child pornography and possession of child pornography, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
Sometime before August 30, 2017, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office (AG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had been investigating Wholesale Auto Parts, located at 950 S. Gallatin Street in Jackson, for trading prescription narcotics for heroin with nurses. Periodic surveillance and other investigations revealed that Michael Gene Rushing had also been trading illicit drugs for sex with juveniles.
On August 30, 2017, state officers and federal agents executed a state search warrant at the Wholesale Auto Parts where agents seized electronic devices and illicit drugs. The forensic examination conducted on the devices revealed the presence of videos and images of child pornography. Michael Gene Rushing had been video recording himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor as young as 13 years at the business on numerous occasions.
"These criminal actions are some of the most despicable and heinous crimes in our society. We will marshal all of the resources and power of all levels of law enforcement to make sure individuals like this Defendant who prey upon our young people are not only brought to justice but also severely punished for harming our children," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"Child exploitation is a debilitating and degrading crime that has no place in our society," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Freeze. "In our ongoing mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States, the preservation of minors' rights and safety is of utmost importance to the FBI. This successful prosecution is a direct result of the strong partnerships between the FBI, U.S. Attorney's Office, Mississippi Attorney General's Office, DEA and Rankin County Sheriff's Office."
“This is a sick man, and I thank Judge Lee for placing him as far away from other children as possible,” said Attorney General Jim Hood. “It took the work of many agencies to get this pervert behind bars, and I thank them all for their dedication to protecting the lives of Mississippi’s children.”
A restitution hearing for this case will be held before Judge Lee in Jackson on August 30, 2018.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division's Child Exploitation Task Force, which is made up of agents from the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, and officers from the Prentiss County Sheriff's Office. The DEA, MBN and Rankin County Sheriff's Office also assisted with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes.
Seventh Mississippi Real Estate Investor Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Rig Bids at Public Foreclosure AuctionsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Mississippi real estate investor Kimberly Foster became the seventh real estate investor to plead guilty in connection with the ongoing investigation into bid rigging at public real estate foreclosure auctions in Mississippi, the Department of Justice announced.
Felony charges against Foster were filed on June 28, 2018, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. According to those charges, from at least as early as August 20, 2009 through at least as late as December 14, 2016, Kimberly Foster conspired with others not to bid against one another for selected public real estate foreclosure auctions in the Southern District of Mississippi. Co-conspirators made and received payoffs in exchange for their agreement not to bid.
“The Division remains committed to holding accountable those who violate the antitrust laws, including real estate investors who take advantage of financial distress to line their own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division. “Today’s plea, along with the convictions of well over 100 other individuals who rigged foreclosure auctions all across the country, demonstrates that individual accountability remains a top priority for the Division.”
“Participation in illegal price-fixing at public auctions debilitates the economy and causes harm to those involved in the foreclosure process,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI in Mississippi. “Perpetrators who attempt to cheat the free market system will be held accountable for their actions.”
The Department stated that the primary purpose of the conspiracy was to suppress and restrain competition in order to obtain selected real estate offered at public foreclosure auctions at non-competitive prices. When real estate properties are sold at these auctions, the proceeds are used to pay off the mortgage and other debt attached to the property, with any remaining proceeds paid to the homeowner. According to court documents, these conspirators paid and received money in connection with their agreement to suppress competition, which artificially lowered the price paid at auction for such homes.
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 www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Mississippi Certified Public Accountant Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 27, which was unsealed today, charging Hattiesburg, Mississippi certified public accountant Carl Nicholson with one count of conspiring to defraud the United States, four counts of filing false tax returns, and six counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.
According to the indictment, Nicholson was a CPA doing business in Forest County, Mississippi. From 2012 to 2015, Nicholson is alleged to have conspired with a local attorney, who was a client of Nicholson, to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by falsely classifying the attorney’s personal expenses as deductible business expenses and filing false tax returns on the attorney’s behalf. On one occasion, Nicholson is alleged to have directed that a $250,000 payment to one of the attorney’s personal trusts be classified as a business expense. The indictment also alleges that Nicholson falsified his own tax returns for a four-year period by claiming bogus business expenses.
"Those who personally defraud taxpayers and help others to do the same for personal profit will face swift and certain justice in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst. “I commend our agents and state investigators for their tenacity and their unflinching manner in following the evidence wherever it led and bringing this defendant to justice. Mr. Nicholson has skirted the law for too long, and today’s indictment proves that no one can hide from justice.”
