Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Meridian Men Indicted for Killing a Witness and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Aubrey Maurice Jordan, 26, Monroe L. Hughes, III a/k/a "Roe," 39, and Cortez Lakeith Byrd a/k/a Byrd, 26, all of Meridian, were recently indicted and charged with witness tampering resulting in death, drug trafficking and conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge, J. Derryle Smith, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols.
Aubrey Maurice Jordan and Cortez Lakeith Byrd had their initial appearance and arraignments Friday before U.S. Magistrate Linda R. Anderson. Monroe L. Hughes, III, is scheduled to have his initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Linda R. Anderson on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.
On or about March 10, 2018, a confidential source for the East Mississippi Drug Task Force was shot in the back of the neck. The confidential source had previously participated in controlled buys on or about September 21, 2017, and on or about October 9, 2017, involving Monroe L. Hughes, III and Cortez Lakeith Byrd.
In Count 1, Monroe Hughes and Cortez Byrd are charged with conspiracy to possess 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. In Count 2, Hughes is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. In Count 3, Hughes and Byrd are charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. In Counts 5 and 7, Aubrey Jordan is charged with tampering with and retaliating against witness by killing, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison or imprisonment for any term of years. All men are charged in Counts 4 and 6 with conspiracy to tamper with and retaliate against a witness, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison or imprisonment for any term of years.
This case is set for trial on September 4, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves.
The public is reminded that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendants are each presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is the result of an investigation by the East Mississippi Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Meridian Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Jackson Man Indicted for Distributing and Illegally Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Kelvin Roy Thompson a/k/a "HOT" a/k/a "OLD SCHOOL," 59, of Jackson, was recently indicted and had his initial appearance and arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Linda R. Anderson for distributing and illegally possessing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director John Dowdy, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols.
Thompson is being charged with two counts of distributing at least 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, which carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. Thompson is also charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute at least 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, which also carries a maximum penalty 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
Thompson will make his initial appearance in court this afternoon for his arraignment at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrite Judge Linda R. Anderson. His case is set for trial before the Honorable District Judge David C. Bramlette III.
The public is reminded that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is the result of an investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jackson Police Department and Ridgeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Marco Antonio Munguia, Jr., 43, of Arizona, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On May 25, 2017, Meridian Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle. Munguia was the registered owner of the vehicle and seated in the passenger seat. The officer noticed that the passenger airbag comportment had been modified. A consensual search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.5 pounds of heroin and 1.25 pounds of methamphetamine from the hidden compartment. Munguia’s fingerprints were confirmed on that package containing the methamphetamine and heroin.
Munguia will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on September 24, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison followed by a $10 million fine.
The case was a joint investigation by the Meridian Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Kenneth Samuel Hernandez-Valdez a/k/a Kenneth Hernandez, 18, an illegal alien from Honduras, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 27 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release, for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
As a result of this felony conviction, Hernandez-Valdez will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings upon the completion of his prison sentence. Hernandez-Valdez pled guilty on April 3, 2018, to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens with the United States.
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. Hernandez-Valdez was the driver of one of the SUVs and Ever Anibal Silva-Escobar 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 found to be 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.
On April 12, 2018, Silva-Escobar pled guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17, 2018.
Four of the passengers in the SUVs have pled guilty to unlawful re-entry by an alien after deportation or removal: Pedro Lopez-Alvarez, a/k/a Pedro Alvarez-Baten, 21, an illegal alien from Guatemala; Silvano Doroteo Morales-Ventura, 23, an illegal alien from Mexico; Wilmer Antonio Rubi-Padilla, 25, an illegal alien from Honduras, and Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, 19, an illegal alien from Guatemala.
Lopez-Alvarez, Morales-Ventura and Rubi-Padilla are scheduled to be sentenced on July 3, 2018, and Rojas-Baten is scheduled to be sentenced on August 2, 2018. Each of the four aliens who unlawfully returned after removal faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. All of the defendants will be subject to Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings upon the completion of their sentences.
The case was investigated 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.
Hattiesburg Couples’ Civil Lawsuit Against FBI and IRS Chiefs DismissedRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Two lawsuits filed by former Forest County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Charles Bolton and his wife, Linda Bolton, against the head of FBI’s Mississippi Field Office and the former head of the IRS’s Criminal Investigative Division for Mississippi have been dismissed by United States District Judge Keith Starrett.
The Boltons, both convicted of federal tax-related charges in 2016, alleged in their lawsuits that in April 2017, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze and former IRS Special Agent in Charge Jerome McDuffie made slanderous statements about them while appearing on a WDAM televised news program. According to the Boltons, both officials misrepresented as fact that the Boltons had stolen food from the Forrest County Jail and diverted it into their personal business. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi asked the Court to substitute the United States for the individual defendants and to then dismiss the actions for lack of jurisdiction.
In granting the United States’ requests, Judge Starrett noted that, in September 2016, the Boltons were convicted in his court of federal tax-related crimes and that in March 2017, they were sentenced to prison and ordered to pay fines and restitution. Judge Starrett also noted that as part of the sentencing he considered other relevant conduct of the Boltons, which included evidence that they had stolen food from the Forrest County Jail, used it in their catering and restaurant business, and failed to pay taxes on the value of the stolen food. Judge Starrett found that the alleged slanderous statements attributed to SAC Freeze and former SAC McDuffie were made while they were acting within the course and scope of their employment as federal law enforcement officials and, consequently, the Boltons’ exclusive remedy was an action against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act. He also found that, because the Boltons had not presented their slander claims to either the FBI or the IRS prior to filing suit as required by the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Court lacked jurisdiction over those claims.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Graben who represented SAC Freeze and former SAC McDuffie.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Out to Local Youth Under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi is kicking off the prevention piece of Project EJECT with various speaking engagements, interactions and engaging dialogue with our local youth, beginning with the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson at 4350 Raymond Road, on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 11:15 a.m.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue its prevention work under Project EJECT, speaking to the local youth in Jackson, on the following dates and locations:
• July 23, 2018, Boys and Girls Club of Jackson, 1450 W. Capitol Street
• July 26, 2018, Boys and Girls Club of Jackson, 470 Sykes Road
As a part of its prevention efforts under Project EJECT, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing the school outreach program started by former U.S. Attorney Greg Davis entitled the L.E.A.D. Program ("Legal Enrichment and Decision Making"). The L.E.A.D. program is an effort to educate and inform students about the value of an education, the relationship between education and their future, as well as the long term consequences of gun violence and criminal activity. Under Project EJECT, the L.E.A.D. Program will provide students with a roadmap to success through setting goals, staying focused, avoiding negative influences, giving back to the community, and bouncing back after disappointment.
"Prosecuting crime alone is not enough. We must do everything we can to prevent crime before it happens. And one way to prevent crime is to reach out to our young people and let them know we care about them, that there is hope and there are much better alternatives to crime. I want to thank former U.S. Attorney Greg Davis for developing the L.E.A.D. program and for his work with the youth. I think it is only fitting that we begin our prevention work where former U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton poured a lot of his time and resources into – the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson. The foundations set by these men and many others have laid the groundwork for being able to make our communities and citizens in Jackson and throughout the state safer and more secure," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office expects to reach over 400 students in the metro area during the Summer of 2018. The L.E.A.D. program will continue into the school year as well.
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 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.
Three Jackson Men Sentenced under Project EJECT for Business Robbery and Illegally Discharging a Firearm During RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Willie Evans, Gino Banks, and Devonta Jimmerson, all of Jackson, were sentenced yesterday before United States Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III for the robbery of a local Jackson convenience store and illegal discharge of a firearm during said robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Evans was sentenced to serve 40 months for the robbery and 120 months for illegally discharging a firearm to run consecutive to the robbery for a total sentence of 160 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Banks was sentenced to 15 months for the robbery and 120 months for discharging a firearm to run consecutive for a total sentence of 135 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Jimmerson, the getaway driver, was sentenced to 70 months for the robbery, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On January 14, 2016, Devonta Jimmerson entered the store and conducted a surveillance of the Stop and Shop store located on Beasley Road and informed the other defendants of the store conditions and whether theywould be able to access the register and the store clerk. After receiving the report from Jimmerson, Banks and Ellis entered the Stop and Shop store dressed in dark clothing. They assaulted the clerk, demanded money, and fired several shots at the store safe in an attempt to open it. The suspects fled the store and were met by Jimmerson who drove them away from the scene.
