Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jackson Woman Pleads Guilty in Murder for Hire PlotRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Velma White, 32, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to four counts of using a communications facility, a cellphone, to carry out a murder for hire plot, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On August 23, 2017, White contacted, via text messages from her cellular telephone, an undercover officer whom she believed to be a "hit-man." During a phone call, White explained to the undercover officer that she wanted her half-brother murdered, and she agreed to pay the undercover officer approximately $10,000 for the murder. Over the next few days, White and the undercover officer discussed and planned out the murder of White’s half-brother, with White given multiple opportunities to back out. However, White only affirmed her commitment to the murder scheme. White revealed that she was attempting to murder her half-brother in order to collect the proceeds of a $50,000 life insurance policy for which she was the sole beneficiary. White agreed to pay the undercover officer once she collected the life insurance money. White also expressed to the undercover officer her willingness to assist in other murder for hire plots in exchange for money.
"The swift actions and cooperation among our local and federal law enforcement agencies literally saved a person’s life and protected the public from a criminal who chose personal greed over human life. We will continue to be vigilant, expeditious and collaborative in investigating and prosecuting those who commit federal crimes," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
White will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on May 21, 2018, at 9 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pearl Police Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison in Pharmacy Robbery CaseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Trenton Ferrell Williams, 34, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 123 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. Williams was also ordered to pay $21,392.68 in restitution.
Williams pled guilty on November 2, 2017, to possession of hydrocodone with intent to distribute. He and his co-defendants were stopped in Jackson County on July 12, 2017, in possession of a large quantity of prescription pills. The investigation led back to a robbery of a Walgreens Pharmacy in Lutz, Florida, on July 12, 2017. The pills matched those stolen from that pharmacy.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
D’iberville Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Oxycodone with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Travis Lee Fulgham, 24, of D’Iberville, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 87 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. Fulgham was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution.
Fulgham pled guilty on September 12, 2017, for his role in a scheme with his mother, Carla Fulgham, in which she was stealing pharmaceutical pills from Back Bay Pharmacy, where she worked as a pharmacy technician, and Travis Fulgham was distributing them.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Biloxi Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin Possession with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Robyn Paige Kisling, 45, of Biloxi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On April 19, 2016, Robyn Paige Kisling, sold an ounce of heroin to a confidential source in the parking lot of the Ocean Springs Walmart.
Kisling will be sentenced on May 17, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Cocaine, Marijuana, Heroin and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – Jose Luis Chavez a/k/a "Big Head," 47, of Edinburg, Texas, pled guilty today before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, and 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
During an arrest in Gulfport, Mississippi, in March 2016, agents with DEA began an investigation that led to the arrest of Chavez. Confidential sources met with law enforcement and stated that Chavez was a major source of supply for cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The confidential sources stated Chavez conspired with at least three other individuals to traffic narcotics from Texas to Mississippi. Agents with DEA corroborated the information provided by the confidential sources and arrested Chavez in Texas and brought him to Mississippi for prosecution.
Chavez will be sentenced on May 17, 2018, by Judge Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by the DEA and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Holmes County Man Who Stole Guns from Firearms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Corey Hughes, 36, of Holmes County, pled guilty on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves, to 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.
Around 2:30 a.m. on July 28, 2014, Corey Hughes and co-defendant Estelle Cook tore a hole in the side of Central Mississippi Firearms, a gun store in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and stole 41 guns. Hughes, Cook, co-defendant Darnell Branch, and others sold at least a dozen of the stolen firearms in Durant and Lexington, Mississippi. Hughes sold at least one of the stolen guns to Jermaine Griffin for $100.
On October 3, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Corey Hughes, Estelle Cook, Darnell Branch, and Frederick Russell for their unlawful conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms. That same day, a federal grand jury indicted Jermaine Griffin for receiving and possessing a stolen firearm.
At his hearing today, Hughes became the fourth defendant to plead guilty.
On January 10, 2018, co-defendant Frederick Russell pled guilty to conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms. He will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Carlton Reeves on March 29, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
On January 18, 2018, Jermaine Griffin pled guilty to possession of a stolen firearm. He will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Tom S. Lee on April 19, 2018. Griffin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Last week, co-defendant Estelle Cook pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Carlton Reeves on May 15, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Hughes will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Carlton Reeves on June 11, 2018. He 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. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Case.
El Salvadoran Man Pleads Guilty to Transporting Illegal Aliens Within the United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Marlon Alvarez-Campos, 30, a citizen of El Salvador, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to the crime of transporting illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Mr. Alvarez-Campos was found guilty of the offense and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on May 16, 2008. Alvarez-Campos faces a potential maximum 5 years imprisonment, not more than 3 years supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and special assessments that could total $5,100.
On August 17, 2017, a Toyota Corrola being driven by Alvarez-Campos, was stopped by a City of Biloxi Police Officer on Interstate-10 in Harrison County, Mississippi, at approximately 1:30 a.m., for careless driving. The driver did not have a valid driver’s license, and the police officer observed that, in addition to the driver, there were four passengers for a total of five occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle passengers could not speak English and the police officer suspected human smuggling was taking place. The Biloxi Police Department notified the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and requested federal assistance. HSI agents responded and began a federal investigation.
None of the vehicle occupants had proper documents, and all were illegally present in the United States. The four passengers were being smuggled by Mr. Alvarez-Campos who also was present in the U.S. illegally. All occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and Alvarez-Campos confirmed that he knew his passengers were illegal aliens and that he was being paid to transport them from Texas.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Biloxi Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Monyet Davell Johnson, 43, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr. to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years supervised release and a fine of $1500.00 for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
On June 27, 2017, agents served a federal arrest warrant on Johnson at his home in Jackson. Following a search of his home, Johnson was found to be in possession of approximately 7 kilograms of cocaine and 3 firearms.
On September 7, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Johnson for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of more of cocaine hydrochloride. On November 30, 2017, Johnson pled guilty to the conspiracy.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed AOperation Pipeline,@ which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi involving cocaine and marijuana. The distribution network encompasses the States of California, Texas and Mississippi.