If convicted, Nicholson faces a maximum of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and three years for each charge of filing false tax returns and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. He also faces supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and United States Attorney Hurst thanked special agents of Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and investigators with the Mississippi Auditor’s Office, who investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Jay Golden and Fred Harper, as well at Trial Attorney Nathan Brooks, who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Almost 6 Years in Federal Prison under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jermaine Lockett, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to 70 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Lockett was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,520.
On December 17, 2017, officers with the Jackson Police Department were on patrol in the area of East Frontage Road and Canton Mart Road. An officer observed a vehicle driving erratically in the area and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and instead increased speed and fled. The vehicle hit another vehicle before coming to a stop. Lockett ran from the vehicle and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. A firearm was also recovered from the vehicle. Lockett was arrested and charged.
On March 30, 2018, a criminal information was filed charging Lockett on two counts – being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He had been previously convicted of felony evasion and possession of stolen property on April 7, 2011, in Madison County Circuit Court, and being a felon in possession of a firearm on November 6, 2008, in Hinds County Circuit Court.
Lockett pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl on April 19, 2018.
Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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. 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. AUSA Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Multiple DrugsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Ance Payton, 42, of Jackson, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee, to possessing several illegal drugs with the intent to distribute them, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
In 2017, the Jackson Police Department received several complaints from Crime Stoppers and concerned citizens about a home on Plantation Boulevard in Jackson, Mississippi. Law enforcement began an investigation that included physical surveillance. During that time, they saw hand-to-hand transactions and other indicators of drug dealing. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant. When executing that warrant, investigators 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.
In their search, detectives recovered a revolver, which Payton illegally possessed. They also found evidence of illegal dog fighting, including twelve pit bulls.
Payton will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Tom S. Lee on October 18, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $1,250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Willie Joe Mason, 43, of Memphis, Tennessee, pled guilty today before Senior United States District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr. for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
On June 27, 2017, agents served a federal arrest warrant on a co-defendant for outstanding federal drug charges and Mason was found in the home in Jackson. Following a search of the home, Mason was found to be in possession of approximately 7 kilograms of cocaine.
On September 7, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Mason for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of more of cocaine hydrochloride.
Mason will be sentenced by Judge Barbour on October 16, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
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 OCDETF operation was a joint investigation by the United States Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from US 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.
Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Trisha Lynne Ibarra, 24, of Texas, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram of heroin and 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Field Office.
On January 22, 2018, a Rankin County Sheriff Deputy conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle. Ibarra was the registered owner of the vehicle and seated in the passenger seat. Ibarra and the driver gave conflicting statements to the officer for their reason for travel and their final destination. A consensual search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 4 kilograms of heroin and 16 kilograms of methamphetamine from the vehicle’s fuel tank.
Ibarra will be sentenced by Judge Barbour on October 16, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was a joint investigation by the Rankin County Sherriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Jackson office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley
Laurel Man Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Jamie Wheat, 42, of Laurel, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 188 months in federal prison, followed by seven years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith. Wheat was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
During a traffic stop on May 1, 2017, Wheat was found to be in possession of 446.24 grams of methamphetamine. As part of an ongoing investigation by the DEA, agents learned that Wheat was traveling to deliver the methamphetamine to his co-defendants, Dexter Jones and Mitchell Jones. Wheat pled guilty to the federal charge on March 29, 2018.
Mitchell Jones pled guilty before Judge Starrett on March 29, 2018, and will be sentenced on August 21, 2018. Dexter Jones pled guilty before Judge Starrett on April 5, 2018, and will be sentenced on September 6, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
California Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Vincente Manuel Ruiz, 37, of Modesto, California, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith. Ruiz was also ordered to pay a $4,000.00 fine.
Ruiz conspired to possess with intent to distribute heroin from August 2017 through December 13, 2017. The investigation into Ruiz started after agents with the DEA executed a search warrant at Jermaine Newell’s property in Soso, Mississippi. Agents located 951 grams of heroin in Newell’s possession. After Newell’s arrest, agents learned that he received the heroin from Ruiz. Agents had recorded phone calls in which Ruiz was heard discussing the heroin and set up a meeting to further the conspiracy. After the arrest of Ruiz, agents located two cell phones that showed Newell had previously sent packages of money to Ruiz in California.
