Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Nigerian Nationals from South Africa Convicted in International Cyber Financial Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Three Nigerian nationals, who in July 2015 were extradited from South Africa to the Southern District of Mississippi, were convicted today by a federal jury for their wide-ranging Internet fraud schemes.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds, two counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Ayelotan faces up to 95 years in prison. Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31 was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds, three counts of mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Raheem faces up to 115 years in prison. Femi Alexander Mewase, 45, was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud, and theft of U.S. government funds. Mewase faces up to 25 years in prison. Sentencing for all three is set for May 24 in the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to trial testimony and evidence presented in the three-week trial, the defendants participated in numerous complex Internet-based financial fraud schemes, including romance scams, re-shipping scams, fraudulent check scams, and work-at-home scams, as well as bank, financial, and credit card account takeovers. From as early as 2001, the defendants identified and solicited potential victims through online dating websites and work-at-home opportunities. In some instances, the defendants carried on fictitious online romantic relationships with victims for the purpose of using the victims to further objectives of the conspiracy. For example, the defendants convinced victims to ship and receive merchandise purchased with stolen personal identifying information (PII) and compromised credit card and banking information, to deposit counterfeit checks, to withdraw money from fraudulent pre-paid debit cards that were loaded with money from stolen credit cards and to transfer proceeds of the conspiracy via wire, U.S. mail, or express delivery services.
A total of 21 defendants were charged in this case. To date, defendants Adekunle Adefila, 41, of Nigeria; Anuoluwapo Segun Adegbemigun, 40, of Nigeria; Gabriel Oludare Adeniran, 30, of Nigeria; Genoveva Farfan, 45, of California; Rhulane Fionah Hlungwane, 26, of South Africa; Teslim Olarewaju Kiriji, 30, of Nigeria; Dennis Brian Ladden, 75, of Wisconsin; Olutoyin Ogunlade, 41, of New York; Taofeeq Olamilekan Oyelade, 32, of Nigeria; Olufemi Obaro Omoraka, 27, of Nigeria; and Olusegun Seyi Shonekan, 34, of Nigeria; have pleaded guilty to related conspiracy charges. Susan Anne Villeneuve, 49, of California, is awaiting trial.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Significant assistance was also provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the HSI Cyber Crimes Center, HSI Attachés in Pretoria, South Africa and Dakar, Senegal, the U.S. Marshals Service’s International Investigations Branch and the Southern District of Mississippi District Office, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI) Electronic Crimes Unit, the SAPS Interpol Extradition Unit, the South African National Prosecution Authority and the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Trial Attorney Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams of the Southern District of Mississippi tried the case.
If you believe that you may have been a victim of criminal fraud committed by any of the defendants, please go to http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/scams and complete the questionnaire. Defendants allegedly used the following email addresses and names to perpetuate the scheme:
[email protected] [email protected]
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Stacy Adams Marlon Chase
Regina Darwin Folly Edwards
Kimberly Faye Lorene M. Garrett
Mark Gentile John Gervino
Dickson Jones Anita Lauren
Samuel Maxwell Mark Miller
Adeline Piper Sarah Powell
Karen Robinson Glenn Sattelberg
Kevin Smith Mark Smith
Richard Wasser Justin Worsham
Any information that you provide through the questionnaire may be helpful in the criminal investigation and prosecution of this case. A federal investigator may contact you with additional questions or to request documents you may have. Please note that submitting the questionnaire is not a substitute for consulting with your own attorney to determine what actions and remedies may be available to you through civil litigation. If you have any questions related to this matter that are not addressed at the above websites, you may contact federal law enforcement authorities at [email protected].
Meridian Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. – Theresa Wash, 51, of Meridian, was sentenced on January 31, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves, to serve two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for exceeding authorized access, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. She was also ordered to pay $797,287.85 in restitution and to forfeit a house which has yet to be appraised.
Wash was the controller of a Meridian business and stole funds from her employer. She previously pled guilty to the charge.
The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division Cyber Crime Task Force. The task force is comprised of investigators from the Madison Police Department, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and FBI Agents from the Jackson Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley.
Jackson State University Agrees to Pay $1.17 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Jackson State University (JSU) has agreed to pay the United States $1.17 million to settle allegations that JSU mismanaged National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Allison Lerner, Inspector General at the National Science Foundation.
During the time period, June 1, 2006 to September 30, 2011, JSU submitted claims and/or expended funds under NSF Grants and in so doing, impliedly certified that every claim and/or expenditure was supportable, allocable, and allowable and that JSU would maintain adequate records to support these claims and expenditures. In 2012, an audit of the NSF Grants performed under contract for the NSF Office of Inspector General ("NSF-OIG") identified salary and non-salary expenditures that were unallowable, not allocable, and/or had insufficient, inadequate and/or no supporting documentation. A subsequent NSF-OIG investigation determined that, in preparation for the audit, and subsequently in response to the preliminary audit findings, JSU employees fabricated time and effort reports and provided them to the auditors, and in some instances presented inadequate and/or no supporting documentation.
As part of the settlement, JSU has also agreed to take specific steps to prevent these events from reoccurring by instituting a compliance program, which includes a comprehensive training program on time and effort reporting and other aspects of federal grants management, for a five-year period beginning in February.
"Recipients of federally-funded grants must adhere to the regulations applicable to those grants and accurately report the required information. This settlement sends a strong signal to grant recipients that failure to follow the applicable requirements may lead to significant financial consequences," stated Gregory K. Davis, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi.
Allison Lerner, Inspector General at the National Science Foundation said, "Each year the National Science Foundation awards millions of dollars in grants to institutions to promote promising scientific research. Fabricating information to improperly obtain and spend scarce research dollars will not be tolerated. I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its effort in this settlement, which will require the return of $1.17 million."
This case was the result of an investigation by NSF-OIG. Assistant United States Attorney Kristi H. Johnson and ACE Auditor Kim Mitchell handled the matter for the United States.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Neshoba County Residents Sentenced to Prison for Assault on Choctaw Tribal LandsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Robert Lee Jim, age 32 and Jackie Devon Stokes, Jr., age 33, both Choctaw Indians and residents of Neshoba County, were sentenced on January 23, 2017, by Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The defendants previously pled guilty to the charges.
Robert Lee Jim was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, and Jackie Devon Stokes, Jr. was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants were also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
The crime took place on April 6, 2011 at a residence in Neshoba County on lands within the confines of the Choctaw Indian Reservation. The victim was brutally attacked and assaulted by both defendants. The victim was treated at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Choctaw Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Terry Man Sentenced for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Kenneth Bowman, Jr., 63, of Terry, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee to five years of supervised probation and ordered to pay $86,849.34 in restitution for bankruptcy fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U. S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. Bowman pled guilty to the charge on September 13, 2016.
Bowman, as the officer and representative of Piggly Wiggly of Crystal Springs, Inc., a debtor in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Mississippi, embezzled approximately $101,733.55 from the bankruptcy estate. Bowman appropriated to his own use estate funds belonging to the debtor, specifically making checks payable to cash and using the cash to satisfy his personal debts, and reducing assets available to creditors.