The case was a joint investigation by the United States Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from US Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Texas Man Sentenced to over 18 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Arnulfo Garza Gonzalez a/k/a "Peaty," age 41, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 223 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 DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
A confidential informant provided information that beginning in 2016 and continuing through August 2017, Gonzalez was a source of supply of methamphetamine for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. During a search of a home in Gulfport, DEA agents were able to locate some of the methamphetamine that Gonzalez sent to Mississippi, and upon laboratory testing, it resulted in a 90% purity. During DEA’s investigation, agents also discovered Gonzalez conspired with a least three other individuals to traffic cocaine and marijuana from Texas to Mississippi.
On November 6, 2017, Gonzalez pled guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Pickens Man Who Stole Guns from Firearms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Estelle Cook, Jr., 28, of Pickens, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Carlton Reeves, to 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).
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 Cook, Hughes, Darnell Branch, and Frederick Russell for their unlawful conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms. Frederick Russell pled guilty on January 10, 2018, to the conspiracy charge and will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on March 29, 2018.
Corey Hughes is scheduled to plead guilty on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, before Judge Reeves to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Darnell Branch is scheduled for trial on March 5, 2018, before Judge Reeves.
Estelle Cook, Jr. will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on May 15, 2018, in Jackson. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Case.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Nineteen New United States Citizens Naturalized Thursday in NatchezRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Nineteen people from 14 different countries were sworn in as United States citizens yesterday during a Naturalization Ceremony held at the United States District Court in Natchez, Mississippi.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III presided over the ceremony. Judge Bramlette welcomed family, friends, soon-to-be citizens, and special guests, including Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell. Following a performance of “America the Beautiful” and “My Country Tis of Thee” by Damira McGruder from Natchez Cathedral High School, the candidates were presented for citizenship by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Kristi H. Johnson, on behalf of the Attorney General of the United States Jeff Sessions.
After Arthur Johnston, Clerk of the U.S. District Court, administered the Oath of Allegiance for citizenship, those assembled recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as United States citizens.
Judge Bramlette congratulated the new citizens and commended the honorees for their hard work to achieve citizenship. “We’re here this morning because you have seen the lighthouse beckoning you,” Bramlette said. “Each of you have your own story to tell . . . . Your hopes and dreams are as diverse as the regions that brought you here. You’ve come, perhaps to escape social oppression and discrimination and some strife, but all of you are here to enjoy justice, which is available to you in the land of the free. The pathway that was put out for some of you, perhaps all of you, has been emotionally and financially exhausting. Democracy is not easy.”
Judge Bramlette then presented them with certificates of citizenship. Representatives from the local chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented American flags and gift bags to the new citizens.
The new citizens originated from the following 14 countries: India, Vietnam, Turkey, Moldova, Lebanon, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Senegal, Yemen, Chile, and Australia.
Memphis Man Sentenced on Marjiuana ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Eddie Lee Hunt, 48, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 14 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release and a $1,500 fine for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. He pled guilty to the charge on October 19, 2017.
Hunt traveled from Memphis, Tennessee, to Jackson, Mississippi, to purchase over 17 pounds of Marijuana. Following a traffic stop of the vehicle Hunt was driving, the marijuana was discovered in the trunk.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed AOperation Pipeline@, which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of Methamphetamine and Marijuana. The distribution network encompasses the States of California, Texas and Mississippi.
The investigation was led by ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Pass Christian Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling MethadoneRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Sheila Bosarge Mendez, 51, of Pass Christian, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute methadone, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
Mendez sold methadone to a confidential informant at her residence on two occasions – January 4, 2017, and January 11, 2017. Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics obtained a search warrant for Mendez’s residence and executed it on January 24, 2017.
During the search of the residence, agents found a mail package containing 390 dosage units of methadone from Mexico and an envelope with approximately $3,827 and 10 dosage units of methadone. Agents also discovered 11 prescriptions written to Mendez for 100 dosage units each.
Mendez will be sentenced on May 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Van Cleave Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Terry Lee Reddix, 43, of Van Cleave, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
On May 23, 2016, Terry Lee Reddix sold methamphetamine to a confidential source from his home on the "Hill" in Van Cleave, Mississippi. Reddix has been distributing methamphetamine from that locale for several years and law enforcement was able to make several purchases of methamphetamine from him.
Reddix will be sentenced on May 8, 2018 by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Hector Serrano-Cruz, 41, of Gulfport, Mississippi pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
An investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Biloxi, Mississippi led FBI agents to determine that Hector Serrano-Cruz was a source of supply for methamphetamine. On June 12, 2017, a confidential source identified Hector Serrano-Cruz as his source of supply for methamphetamine. When Serrano-Cruz contacted the confidential source in order to collect the proceeds of past methamphetamine sales and to determine whether an additional three pounds of methamphetamine was selling, they agreed to meet. Serrano-Cruz arrived at the meeting with the source and he was arrested at that time.
Serrano-Cruz will be sentenced on May 8, 2018 by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of forty years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Biloxi Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Antonio Michael Ross, 49, of Biloxi, Mississippi, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
On March 31, 2017, Antonio Michael Ross approached a safety checkpoint in d’Iberville, Mississippi. As he approached the checkpoint, he took evasive action which was observed by police officers. As a result, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Ross did not immediately stop his vehicle, sped up and ran a stop sign. As he was fleeing, Mr. Ross threw a bag out of the vehicle which later was discovered to contain over 100 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Ross will be sentenced on May 8, 2018 by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Joe Lamont Gholar, 45, formerly of Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent-in-Charge Dana Nichols, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen G. Azzam, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
On June 9, 2015, in Jefferson Davis County, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration Hattiesburg High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) team served a search warrant at the home Gholar shared with two others. One of the two other residents of the home also was a convicted felon; but, was incarcerated at the time. Gholar was present during the search, and 35 rounds of .380 ammunition were found in Gholar’s room. A .380 caliber pistol was found in a vehicle for which Gholar was the only driver, and a shotgun and rifle belonging to Gholar also were found on the premises.