Jackson Police Department officers stopped a vehicle matching the getaway car and upon a search of the vehicle they found several items including a .40 caliber handgun, the clerk’s stolen cell phone, U.S. currency, and the clothing that matched the description of the clothing worn by the suspects seen on the surveillance and described by the victim.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with FBI agents and Project EJECT task force members. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine and FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Edward Corneilus Bridges, 37, of Moss Point, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
On March 22, 2018, a state search warrant was executed at Bridges’ home in Moss Point. Upon entering the home, agents located more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, scales, large amounts of cash, marijuana, ecstasy pills, a ledger, ammunition cases and an SKS rifle.
Later that day, Bridges met with the FBI and admitted he owned the narcotics and gun, and he further admitted to intending to distribute the methamphetamine. He said he destroyed his phone prior to meeting with the FBI by throwing it into the Escatawpa River.
Bridges will be sentenced on October 12, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine for possessing the methamphetamine and five consecutive years and a $250,000 fine for possessing the SKS in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.
The case was investigated by FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Leakesville Man Sentenced to Almost 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marcus Ladelle Moody, 44, of Leakesville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 143 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Moody pled guilty on November 29, 2017 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was identified as a distributor of methamphetamine in Greene County. On July 14, 2017 a package intended for Moody was discovered by the U.S. Postal Service and Moody was arrested after a controlled delivery was made to his residence. It was later determined that the methamphetamine was in excess of 4 kilograms with a purity level of 90%.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Texas Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – Deandrae Damonn Washington, 33, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to125 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Washington was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On August 20, 2017, Washington’s vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in Magee, Mississippi. During the stop, officers smelled marijuana emitting from the vehicle, and Washington admitted to smoking marijuana an hour before he was stopped. Upon consent to search the vehicle, officers located several packages of methamphetamine concealed in a backpack. Washington admitted to knowing the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and conspiring to transport it from Texas to Jackson County, Mississippi. He further admitted that he had previously transported methamphetamine on seven separate occasions to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A laboratory analyzed the methamphetamine and determined it had a purity level of 100% and weighed almost 2 kilograms. Washington pled guilty on February 21, 2018.
The case was investigated by the Magee Police Department, South Mississippi Metropolitan Enforcement Team (SMMET), Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), and FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Pascagoula Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Federal Prison for His Involvement in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Tharon Jamell Taylor, 27, of Pascagoula, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sul Ozerden, to serve 295 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Taylor was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On August 20, 2017, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force arrested Taylor as he attempted to obtain approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine shipped from Texas. During the investigation, agents learned that Taylor received methamphetamine on at least six different occasions. Upon arresting Taylor, law enforcement searched his apartment and found money, a scale, methamphetamine, cutting agents, and a gun. Taylor pled guilty on February 20, 2018.
The case was investigated by FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Pascagoula, Mississippi and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Choctaw Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jaylon Thomas, 28, of Choctaw, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to sexual abuse of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
On October 16, 2015, the Choctaw Police Department responded to a call for assistance in the Pearl River Community. Officers were able to speak with the minor victim who was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson for treatment. Thomas admitted to his sexual abuse of the minor.
Judge Jordan will sentence Thomas on September 25, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in Jackson. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
Pascagoula Man Pleads Guilty to Being an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Byron Ratliff, Jr., 20, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden 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 of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Ratliff will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on October 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case arose when the Pascagoula Police Department responded to a shots fired report on April 5, 2018. Based on witness descriptions of the car involved, police identified Ratliff as the shooter along with two others in the car in possession of marijuana and two firearms. Both guns were reported stolen out of Long Beach, Mississippi just a few hours before the shooting incident.
The Pascagoula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Purchase Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Saul Guzman Ontiveros, age 42, of Terrytown, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to attempting to purchase 5 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.
In January and February of this year, a confidential source was approached by Guzman Ontiveros about purchasing cocaine from the source. Guzman Ontiveros agreed to purchase 5 kilograms of cocaine for $105,000. The government was able to seize $104,000 over the course of several days prior to the arrest of the defendant.
Guzman Ontiveros will be sentenced on September 27, 2018 by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty under Project EJECT to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Shane Christopher Williams, 25, of Jackson, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On August 12, 2016, the Jackson Police Department stopped a vehicle on Capitol Street near Longino Street for making an illegal U-turn. Williams was the front seat passenger. The officer observed Williams looking back and reaching into the back seat prior to the car stopping. The officer had to give both the driver and Williams commands over the loud speaker to place their hands on the dashboard of the car before the officer could approach. A Hi-Point .380 caliber pistol was recovered from under the front passenger’s seat where Williams had been sitting.
Judge Reeves will sentence Williams on August 19, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. Williams 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 (ATF) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
Lincoln County Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing a GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – William Shelton, 49, of Lincoln County, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge David Bramlette III to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF"). Shelton was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On September 27, 2017, William Shelton, a convicted felon, sought to sell a new Ruger pistol for $225. The next day, agents with the Southwest Mississippi Narcotics Enforcement Unit set up a controlled buy using a confidential informant. The informant traveled to Shelton’s home in Lincoln County, Mississippi, and asked to buy the gun. Shelton went into his home, retrieved the pistol, and sold it for $225. Before completing the sale, Shelton asked to shoot the gun "one more time." He then fired the gun five times in rapid succession, emptying it of all of its ammunition.
Shelton has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple felony convictions from California. The case was investigated by ATF and the Southwest Mississippi Narcotics Enforcement Unit.
Jackson Man Gets 5 years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm under Project EJECTRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jason Lewis, 33, of Jackson, was sentenced on June 11, 2018, by United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a gun, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives ("ATF"). Lewis was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On November 26, 2017, Jason Lewis, a convicted felon, possessed a gun inside his jacket pocket at Union Station, a train station in Jackson. Lewis has several previous felony convictions, including multiple convictions for aggravated assault and a conviction for possession of cocaine.
This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with ATF agents and Project EJECT task force members in the investigation of this case.
Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty in Compounding Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi-based nurse practitioner pleaded guilty for her role in a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs including TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans and their respective family members.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Hurst Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Susan K. Perry, 58, of Grand Bay, Alabama, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi. Perry is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Starrett on Sept. 20. Perry was charged in a 13-count indictment and had been scheduled to begin trial on June 26.
As part of her plea, Perry admitted her role in a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs by prescribing medically unnecessary compounded medications to individuals who did not need the medications, sometimes without first examining those individuals. Perry admitted that she knew that Advantage Pharmacy, based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, would submit claims for reimbursement to health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, for compounded medications based on the prescriptions she signed, and she further expected that the health care benefit programs would pay the claims. From approximately January 2014 through April 2015, health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, reimbursed Advantage Pharmacy approximately $1,375,692 based on the claims submitted by Advantage Pharmacy in connection with the compounded medications that Perry prescribed.
The FBI, IRS-CI, DCIS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and other government agencies investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Katherine Payerle and Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Nurse Practitioner Pleads Guilty in Compounding Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Mississippi-based nurse practitioner pleaded guilty for her role in a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs including TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans and their respective family members.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Hurst Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Susan K. Perry, 58, of Grand Bay, Alabama, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi. Perry is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Starrett on Sept. 20. Perry was charged in a 13-count indictment and had been scheduled to begin trial on June 26.
As part of her plea, Perry admitted her role in a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs by prescribing medically unnecessary compounded medications to individuals who did not need the medications, sometimes without first examining those individuals. Perry admitted that she knew that Advantage Pharmacy, based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, would submit claims for reimbursement to health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, for compounded medications based on the prescriptions she signed, and she further expected that the health care benefit programs would pay the claims. From approximately January 2014 through April 2015, health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, reimbursed Advantage Pharmacy approximately $1,375,692 based on the claims submitted by Advantage Pharmacy in connection with the compounded medications that Perry prescribed.
The FBI, IRS-CI, DCIS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and other government agencies investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Katherine Payerle and Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Natchez Man Sentenced for Theft of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Kiandas Washington, 19, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette, III, to serve 13-months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of a firearm from a licensed dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On September 15, 2017, the Natchez Police Department responded to a larceny/shoplifting incident at Bowie Outfitters in Natchez. Two store clerks were attending to three individuals when they were distracted and one of the individuals removed a firearm, a Glock model 43, 9 mm caliber pistol, from a box that was sitting on the counter and placed the firearm in his pocket.