The Office of the U. S. Trustee and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi referred the matter to the U. S. Attorney for prosecution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Trustee assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammye S. Tharpe prosecuted the case.
Cowart Seafood, Inc. Officers Charged with Illegal Seafood Conspiracy and Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Lonnie M. Ray and Shelley H. Ray, the principal officers of Cowart Seafood, Inc., of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, have been indicted on charges which include conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis; Acting Assistant Director Manny Antonaras with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Special Agent in Charge Louis Santiago with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Keith Davis with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, Office of Marine Patrol; and Resident Agent in Charge Jason Denham with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Lacey Act makes it unlawful to sell in interstate commerce any fish taken in violation of state law.
Lonnie Ray, the president of Cowart Seafood, Inc., and Shelley Ray, the company’s secretary/treasurer, were also charged with individual Lacey Act violations, namely, the sale of red drum in interstate commerce to Kenney Seafood, Inc., Slidell, Louisiana on March 20, 2015, and the sale of red drum and spotted seatrout in interstate commerce to the New Orleans Fish House, New Orleans, Louisiana on May 12, 2015. In addition, Lonnie Ray was charged with illegal possession of a short-barreled shotgun. Both defendants made their initial appearance earlier today before the Honorable Robert H. Walker, United States Magistrate Judge, at the federal courthouse in Gulfport.
"The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those individuals who jeopardize our nation’s fisheries by providing a market for illegally caught fish," said U.S. Attorney Davis. "Protecting our nation's fishing industry is essential for deterring those who would undermine the sustainable management of our fisheries resource."
"This case demonstrates the value of a combined investigative effort on the part of all agencies involved," said Acting Assistant Director Manny Antonaras with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In the indictment unsealed today, both defendants were charged with conspiring to violate the Lacey Act by selling fish to Louisiana seafood buyers that was taken in violation of Mississippi law. According to Mississippi law, seafood dealers are required to submit information about each seafood purchase from a commercial fisherman on a form known as a trip ticket that is provided by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources ("DMR"). Lonnie Ray and Shelley Ray are alleged to have violated this requirement by failing to report seafood purchases to DMR and by maintaining separate records of their actual seafood sales. Both defendants are also charged with buying fish from recreational fishermen in violation of state law. The indictment alleges that, on March 18, 2015, Lonnie Ray sold approximately 200 pounds of red drum to a wholesale seafood purchaser in Louisiana for shipment in interstate commerce. On May 12, 2015, he purchased approximately 75 pounds of red drum and 78 pounds of spotted seatrout but never asked for any information needed to complete a Mississippi state trip ticket, and no trip ticket for this purchase was ever submitted to DMR, as required by Mississippi law. Later that day, Lonnie M. Ray sold seven red drum and 33 spotted sea trout to a wholesale seafood purchaser in Louisiana for shipment in interstate commerce. On June 17, 2015, during the execution of a search warrant for the business and residence, agents found an Essex SX Gun Works 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun, having a barrel of less than l8 inches in length.
For the conspiracy and Lacey Act charges, both defendants face a maximum of five years of imprisonment on each count. In addition to possible imprisonment, the defendants face a maximum fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release for each count. On the firearms count, Lonnie Ray faces a maximum of ten years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Davis praised the efforts of the federal and state investigative agencies for their diligent work in the investigation of this matter.
The public is reminded that an indictment represents an accusation only and all defendants are entitled to a presumption of innocence.
Seven Individuals Sentenced to Prison for Online Fraud ScamsRead the Press Release
Seven defendants were sentenced for their roles in online fraud schemes involving counterfeit checks, “mystery shopper” websites and work-from-home scams, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Gulfport, Mississippi, Office.
Funso Hassan, 27, of Ibadan, Nigeria, and Anthony Shane Jeffers, 44, of Maryville, Tennessee, each pleaded guilty on April 12, 2016, to one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft and theft of government property and one count of use of mail and an interstate facility to distribute proceeds of a racketeering activity. Hassan and Jeffers were each sentenced to 120 months in prison. Ann Louise Franzen, 70, of Kiln, Mississippi; Gary Melvin Barnard, 64, of Palestine, Texas; Michele Gayle Fee, 55, of Stockton, California; Tanya Lynn Thomas, 52, of Turlock, California; and Shawn Ann White, 44, of Manteca, California, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit identity theft and theft of government property. Franzen, Barnard, Fee, Thomas, and White were each sentenced to 60 months in prison. The defendants were sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi and restitution for all defendants will be determined at a later date.
According to admissions made in connection with their plea agreements, all seven defendants were members of a large-scale international financial fraud conspiracy that included romance scams through on-line dating sites, check fraud, secret shopper schemes, and personal assistant work-from-home schemes. Some of the defendants started as romance scam victims before later becoming knowing participants in the counterfeit check fraud. Victims were sent checks with mystery shopper and personal assistant instructions. The checks, which were counterfeit, would bounce after the victims transmited proceeds to various locations in the United States which were then laundered for transmission to Nigeria. Victims were then liable to their banks for the amount of checks and often hundreds of dollars in bank fees.
HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams of the Southern District of Mississippi, Trial Attorney Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section prosecuted the case.
Seven Individuals Plead Guilty to Involvement in Large-Scale International Online Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Seven individuals pleaded guilty to participating in a large-scale international online fraud conspiracy, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
Rhulane Fionah Hlungwane, 26, of South Africa; Gabriel Oludare Adeniran, 30, of Nigeria; Olusegun Seyi Shonekan, 34, of Nigeria; Taofeeq Olamilekan Oyelade, 32, of Nigeria; Olufemi Obaro Omoraka, 27, of Nigeria; Anuoluwapo Segun Adegbemigun, 40, of Nigeria; and Adekunle Adefila, 41, of Nigeria, each pleaded guilty this week to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In addition, Hlungwane, Adeniran, Shonekan, Oyelade, Omoraka and Adegbemigun each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud and theft of government funds.
According to the plea agreements, the defendants and their co-conspirators carried out numerous internet-based fraud schemes dating back at least to 2001. These schemes involved using unsuspecting victims to cash counterfeit checks and money orders, using stolen credit card numbers to purchase electronics and other merchandise and using stolen personal identification information to take over victims’ bank accounts. As a whole, the conspiracy involved tens of millions of dollars in intended losses.
The defendants admitted that, to accomplish their fraud schemes, they recruited the assistance of U.S. citizens via “romance scams,” in which the perpetrator would typically use a false identity on a dating website to establish a romantic relationship with an unsuspecting victim. Once the perpetrator gained the victim’s trust and affection, the perpetrator would convince the victim to either send money or to help carry out fraud schemes. For example, the defendants admitted that they used romance victims to launder money via Western Union and MoneyGram, to re-package and re-ship fraudulently obtained merchandise and to cash counterfeit checks.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Justice Department’s mission to combat transnational organized crime. Any person who believes they may be a victim of online fraud should report suspected criminal activity using the HSI Tip Form: www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
HSI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Inmate Sentenced for Rioting in a Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. - Juan Geraldo Arredondo, 37, originally from Parral, Mexico, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III on January 10, 2017, to 120 months in prison for his participation in a prison riot which took place at the Adams County Correctional facility on May 20, 2012, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. Arredondo was also ordered to pay restitution jointly and severally in the amount of $1,382,313. He is subject to deportation following his release from prison.