On May 10, 2018, Newell was also sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his involvement in the heroin conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Ellisville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Biloxi Felon Sentenced to over 9 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Charles Nevotney Bolton, 33, of Biloxi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 110 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On March 13, 2017, Bolton sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Afterwards, on March 14, 2017, officers with the Biloxi Police Department obtained a search warrant for his home where they found marijuana, methamphetamine, and a handgun. Bolton has multiple felony convictions dating back to 2005.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
ATF Undercover Operation Leads to Hattiesburg Guilty PleasRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Santoria L. French, 41, of Hattiesburg, and Lemont Antoine Jackson, 37, of Jackson, each entered guilty pleas to felony charges yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
French entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Jackson, a three time convicted felon, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jackson transported from the City of Jackson to Hattiesburg a Yugoslavian 7.62 caliber rifle with two 30 round magazines which he sold an undercover agent for $530 on May 25, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms conducted an undercover operation in Hattiesburg during 2016-2017 targeting persons selling illegal narcotics and firearms. French, who had no prior felony convictions, sold a confidential informant cocaine and firearms on at least 12 different occasions between October 17, 2016, and February 9, 2017. Agents were also able to identify and purchase narcotics from French’s supplier Thomas Michael Jordan, a/k/a "Big Mike," who entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge in June 2018.
French will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on October 2, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Jackson will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on September 18, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Three Illegal Aliens Sentenced for Unlawfully Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Three illegal aliens, who were arrested while being transported in the same human smuggling operation, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. for unlawful return after removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Chief Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
The defendants pled guilty to the charges on April 10, 2018.
Pedro Lopez-Alvarez a/k/a Pedro Lopez Alvarez a/k/a Pedro Alvarez-Baten, 23, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was sentenced to 5 months and 3 days in federal prison.
Silvano Doroteo Morales-Ventura a/k/a Silvano Morales Ventura, 23, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced to 5 months amd 3 days in federal prison.
Wilmer Antonio Rubi-Padilla a/k/a Wilmer Rubi Padilla, 27, an illegal alien from Honduras, was sentenced to 6 months in in federal prison.
On January 30, 2018, two Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies, working together, but in separate patrol vehicles, conducted traffic stops of two Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that were traveling together. The U.S. Border Patrol was contacted and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Both drivers of the SUVs were found to be in the United States illegally and each vehicle contained eight passengers who also were illegal aliens. All eighteen occupants of both vehicles were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport, MS. Three of the passengers were the defendants sentenced today.
Each of the defendants was sentenced to one year of supervised release during which time each could face additional penalties if he were to unlawfully return to the United States, in addition to any other penalty. Each also will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. As a result of this felony conviction, if any of the three defendants were to unlawfully return again to the United States, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Three Illegal Aliens Sentenced for Unlawfully Re-Entering United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Three illegal aliens, who were arrested while being transported in the same human smuggling operation, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. for unlawful return after removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Chief Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Domingo Lopez-Lopez, age 25, an illegal alien from Mexico; Victor Manuel Polanco-Aguilar, age 23, an illegal alien from Guatemala; and Carlos Vazquez-Hernandez a/k/a Carlos Vasquez-Hernandez, age 21, also an illegal alien from Guatemala, were each sentenced to 5 months in federal prison. Each of the men had been convicted after pleading guilty before Judge Guirola on April 10, 2018.
On February 6, 2018, a U.S. Border Patrol agent conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), displaying a Georgia license plate on Interstate 10, east bound, in Harrison County. The agent encountered the driver, Carlos Manuel Legra-Ramirez, age 43, a citizen of Cuba and a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States living in Georgia. After interviewing the passengers in the vehicle, all claimed to be citizens and nationals of other countries illegally present in the United States. The driver, all passengers, and the vehicle were arrested and transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station. Agents determined that the passengers were being transported from Texas to Florida and Georgia, and that three defendants sentenced today had been removed from the United States and had unlawfully returned.
On June 1, 2018, Legra-Ramirez, pled guilty to the crime of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on September 7, 2018. Legra-Ramirez faces a potential maximum 10 years imprisonment, not more than 3 years supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and special assessments that could total $5,100. He also will be subject to immigration removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.
Two Members of Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Plead Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jerome Steve, 33, and Keenan Martin, 26, both of Philadelphia and members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, entered guilty pleas today before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to second degree murder, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
The murder took place in the early morning hours of November 2, 2018, in the Tucker Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians near Philadelphia.
The defendants will be sentenced on October 10, 2018. The each face a possible statutory sentence of life in prison and fine of $250,000.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Patrick Lemon, Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Payne. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department.