Natchez Police Department investigators reviewed the surveillance footage and were able to identify the individual who took the firearm as Kiandas Washington and his male companion. Later that same day, police investigators interviewed the male companion, who provided a statement in which he identified Kiandas Washington as the individual who stole the firearm. Washington was also interviewed by police investigators, and admitted to stealing the firearm. Washington then contacted another person who brought in the firearm and surrendered it to police investigators.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Southwest Mississippi Interdiction Narcotics Enforcement Unit. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
McComb Man Sentenced to Almost 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
McComb, Miss. – Lajerick James, 26, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to serve 95 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 ("ATF").
On March 21, 2017, Lajerick James sold an ATF confidential informant a Bryco firearm loaded with ten rounds of ammunition. During that same transaction, James sold the confidential informant 5.41 grams of marijuana. On April 3, 2017, James again sold a firearm to the ATF confidential informant. This time, the firearm was a Glock model 22 Gen4, 40 caliber pistol, loaded with nine rounds of ammunition.
James was previously convicted on August 24, 2015 in the Circuit Court of Pike County for felony offense of mayhem.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Southwest Mississippi Interdiction Narcotics Enforcement Unit. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Carlos Jerome Dukes, Jr., 19, 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.
The case arose when Pascagoula Police Department responded to a shots fired report on April 5, 2018. Based on witness descriptions of the car involved, police discovered Dukes and 2 others with marijuana and 2 firearms. The gun in Dukes’ possession was reported stolen out of Long Beach, Mississippi.
Dukes will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on August 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Pascagoula Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Illegal Alien from Guatemala Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Re-entering United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marvin Geovani Ramirez-Marroquin, 33, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
On or about May 9, 2018, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a Mississippi Highway Patrol State Trooper, stopped a Dodge Avenger sedan on Interstate 10 eastbound around Mile Marker 46 in the City of D’Iberville. The State Trooper noticed signs of human smuggling activity and alerted the Department of Homeland Security Blue Lightening Operations Center. Homeland Security Officials assisted in an investigation regarding potential human smuggling.
Ramirez-Marroquin was a passenger in the vehicle and was identified as an illegal alien from Guatemala who had been previously removed from the United States. Specifically, Ramirez-Marroquin had been ordered removed by a United States Immigration Judge in April 2006, but unlawfully returned to the United States. He was discovered again by federal officials in 2017 was physically removed by air from Brownsville, Texas, to Guatemala in November 2017.
Ramirez-Marroquin is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Three Jackson Men and Honduran Man Plead Guilty to Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Three Jackson men and a Honduran man entered guilty pleas this week before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr., to drug conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.
Allen Sims, 41, of Jackson, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. From November 2015 to February 2016, Sims arranged the purchase and delivery of more than 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from a source of supply in Mexico.
Vincent Taylor McGee, 30, of Jackson, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a detectable amount of methamphetamine. In November 2015, McGee picked up 1 kilogram of a detectable amount of methamphetamine from a Mexican source of supply in Atlanta and delivered it to a co-conspirator in Jackson.
Keith Mullen, 46, of Jackson, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. From November 2015 to February 2016, and while in federal prison at Yazoo City, Mississippi, Mullen assisted co-conspirators in arranging the purchase and delivery of 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from a source of supply in Mexico. The drugs were intended for distribution in Central Mississippi.
Jose Pacheco, 41, from Honduras, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a detectable amount of methamphetamine. In November 2015, Pacheco assisted co-conspirators in arranging the purchase and delivery of 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from a source of supply in Mexico.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Rock Bottom" which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in Central Mississippi involving the distribution of cocaine, crack and methamphetamine.
The defendants will be sentenced by Judge Barbour on September 11, 2018, beginning at 9:30 a.m. They each face 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 the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, 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, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the DEA - Houston Field Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.
Texas Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Cocaine and Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – Juan Luis Cantu a/k/a "Flaco," age 24, of La Joya, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 74 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith. Cantu was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
On February 20, 2018, Cantu pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. During its investigation into Cantu, the DEA learned from a cooperating source that Cantu was a source of supply for cocaine and marijuana on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Cantu was identified by multiple sources, and said to be instrumental in introducing individuals to each other for the purposes of assisting in the distribution of at least 500 grams of cocaine and 100 grams of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Texas Man Sentenced for Transporting MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Carlos Orozco, 24, of Socorro, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sul Ozerden, to serve 7 months in federal prison, followed by 6 months home confinement and three years of supervised release, for using the interstate to travel in aid of an unlawful activity, specifically distribution of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith. Orozco was also ordered to pay a $5,500 fine. He pled guilty to the charge on February 21, 2018.
On April 6, 2017, a Gulfport Police Criminal Interdiction Officer stopped a vehicle being driven by Victor Alfonso Legarda for a traffic violation. Orozco was a passenger in the vehicle. Upon inquiry by the officer, he learned that Legarda had previously been arrested for marijuana seizures and the vehicle had crossed the United States/Mexico Border the day before the stop. The officer was provided consent to search the vehicle, and during his search, he located numerous vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana throughout the vehicle. In total, the officer located 100 packages that had a gross weight of 55.05 kilograms.
Victor Alfonso Legarda pled guilty on January 19, 2018, to using the interstate to travel in aid of an unlawful activity. He was sentenced to 25 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
U.S. Marshals Service and Law Enforcement Partners Conduct “Operation Triple Beam” in Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
First Name
Last Name
Age
Charge
City of Residence
ADAMS
Ashley
28
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Biloxi
Aday-Cazorla
Jorge Carlos
28
Sexual Battery
Fort Myers, FL
Adcock
Kimberly
42
Firearms Violation
Hattiesburg
Agee
Jasmine
28
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
ALBERT
Donte
22
FTA - Drugs
Biloxi
Albritton
Stephen
34
Poss. Of Drug Para
Biloxi
Alexander
Justin
28
Firearms Violation
Biloxi
ALEXANDER
Donte
41
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
ALLEN
Randy
29
Escape - Burglary
Forest
ARNOLD
Brian
39
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Pelahatchie
Bailey
Roderick
21
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
Bailus
Jeffery
29
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
BALL
Amos
21
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
BARNES
Adrian
19
Firearms
Hattiesburg
BARNES
Dootroe
19
Firearms
Gulfport
BARNES
Byron
33
Drugs
Gulfport
BARNETT
Ashley
31
Child Abuse
Lumberton
BAZOR
Brandy
34
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
BEAUCHAINE
Bradley
30
Crimes Against a Person
Biloxi
BEAUCHAINE
Molly Lynn
32
Fraud
Biloxi
BELL
Garyion
18
Drugs
Gulfport
BENOIT, JR.