The cause of the riot was what the inmates perceived to be inadequate food, medical conditions and disrespectful staff members. During the riot, prison fences were destroyed, windows were broken, prison property was stolen, hostages were taken, correctional officers were assaulted, and one corrections officer was killed. Geraldo is the twenty-fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.
"Federal inmates are protected by the constitution from cruel and unusual punishment within correctional facilities, but when they riot inside one of these facilities, it poses a risk to those sworn to protect them and to our society as a whole," said Christopher Freeze, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "Almost five years ago, Corrections Officer Catlin Carithers had his life taken while trying to protect others. As this case draws to an end, we hope the sentences of the 24 individuals involved in this riot sends a strong message to those who are incarcerated: rioting is unacceptable, murder is unconscionable and consequences are significant."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief, Patrick Lemon.
Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm While Under IndictmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Javeon Malik Davis, 20, from Meridian, Mississippi, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III on January 10, 2017 to possessing a firearm while under felony indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Javeon Davis admitted to possessing a firearm on May 19, 2016 in Meridian, at a time in which he was under felony indictment in Lauderdale County for having possessed a stolen firearm. Officers with the Meridian Police Department responded to a shots fired call and saw the defendant, Javeon Davis, toss a firearm into the back seat of a nearby vehicle. Officers located the weapon and the defendant admitted to possessing the firearm.
Davis will be sentenced on April 4, 2017, and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Meridian Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Lauderdale County Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Marvin Naylor, 46, from Daleville, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Marvin Naylor admitted to possessing three firearms on November 10, 2015 in Daleville, at a time in which he was already a convicted felon. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department executed an arrest and search warrant on Naylor’s home. During this search and arrest, law enforcement officers were able to locate three firearms, two of which were stolen, along with several rounds of ammunition. Naylor was arrested and admitted to possessing the firearms. He will be sentenced on March 20, 2017 and 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 along with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jackson County Couple Sentenced to Prison in Prescription Drug and Bankruptcy Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – A Jackson County couple was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden in a prescription fraud and embezzlement case, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U. S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam.
Sherrie Bennett, 57, of Vancleave, Mississippi, was sentenced on January 12, 2017, to serve 78 months in prison followed by three years supervised release and ordered to pay an $8,000 fine. She was convicted by a jury on July 29, 2016, after a two-week federal criminal trial, of fourteen counts of distributing prescription drugs and bankruptcy fraud.
Bennett, an officer manager and registered nurse with Biloxi Radiation and Oncology Center, LLC, a debtor in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Mississippi, participated in fraudulent writing and issuance of drug prescriptions, as well as embezzlement of approximately $54,636 from the bankruptcy estate. Bennett embezzled and appropriated to her own use estate funds belonging to the debtor. At sentencing the Court ordered that Sherri Bennett pay restitution in the amount of $54,636.00 through the U. S. Trustee to the consolidated bankruptcy estate. Sherri Bennett was also convicted of dispensing prescriptions to herself and family members illegally.
Bennett’s husband, Jerry Bennett, 59, of Vancleave, Mississippi, was also sentenced on January 12, 2017, to serve 27 months in prison followed by three years supervised release for his part in distributing the narcotics. He was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The Jackson, Mississippi Office of the U. S. Trustee and the Chapter 7 trustee, Kimberly Lentz, of Gulfport, Mississippi, referred the bankruptcy matter to the U. S. Attorney for prosecution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, and the U.S. Trustee assisted in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief John Meynardie and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Two Jackson Men Sentenced to 60 months in Armed Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Gregory Hines, age 20 and Deontra Deon Paige, age 19, both of Jackson, were sentenced on January 10, 2017 before U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III to a term of 60 months in federal prison, after having previously pled guilty in U.S. District Court to armed carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
The crime took place on February 6, 2016 at a residence in Jackson. The victims, a husband and wife, had arrived home for the evening, when the wife decided to retrieve her Bible from their vehicle. As she attempted to do so, the defendants approached her, both bearing firearms. The defendants ordered her out of the vehicle and demanded the keys. The husband located the keys and tossed them to the defendants. The defendants left in the vehicle where Jackson Police Department officers subsequently apprehended them in the drive thru of the Burger King restaurant on Terry Road in Jackson. Jackson Police Department officers were able to locate the weapons used in the carjacking.
Hines and Paige’s 60 months’ terms of imprisonment shall be immediately followed by a three-year term of supervised release and they were both further ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $1,500.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Jackson Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Picayune Resident Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – Elza Eugene Harter, 52, of Picayune, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to serve 97 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Harter was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.
On June 5, 2014, Harter was found to be in possession of a laptop and hard drive containing 111 images and 206 videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct as defined in the federal laws for violations of the sexual exploitation of children. He pled guilty to the charge on September 21, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Two Plead Guilty in Case Involving False Statements to MedicareRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Mississippi. – Larry Carlton Jenkins and Annie Elizabeth Jenkins, both age 60, of Stringer, Mississippi, pled guilty on December 16, 2016, for their roles in a case involving making false statements to Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Larry Carlton Jenkins pled guilty to one count of making a false statement relating to a health care matter, while Annie Elizabeth Jenkins pled guilty to one count of committing a misprision of felony.
From November, 2009, until August, 2010, Larry Jenkins and Annie Jenkins owned and operated Available Medical Supplies, Inc. ("AMS"), a business which purported to provide medical equipment and compounded inhalation drugs in and around Laurel, Mississippi. AMS, as a medical provider, submitted claims for reimbursement to the Medicare program. During the time period charged, AMS, through Larry Jenkins, represented on claims that the inhalation drugs reflected on such claims for reimbursement were non-compounded inhalation drugs.
As of July 1, 2007, the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services revised nationwide policy regarding compounded inhalation solutions. After July 1, 2007, all compounded inhalation solutions were denied as not medically necessary for dates of service on or after July 1, 2007. AMS, after July of 2007, at the direction of Larry Jenkins, continued to compound inhalation drugs but billed Medicare for reimbursement as if they were non-compounded drugs.
Annie Jenkins, the compliance officer, knew of the false statements being made, failed to notify the appropriate authorities, and took affirmative action to conceal the fraudulent billing.
Larry and Annie Jenkins will be sentenced on March 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett. Larry Jenkins faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Annie Jenkins faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Health and Human Services Administration Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime for Murdering Transgender Victim Because of Her Gender IdentityRead the Press Release
First Case Prosecuted under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act Where Victim was Targeted Because of Gender Identity
Joshua Brandon Vallum, 29, of Lucedale, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for assaulting and murdering Mercedes Williamson because she was a transgender woman. Williamson was 17 years old and resided in Alabama at the time of her death. Vallum was charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
The plea was announced by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division; U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the FBI’s Jackson Division.
“Our nation’s hate crime statutes advance one of our fundamental beliefs: that no one should have to live in fear because of who they are,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s landmark guilty plea reaffirms that basic principle, and it signals the Justice Department’s determination to combat hate crimes based on gender identity. While Mississippi convicted the defendant on murder charges, we believe in the fundamental value of identifying and prosecuting these bias-fueled incidents for what they are: acts of hate. By holding accountable the perpetrator of this heinous deed, we reinforce our commitment to ensuring justice for all Americans.”