Previously, Gholar had been convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, of felony possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Gholar admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Gholar will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on April 17, 2018 at 9:45 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris.
Prentiss Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine PossessionRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Scott Allen Hill, 47, of Prentiss, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Keith Starrett to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
On September 15, 2017, agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics executed a search warrant on Hill’s home, just one day after Hill had sold methamphetamine to a confidential source. During the search, agents found $12,380 in a safe in Hill’s bedroom, as well as a plastic bag containing approximately 75 grams of a crystal-like substance in the kitchen cabinet of Hill’s home. The DEA Crime Lab later determined that this substance was methamphetamine. Agents also found a digital scale underneath the plastic bag. Hill was arrested and charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hill will be sentenced on April 17, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. by Judge Starrett, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegally Re-entering United States After Rape ConvictionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Cosme Pimental-Armenta, age 39, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 21 months in prison, the highest guideline sentence available to the judge, for the crime of illegal re-entry by deported alien after a conviction for an aggravated felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Joseph Banco, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Pimental-Armenta pled guilty on October 24, 2017. Upon release from prison, he was ordered to be placed on supervised release for three years. He was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100. Any return to the United States during the period of his supervised release period will constitute a violation of the defendant’s supervised release.
On August 30, 2017, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop for careless driving on a 2008 Toyota Tundra with a Texas license plate in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. During the stop, Pimental-Armenta handed the agent a Florida driver’s license that identified himself as Danthony Martinez-Rivas. The agent asked Pimental-Armenta if he had ever been arrested and Pimental-Armenta stated that he had not.
The agent questioned Pimental-Armenta as to his citizenship and he told the agent that he was a United States citizen from Puerto Rico. The agent finger-printed him and discovered that he was an illegal alien from Mexico. Records further revealed that Pimental-Armenta had earlier been removed from the United States on July 26, 2004, and had been previously convicted in Orange County, California, of forcible rape on April 5, 2002.
"The President and Attorney General Sessions have made border security and immigration enforcement a priority for our country. We will continue to do our part in making sure Americans are safe by vigorously prosecuting violent criminals like this who blatantly violate our laws," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"As this conviction illustrates, the U.S. Border Patrol New Orleans Sector and the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, through its ongoing integrated enforcement efforts serves as a prime example of our joint commitment to prevent potentially dangerous people from reaching our communities," said Chief Banco.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the diligent work and cooperation exhibited by U.S. Border Patrol agents and the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Golden prosecuted the case.
Gulfport Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Travis Madden, 41, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and Stephen G. Azzam, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration. Madden was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
As part of an ongoing criminal investigation, a search warrant was executed at Travis Madden’s residence on July 17, 2017. During the search of Madden’s residence, agents discovered 70 grams of cocaine, 15 grams of cocaine base, two firearms, and ammunition. Madden confessed to authorities to the possession of the drugs and firearms. Madden pled guilty to the federal charge on October 19, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Gulfport Police Department, Narcotics Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Gautier Man Guilty of Drug Conspiracy After Throwing Drugs and Money from VehicleRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Jermaine Antonio Newell, 32, of Gautier, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 or more grams of heroin, a schedule I controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
On November 15, 2017, DEA agents executed three search warrants at three different locations known to be used by Newell, based on information indicating that there would be evidence of drug trafficking activities at the properties. As agents executed one of the search warrants in Soso, Mississippi, a Jones County Deputy Sheriff saw Newell drive by the property and begin throwing bags from the van’s window. Newell threw a bag containing 951 grams of heroin, along with various pills, cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale and approximately $11,000.00 in cash. Shortly after he threw the items, Newell was stopped and arrested. He admitted to conspiring to possess the heroin and intending to distribute it.
Newell will be sentenced on April 17, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. by Judge Starrett, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Rodolfo Ortuno, 26, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
On August 24, 2017, a Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle driven by Ortuno for a traffic infraction. Upon making contact with Ortuno, the deputy recognized him from a previous stop in May, 2017. During the subsequent stop, the deputy located a large amount of U.S. currency from the vehicle driven by Ortuno. Thus, due to his previous experience with Ortuno and Ortuno’s nervous behavior, the deputy asked for consent to search. Ortuno provided consent to search the vehicle. During the search, the deputy located seven bundles wrapped in cellophane in a modified compartment. In total, Ortuno was traveling with 7,015 grams of cocaine.
Ortuno will be sentenced on April 25, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
The case was investigated by DEA Task Force Officer Howard O’Gwin and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.
Moss Point Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Michael Todd Ward a/k/a "Chicken," 51, of Moss Point, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
During the course of a lengthy investigation into cocaine trafficking in Jackson County, Mississippi, it was determined that Michael Todd Ward a/k/a "Chicken," was a source of supply for cocaine to Terry Reddix and other members of his organization that supplied various narcotics from his home in Gautier, Mississippi, known as "The Hill."
Ward will be sentenced on April 25, 2018, by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of forty years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Gulfport Man Pleads Guilty to Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Steven Paul Salmon, 56, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
An investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Biloxi, Mississippi, led FBI agents to order, through a confidential source, methamphetamine from Salmon. On June 6, 2017, Salmon arrived to meet with agents in order to sell them methamphetamine. He was arrested in possession of seven ounces of methamphetamine. Salmon advised that he had additional methamphetamine at his home which led to the seizure of three additional pounds of methamphetamine.
Salmon will be sentenced on April 25, 2018, by Judge Guirola, and faces a maximum penalty of forty years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.
Guatemalan Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering U.S. After Prior RemovalRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Wilson Walberto Clemente-Perez, 27, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to the federal crime of unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.
Clemente-Perez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 25, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. He faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, not more than one year of supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a special assessment of $100.