Derrick
23
Firearms
Gulfport
BETTS
Altorion
27
Aggravated Assault
Hattiesburg
BLACKSTONE
Carl
61
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Hattiesburg
BLANKS
Danielle
32
Homicide
Quitman
BOBBITT
Camron
19
Armed Robbery/Drugs
Brandon
Bogan
Jermel
31
Poss. w/ Intent
Biloxi
Bonin
Paul
55
Probation Violation
Biloxi
BRANDON
Deondra
27
Firearms/Drugs
Gulfport
BROADUX
Willie
66
Failure to Reg as a Sex Offender
Jackson
Brown
Martha
28
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
BROWN
Andra
30
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Meridian
BROWN
Daniel
30
Firearms/Drugs
Gulfport
BROWN
Felix
31
Firearms
Jackson
BROWN
Oselee
40
Probation/Parole - Homicide
Jackson
Brown
Jelani
44
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Meridian
Brown
Jon
46
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
Brown
Lester
48
Probation Violation
Hattiesburg
Brumfield
Michael
29
Poss. w/ Intent
Biloxi
BURNSIDE
Gary
32
Probation/Parole - Firearms
Jackson
Butler
Milton
32
Sale of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
BYNUM
Joshua
39
Aggravated Assault/Armed Robbery
Brandon
Byrd
Javon
23
Firearms
Gulfport
CAMERON
Ashley
37
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Hattiesburg
Carden
Thomas
37
Probation Violation
Gautier
CARTER
Jaquan
21
Firearms
Gulfport
CARTER
Brandon
35
Probation/Parole - Crimes Against a Person
Jackson
CASEY
Christopher
32
Drugs
Gulfport
CHEN
Zong
40
Failure to Reg as a Sex Offender
Pearl
CHRISTIAN
Emanuel
34
Drugs
Brandon
CHRISTOPHER
Adam
24
Drugs
Hattiesburg
CLARK
Darrius
22
Probation/Parole - Burglary
Gulfport
CLARK
Harlee
23
FTA - Drugs
Jackson
CLARK
Ebony
27
Drugs
Gulfport
CLARK
Douglas
41
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
CLARK
Stephaney
44
Strong Armed Robbery
Jackson
Clements
Joseph
55
Supervised Release violation
Biloxi
CLEMONS
Eric
36
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
COHN
Antonio
35
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Columbia
Coleman
Victor
33
Probation Violation
Laurel
Collier
Ricky
48
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Jackson
Collins
Marquel
28
Aggravated Assault
Ridgeland
Conaway
Jashauen
19
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
Cox
Sabrina
40
Firearms Violation
Jackson
Crelia
Lena
44
Poss. Of Drug Para
Biloxi
Crump
Trent
27
Aggravated Assault
Flowood
CRUMPTON
Chancy
34
Drugs
Gulfport
CULLEN
Chad
39
Child Molestation
Picayune
DEAN
Jamie
34
Drugs
Gulfport
DICKERSON
Jessica
28
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Jackson
Digennaro
John
29
Armed robbery
Clinton
Dixon
Telly
37
Poss. Controlled Substance
Biloxi
DOBSON
Christopher
40
Drugs
Petal
Donelson
Tony
23
Poss of Controlled Substance
Jackson
DONERSON
Dominique
28
Firearms
Jackson
Dortch
Marcus
34
Aggravated Assault
Newark, NJ
DUCKWORTH
Andrew
51
Drugs
Hattiesburg
DUGGER
James
78
Firearms
Moss Point
Duncan
Nikarra
40
Poss. Controlled Substance
Hattiesburg
DUNNING
William
25
Firearms
Pearl
DYSE
April
26
Aggravated Assault/Firearms
Jackson
EDMONDS
Christopher
27
Sexual Assault
Madison
Evans
Sydereck
30
Sale of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
FAIRLEY
Juacoby
25
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
FAIRLEY
Gerald
42
Probation/Parole - Firearms
Hattiesburg
Falcone
Peter
62
FTR-Sex Offender
Gulfport
Farris
Richard
51
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
FIELDS
Darius
28
Drugs
Biloxi
FORD
Derrick
37
Probation/Parole - Burglary
Jackson
FREDERICK, JR.
Broderick
19
Drugs
Gulfport
FREELS
Chad
41
Probation/Parole - Agg Assault
Pearl
GADSON
Billie
54
Drugs
Biloxi
GARDNER
Jameel
22
Drugs
Gulfport
GARNER
Isaac
33
Probation/Parole - Burglary
Jackson
Garraway
Jonah
29
Probation Violation
Hattiesburg
Gibson
Lanieka
21
Arson
Jackson
Glaze
Sara
35
poss of drug para
Pearl
GLENN
Darryl
39
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Hattiesburg
GOLIDAY
Odell
26
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
GREEN
Royce
33
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
HALL
Adam
24
Drugs
Hattiesburg
HALL
Felicia
47
Drugs
Hattiesburg
Hamby
John
51
FTR-Sex Offender
Biloxi
Hannah
Joshua
21
Homicide
Jackson
HARE
Darnell
25
Aggravated Assault/Firearms
Meridian
HARRIEN
Roshunda
30
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
HARRIS
Alicia
20
Aggravated Assault
Canton
Harris
Mackenzie
28
Probation Violation
Hattiesburg
HARRIS
Israel
34
Drugs
Biloxi
HARRIS
Kasson
38
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
Harris
Kasson
38
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
Henton
Jeremy
29
Probation Violation
Jackson
HICKS
Robert
43
Probation/Parole - Burglary
Jackson
HILL
Shareeka
24
Simple Assault
Hattiesburg
HILL, JR.
Harvey
38
Firearms
Jackson
HITT
Clinton
56
Probation/Parole - Burglary
Brandon
HOLMES
Darion
28
Drugs
Biloxi
Hosey
Sidney
28
Homicide
Laurel
Houston
Sandie
27
Poss of Controlled Substance
Diamondhead
JACKSON
Isaiah
26
Assault
Gulfport
Jarnign
John
68
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
JOHNSON
Delace
28
Escape - Burglary
Jackson
Johnson
Justin
35
Poss. Of Controlled Substance/ Fraud
Biloxi
Joiner
Shawn
49
Crimes Against a Person
Biloxi
JONES
Jaquan
18
Drugs
Hattiesburg
Jones
Jonathan
27
Homicide
Quitman
JONES
Antoine
41
Failure to Reg as a Sex Offender
Gulfport
Kendrick
Tommy
28
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
KEYS
Floyd
52
Probation/Parole - Agg Assault
Gulfport
KITTLE
James
37
Failure to Reg as a Sex Offender
Saucier
Knauss
Jason
31
Weapon/Poss of Controlled Substance
Jackson
LADNER
Brandie
35
FTA - Felony Arrest
Bay St. Louis
LADNER
Curvis
37
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Kiln
LAKE
Dashaun
18
Robbery/Drugs
Brandon
Lane
Christian
27
Probation Violation
Pearl
Lebeau
Willie John
48
Probation Violation
Gulfport
LEWIS
Derrius
40
Escape - Drugs
McComb
LEWIS
Howard
62
Firearms
Hattiesburg
LIAS
Adrian
20
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
Little
Jerry
61
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Hattiesburg
Lofton
Kenitra
38
Aggravated Assault
Ridgeland
LOPER
Culuante
32
Drugs
Biloxi
Lowe
Reginald
50
Probation Violation
Gulfport
LOWELL
Dustin
34
Drugs
Gulfport
LOYD
Janet
50
Drugs
Gulfport
Luffman
Jennifer
37
Poss. w/ Intent
Gulfport
Luvene
Lorenza
33
Poss. Of Stolen Property
Hattiesburg
Madewell
Sabrina
28
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Pearl
MALLARD
Jamuric
34
Firearms
Jackson
Mangum
Willie
53
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
MASON
Courtney
26
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Hattiesburg
Mason
Jeremy
29
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
MASSEY
Cornelius
20
Firearms
Jackson
May
Michael
39
Burglary
Biloxi
MCCASKILL
Guy
55
Probation/Parole - Agg Assault
Yazoo City
McClendon
Melvin
56
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Hattiesburg
McElroy
Nolan
59
Parole Violation
Jackson
MILLER
Christian
26
Drugs
Gulfport
Miller
Kenneth
28
FTR-Sex Offender
Gulfport
Moncree
Vontarius
28
poss w/intent
Hattiesburg
Moore
Traunta
24
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
MORGAN
Alicia
35
Drugs
Hattiesburg
Morris
Mindy Jo
34
Poss. Controlled Substance
Biloxi
MUCHA
Gary
37
Drugs
Biloxi
Myer
Kenneth
45
Poss. w/ Intent
Biloxi
Myles
John
43
Probation FTR
Brandon
NEDLEY
Brent
36
Drugs
Gulfport
NELSON, JR.