“Congress passed the Shepard-Byrd Act to protect our most vulnerable communities, including the transgender community, from harm,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “No conviction, even such a historic one, can relieve the grief and anguish facing this victim’s family. But this guilty plea sends an unequivocal message that violence based on one’s gender identity violates America’s defining values of inclusivity and dignity. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute hate crimes, which not only target individuals for harm, but also deny entire communities the promises of true freedom and equal protection.”
“The defendant committed a horrific and reprehensible act of violence against the victim because of her gender identity,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “This type of attack threatens the harmony of our diverse community and undermines America’s principle of equality under the law. The U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing its work, in conjunction with the DOJ Civil Rights Division, to ensure that the federal laws prohibiting violations of civil rights will be aggressively prosecuted in the Southern District of Mississippi. I commend our law enforcement partners, including the FBI, George County Sheriff’s Office and Office of the District Attorney for the 19th Judicial District, who worked tirelessly in this case to ensure that justice was done.”
“Hate crime has no place in our society, especially by those targeting victims solely for their sexual orientation or identity,” said Special Agent in Charge Freeze. “This guilty plea will go towards demonstrating hate crime will not be tolerated in the United States. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate hate crimes and bring those to justice who violate the civil rights of our citizens.”
According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea:
In the late spring or early summer of 2014, Vallum, a member of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Almighty Latin Kings and Queens Nation, began a consensual sexual relationship with Williamson. Vallum knew at the time that Williamson, who identified and presented as female, was transgender.
During his romantic relationship with Williamson, Vallum kept the sexual nature of the relationship, as well as Williamson’s transgender status, secret from his family, friends and other members of the Latin Kings.
Around August or September 2014, Vallum terminated his romantic and sexual relationship with Williamson and had no contact with her until May 2015. On May 28, 2015, Vallum decided to kill Williamson after learning that a friend had discovered Williamson was transgender. Vallum believed he would be in danger if other Latin Kings members discovered that he had engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with a transgender woman.
On May 29, 2015, Vallum went to Alabama to find Williamson, planning to take Williamson to Mississippi and kill her there. After locating Williamson at her residence, he used false pretenses to lure Williamson into his car so he could drive her to Mississippi.
Vallum drove Williamson to his father’s residence in Lucedale, Mississippi, where he parked his vehicle behind the house. As Williamson sat in the vehicle’s passenger seat, he assaulted her. After using a stun gun to electrically shock Williamson in the chest, Vallum repeatedly stabbed Williamson with a 75th Ranger Regiment pocket knife.
As Vallum stabbed Williamson, Williamson fled from the vehicle. He chased Williamson and stabbed her again multiple times. Vallum delivered what he believed to be a fatal stab to Williamson’s head, as he thought he “hit brain” with a blow from the pocket knife. Williamson briefly got back up but again fell to the ground.
Vallum went back to his vehicle to attend to a cut on his thumb that he inadvertently inflicted with his own knife during the attack. At that time, Williamson got up again and stumbled farther into the woods.
Vallum retrieved a hammer from the trunk of his vehicle and chased after Williamson. He caught up with Williamson and hit her on the back of the head with the hammer. Williamson fell to the ground and Vallum used the hammer to hit her in the head several more times until Williamson died.
After the murder, Vallum attempted to dispose of the murder weapons and other evidence linking him to the crime. He also falsely claimed to law enforcement that he killed Williamson in a panic after discovering Williamson was transgender. In pleading guilty today, Vallum acknowledged that he had previously lied about the circumstances surrounding Williamson’s death and that he would not have killed Williamson if she was not transgender.
U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. of the Southern District of Mississippi accepted Vallum’s plea. Vallum faces up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Vallum previously pleaded guilty to murdering Williamson in George County, Mississippi, Circuit Court, where he was sentenced to life in prison. While the state convicted Vallum on murder charges, the federal government was able to bring this prosecution because Mississippi does not have a hate crimes statute that protects people from bias crimes based on their gender identity.
This guilty plea was the result of a cooperative effort among the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Mississippi and the Office of the District Attorney for Mississippi’s 19th Judicial District. This case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Division’s Pascagoula Safe Streets Task Force and the George County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Julia Gegenheimer and Special Litigation Counsel Sheldon Beer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Golden of the Southern District of Mississippi.
Vallum Plea AgreementJackson Residents Sentenced to Prison for CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss –Demario Webster, 20, and Ira McGruder, 24, both from Jackson, Mississippi, were sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves for their roles in a 2014 carjacking, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.
Webster was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and McGruder was sentenced to 82 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The defendants were also ordered to pay a total restitution amount of $49,900.00 to the victim.
The carjacking occurred on Hannah Drive in Clinton on September 30, 2014 around 8:10 PM when the victim arrived home from work. The victim was robbed of his wristwatch and cash and then forced inside his house at gunpoint by the defendants and other individuals. Once inside the house, the victim was tied up and ordered at gunpoint to reveal the location of any other cash located in his home. Among other items, the defendants stole the victim’s handguns, television, jewelry and BMW. The BMW was recovered about one hour later near the intersection of TV and Maddox Roads in Jackson.
This case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Patrick Lemon and Criminal Chief Darren J. LaMarca. It was investigated by the Clinton Police Department, Jackson Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Laurel Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Brad Douglas Gatlin, age 50, of Laurel, pled guilty on December 19, 2016 in U.S. District Court to theft of federal funds, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.
From February, 2009, to March, 2015, Gatlin received disability insurance benefits to which he was not entitled. He originally received the benefits for a disability which prevented him from working, but in February of 2009 he returned to work for a transport company, concealing his work activity from the Social Security Administration in order to continue receiving the benefits. When he returned to work, Gatlin was paid by the transport company through his wife’s social security number. Based on his fraudulent activities, Gatlin received $214,109 in disability insurance benefits to which he was not entitled.
Gatlin will be sentenced on March 7, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., by U. S. District Judge Keith Starrett. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
Hattiesburg Businessmen Sentenced in Government Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – Kenneth Fairley, 62, of Hattiesburg, and Artie Fletcher, 55, of Picayune, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett on Monday, December 19, 2016 for their roles in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie, HUD Special Agent in Charge Nadine Gurley, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.
Kenneth Fairley was found guilty, following a six-day trial in Hattiesburg, of two counts of theft of government money and one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. He was sentenced to serve a term of 36 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons on each count, to run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $60,223.95, and a fine in the amount of $30,000.00.
Artie Fletcher pled guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with misprision of a felony. He was sentenced to 3 months’ probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $60,223.95.
Kenneth Fairley carried out a scheme to defraud HUD in connection with a government contract issued to the City of Hattiesburg for the rehabilitation of three residential properties located within the city limits. The project was supported by federal funding and was executed through sub-contracted work to be completed by Pinebelt Community Services, a local non-profit operated by Fairley. The work was performed for a lesser amount than represented on the HUD contract, with the difference in the bid and actual costs being transferred to Fairley, through Fletcher, for purposes not intended by the government contract.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay Golden and Abe McGlothin.