On November 5, 2017, a Honda CRV in which Clemente-Perez was a passenger was stopped by a Pearl River County Sheriff’s Deputy on Interstate-59 in Pearl River County, Mississippi, for speeding. While the Honda CRV was designed to seat five people, the deputy observed that, in addition to the driver, there were five unidentified passengers. The driver could not identify his passengers and the deputy could not communicate with the passengers due to a language barrier. Suspecting human smuggling, the deputy contacted the Department of Homeland Security and a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations was dispatched. A Mississippi Highway Patrol State Trooper also provided assistance.
Upon opening the Honda CRV’s cargo door, three additional passengers were found covered in the cargo area of the vehicle bringing the total number of occupants in the vehicle to nine including the driver. Clemente-Perez was one of the passengers in the cargo area. All of the vehicle occupants were taken to the Pearl River County Jail. Further investigation by Homeland Security Investigations revealed that Clemente-Perez previously had been removed from the United States on September 28, 2017, by the Department of Homeland Security after a lawful order of removal had been issued.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland
Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Justin Stabler, 31, of Harrison County, Mississippi, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate 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.
On the morning of 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 at another individual. While responding to the area, officers spotted 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.
United States Attorney Mike Hurst praised the efforts of vigilant citizens in Belhaven Heights and the responsiveness of Jackson police officers. "These concerned residents and the Jackson Police Department should be commended for their cooperation in this case, resulting in a criminal being quickly located, arrested and removed from our community before he could do more harm. These types of collaborative efforts are one of the most effective ways to make our neighborhoods safer and more secure," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Stabler had previously been convicted of multiple state felony offenses in Harrison and Jackson Counties, including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and possession of counterfeit currency.
Stabler will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on May 21, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Texas Man Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison for Distribution of CocaineRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Juan Francisco Benavides, 44, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 39 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for using the interstate to travel in aid of an unlawful activity, specifically distribution of cocaine. Benavides was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. He pled guilty to the charge on July 10, 2017.
On May 27, 2017, a Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle driven by Benavides for a traffic violation. During the stop, the deputy noticed that Benavides was acting nervous and he did not have a valid driver’s license. Benavides consented to a search of his vehicle, and a K9 made a positive alert that there were drugs in the vehicle. Upon a search of the vehicle by the deputy, several bundles of cocaine were found concealed in the dashboard. Agents located a total of 455.8 grams of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Federal Prisoner Pleads Guilty to Possessing a WeaponRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Joseph Shaw, 35, a federal inmate, pled guilty today, before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to possession of a weapon within a federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
On June 21, 2017, during a routine search, federal correctional officers at the United States Penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi, discovered Shaw in possession of a weapon. The weapon, a sharpened piece of plastic approximately 5.5 inches long, was confiscated.
Shaw will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Wingate on May 21, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of five additional years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Section. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Case and Special Assistant United States Attorney Woelke Leithart.
Two Argentine Men Sentenced for Passing Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Gonzalo De La Fuente, 23, and Alejandro Boynak, 35, both citizens of Argentina who came to the United States on tourist visas, were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve 17 months in federal prison for possessing and passing counterfeit currency in Meridian, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and United States Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Michael Williams.
On July 17, 2017, De La Fuente and Boynak were arrested by the Meridian Police Department at the Wal-Mart in Meridian, where they attempted to pass counterfeit $100 bills while making small purchases. Upon their arrest, officers found approximately $100,000 in counterfeit and genuine United States currency in their possession. Both defendants pled guilty to federal charges on October 25, 2017.
Both defendants will be subject to deportation after serving their full prison sentences, and they will be subject to three years of supervised release if they return to the United States.
The case was investigated by the Meridian Police Department and the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Lindsey Johnson Carjacking Conviction AffirmedRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - In a published opinion issued yesterday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the carjacking and firearms convictions and sentence of Lindsey Johnson, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
A federal grand jury previously returned a three-count indictment against Johnson, charging him with carjacking, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, stemming from an incident occurring in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 2, 2015.
In May 2016, Johnson was prosecuted for these crimes in Jackson before Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour. A jury found Johnson guilty on all counts. Johnson was subsequently sentenced to 180 months of in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Johnson appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging his conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial court had erred in denying the admission of evidence during trial, penalizing him during sentencing by finding that he had lied on the stand, and categorizing his prior convictions as crimes of violence resulting in an enhanced sentence. Johnson also argued that the prosecutor violated the law by cross-examining Johnson about his prior convictions.
In its ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld Johnson’s conviction and sentence. The Court denied Johnson’s first argument, holding that it could not conclude that admitting the evidence Johnson requested (Facebook posts) would have had a substantial impact on the jury’s ultimate verdict. The Court also upheld the district court’s finding that Johnson had lied on the stand and thus qualified for a higher sentence. In addition, the Court sustained the trial court’s finding that Johnson’s two prior state convictions for carjacking qualified for an increased sentence as a crime of violence.
Finally, the Court held that the prosecutor’s reference to the number of Johnson’s prior convictions did not violate the law and Johnson had failed to prove that he had suffered prejudice sufficient to require a new trial.
The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted at trial by Assistant United States Attorneys Abe McGlothin and Darren LaMarca. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gaines Cleveland handled the appeal.
US v Lindsey Johnson CA5Illegal Alien Sentenced to 262 Months in Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jose Christian Nunez-Belemontes, 33, an illegal alien from Mexico living in Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr., to 262 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
Nunez-Belemontes was charged after a lengthy investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in Jackson. As part of the investigation, agents were able to link $105,108 in U.S. Currency and three kilograms of cocaine to the defendant. Agents also seized approximately $192,000, a money counter, and more than 400 grams of cocaine from the defendant’s residence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from: the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office; the Ridgeland Police Department; the Jackson Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Mississippi Highway Patrol; the Madison County Sheriff’s Office; the Brandon Police Department; the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office; the Mississippi Department of Corrections; the Pearl Police Department; the Flowood Police Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the Drug Enforcement Administration - Houston Field Division.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher L. Wansley.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Smuggle Other Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Luis Enrique Moran-Vargaz, 37, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Joseph Banco, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Moran-Vargaz will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. He 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.