Freddie
24
Drugs
Hattiesburg
Newell
Malcolm
38
Burglary
Jackson
Nguyen
Michael
38
Sale of Marijuana
Biloxi
Nordain
Jason
35
Parole Violation
Jackson
Norman
Michael
40
poss w/intent
Hattiesburg
Norwood
Tyler
21
Homicide
Brandon
Norwood
LaPatrick
37
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
O'QUINN
Deshay
45
Firearms
Jackson
Palmer
Melissa
44
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Jackson
Pearson
Renaldo
41
FTR-Sex Offender
Biloxi
Perkins
Joshua
30
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
Pickrom
Remi
24
Poss. Controlled Substance
Biloxi
PRESNELL
Grayson
29
Felony Arrest
Biloxi
Radovics
Laszlo
57
FTR-Sex Offender
Houston, TX
REED
Chauncy
26
Homicide
Jackson
Rhone
Jontaidrae
23
Aggravated Assault
Meridian
Richardson
Steffon
37
FTR-Sex Offender
Moss Point
Richardson
Robert Earl
53
Probation Violation
Yazoo City
Richbury
Joshua
19
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
RIGGS
Burgandy
44
Drugs
Gulfport
ROBERTS
Christopher
37
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Hattiesburg
Robinson
Reginald
21
Burglary
Madison
Robinson
Sherry
38
Robbery
Jackson
Rockingham
Kynjarious
21
Armed Robbery/ Auto theft
Jackson
RODGERS
Angela
36
Drugs
Hattiesburg
ROLLINS
Clarence
32
Drugs
Gulfport
Roper
Johnny
29
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
RUSH
Christopher
23
Drugs
Gulfport
RUSHING, JR
Darryl
32
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Clinton
SABA
Candace
35
Drugs
Hattiesburg
Saleem
Karim
34
Probation Violation
Jackson
Sandifer
Vincent
18
poss of stolen weapon
Hattiesburg
Schmidt
Richard
31
FTR-Sex Offender
Picayune
SCHOON
Eric
53
Failure to Reg as a Sex Offender
Pascagoula
Scott
Reginald
48
FTR-Sex Offender
Gulfport
SELLERS
Anthony
31
Drugs
Biloxi
Shabazz
Montarius
18
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
SHOEMAKER
Alexis
23
Drugs
Biloxi
SMITH
Charles
22
Burglary
Hattiesburg
SMITH
Antonio
23
Probation/Parole - Agg Assault
Hattiesburg
SMITH
Durrell
28
Firearms/Drugs
Gulfport
Smith
Terrance
30
Felon in Poss of Firearm
Meridian
SMITH
Cornell
39
Aggravated Assault
Pass Christian
Southern
Quentin
38
Probation Violation
Jackson
Sparkman
Qwenten
28
Sale of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
SPRINKLE
Gracie
29
Drugs
Biloxi
Stevens
Charles
64
Parole Violation
Jackson
STEVENSON
David
30
Probation/Parole - Felony Conviction
Jackson
Sullivan
Sabrina
40
Firearms Violation
Mendenhall
Summers
Michael
36
Firearms Violation
Terry
Swickard
Joel
41
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Jackson
Swilley
Marquell
23
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Hattiesburg
Tabrakus
Mark
18
Poss. Of Stolen Weapon / Poss. w/ intent
Hattiesburg
Taite
Quintin
24
Probation Violation
Ocean Springs
TAYLOR
Dalvin
20
Probation/Parole - Firearms
Hattiesburg
Taylor
Christopher
36
Firearms Violation
Carthage
Taylor
Mario
41
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
Temple
Joshua
25
FTR-Sex Offender
Byram
THOMAS
Daryl
25
Drugs
Jackson
Thomas Jr
Willie
31
Felon in Poss of Firearm
Jackson
THOMPSON
Corey
29
Probation/Parole
Jackson
Thompson
Jarmal
29
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
THOMPSON
Christopher
35
Drugs
Hattiesburg
THOMPSON
Christopher
35
Drugs
Gulfport
Thompson Jr
Walter
28
Aggravated Assault
Jackson
Tillman
Melissa
47
Sale of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
Towner
Jasmine
23
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Gulfport
Trunnell
Jimmy
40
Burglary
Jackson
TURNER
Courtney
36
Drugs
Gulfport
TYLER
Broderick
35
Probation/Parole - Burglary
Gulfport
Waits
Kenny
34
Supervised Release violation
Jackson
WALKER
Brandon
18
Drugs
Biloxi
Walker
Tyland
21
Firearms Violation
Hattiesburg
Walker
Jeremy
32
Federal firearms Violation
Jackson
Walters
Michael
31
Probation Violation
Hattiesburg
WALTON
Henry
64
Failure to Reg as a Sex Offender
New Orleans, LA
Ward
Raphiel
36
Poss. Controlled Substance
Gulfport
Warren
Clinton
44
Probation Violation
Hattiesburg
Wendell
Gattis
20
Homicide
Jackson
Wetzel
Michael
19
poss of drug para
Biloxi
White
Thaddeus
40
FTR-Sex Offender
Gulfport
WILLETT
Evans
23
Drugs
Biloxi
Williams
Rajee
20
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
Williams
Walter
20
Firearms violation/Drugs
Gulfport
Williams
Shane C
25
Felon in Poss of Firearms
Jackson
WILLIS
Brandon
35
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
WINTER
Phillip
35
Probation violation
Byram
WINTERS
Amber
23
Firearms
Jackson
WITT
Cheyenna
21
Aggravated Assault
Hattiesburg
Woodard
Starlena
30
Aggravated Assault
Gulfport
WORLDS
Garrid
27
Probation/Parole - Drugs
Gulfport
Yarnall
Jordan
24
Poss. Of Controlled Substance
Biloxi
U.S. Marshals Service and Law Enforcement Partners Conduct “Operation Triple Beam” in Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – The U.S. Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, along with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, recently completed a six-week-long violence reduction initiative in the Southern District of Mississippi known as "Operation Triple Beam," resulting in the arrests of 270 individuals for various crimes. While the Marshals Service has conducted these types of initiatives elsewhere around the country, this is the first time Operation Triple Beam has been conducted throughout an entire U.S. Attorney’s district and is believed to be one of the most successful Operation Triple Beams of this scale that the Marshals have ever accomplished since the program began in 2010.
"When law enforcement officers work together, we get results," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "The arrest of more than 270 people – including 90 gang members – throughout the Southern District of Mississippi is the result of collaboration between federal officers and our state and local partners. It’s also an example of how customizing our strategy at the local level through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program helps us use our resources more effectively. I want to thank our Deputy U.S. Marshals and all of the task force members who played a role in these arrests. They exemplify the proven law enforcement methods that we will continue to prioritize going forward."
From April 9, 2018, through May 17, 2018, the Task Force, along with more than 25 other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, worked to target and arrest violent fugitives and criminal offenders who had committed or were committing crimes such as homicide, felony assault and sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms, illegal drug distribution, robbery, failure to register as sex offenders, and arson. Of the 270 individuals arrested, approximately 90 were gang members, representing various affiliations including the Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords, Simon City Royals, Latin Kings, and the Aryan Brotherhood.
Operation Triple Beam also resulted in the seizure of 50 firearms, including military style assault rifles, illegal narcotics valued at approximately $7,500, and approximately $26,000 in cash.
In the counties of Simpson, Pearl River, Hancock, and Jefferson Davis, approximately 300 registered sex offenders were individually checked for compliance, resulting in approximately 20 arrests for sex offender registry violations.
The Task Force spent two weeks conducting Operation Triple Beam in the City of Jackson, where it is believed that some of those arrested will be presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution under Project EJECT. 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), 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. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together."
Operation Triple Beam brought together numerous agencies to work as a force multiplier to identify violent offenders, target street-level gang activity, and collect criminal intelligence to systematically remove the most violent gang members and criminal offenders from the Southern District of Mississippi. Law enforcement efforts took place primarily in the cities of Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Meridian and focused on fugitive apprehension investigations, firearms and narcotics investigations, gang-related intelligence gathering, and proactive sex offender compliance initiatives.
United States Marshal for the Southern District of Mississippi George White praised the collaboration between the many federal and state law enforcement agencies that took part in the operation to make a difference in our communities. "This initiative gives the public a small glimpse of what law enforcement does on a daily basis," White said. "It’s always a good ending when everyone makes it home safe. I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women who worked diligently during this highly effective operation. This all-hands-on-deck approach was pivotal in the success of this operation. Many of these cases will be prosecuted in federal court. Furthermore, many of these investigations will lead to future arrests in the pursuit of dismantling the criminal element in the Southern District of Mississippi."
"I appreciate and commend the U.S. Marshals Service, its Deputy Marshals, Task Force Officers, and its leadership, for implementing Operation Triple Beam throughout the Southern District of Mississippi," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. "By collaborating with and incorporating other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies into this initiative, Operation Triple Beam was able to aggressively and proactively target certain ‘hot spot’ areas in our district. Due to the hard work and collective efforts of these law enforcement officers, Operation Triple Beam has made a huge impact in our district, sending a strong message to the criminal element that there will be consequences for violating the law, while also reassuring our communities and our citizens that their safety and security is our highest priority."
Case Highlights:
On April 10, three gang members in Jackson were arrested. Vice Lord member Jeremy Walker was arrested on state and federal firearm charges. During Walker’s arrest, he was in possession of a substantial amount of marijuana. Gangster Disciple member Royce Green was arrested on charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault. Vice Lord member Tommy Kendrick was arrested on charges from the Jackson Police Department for shooting into an occupied dwelling. During Kendrick’s arrest, he was in possession of a military style assault weapon and in possession of marijuana.
On April 16, Simon City Royal member Richard Lee Schmidt was arrested in Pearl River County. Schmidt was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender.
During the week of April 16, Operation Triple Beam focused its resources in the City of Gulfport, targeting local street gang members. Gangster Disciple member Daniel Brown was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Deondra Brandon was also arrested during this week for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Both of these individuals were in possession of semi-automatic pistols with extended magazines.