Seven Individuals Plead Guilty to Involvement in Large-Scale International Online Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Seven individuals pleaded guilty to participating in a large-scale international online fraud conspiracy, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.
Rhulane Fionah Hlungwane, 26, of South Africa; Gabriel Oludare Adeniran, 30, of Nigeria; Olusegun Seyi Shonekan, 34, of Nigeria; Taofeeq Olamilekan Oyelade, 32, of Nigeria; Olufemi Obaro Omoraka, 27, of Nigeria; Anuoluwapo Segun Adegbemigun, 40, of Nigeria; and Adekunle Adefila, 41, of Nigeria, each pleaded guilty this week to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. In addition, Hlungwane, Adeniran, Shonekan, Oyelade, Omoraka and Adegbemigun each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft, access device fraud and theft of government funds.
According to the plea agreements, the defendants and their co-conspirators carried out numerous internet-based fraud schemes dating back at least to 2001. These schemes involved using unsuspecting victims to cash counterfeit checks and money orders, using stolen credit card numbers to purchase electronics and other merchandise and using stolen personal identification information to take over victims’ bank accounts. As a whole, the conspiracy involved tens of millions of dollars in intended losses.
The defendants admitted that, to accomplish their fraud schemes, they recruited the assistance of U.S. citizens via “romance scams,” in which the perpetrator would typically use a false identity on a dating website to establish a romantic relationship with an unsuspecting victim. Once the perpetrator gained the victim’s trust and affection, the perpetrator would convince the victim to either send money or to help carry out fraud schemes. For example, the defendants admitted that they used romance victims to launder money via Western Union and MoneyGram, to re-package and re-ship fraudulently obtained merchandise and to cash counterfeit checks.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Justice Department’s mission to combat transnational organized crime. Any person who believes they may be a victim of online fraud should report suspected criminal activity using the HSI Tip Form: www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
HSI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Significant assistance was also provided by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the HSI Cyber Crimes Center, HSI Attachés in Pretoria and Dakar, U.S. Marshals Service’s International Investigations Branch and the Southern District of Mississippi, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI) Electronic Crimes Unit, the SAPS Interpol Extradition Unit, the South African National Prosecution Authority and the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Trial Attorney Conor Mulroe of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
Choctaw Resident Found Guilty of Murder on ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Davian Wilson a/k/a "Chaba", 22, of Choctaw, Mississippi, was found guilty of second degree murder today following a four-day trial in U.S. District Court, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. The murder occurred in the Pearl River community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
The testimony at trial showed that, following an earlier altercation with the victim, the defendant asked several individuals to assist him in locating and assaulting the victim. Upon locating the victim, the defendant and his co-defendant, James Bell, Jr., stabbed the victim over fifty times, thereby causing his death.
Wilson will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan on March 6, 2017, and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Bell has pled guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Lemon and Jennifer Case. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department.
Two Individuals Sentenced to Prison for Fraud in Connection with BP Oil SpillRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Thi Houng Le a/k/a Kristy Le, age 34, of Pascagoula, and Gregory P. Warren, age 52 of Lafayette, Louisiana, were sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola for conspiracy to commit identity theft, aggravated identity theft, mail fraud and wire fraud in connection with a lawsuit against BP, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Craig Caldwell.
Le was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $25,000.00. Warren was sentenced to 204 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $25,000.00. The defendants were convicted by a jury following a four-week trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola in August, 2016.
The defendants in this case carried out a conspiracy to defraud numerous victims from multiple states and the BP Gulf Coast Claims Facility by obtaining names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers from any source available to create “clients” for anticipated litigation as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The defendants fraudulently submitted names of over 40,000 individuals as plaintiffs in litigation related to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill, knowing that the individuals had not consented to be represented by the law firm. They also submitted stolen and false social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and occupations.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Rushing and Gregg Kennedy.
Mississippi Developers Agree to Settle Housing Discrimination LawsuitRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that the developers of six multi-family housing complexes in southern Mississippi have agreed to pay $350,000 to settle claims that they violated the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by building apartment complexes that were inaccessible to persons with disabilities. As part of the settlement, the defendants also agreed to make substantial retrofits to remove accessibility barriers at the six complexes, which have nearly 500 covered units.
Under the settlement, which was approved late Friday by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Mississippi-based developers Ike W. Thrash, Dawn Properties Inc., Southern Cross Construction Company Inc. and other affiliated companies will pay all costs related to the retrofits, $250,000 to compensate 25 individuals harmed by the inaccessible housing and $100,000 in civil penalties. The defendants will undergo training, ensure that any future construction complies with federal accessibility laws and make periodic reports to the department.
“Housing impacts critical areas of one’s daily life,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “This comprehensive settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities to reside in and visit the housing of their choice.”
“Barriers created by inaccessible housing and public accommodations deny the fundamental protection afforded by the Fair Housing Act,” said U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi. “The retrofits required by this agreement will provide accessible housing to people with disabilities in several key commercial areas of the Southern District of Mississippi.”
“When housing fails to meet the Fair Housing Act’s design and construction requirements it further limits the type of housing persons with disabilities need the most,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Hopefully today’s action will help developers to better understand the importance of meeting their obligation to comply with the law.”
The department filed the lawsuit in May 2014, after conducting an independent investigation of a referral of complaints from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Trial was scheduled to begin on Jan. 3, 2017. Under the settlement, the defendants will make retrofits, including eliminating steps; making bathrooms more usable; providing accessible curb ramps and parking; and providing accessible walks to site amenities such as the clubhouses, pools and mailboxes, at the following Mississippi complexes:
- The Beach Club Apartments (Long Beach)
- The Belmont Apartments (Ocean Springs)
- The Grand Biscayne Apartments (Biloxi)
- The Belmont Apartments (Hattiesburg)
- The Lexington Apartments (Ridgeland)
- Inn by the Sea Condominiums (Pass Christian)
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. Among other things, the Fair Housing Act requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 13, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground floor units and units accessible to wheelchair users and others with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires, among other things, that places of public accommodation, such as rental offices at multifamily housing complexes designed and constructed for first occupancy after Jan. 26, 1993, be accessible to persons with disabilities.
Mississippi Developers Agree to Settle Housing Discrimination LawsuitRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that the developers of six multi-family housing complexes in southern Mississippi have agreed to pay $350,000 to settle claims that they violated the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by building apartment complexes that were inaccessible to persons with disabilities. As part of the settlement, the defendants also agreed to make substantial retrofits to remove accessibility barriers at the six complexes, which have nearly 500 covered units.
Under the settlement, which was approved late Friday by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Mississippi-based developers Ike W. Thrash, Dawn Properties Inc., Southern Cross Construction Company Inc. and other affiliated companies will pay all costs related to the retrofits, $250,000 to compensate 25 individuals harmed by the inaccessible housing and $100,000 in civil penalties. The defendants will undergo training, ensure that any future construction complies with federal accessibility laws and make periodic reports to the department.
“Housing impacts critical areas of one’s daily life,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division. “This comprehensive settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities to reside in and visit the housing of their choice.”