On November 28, 2017, a truck driven by Moran-Vargaz was stopped by a Gautier police officer on Interstate-10 in Jackson County, Mississippi, for speeding. While the truck was designed to seat five people, the police officer observed that, in addition to the driver, there were six additional people in the vehicle. These passengers provided Mexican identification documents and they could not be identified by Moran-Vargaz. The U.S. Border Patrol was notified, and a Border Patrol Agent responded to the scene.
During the investigation, it was determined that none of the passengers had proper documentation and all were illegally present in the United States. The six passengers were being smuggled by Moran-Vargaz, whom also was determined to be an illegal alien. All occupants of the vehicle were arrested. Moran-Vargaz confirmed that he knew his passengers were illegal aliens and admitted that he was being paid to transport them from Texas.
"This office will aggressively pursue individuals who perpetuate and exacerbate the problem of illegal immigration in this country by attempting to profit from human smuggling. Our local and federal law enforcement officers should be commended for their cooperative efforts in this case. It is only through our work together that the American public is best served, the rule of law is upheld, and justice is done," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
New Orleans Sector Border Patrol Chief Joseph Banco stated: "The New Orleans Border Patrol Sector’s efforts with its federal, state and local law enforcement partners reduces the ability of criminal organizations to exploit transportation routes within the area and degrades their ability to conduct criminal acts."
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
Illegal Alien Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Juan Antonio Martinez-Alonso, 50, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to the crime of unlawful re-entry by an alien previously convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Joseph Banco, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.
Martinez-Alonso is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. He faces a potential maximum 10 years imprisonment, not more than 3 years supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and a special assessment of $100.
On November 28, 2017, a truck in which Martinez-Alonso was a passenger was stopped by a Gautier police officer on Interstate-10 in Jackson County, Mississippi, for speeding. While the truck was designed to seat five people, the police officer observed that, in addition to the driver, there were six additional passengers in the vehicle. The passengers provided Mexican identification documents and they could not be identified by the driver. The U.S. Border Patrol was notified, and a Border Patrol Agent responded to the scene.
During the investigation, it was determined that none of the passengers had proper documentation and all were illegally present in the United States. All six passengers of the vehicle were arrested. Further investigation revealed that one of the passengers, Martinez-Alonso, had been previously convicted in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico of the offense of Re-entry by a Removed Alien, a felony.
U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.
New Orleans Sector Border Patrol Chief Joseph Banco stated: "Our goal is to enhance border security in the Gulf Coast region in order to disrupt and degrade smuggling operations."
Biloxi Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Dandre Dshon Evans, 34, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 151 months in federal prison for illegally possessing firearms as a felon, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced.
On August 24, 2017, D’Iberville police officers responded to a domestic call at the home of Evans’ girlfriend and found Evans in possession of illegal drugs and a firearm, as well as a magazine to a second firearm belonging to Evans. A search was later conducted on Evans’ Biloxi residence pursuant to a search warrant, which uncovered two additional loaded firearms. Further evidence proved that Evans possessed additional firearms, to include an SKS rifle.
When arrested on these most recent charges, Evans was on state probation for drug offenses and was thus facing a possible 30-year sentence in federal prison. The court ordered that the 12½- year sentence be served consecutive to his state probation revocation sentence.
The case was investigated by the D’Iberville Police Department, Biloxi Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Biloxi Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Donte L. Evans, 43, of Biloxi, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas M. Annello of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed AOperation Pipeline,@ which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of cocaine and marijuana. The distribution network encompassed the States of California, Texas and Mississippi. Evans received a quantity of cocaine for distribution from a co-conspirator that traveled from Jackson to Biloxi.
Evans will be sentenced by Judge Wingate on April 23, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison followed by four years of supervised release and a $5,000,000 fine.
This case was a joint investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Bay St. Louis Man Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison for Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Tony Coles, 40, of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to serve 65 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, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Division. Coles was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
In 2015, the DEA began an investigation when Tony Coles was identified as a dealer of methamphetamine in the Hancock County, Mississippi area. During the course of this investigation, it was discovered that Coles received large amounts of methamphetamine and distributed it primarily in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. On September 8, 2015, a DEA confidential source purchased 24.2 grams of methamphetamine from Coles in Pearlington, Mississippi. Coles pled guilty to the federal charge on October 24, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.
Kosciusko Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Jermaine Griffin, 31, of Kosciusko, pled guilty on January 18, 2018, before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee, to knowingly possessing and selling a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
In September 2014, Griffin purchased a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol from someone on the street, and later learned the man who sold him the gun had recently robbed Central Mississippi Firearms, a gun store in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Griffin then sold the stolen gun in Durant, Mississippi.
Griffin will be sentenced by Judge Lee on April 18, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Case.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 180 months in Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Suava Blair, 20, of Jackson, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release, after having pled guilty to brandishing and possessing a firearm during a carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Blair was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.
On October 2, 2015, Blair went to New Stage Theatre in Jackson and carjacked a victim as she opened the door to her vehicle. Blair held a gun to the victim’s head and demanded that she "get out the vehicle and leave everything inside." Blair, along with a passenger, drove away in the carjacked vehicle. A week later, on October 9, 2015, Jackson Police Officers patrolling the area around the Mississippi State Fairgrounds came into contact with the carjacked vehicle. The officers attempted to execute a stop on the vehicle. Instead, the driver, Suava Blair, led officers on a foot chase before eventually getting back into the carjacked vehicle and attempting to run over the officers. The officers discharged their service weapons, striking Blair in his right leg. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated, apprehended and arrested.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the Jackson Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Employees of United States Attorney’s Office Receive Special Achievement AwardsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. - Today, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst recognized members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi with the presentation of the Southern District’s annual awards for superior performance in 2017.