On April 17, Gangster Disciple member Jaquan Cater of Gulfport was arrested and was in possession of a semi-automatic pistol and a military style assault rifle. Reginald Scott, a general with The Bloods street gang, was also arrested for failure to register as a sex offender.
On April 18, three Guap Gang Empire members -- Javon Byrd, Walter Williams, and Christopher Rush -- were arrested in Gulfport for federal firearms violations. These individuals were in possession of illegal weapons and narcotics at the time of their arrests.
On April 19, Marcus Dortch was arrested in Forest. Dortch was wanted out of Newark, New Jersey, on two counts of aggravated assault, robbery and weapon possession charges. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol.
During the week of April 23, three members of the "All Can Get It" (ACG) gang, Rajee Williams, Joshua Richbury, and Montarius Shabazz, were arrested in Biloxi for Possession of Marijuana. A military-style assault rifle was also seized from these individuals at the time of their arrest. Also during this week in Biloxi, Michael Brumfield was arrested for possession of a half-pound of marijuana with intent to distribute.
On April 26, Simon City Royal gang members Justin Johnson, Gary Mucha, and Alexi Shoemaker were arrested for possession of crystal methamphetamine.
On May 2, Vice Lord member Mark Tabrakus was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Vice Lord member Marguell Swilley was also arrested for possession of Ecstasy and possession of a semi-automatic pistol.
On May 7, Jackson resident Joshua Hannah was arrested for the stabbing death on April 2 of his girlfriend’s mother, Serenthia Harris, 61.
A complete list of those arrested during Operation Triple Beam and their charges may be obtained from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Operation Triple Beam (OTB) was a joint crime reduction initiative of the following agencies: U.S. Marshals Service
Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
Drug Enforcement Agency
Department of Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
Mississippi Bureau of Investigations
Mississippi Department of Corrections
Jackson Police Department
Madison Police Department
Ridgeland Police Department
Gulfport Police Department
Biloxi Police Department
Hattiesburg Police Department
Pearl Police Department
Meridian Police Department
Hinds County Sheriff’s Office
Rankin County Sheriff’s Office
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office
Simpson County Sheriff’s Office
Hancock County Sheriff’s Office
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Office
Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office
Lamar County Sheriff’s Office
The strategy used in Operation Triple Beam has been applied by the U.S. Marshals Service and its law enforcement partners in 47 other cities across the country since 2010.
The public is reminded that an arrest is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Florida Man Sentenced for ATM Skimmer FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. –Rodrigo D. Ferrareze, age 38, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 10 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and to pay $6,450.00 in restitution to a victim, for fraud in connection with access devices, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On December 7, 2017, Ferrareze and co-defendants Claudio Fontes Ferreira and Taise Braganca Moscon were stopped in a Lincoln Navigator with Florida tags after being at a Keesler Federal Credit Union Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") on Automall Parkway in D’Iberville, Mississippi. The ATM was found to have a skimmer on it and had been altered with the top flap privacy shield being cut off so a camera placed above could observe the ATM key pad where customers enter their account PIN numbers. A search of the Lincoln Navigator resulted in the finding of access device equipment, to include but not limited to, glue, black electrical and double-sided tape and box cutters, credit cards in alias names, a card with sand paper attached to the card, and other credit cards, gift cards, and a micro SD card.
Ferrareze, Ferreira, and Moscon pled guilty on February 20, 2018. Moscon was sentenced by Judge Ozerden on June 6, 2018, to serve 13 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and to pay $6,450.00 in restitution to a victim. Ferreira is scheduled to be sentenced on September 7, 2018.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the D’Iberville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal George White to Announce Results of Revent Law Enforcement Initiative Conducted Throughout the Southern District of MississippiRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal George White will hold a press conference on TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. to announce the results of "Operation Triple Beam," a collaborative multi-agency, anti-violent crime initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service.
WHEN: TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018 10:30 A.M.
WHERE: United States Federal Courthouse
Second Floor Exterior Courtyard
501 E. Court Street
Jackson, Mississippi
***In the event of rain***
United States Attorney’s Office
Fourth Floor Conference Room
Mississippi Physician Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Role in $3 Million Compounding Phamacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Biloxi, Mississippi physician was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for his involvement in a $3 million compounding pharmacy fraud scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney D. Michael Hurst Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Albert Diaz, M.D., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi. Restitution to TRICARE and other insurance companies will be determined at a later date. On March 2 after a five-day jury trial, Diaz was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance, four counts of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to falsify records in a federal investigation and five counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation.
According to evidence presented at trial, between 2014 and 2015, Diaz participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other insurance companies by prescribing medically unnecessary compounded medications, some of which included ketamine, a controlled substance, to individuals he had not examined. The evidence further demonstrated that, based on the prescriptions signed by Diaz, Advantage Pharmacy in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, dispensed these medically unnecessary compounded medications and sought and received reimbursement from TRICARE and other insurance companies totaling more than $3 million. The trial evidence further demonstrated that in response to a TRICARE audit, Diaz falsified patient records to make it appear as though he had examined patients before prescribing the medications.
The FBI, IRS-CI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and other government agencies investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Wayne County Man Pleads Guilty to Making Counterfeit Currency and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Cory Dalton Cochran, 40, of Wayne County, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to one count of making counterfeit currency and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams of the United States Secret Service.
An investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office identified Cochran as an individual who had been making and passing counterfeit United States currency. On September 14, 2017, a Field Agent from the Mississippi Department of Corrections made a routine home visit to the residence of Cochran, who was on probation from a prior felony conviction. During the course of the home visit, the agent saw what appeared to be counterfeit currency in plain view. Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted by securing the residence and obtaining a search warrant. The United States Secret Service assisted in conducting the search of the residence, which yielded counterfeit currency in multiple denominations, unfinished counterfeit currency, and other items related to the making of counterfeit currency. Agents also found a firearm leaning against the wall in a room next to where the counterfeit currency was being made by Cochran. Cochran is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm based on his prior felony convictions in Wayne County, Mississippi and in Georgia.
Cochran will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on September 18, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison and $500,000 in fines.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Texas Woman Sentenced to Almost Five Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Evelyn Juarez, 20, of Humble, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 57 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Juarez pled guilty on February 21, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. She was in possession of 6 kilograms of cocaine going from Houston, Texas, to South Carolina when she was stopped for a traffic violation on May 10, 2017. The cocaine was later discovered secreted in the vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Mississippi Physician Sentenced to over Three Years in Prison for Role in $3 Million Compounding Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Biloxi, Mississippi physician was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for his involvement in a $3 million compounding pharmacy fraud scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney D. Michael Hurst Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman III of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
Albert Diaz, M.D., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett of the Southern District of Mississippi. Restitution to TRICARE and other insurance companies will be determined at a later date. On March 2 after a five-day jury trial, Diaz was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to distribute and dispense a controlled substance, four counts of distributing and dispensing a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to falsify records in a federal investigation and five counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation.
According to evidence presented at trial, between 2014 and 2015, Diaz participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other insurance companies by prescribing medically unnecessary compounded medications, some of which included ketamine, a controlled substance, to individuals he had not examined. The evidence further demonstrated that, based on the prescriptions signed by Diaz, Advantage Pharmacy in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, dispensed these medically unnecessary compounded medications and sought and received reimbursement from TRICARE and other insurance companies totaling more than $3 million. The trial evidence further demonstrated that in response to a TRICARE audit, Diaz falsified patient records to make it appear as though he had examined patients before prescribing the medications.
The FBI, IRS-CI, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and other government agencies investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Kate Payerle and Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,500 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $12.5 billion.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawfully Re-Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Cristobal Marin-Lopez, 22, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally re-entering the United States after having previously been deported, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and David D. Rivera, Director of the Bureau of Customs Enforcement (ICE) New Orleans Field Office.
On December 22, 2017, ICE agents arrested Cristobal Marin-Lopez after he lost control of a van on Highway 43 and Tom Coke Road, in Simpson County, Mississippi. ICE was contacted after witnesses to the accident reported seeing numerous individuals running into the woods fleeing the scene. Marin-Lopez admitted to law enforcement that he was traveling from Huston, Texas, with fourteen (14) illegal aliens that he was transporting to Alabama, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, §1326. It was further determined that Marin-Lopez was being paid $125.00 per alien to transport them from Houston, Texas, to Alabama.
This case was investigated by Deportation Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Glenda R. Haynes.