“Barriers created by inaccessible housing and public accommodations deny the fundamental protection afforded by the Fair Housing Act,” said U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi. “The retrofits required by this agreement will provide accessible housing to people with disabilities in several key commercial areas of the Southern District of Mississippi.”
“When housing fails to meet the Fair Housing Act’s design and construction requirements it further limits the type of housing persons with disabilities need the most,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Hopefully today’s action will help developers to better understand the importance of meeting their obligation to comply with the law.”
The department filed the lawsuit in May 2014, after conducting an independent investigation of a referral of complaints from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Trial was scheduled to begin on Jan. 3, 2017. Under the settlement, the defendants will make retrofits, including eliminating steps; making bathrooms more usable; providing accessible curb ramps and parking; and providing accessible walks to site amenities such as the clubhouses, pools and mailboxes, at the following Mississippi complexes:• The Beach Club Apartments (Long Beach)
• The Belmont Apartments (Ocean Springs)
• The Grand Biscayne Apartments (Biloxi)
• The Belmont Apartments (Hattiesburg)
• The Lexington Apartments (Ridgeland)
• Inn by the Sea Condominiums (Pass Christian)The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. Among other things, the Fair Housing Act requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 13, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground floor units and units accessible to wheelchair users and others with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires, among other things, that places of public accommodation, such as rental offices at multifamily housing complexes designed and constructed for first occupancy after Jan. 26, 1993, be accessible to persons with disabilities.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected] or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or through its website at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp.
Dawn Consent OrderConvicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Damon Derrall Pittman, 36, of Poplarville, entered a guilty plea today, before Chief District Judge Louis Guirola, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Pittman will be sentenced on March 1, 2017 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case involved the sale of a sawed off rifle to an ATF informant. It was investigated by the Bureau of ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Seminary Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Elijah Moore, 76, from Seminary, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on November 15, 2016, before U.S. Senior District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to possession of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
Moore admitted to possessing the marijuana in the tractor trailer he was operating when he was stopped for running a stop sign on Exit 15 off Highway 20 in Warren County, Mississippi on August 8, 2015. He will be sentenced on February 7, 2017 and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Hattiesburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Rushing.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 120 months in Prison for Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
Jackson—Jeremy Cousin, 29, of Jackson, was sentenced on November 10, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for an attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Cousin was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
In the morning of August 17, 2015, Cousin attempted to rob the Super Star Gas Station located at 914 Terry Road, Jackson, Mississippi. Cousin entered the store, pulled a bandana over his face, brandished a firearm and proceeded to open the door to the area behind the counter. At that moment, the store clerk opened fire and shot Cousin in the leg. After the shooting, the store clerk called 911. The 9mm handgun that was used by Cousin was recovered from the scene.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of ATF and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley.
Choctaw Tribal Member Sentenced to 120 months for AssaultRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss –Kent Ali Dan, 26, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate, to 120 months in prison for an assault resulting in serious bodily injury U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. The brutal assault against his wife occurred in the Bogue Chitto Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation.
"The United States Attorney’s office will protect our most vulnerable citizens from horrendous acts such as this by prosecuting those responsible," said U.S. Attorney Davis. "We thank the FBI and the Choctaw Police Department for their hard work in bringing this defendant to justice."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department and was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca.
Vancleave Man Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Ricky Wade Perry, 46, of Vancleave, Mississippi, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to five months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for theft of government funds, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Perry was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $105,702.90 to the Social Security Administration.
Perry represented to the Social Security Administration that from July, 2009, through March, 2015, he was unable to return to work due to a disability. However, Perry did in fact perform substantial work in the truck driver business during this time period and failed to disclose his true work activities to the Social Security Administration. As a result, Perry caused an overpayment to him of Social Security Disability Insurance benefit payments in the amount of $105,702.90.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General - Office of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Presents Anti-Drug Program to StudentsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi has begun a pilot school education program entitled "Pills, Needles & Designer Drugs" with presentations at Biloxi High School November 2-3, 2016 and St. Patrick’s Catholic High School scheduled for November 29th. The program was first presented at Jeff Davis Elementary School in Biloxi on October 27th.
The forty-five (45) minute program includes a frank discussion and presentation about the greatest drug threats in our community: opiates and designer drugs (sometimes called "bath salts" and "spice"), a short movie produced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Birmingham, and a discussion that will include medical personnel from area emergency rooms.
School superintendents that would like further information about the program or who are interested in the U.S. Attorney’s Office bringing the presentation to their schools, can call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (228) 563-1560 and ask to speak to Melissa Dunn. Medical personnel that wish to donate their time sharing experiences dealing with these dangerous drugs in an emergency setting are also encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Announces Election Day Efforts to Protect the Right to VoteRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Chris Wansley will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Chris Wansley has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Mississippi, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis stated that AUSA/DEO Chris Wansley will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (601) 965-4480.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (601) 948-5000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
Twelve Defendants Plead Guilty to Marriage and Visa Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr., of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations - New Orleans Field Office, announced today that twelve defendants have entered guilty pleas admitting to U-Visa fraud and marriage fraud in two separate cases.
Three defendants have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy charges in both cases. Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi; Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri; and Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia, admitted to their roles in conspiracies to commit U-Visa fraud and to commit marriage fraud. Sachin G. Patel and Tarunkumar Patel both admitted to conspiring to obtain fraudulent U-Visas for non-citizens and to obtain fraudulent marriage visas by arranging fraudulent marriages to U.S. citizens. Simpson Lloyd Goodman, a licensed attorney, admitted to drafting and submitting false applications and documents in an attempt to fraudulently obtain U-visas and marriage visas for otherwise ineligible individuals referred to him by Sachin G. Patel and Tarunkumar Patel.
In the 16 count U-Visa Fraud indictment, it is alleged that Law Enforcement Certification forms purporting to certify that aliens were victims of certain crimes, were submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the U-Visa applications. The forms fraudulently listed individuals as victims of certain crimes in Jackson, Mississippi in an effort to obtain U-Visas. To be eligible for a U-Visa, the alien must have (1) been a victim of a certain crime; (2) suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime; and (3) helped law enforcement officials in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime. In this case, the forms fraudulently listed individuals as victims of certain crimes in an effort to obtain U-Visas.
The defendants admitted that they were not victims of crime in Jackson, Mississippi, and some of them admitted that they were not even in Jackson at the time that the alleged crimes occurred. Officer Ivory Lee Harris of the Jackson Police Department, admitted that he was paid in cash to prepare false police reports that were submitted in support of the fraudulent U-Visa applications.
The following defendants have entered guilty pleas in the U-Visa fraud case for their roles in committing fraud and misuse of U-Visa permits:
Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi;
Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri;
Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia;
Ivory Lee Harris, 45, of Jackson, Mississippi;
Sanjay Rathilal Patel, 35, of Lakewood, New Jersey;
Maheshkumar Mangaldas Patel, 50, of Houston, Texas; and
Rajan Nareshkumar Patel, 31, currently incarcerated in Adams County, Mississippi;
Four other individuals charged in the U-Visa case are currently scheduled to go to trial in January.
In the 16 count marriage fraud indictment, it is alleged that the aliens would enter into marriages with citizens of the United States solely for the purpose of obtaining immigration status to which the aliens would not otherwise be entitled. These marriages were solely to obtain immigration status for the alien partner, and the U.S. citizens were paid to enter into these fraudulent marriages.