"I want to congratulate these individuals for their significant accomplishments in 2017. They all individually performed above and beyond the call of duty and collectively served the public to the highest degree. Because of their hard work, the people of Mississippi are safer and more secure and their tax dollars have been protected. The public should be proud of these truly dedicated public servants," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
Robert E. Hauberg Award for Distinguished Service - This award is named in honor of the achievements of former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi Robert E. Hauberg, the longest serving United States Attorney in the history of our nation. Mr. Hauberg was renowned for his public spirit including service as a professor and later as Dean of the Jackson School of Law. The Hauberg Award is granted annually by this District to an employee who has displayed superior achievement in their assigned duties and who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in some additional public service that makes a significant impact on the community.
The 2017 recipient of the Robert E. Hauberg Award is Deputy Criminal Chief for Narcotics, John Meynardie. Mr. Meynardie is the Chief of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program in the Southern District, regularly prosecuting major drug cases. In addition, he has gone above and beyond his duties as a prosecutor by preparing and presenting numerous programs to civic groups and area high school students on the dangers of opioid and synthetic drugs. In June 2016, he convened a working group to come up with a District strategy to combat opioids. In October 2016, he created and initiated for the Southern District a pilot program of instruction in area schools entitled "Pills, Needles and Designer Drugs." The initial presentations included a local elementary school and 14 lectures to Biloxi High School students to educate them on the extreme danger of opioids. Mr. Meynardie continues to offer this
program to area high schools. He has provided training to other districts on trying diversion cases, and he has taught, and continues to teach, at the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center on topics including drug prosecutions and the opioid epidemic. Mr. Meynardie has done all of this while consistently having the most criminal cases indicted and prosecuted in the Southern District. Recently, his expertise received national attention when he was recognized for indicting a Chinese national as the first manufacturer and distributor of fentanyl and other opiate substances to be indicted in the history of the United States, while being designated as a Consolidated Priority Organization Target (CPOT) by the Drug Enforcement Administration as one of the most significant drug trafficking threats in the world.
James B. Tucker Award for Superior Prosecutorial Service in Criminal Justice – This award is named for the first person to serve as Chief of the Criminal Division in the Southern District. Mr. Tucker distinguished himself in his position and gained a national reputation as a tough but judicious prosecutor throughout the state and throughout the Department of Justice. The award is presented each year to the Criminal Assistant United States Attorney having demonstrated superior prosecutorial service in the Criminal Division throughout the year.
The 2017 recipient of the James B. Tucker Award is Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams. Ms. Williams led the prosecution of an international case dubbed "Operation Scams-R-Us" for which she and her trial team received national recognition. The case involved a large transnational criminal organization based in Nigeria and South Africa, which carried out a multitude of cyber and mail schemes targeting thousands of victims in the United States and elsewhere. The investigation and prosecution resulted in the indictments of 17 Nigerian citizens living in Nigeria, South Africa, Canada and the United States; a South African citizen; and 3 U.S. citizens. Of the 21 indicted defendants, two died pre-trial, four are fugitives, twelve entered guilty pleas and received sentences ranging from probation to 20 years, and three went to jury trial. The trial included over 60 witnesses, five from the South African Police, two cooperating defendants, and numerous victims from Seattle to Mississippi. The trial lasted sixteen days, ending with all three defendants found guilty of multiple counts. They were sentenced to 25, 95, and 115 years based on over $55,000,000 in losses. The case gained national attention and was recently featured on CNBC News (https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/18/nigerian-con-artists-have-new-ways-theyre-using-to-steal-your-cash.html). Ms. Williams conducted this prosecution while also maintaining a very demanding, heavy caseload of criminal prosecutions.
Daniel E. Lynn Award for Superior Litigation Service in Civil Litigation – This award is named for Daniel E. Lynn, the first person to serve as Chief of the Civil Division in the Southern District. Mr. Lynn set the highest standards of excellence through selfless competence, integrity, and professionalism. The award is presented each year to the Assistant United States Attorney having demonstrated the most superior litigation service affecting the Civil Division throughout the year.
The 2017 recipient of the Daniel E. Lynn Award is Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia "Cindy" Eldridge. Over the past year, Mrs. Eldridge handled several significant cases, including
Gonzalez v. United States, 851 F.3d 538 (5th Cir. 2017), a Federal Tort Claims Act case that established new case law in the Fifth Circuit. In addition, with the retirement of another long-time Civil AUSA, Ms. Eldridge stepped up and volunteered to take over all bankruptcy matters previously handled by the retiring AUSA encompassing the entire District, requiring extensive travel. For the remaining few months of 2017, she concluded over 50 bankruptcy cases! She has zealously represented federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On a weekly basis, AUSA Eldridge reviews hundreds of filings to determine whether any United States interest requires her intervention.
Ms. Eldridge began her career with the Department of Justice in 1999 as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division, Southern District of Mississippi. She spent several years in both the Civil and Criminal Divisions, as well as a Resident Legal Advisor overseas with the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2015, she returned to this office as an AUSA in the Civil Division. In addition, Ms. Eldridge continues to be involved in numerous outreach efforts, including as a speaker at a workshop on employment discrimination and at a workshop with the Department’s Community Relations Service. In 2017, she also assisted in training federal agents with the U.S. Forest Service. Throughout 2017, she demonstrated superior advocacy skills and participated in outreach activities that significantly impacted the community, including the law enforcement community, in the Southern District of Mississippi.
Paulette Womack Support Staff Award for Superior Performance - This award was recently re-named to honor Paulette Womack, a long-time, much-loved member of the office who served as Secretary to the first Criminal Division Chief and as the Victim Witness Coordinator for the Southern District. She performed her work with tenacity, persistence and professionalism. This award is presented each year to the Support Staff Employee having demonstrated the most superior efforts in support of the mission of the District, whether it be in the area of administration or legal support.