Illegal Alien Previously Convicted of Drug Conspiracy Sentenced for Unlawfully Re-Entering United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Eugenio Delgado-Rivera, 48, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, to 21 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully re-entering the United States as an alien previously convicted of an aggravated felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Delgado-Rivera was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, following his guilty plea and conviction on February 22, 2018. Delgado-Rivera pled guilty to unlawfully returning to the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony. In 2007, he was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. After imprisonment for his drug trafficking crime, he was removed from the United States in 2009.
After completion of his prison sentence, Delgado-Rivera will be subject to Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings. Thereafter, if he were to again unlawfully re-enter the U.S. during the 3-year period following his prison sentence, he would be subject to a separate, further penalty in addition to any other prosecution.
On December 28, 2017, a rented Nissan Altima that Delgado-Rivera was driving, was stopped by a member of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team on Interstate-10 in Jackson County, Mississippi, for speeding in a construction zone. Delgado-Rivera did not have a driver’s license and provided a Mexican identification document with a different name. The U.S. Border Patrol was notified, and a Border Patrol Agent responded to the scene.
Delgado-Rivera admitted that he was illegally present in the United States. Official record checks revealed that he originally was ordered removed by a U.S. Immigration Judge, and had been physically removed from the United States on October 5, 2000. Thereafter, Delgado-Rivera unlawfully returned to the United States, and, was formally removed again in 2009, after serving time in federal prison for his 2007 drug trafficking conviction. Record checks also revealed that Delgado-Rivera had used, or been known by, over 10 different names during his time illegally present in the United States.
New Orleans Sector Border Patrol Chief Joseph Banco stated: "Our goal is to enhance border security in the Gulf Coast Region through our continue efforts with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners."
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – John Foster, 42, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Keith Starrett to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On September 19, 2016, Foster sold 27.8 grams of cocaine to a confidential source. As a result, he was indicted for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Foster will be sentenced on September 18, 2018 by Judge Starrett, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Roderick Simpson, 43, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On October 10, 2016, Simpson sold 55.4 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential source. As a result, he was indicted for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Simpson will be sentenced on September 18, 2018 by Judge Starrett and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Gang Member Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Chuck Mordecai Cumberland, age 31, of Waveland, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 39 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and 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. Cumberland also was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Cumberland pled guilty on February 23, 2018. Yesterday’s sentence will run consecutive to Cumberland’s current sentence for which he is now in prison on an unrelated state conviction.
On July 27, 2016, Waveland police officers arrested Cumberland as a felon-in-possession of three handguns and related ammunition. Police also seized less than one ounce of marijuana, a paraphernalia pipe, and three pills of prescription pain killers for which Cumberland did not have a prescription. A member of the Simon City Royals Gang, Cumberland had been convicted of Felony Driving Under the Influence (DUI) by the Hancock County Circuit Court in February 2016. Cumberland had been on state supervision after serving a prison sentence for Felony DUI. After his arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm, his state supervision was revoked and he was returned to state prison.
Thereafter, on January 26, 2017, after Cumberland’s release from the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested Cumberland in the Saucier Community during an attempted narcotics transaction. Cumberland attempted to flee and, when caught by deputies, he was found with a loaded .38 caliber revolver, three plastic baggies of methamphetamine and a digital scale on his person. A fourth baggie of methamphetamine had fallen to the ground next to the vehicle Cumberland had been using. The Mississippi State Crime Lab determined that the four baggies contained a total weight of approximately 2.9 grams of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Waveland Police Department and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.California Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Juan Pablo Zamora Gomez, 32, of Modesto, California, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 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.
Zamora Gomez pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin from August 2017 through December 13, 2017. He will be sentenced on September 18, 2018, by Judge Starrett, and he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The investigation into Zamora Gomez 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 Zamora Gomez and Vincente Manuel Ruiz. Agents had recorded phone calls in which Zamora Gomez was heard discussing the heroin and set up a meeting to further the conspiracy.
Jermaine Antonio Newell, 32, of Gautier, Mississippi, was sentenced on May 10, 2018, to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Vincente Manuel Ruiz will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on July 17, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement Agreement with Syncom Space Services, LLC Resolving USERRA Claims of Louisiana Air National GuardsmanRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The Department of Justice today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with Syncom Space Services, LLC (S3) that resolves allegations that S3 violated the employment rights of Louisiana Air National Guardsman, Jason Cooper, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA safeguards the rights of uniformed servicemembers, including National Guardsmen, to all benefits of employment following periods of absence due to military service obligations. The benefits of employment protected by USERRA include promotional opportunities.
Cooper worked as a Predictive Testing and Inspection (PT&I) Specialist for S3 at Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. On June 13, 2016, he was deployed on active duty with the Air National Guard. During his deployment, Cooper applied for a vacant PT&I Shoplead position. Although Cooper had the most PT&I experience of all applicants, S3 failed to promote him to the position upon his return from deployment. As a result of the employer’s failure to promote him to a position that he was qualified for, because of his military service, Cooper lost promotional income and benefits.
“Our nation’s national guard and reservists should not have to worry about losing opportunities for promotion or increased benefits in their civilian jobs after they return from active duty military service to our country,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department Justice is committed to ensuring that our servicemembers’ employment rights are protected at home while they defend our rights abroad.”
“The tremendous sacrifice of our National Guard members who are called into active duty should never be a detriment to their lives and every day jobs. We in the U.S. Attorney’s Office are committed to ensuring that these men and women are honored, not disadvantaged, for their military service,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. “We will continue to hold employers who violate the rights of our servicemembers accountable. We appreciate S3’s agreement to fulfilling its legal obligation to Mr. Cooper in this matter.”
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, S3 has agreed to pay Cooper $6,812.59 for lost wages, and to make his promotion effective as of the date on which he returned to work from active duty. He began his new position on June 4, 2018. The USERRA claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Cooper initially filed a complaint with the United States Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, which investigated this matter and then referred it to the Justice Department after attempts at resolution failed.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Candace Mayberry of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi in collaboration with Andrew Braniff, Assistant Director of the Department of Justice’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative, and Alicia Johnson, USERRA/USAO Program Coordinator in the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA may be found on the Justice Department’s website at www.usdoj.gov/crt/emp and www.servicemembers.gov, as well as on the Labor Department’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.
Illigal Alien Sentenced for ATM Skimmer FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Taise Braganca Moscon, age 26, an illegal alien from Brazil, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 13 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and to pay $6,450.00 in restitution to a victim, for a fraud in connection with access devices, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles with Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On December 7, 2017, Moscon and two co-defendants were stopped in a Lincoln Navigator with Florida tags after being at a Keesler Federal Credit Union Automated Teller Machine (“ATM”) on Automall Parkway in D’Iberville, Mississippi. The ATM was found to have a skimmer on it and had been altered with the top flap privacy shield being cut off so a camera placed above could observe the ATM key pad where customers enter their account PIN numbers. A search of the Lincoln Navigator resulted in the finding of access device equipment, to include but not limited to, glue, black electrical and double-sided tape and box cutters, credit cards in alias names, a card with sand paper attached to the card, and other credit cards, gift cards, and a micro SD card.
Co-Defendants Claudio Fontes Ferreira, age 30, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, and Rodrigo D. Ferrareze, age 37, of Delray Beach, Florida, pled guilty on February 20, 2018, to one count of knowingly and with intent to defraud, producing, trafficking in, having control or custody of, and possessing device-making equipment. Ferrareze is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2018, and Ferreira is scheduled to be sentenced on September 7, 2018.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the D’Iberville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.Illegal Alien and Georgia Man Sentenced for Trafficking HeroinRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Alejandro Menera Martinez, 36, an illegal alien from Mexico, and Casimiro Cardona Chacon, 23, of Norcross, Georgia, were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Menera Martinez was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin. He pled guilty to the charge on February 23, 2018. Menera Martinez organized a negotiated deal in which two kilograms of fentanyl were to be sold to undercover agents. He was arrested while delivering the drugs, but after laboratory analysis, it was determined that the drugs were actually heroin, not fentanyl.
Cardona Chacon was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin. He pled guilty to the charge on March 1, 2018. Cardona Chacon was the courier in the deal negotiated by Menera Martinez.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Possessing a Weapon in PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Joseph Shaw, 35, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate for possession of a weapon within a federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
In 2004, Shaw was sentenced to a term of 295 months by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida after being convicted of carjacking with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He was assigned to serve his sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi.