The following defendants have entered guilty pleas in the marriage fraud case for their roles in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud:
Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi;
Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri;
Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia;
Chirag Nilesh Patel, 27, of St. Louis, Missouri;
Dana Cheetara Adams, 29, of Plano, Texas;
Brandy Nicole Edwards, 34, of Crystal Springs, Mississippi
Virendra Rambachan Rajput, 45, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and
Javona Shanice Rajput, 27, of Jackson, Mississippi
Three other individuals charged in the marriage fraud indictment are currently scheduled to go to trial in January.
"We are committed to protecting our nation’s immigration system from all forms of fraud," said U.S. Attorney Gregory Davis. "The integrity of our nation’s immigration system will continue to be a priority of this office as we work together with our outstanding law enforcement partners at HSI and USCIS."
"It is an honor and privilege to become an American citizen", said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer, Jr. "Fraudulently obtaining citizenship compromises the integrity of our legal immigration system. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to bring violators of our immigration laws to justice." Parmer is the Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans field office with responsibility for Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
The maximum penalties for the crimes charged in the indictments are: conspiracy to commit fraud and misuse of visa permits - 5 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count; fraud and misuse of Visa permits - 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; marriage fraud - 5 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count; mail fraud - 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; and wire fraud – 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Rushing and Dave Fulcher.
As to those defendants who have not entered a guilty plea, the public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former JPD Officer Sentenced to 27 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Bryan Jones, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for extortion by use of his position as a police officer, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
While working as a JPD officer, Jones violated the Hobbs Act by taking cash during a stop from undercover FBI agents and never recording or placing the money in Jackson Police Department evidence. At the time of the stop, Jones was carrying his service pistol holstered on his belt and driving his patrol car.
A confidential source called Jones in order to provide him with the location where he would find who Jones thought was a drug dealer but was really an undercover agent. Jones, acting in his capacity as a police officer, conducted illegal searches and seized $4,000 and $5,000, respectively. He later split the money with the confidential source and never recorded the money or turned it over to the Jackson Police Department.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Erin Chalk.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis Announces Student Pledge Against Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today that members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and their law enforcement partners met with students at three Jackson middle schools as part of his office’s annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.
Today, middle school students at Peeples Middle School, Whitten Preparatory School, and Siwell Middle School took a voluntary pledge promising that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes. The pledge was administered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Anderson and Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd.
Before taking the pledge, the students heard presentations from U.S. Attorney Gregory Davis, Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance, Sheriff Victor Mason, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chris Reed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national initiative that honors the role that young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. Held in conjunction with the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence, the initiative provides a means for teachers and community leaders to speak to young people about gun violence. Over 10 million students nationwide have taken the pledge since its inception in 1996.
"Our office is pleased to once again take this opportunity to reach out to local students to engage in a dialogue about gun violence and the importance of making good choices," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to coordinate with community leaders and law enforcement agencies to provide speakers at schools to talk to students about what they can do to reduce gun violence in their communities.
If your school is interested in participating in the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence, please contact Sheila Wilbanks at [email protected].
Iranian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft and Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss –Milad Kalantari, 31, an Iranian citizen, pleaded guilty on October 6, 2016 before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to conspiracy to commit identity theft and access device fraud, as well as substantive access device fraud, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi and Raymond R. Parmer, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
In June, 2014, HSI Gulfport began an investigation into Milad Kalantari. HSI Gulfport had identified Kalantari as the main facilitator in an international financial fraud organization. Through the course of the investigation, HSI Gulfport identified Kalantari as the owner/operator of numerous websites dedicated to the distribution and sale of stolen/compromised credit card information from victims all over the world, including citizens and banks located in the United States.
Kalantari was ultimately arrested as he made entry into the United States in December 2015, at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
To date, HSI Gulfport has identified approximately 2.5 million credit cards that were sold on Kalantari's websites. The intended loss amount attributable to Kalantari and his organization is currently valued at over $1.2 billion. HSI Gulfport is currently working with Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover to assess the damage and loss amount suffered by U.S. victims and banks, attributable to Kalantari's organization.
Kalantari will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. on January 4, 2017. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Senior Counsel Peter Roman of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall are prosecuting the case.
Gulfport Resident Pleads Guilty to Using Internet to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – Greg L. Dodd, 54, of Gulfport, pled guilty in U.S. District Court on October 6, 2016 to using the internet to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Raymond Parmer of Homeland Security Investigations.
From February, 2015, to April, 2016, Dodd attempted to initiate the transmission of the email address information of a child under the age of 16 years old with the intent to entice, encourage, offer, or solicit the minor child to engage in a sexual activity for which he could be criminally prosecuted for sexual battery under Miss. Code Annotated Sec. 97-3-95(1)(d).
Dodd will be sentenced on January 5, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. by Chief U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., and faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones
Former Bondsman Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Lance Scott, 46, of Brandon, pled guilty on October 4, 2016, before Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette, to an Indictment charging him with mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway. Scott is a former bondsman licensed with the Mississippi Department of Insurance who worked in the Hinds, Rankin, and Madison Counties.
During the plea hearing, Scott admitted that he solicited premium payments from individuals that bonded out of jail on fraudulent bonds he created from October 2014 through May 2015. Scott took the money in exchange for submitting fraudulent bonds in Hinds County to have individuals released from jail. These bonds were never secured by American Surety Company, the surety insurer, because Scott failed to notify or send any portion of the premiums to American Surety. Scott submitted approximately $1,085,000 in fraudulent bonds in Hinds County during the scheme.
Scott will be sentenced by Senior United States District Judge David Bramlette on January 10, 2017 at 10:30 am. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Insurance Commissioner’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Helen Wall.
Flowood Man Sentenced on Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Jonathan Hilliam McDougal, age 34, of Flowood, Mississippi, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 28 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly referred to as "crack", announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and DEA Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam. McDougal was also ordered to pay a $1500.00 fine.
McDougal was charged as a result of a narcotics investigation dubbed "Operation Jackson Crackdown". He was stopped by the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Leake County Sheriff’s Department at a safety checkpoint. A search of the vehicle revealed a quantity of crack cocaine concealed in the compartment above the center console.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Leake County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O. Chalk.
Court Shuts Down Mississippi Tax Return PreparerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today a federal court in Jackson, Mississippi permanently barred Christopher Chamberlin from preparing federal tax returns for others. In addition to enjoining Chamberlin from preparing, filing, or assisting in the preparation or filing of federal tax returns and amended returns, the court ordered Chamberlin to deliver a copy of the injunction to all customers for whom he prepared a return after Jan. 1, 2014, and deliver a list of those customers to the United States. The court also ordered Chamberlin to turn over copies of all returns he prepared since Jan. 1, 2014, to the United States.
On April 8, the government filed suit against Chamberlin and alleged that he prepared federal income tax returns for customers that claimed fabricated business losses for customers who did not have a business and fictitious losses from farming businesses for customers who did not own farms. The government alleged that Chamberlin reported the fictitious losses and expenses to generate and/or increase the Earned Income Tax Credit or to create a larger refund than his customers otherwise would have been able to claim.