The 2017 recipient of the Paulette Womack Award is Legal Assistant Deborah Bradford. Ms. Bradford is extremely competent in working on both civil and criminal cases within the office. Her legal knowledge, skills and abilities are unmatched, and she is always enthusiastic and eager to help with any office task. She supports three very busy Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Gulfport branch office, all of whom rave about her dependability and trustworthiness. Ms. Bradford is dedicated and dependable and often stays well beyond her assigned duty hours to complete her work.
Morton Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security Disability FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Bobby Earl Thweatt, 53, of Morton, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee, to theft of government funds by fraudulently obtaining Social Security Disability payments, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Resident Agent in Charge Marvin Mauldin of the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration.
Thweatt was approved for Title II Social Security disability benefits effective in October, 1998, based on an injury. As part of the application, he agreed under penalty of perjury to notify the Social Security Administration in the event that his medical condition improved so that he was able to work. Thweatt received monthly Social Security Disability payments based on his medical condition.
In January, 2009, Thweatt began working again on a full-time basis but did so using his wife’s Social Security number instead of his own, in order to avoid having to notify the Social Security Administration that he was able to work and therefore was no longer eligible to receive disability payments from the United States government. From January, 2009, to April, 2015, Thweatt received a total of $97,083.00 in funds belonging to the United States by receiving Social Security Title II Disability Insurance benefits to which he knew he was not entitled. Thweatt converted this money to his own personal use and benefit.
Thweatt will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Tom S. Lee on April 19, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Federal law mandates the full payment of restitution.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Registered Sex Offender Returned to Federal Prison for Six More YearsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – David Aaron Smith-Garcia, also known as David Garland Atwood II, 34, of Vicksburg, was sentenced on December 21, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to serve an additional six years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for violating the terms of his supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
This was the third time that Smith-Garcia, who legally changed his name in June 2017 through proceedings in the Warren County Chancery Court, has been returned to prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.
Smith-Garcia is a registered sex offender who originally pled guilty on April 1, 2005, to one count of using the internet to knowingly persuade, induce and entice a person he believed to be under the age of eighteen years to engage in sexual activity and to one count of wire fraud. He served 63 months in federal prison for his original convictions. Smith-Garcia violated the terms of his supervised release and was sentence to serve an additional 5 months incarceration on March 23, 2010. Smith-Garcia violated the terms of his supervised release a second time in 2010 and 2011, and he was sentenced March 29, 2013, to serve an additional six years in federal prison.
In April 2017, following his release from federal prison, Smith-Garcia violated the terms of his supervision for a third time. After weeks of hearings and testimony, on December 21, 2017, United States District Judge Wingate found Smith-Garcia guilty of seven violations of his supervision, including:
- unlawfully and feloniously using electronic communications for the purpose of threatening, terrifying and harassing a victim in violation of Mississippi law;
- willfully, unlawfully and feloniously exposing another person to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through engaging in unprotected sex on two occasions without notifying the victim that Smith-Garcia is HIV positive, in violation of Mississippi law; and
- leaving the Southern District of Mississippi without the permission of either the Court or the US Probation Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.
Meridian Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Kahari Scott, 24, of Meridian, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to serve 64 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. Scott was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On September 23, 2016, Kahari Scott, was traveling west on Old Highway 80 in Meridian, Mississippi. Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris McFarland noticed that Scott was not wearing a seatbelt and pulled the vehicle over. Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy McFarland noticed a handgun on the passenger seat. When asked for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, Scott stated that he did not have them on him and provided a fictitious name. When Deputy McFarland returned to his vehicle to call dispatch to check for any prior felony convictions, Scott opened the driver door and fled from the scene. Warrants were subsequently issued and Scott was arrested on November 15, 2016.
Scott has a previous conviction in the Circuit Court of Lauderdale County, Mississippi for the felony offense of possession of a stolen firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – David Calvin Beard, 54, of Jackson, pled guilty on January 11, 2017, before Chief United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, 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.
On December 2, 2016, while attempting to execute an arrest warrant for Beard at his home in Jackson, officers with the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Taskforce observed shotgun ammunition in plain view inside the home. Because Beard was a convicted felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, a search warrant was obtained for his home. When officers executed the search warrant on Beard’s residence, officers found a Winchester .22 caliber rifle, a Taurus .22 caliber revolver, and 1,677 rounds of assorted ammunition scattered throughout the home and garage.
Beard had been previously convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri for the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and in the Circuit Court of Rankin County for the felony offense of home invasion.
Beard will be sentenced in Jackson by Chief Judge Jordan on April 12, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Taskforce. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.
McComb Man Pleads Guilty to Commercial Driver’s License FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Derrious Emadrick Dillon, 37, of McComb, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Regional Special Agent in Charge Marlies Gonzalez of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General.
Dillon previously worked for a company that provided training and certification to individuals seeking commercial driver’s licenses ("CDLs"). When his employment was terminated in 2014, he nonetheless continued providing paperwork to those whom wanted a CDL. Dillon obtained a list of authorized CDL instructors and their identification numbers in the State of Mississippi. He used names and identification numbers of those authorized CDL instructors to prepare fraudulent paperwork for individuals seeking CDLs. This fraudulent paperwork would be given to an individual seeking to obtain a CDL in exchange for payment to Dillon. Such fraudulent paperwork would be presented by these individuals to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety in order to secure a commercial driver’s license. Dillon received $200-$400 for each set of fraudulent paperwork. A review of the commercial drivers’ paperwork in Mississippi showed that some of the applicants could not have achieved the results on the paperwork. Some Commercial Driver’s License holders were interviewed and said they had never taken the test and just paid Dillon for the paperwork.
"These types of crimes endanger our children, our families and the public at large on our roadways. When a person chooses to exchange our safety for their personal benefit, they will be prosecuted and held accountable. I commend our law enforcement partners for their excellent work to ensure our roads are and remain safe," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.
"This investigation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the efficacy of DOT’s commercial driver’s license regulations and advancing safety on the roads by ensuring that only qualified individuals obtain CDLs," stated Marlies Gonzalez, Regional Special Agent-In-Charge at U.S. DOT-OIG. "Working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our vigorous efforts to prevent, detect and prosecute fraud schemes which endanger the traveling public."