On June 21, 2017, during a routine search, federal correctional officers found Shaw in possession of a 5.5 inch shank that had been made by sharpening a piece of plastic. Shaw pleaded guilty on January 25, 2018. Today, Shaw was sentenced to serve 26 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Shaw will serve this new sentence after he completes his earlier sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Section. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Woelke Leithart.
Cuban Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Carlos Manuel Legra-Ramirez, age 43, a citizen of Cuba and a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States living in Georgia, pled guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 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 Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Legra-Ramirez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge 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.
On February 6, 2018, on Interstate 10 east bound in Harrison County, the United States Border Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), displaying a Georgia license plate registered to Legra-Ramirez. The SUV contained 10 illegal aliens, for a total of eleven occupants (including the driver) even though the Toyota Highlander SUV had seatbelts to lawfully seat only seven occupants.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials positively identified four of the passengers as aliens who had been previously deported or removed and who had unlawfully returned to the United States. Each of those four passengers were prosecuted for the felony offense of violating Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1326(a)(2), Unlawful Re-Entry into the United States by a Removed Alien. Each of the four passengers pled guilty to that offense and were convicted.
Further investigation also revealed that on August 27 2013, a vehicle registered to Legra-Ramirez was stopped in Mobile, Alabama. The vehicle was driven by a different Cuban national, who said he had recently purchased the vehicle, and admitted to smuggling the 9 illegal aliens who were passengers in his vehicle. Additionally, on August 31, 2013, Legra-Ramirez had been stopped on I-10 east bound near Lake City, Florida, driving a vehicle with 6 illegal alien passengers.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland
Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Possession of a Firearm in Jackson NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Justin Stabler, 31, of Harrison County, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve 90 months in federal prison as a result of his pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Just before 7:30 a.m. on September 1, 2017, officers from the Jackson Police Department responded to 911 calls from the Belhaven Heights neighborhood concerning a man walking down the street brandishing a firearm. Several officers responded to the area of Moody and Quinn Streets in Jackson, and shortly thereafter, officers spotted Justin Stabler walking down the street carrying a revolver in his hand. Stabler was taken into custody without incident, and officers quickly determined that he was a convicted felon who was on parole and residing at a halfway house in another area of Jackson. Because Stabler was a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing either a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The firearm Stabler possessed was a large caliber Taurus "Judge" revolver loaded with five .410 gauge shotgun shells. The firearm was later determined to have been stolen.
Stabler had previously been convicted of multiple state felony offenses in Harrison County, Mississippi and Jackson County, Mississippi, including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of counterfeit currency.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Moss Point Man Sentenced to over 24 Years in Federal Prison for MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Demetrius Darnell Mason, 40, of Moss Point, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to serve 292 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Mason was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.
On November 29, 2017, after receiving information involving drug trafficking activity, DEA agents observed FedEx deliver a package to a residence in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mason retrieved the package from the residence and then led police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood. DEA agents arrested Mason and found almost a kilogram of methamphetamine in the package.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Attorney General Sessions Announces 311 New Assistant United States Attorney PositionsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the U.S. Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
In the Southern District of Mississippi, four of these Assistant United States attorneys will focus on violent crime and one on affirmative civil enforcement.
“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”
“I want to thank Attorney General Sessions for these new federal prosecutors, which will allow us to do even more good work under Project EJECT in the City of Jackson and will help us expand our crime fighting abilities exponentially throughout the Southern District of Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. “The addition of a new civil prosecutor will also help us go on the offensive in attacking the opioid crisis here at home, as well as holding those who defraud the American taxpayer accountable in our courts. Today is a great day for our state and our nation, as these actions will greatly increase the safety of our neighborhoods, enrich the lives of our citizens, and safeguard the American pocketbook.”
In December 2017, U.S. Attorney Hurst launched Project EJECT, a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in the City of Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together.” Project EJECT is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General 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.
During the first six months of Project EJECT, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted over 50 criminals in the City of Jackson, ranging from carjacking to business robberies to felons illegally possessing firearms to illegal drugs. According to recent statistics released by the Jackson Police Department, the violent crime numbers for the City of Jackson have significantly decreased, dropping almost 25% from this same time last year.
To see more information on the locations of the 311 Assistant United States Attorney positions, please visit www.justice.gov.
Pickens Man Involved in Theft of Guns from Firearms Dealer and Illegal Sale of Firearms Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Estelle Cook, Jr., 28, of Pickens, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Cook was also ordered to pay nearly $16,000 in restitution to the gun store victim in this case.
Around 2:30 a.m. on July 28, 2014, Estelle Cook and co-defendant Corey Hughes tore a hole in the side of Central Mississippi Firearms, a gun store in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and stole 41 guns. Cook, Hughes, and others sold at least a dozen of the stolen firearms in Durant and Lexington, Mississippi. Cook led the sale of at least ten of the stolen guns to seven different buyers at a home in Durant. He sold those guns for cash, pocketing $100 per gun.
On October 3, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Estelle Cook, Corey Hughes, Darnell Branch, and Frederick Russell for their unlawful conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms. All four defendants pled guilty.
At Cook’s sentencing hearing yesterday, Judge Reeves imposed the maximum sentence allowed under the law – 10 years in prison. He also ordered Cook to reimburse the gun store victim for its nearly $16,000 in losses.
Co-defendant Frederick Russell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Co-defendants Corey Hughes and Darnell Branch are scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2018. Hughes faces maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Branch faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department.
Multiple Individuals Indicted Federally in Major Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Eleven individuals are facing federal drug charges in multiple indictments unsealed on Wednesday targeting a large, multi-state drug trafficking operation in East Central Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and John M. Dowdy, Jr., Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.
The indictments unsealed yesterday resulted from an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF") investigation dubbed "Operation Highlife," which targeted illegal narcotics distribution in East Central Mississippi. This drug network involved the distribution of over 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 3 kilograms of cocaine and over 100 pounds of marijuana. The distribution network encompassed multiple states, including Texas, California, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
The following individuals have been indicted as a result of Operation Highlife:
Brandon Deshanta Miller, 32, of Dallas, Texas, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $30.25 million fine.
Shandlette Hudson, 42, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.
Dijon James Seales, a/k/a "DJ," 28, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Seales faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $25.5 million fine.
Lorenzo Dyrell Hickman, 32, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams or more of cocaine. If convicted, Hickman faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.
Latrice Cherrrell Boler, 29, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Boler faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.
Chaddis Demond McAfee, 36, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10.5 million fine.
Courtny Orlando Campbell, 27, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Campbell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.
Danny L. Drake, 43, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Drake faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.
Kevin Ashley Wells, a/k/a "Big 50," 37, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Wells faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.
Jimmie Terrell Harrison, 43, of Forest, Mississippi, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Harrison faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000.00 fine.
Tray Beamon, 32, of Louisville, Mississippi, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Beamon faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.
"Illegal drugs are killing our youth, destroying families, and fueling violent crime across our state and our country. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement officers for coming together to take down this criminal element plaguing our communities. Yesterday’s arrests are a result of the commitment and tenacity that our law enforcement brethren have to dismantling criminal organizations wherever they may be found. Because of this work, our streets, neighborhoods and citizens in East Central Mississippi are safer today," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
"Methamphetamine has devastated countless communities due to the dramatic health and public safety consequences that typically accompany its introduction into an area," said Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. "Today’s arrests mark the culmination of an extensive joint effort by HSI, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to dismantle a drug trafficking organization that decimated parts of Mississippi and Alabama with methamphetamine smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. This operation is a testament to the seamless partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement, which HSI sincerely appreciates in the combined effort to improve the lives of law-abiding residents throughout Mississippi and Alabama." Miles oversees a five-state area of operations to include Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.
"The arrests announced today are another great example of the cooperative efforts between MBN and our federal law enforcement partners to rid our communities of the parasites that try to latch on to our children and family members with the peddling of their poison," said MBN Director John Dowdy. "As a result of these arrests, Mississippi is a safer place to live, work and raise a family."
Philadelphia Police Chief Grant Myers stated: "I am really pleased with multiple agencies coming together to work an investigation of this size. This criminal organization is responsible for a significant portion of the illegal narcotics coming into not only Philadelphia but East Central Mississippi as well. Almost all of the crimes we deal with, from assaults to thefts, and everything in between, can be traced back to illegal narcotics. Taking down an organization of this size will have a significant impact on crime in our area."
The OCDETF operation 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.
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.
Arraignments are scheduled for tomorrow, June 1, 2018, before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball at 9:00 a.m. and before United States Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson at 9:30 a.m.
A criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.