Return preparer fraud is one of the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2016. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a tax preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Jackson Police Officer Indicted on Bribery ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Jackson Police Officer Melvin Williams was arrested today after a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against him for soliciting, demanding and accepting a bribe, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
The indictment alleges that from February 2016, to September 2016, Williams solicited, demanded and accepted things of value totaling $5,000 dollars from an unnamed individual intending to be influenced and rewarded. Williams is scheduled for arraignment at 2:30 p.m. today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Ball.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon. If convicted, Williams faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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 in a court of law.
United States Attorney Announces National Community Policing Week “Justice Forum” at Jackson State UniversityRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss. —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Marshals Service (USMS), Hinds County Sheriff’s Department (HCSO), Jackson Police Department (JPD), Jackson State University National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC), along with Jackson State University Department of Criminal Justice, would like to invite the community and local news media to attend the National Community Policing Week "Justice Forum" entitled: "Beyond the Badge: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges."
The United States Department of Justice has designated October 3rd-7th as National Community Policing Week. In support of this initiative, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi has partnered with local and federal law enforcement agencies and Jackson State University to host a two-part event focusing on Law Enforcement and Community relations.
The community is strongly encouraged to attend this event. Only through these efforts can we gain mutual understanding between law enforcement and the community that will help to make our neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more united. The event is free and open to the public.
United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance, and Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason, along with representatives from ATF, DEA, FBI, USMS and JSU will participate.
WHO: United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, DEA, FBI, USMS, JPD, HCSO, JSU NPHC
and JSU Dept. of Criminal Justice
WHAT: National Community Policing Week Justice Forum
WHEN: Monday, October 3, 2016 - 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Jackson State University Student Center Ballroom - 3rd Floor
Two Jackson Residents Sentenced to Prison for Use of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Anthony Watson, 26, and Joshua Martin, 25, both of Jackson, were sentenced on September 22, 2016 by U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves for using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Constance Hester Davis with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Watson was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release and Martin was sentenced to 336 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. The defendants were also ordered to $14,438.28 in restitution and a $1,500.00 fine. The two men previously pled guilty to an Information charging them with the use of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.
Watson and Martin admitted to killing Sharod Vaughn, 22, of Jackson, during the early morning hours of August 13, 2013, at 2034 Wisteria Drive in Jackson, Mississippi. Vaughn died of multiple gunshot wounds from the SKS rifle and .45 caliber pistol used by the defendants. The defendants were meeting with Vaughn to exchange the firearms for marijuana when the shooting occurred.
The investigation was led by Special Agent Ray Connor, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Jackson Police Department. Contributing to the investigation were the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Pat Lemon prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Possession of a HandgunRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Pablo Mendoza-Sanchez pled guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, on September 20, 2016, to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.
Mendoza-Sanchez, 26, a native of Mexico, was discovered with the handgun during a traffic stop by Harrison County Deputies. Fingerprints confirmed that Mendoza-Sanchez had been removed three times from the United States. He will be sentenced on December 14, 2016 and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Cuban Native Sentenced to Prison for Transporting Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Yunier Hurtado-de-Armas, 30, a resident of Houston and native of Cuba, was sentenced on Monday, September 19, 2016, to 13 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for transportation of six illegal aliens, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Hurtado was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
The case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Bay St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Russell Gene Clack, 35, of Bay St. Louis, pled guilty on September 20, 2016 to possession of firearms by a convicted felon in a case involving the undercover purchase of four firearms, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.
Clack will be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. on December 13, 2016 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.
Two Jackson Residents Face Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Rodney Nelson a/k/a Rodney Davis, 38, of Jackson, and Bennie Evans, 32, of Jackson, have been charged in a federal indictment with certain controlled substances violations, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the DEA Jackson District Office. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Rodney Nelson is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride cocaine base, a/k/a "crack", two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, four counts of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, a/k/a "crack", one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute PCP, and one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 305 years in prison and over $30 million in fines.
Bennie Evans is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute PCP, and one count of possession with intent to distribute PCP. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016.
This 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, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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, Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
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 in a court of law.
Three Charged in Multi-Count Federal Drug IndictmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Teofila Sanchez-Chavez, 30, of Houston, Texas, Jose Christian Nunez-Belmonte, 32, of Byram, and Marcus Shelby, 34, of Jackson, have been charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Teofila Sanchez-Chavez, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
Jose Christian Nunez-Belmonte, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
Marcus Shelby, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a
$5 million fine per count.
This 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, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Field Division, 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, and the Flowood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
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 in a court of law.
Six Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Six individuals have been indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. The indictment is the result of a two- year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Patrick Holiday, 38, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Antwaine Rhodes, 30, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and more than 280 grams of cocaine base, three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, a/k/a "crack". If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Merwyn Bankston, 44, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and more than 280 grams of cocaine base, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
Quincy King, 40, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, a/k/a "crack". If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine per count.
Zaria Franco, 27, of Houston, Texas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Jose Christian Nunez-Belemontes, 32, of Byram, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan on November 8, 2016.
This 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, Federal Bureau ofInvestigation,Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Field Division, 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,and the Flowood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
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 in a court of law.
Seven Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Seven individuals have been charged in a multi-count federal drug indictment charging conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, commonly known as cocaine "powder", and cocaine base, commonly known as "crack", announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam of the DEA New Orleans Field Division. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Leon Brown, 50, of Canton, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Shredewrick Anderson, 41, of Richland, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Timothy Perkins, 53, of Sealy, Texas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Charlie Lee Martin, 53, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Peter Gregory, 39, of Utica, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
Antwaine Rhodes, 31, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Rudolph Walker, 55, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.
The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, on November 8, 2016. If convicted on all offenses:
• Leon Brown, Timothy Perkins, and Charlie Lee Martin each face a maximum sentence of 120 years in prison and $15 million fine;
• Shredewrick Anderson, Peter Gregory, and Rudolph Walker each face a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison and a $10 million fine; and
• Antwaine Rhodes faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and over $15 million in fines.
This 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, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Patrol, DEA Houston Field Division, 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, and the Flowood Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
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 in a court of law.
Five Charged in Multi-Count Federal Drug IndictmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Five defendants have been named in a multi-count federal indictment charging conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, commonly known as cocaine "powder" and cocaine base, commonly known as "crack", announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the DEA Jackson District Office. The indictment is the result of a two-year investigation by the federal Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in this district.
Charlie Lee Martin, 53, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Martin is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.
Derek D. Moseley, 48, of Houston, Texas, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Moseley is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.
L.C. Hatfield, Jr., 42 of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Hatfield is also charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and two counts of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.
Richard Williams, 44, of Forest, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. Williams is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
Deontha White, 28 of West Point, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
The case is scheduled for trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour on November 8, 2016. If convicted on all offenses:
• Charlie Lee Martin faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and $21M fine;
• L.C. Hatfield, Jr., faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and $27M fine;
• Derek D. Mosely faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and $21M fine;
• Richard Williams faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and $1M fine; and
• Deonta White faces a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison and $10M fine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, and were assisted by, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, Flowood Police Department, Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing.
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 in a court of law.