Dillon is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, on April 10, 2018, in Jackson, Mississippi. He is facing a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a 250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation-Office of Inspector General, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.
Choctaw Woman Sentenced for Assault with a Deadly WeaponRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Ida Mae Sam, 56, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to serve 68 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting another Choctaw Indian with a dangerous weapon and causing serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. Sam was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
On April 25, 2015, Ida Mae Sam invited the victim and others to her residence located in the Pearl River Community on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. At some point during the day, Ida Mae Sam became involved in an argument with her boyfriend, and then with the boyfriend of the victim. She then went into another room, returned with a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times. The victim suffered large cuts and significant blood loss.
On April 18, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Sam in a two-count indictment charging her with assault of another person with a dangerous weapon and assault causing serious bodily injury. A jury trial was held in Jackson, Mississippi, before U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III from October 30, 2017 to October 31, 2017. On October 31, 2017, the jury found Sam guilty on all counts of the indictment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Keesha D. Middleton and Erin Chalk.
Two Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Charlie Lee Martin, 54, of Jackson, Mississippi, and Shredewrick Anderson, 42, of Lancaster, California, were sentenced on December 12, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, for their roles in a drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. Martin was sentenced to 130 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Anderson was sentenced to 90 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The defendants were charged after a lengthy investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in Jackson. In November 2015, Martin and Anderson obtained cocaine hydrochloride from sources of supply in Texas and Jackson, Mississippi, and distributed it to other individuals in Jackson and Gulfport, Mississippi.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, the Ridgeland Police Department, the Jackson Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Brandon Police Department, the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the Pearl Police Department, the Flowood Police Department, Customs and Border Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration - Houston Field Division.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
Mississippi Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Bribery of Former Corrections CommissionerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Dr. Carl Reddix, 59, of Jackson, was sentenced today for paying bribes and kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner (MDOC) Christopher B. Epps in exchange for receiving contracts involving the MDOC and its operations, announced United States Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
Reddix was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. He was also fined $15,000 and ordered to forfeit $1,266,438.00.
Reddix was a part owner of an inmate health care services provider known as Health Assurance, LLC. Reddix began paying bribes and kickbacks to Epps in 2012 to obtain contracts for Health Assurance to provide inmate health care services at East Mississippi Correctional Facility and Marshall County Correctional Facility. In 2013, Health Assurance obtained an additional contract to provide inmate health care services at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. Reddix paid monthly bribes and kickbacks to Epps for these contracts and other potential contracts. When the scheme was discovered, Reddix had paid Epps a total of $187,500 in kickbacks. In return, Reddix and his company, Health Assurance, had obtained over $22 million in contracts with the MDOC.
"Today, justice was served. Dr. Carl Reddix personally bribed MDOC Commissioner Chris Epps at least 36 times over an approximately three-year period for numerous contracts worth millions of dollars. This wasn’t a mistake or a one-time occurrence. Sadly, it was simply greed, coupled with callousness for our government, public institutions and the criminal justice system," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. "Those who allow greed and rapacity to corrupt our system of government and rule of law will be held to answer for their crimes and wrongdoings. Today’s sentence illustrates that the illegal sale of our jails will end in a jail cell."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze applauded the investigators and prosecutors, whose hard work and determined efforts revealed these additional participants in this conspiracy of public corruption and led to the sentence announced today.
Reddix is scheduled to report to prison on January 29, 2018.
Gulfport Man Sentenced for False Statement in Purchasing FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Isaac Q. Coleman, 25, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday to seven months in federal prison and five months of home confinement, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for knowingly making a false statement in connection with the purchase 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. Coleman was also ordered to pay a $3,500.00 fine. He pled guilty to the charge on September 20, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr.
On January 13, 2017, Coleman purchased a handgun at Cook’s Gun Shop, in D’Iberville, Mississippi, for Tony D. Crawford, a convicted felon. Coleman and Crawford entered the Gun Shop together and shopped for a firearm together. Crawford then paid Coleman, and Coleman purchased a 9mm pistol from the store. In purchasing the firearm, Coleman knowingly provided a false and fictitious written statement to the federal firearms licensee. Coleman knew his false statement on the ATF Form 4473 contained information which was required to be kept in official records, and that the gun shop could not complete the transaction if it was known that the firearm actually was being purchased in what is commonly known as a "straw purchase".
Ultimately, the firearm was found by ATF agents in the possession of Crawford. He was charged and pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Crawford is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Biloxi Police Department, and the D’Iberville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.
Utica Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Peeno Davis, 23, of Utica, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate 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 May 3, 2015, the Utica Chief of Police responded to calls from the community about a blue and silver pickup riding through downtown Utica, with two men on the back of the truck and two men inside the truck who were brandishing guns while riding on Main Street. The truck was located at the Pit Stop convenience store in Utica where Peeno Davis was found to be in possession of a sawed-off shotgun. He was previously convicted in the Second Judicial District of Hinds County for house burglary.
Davis will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on February 21, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Utica Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes.
Ocean Springs Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Brett Michael Sekinger, 26, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to serve 8 years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. Sekinger was also ordered to pay restitution to a victim in the amount of $5,000.
Through an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which began in January 2015, a user was identified via an internet protocol address as being associated with activity linked to a child pornography "bulletin board". This bulletin board was used by an online community of individuals regularly sending and receiving child pornography via a website that operated on an anonymous online network. The website was accessible only to users within the subject network who had to use appropriate software and who had to create a user name and a password to get on this anonymous website.
A federal search warrant was executed on February 5, 2016, on the residence associated with a particular internet protocol address and user name located in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. At that time, Brett M. Sekinger was found to knowingly possess computers and other electronic components containing visual depictions in digital still and video format of minors, to include minors who had not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Brett M. Sekinger faced a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years to life supervised release. This case was investigated by agents of the FBI Jackson Division’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which is made up of agents from the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, officers from the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea C. Jones.