Southern District of Mississippi
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eight Face Drug Charges in Multi-Count Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Eight defendants have been named in a multi-count federal indictment charging conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 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).
Allen Sims, 39, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Keith Mullen, 45, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Vincent Taylor McGee, 29, of Raymond, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Armando Arrellano-Delgado, 39, of Palmetto, Florida, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Jose Pacheco, 39, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine; and one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Daniel Tejeda, 35, of Norcross, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Juan Dunfrund, 41 of Victorville, California, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
Jerry Lewis, 39, of Jackson, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case is scheduled for trial before Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour on November 8, 2016. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine per count.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, 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, Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. Assistant United States Attorney Jerry L. Rushing is prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Meridian Woman Pleads Guilty to Computer FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Teresa Wash, 51, of Meridian, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to one count of accessing a computer to defraud and obtain value, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Wash, as Controller for Progressive Pipeline, Inc., used her work computer to embezzle approximately $797,287.85. She appropriated to her own use funds belonging to Progressive Pipeline, specifically requesting fraudulent wire transfers from Progressive Pipeline’s bank accounts to her own account.
Wash will be sentenced on December 8, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley. It was investigated by the FBI Jackson Cyber Crime Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, the Madison Police Department and FBI Agents from the Jackson Field Office.
Jackson Man to Pay $5.4 Million in Restitution to Bankruptcy EstateRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - William David Dickson, aka "Butch" Dickson, 60, of Jackson, was ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to pay restitution to the bankruptcy estate of Community Home Financial Services, Inc., in the amount of $5,442,004.58, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U.S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway and U.S. Marshal George White.
In December, 2015, Dickson was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for the fraudulent receipt of over $9 million and concealment of bank accounts containing funds belonging to the bankruptcy estate of Community Home Financial Services, Inc. Total losses to the bankruptcy estate were determined to be in excess of $12 million as a result of Dickson’s criminal conduct. The government has already recovered a portion of these losses through asset forfeiture of funds and other property. Efforts to recover additional funds and property remain ongoing.
William David Dickson placed Community Home Financial Services, Inc. in bankruptcy on May 23, 2012, in the Southern District of Mississippi. Dickson devised a scheme and artifice to defraud the bankruptcy court and the Chapter 11 Trustee by fraudulently causing funds of the debtor’s bankruptcy estate to be transferred to multiple accounts outside of the United States, including accounts in Panama and Costa Rica, that were controlled by Dickson. Dickson was expelled by authorities from Panama, and he was arrested by the FBI when he arrived at Miami International Airport in Florida on March 14, 2014.
The Chapter 11 Trustee, Kristina M. Johnson, along with the U.S. Trustee’s Jackson, Mississippi office referred this matter to the U.S. Attorney’s office. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Chapter 11 Trustee and the United States Marshals Service. The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sammye S. Tharpe.
Terry Resident Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Kenneth Bowman, Jr., 63, of Terry, Mississippi, pled guilty on September 13, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, to one count of 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 Donald Alway.
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.
Bowman will be sentenced on December 15, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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 case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Trustee. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall and Trial Attorney Sammye S. Tharp with the Office of the U.S. Trustee.
Cleveland Mississippi Hospice Owner Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud and Ordered to Pay over 5 Million Dollars in RestitutionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Andre Kirkland, 52, of Cleveland, Mississippi was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Oxford on September 1, 2016, on charges that he defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by signing up patients for hospice care who were not terminally ill, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway, Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.
Kirkland, who owned and operated Revelation Hospice in Clarksdale, pled guilty on May 4, 2016, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. U.S. District Judge Michael Mills sentenced Kirkland to serve 48 months in home confinement in lieu of imprisonment due to recurrent metastatic cancer, which requires substantial medical care. Kirkland was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,400,843.50 to Medicare and $66,171.43 to Medicaid.
The investigation revealed that Andre Kirkland and Revelation Hospice were knowingly enrolling non-hospice eligible Medicaid and Medicare recipients and then filing false hospice claims to Medicaid and Medicare for services that were not medically necessary or were not ever provided. Kirkland, as a registered nurse and Revelation’s Director of Nursing, personally admitted non-hospice appropriate Medicaid and Medicare recipients into Revelation and deceived the patients about the true nature of the services in which they were being enrolled. As part of this deception, many patients unknowingly signed Do Not Resuscitate forms along with undated hospice revocation forms. Kirkland would later use the revocation forms to discharge patients from Revelation Hospice without the patient’s knowledge.
As the Director of Nursing for Revelation, Andre Kirkland was responsible for hospice admissions and the supervision of all nursing staff. He also treated patients in the field. According to patient interviews, Kirkland deceived patients about the true nature of the services they were being enrolled in and never told the patients that they were terminally ill. Most of the
patients enrolled in hospice care were not terminally ill and were therefore not eligible for hospice care. For example, one of the patients enrolled was a 29 year old pregnant female who was not terminally ill and was not in any way hospice eligible. She remains in good health today, years after Kirkland fraudulently enrolled her in hospice care.
A medical review of a 30-patient Medicare patient sample revealed that 100% of those patients were not eligible. Revelation had a live discharge rate of 93.30%, meaning that 93.30% of patients enrolled were discharged from Revelation Hospice while still living. By comparison, 2010 data shows that the national average live discharge rate for hospices is 18.2%.
“The health care fraud perpetrated by this defendant was an abuse of public trust motivated by greed. Patients were deceived into being signed up for services intended to help those with terminal illnesses. We remain committed to protect the integrity of our health care system and will continue to strictly enforce our federal health care laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
“Health care fraud costs our country billions of dollars each year, and the FBI will continue to seek out those that extort health care in the United States,” said Donald Alway, special agent in charge of the FBI in Mississippi. “These are not victimless crimes, because health care fraud harms our overall economy. The FBI and our partners are committed to identifying and charging those that engage in this type of activity.”
“Hospice fraud has reached epidemic proportions in Northern Mississippi,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Patients are being falsely diagnosed as terminally ill in order to line the pockets of hospice owners who are treating Medicare like their own personal ATM.”
“Joint investigations have proven to be an essential tool in the fight against fraud in healthcare benefit programs,” Attorney General Jim Hood said. “We will continue to work with our federal and state partners in this ongoing battle to protect our most vulnerable citizens.”
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Fulcher.Hattiesburg Businessman Found Guilty of Fraud Relating to Government Housing ContractRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss – On Monday, September 12, 2016, a federal jury found Kenneth Fairley, 62, of Hattiesburg, guilty of carrying out a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The guilty verdict came after a six day trial in Hattiesburg before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett.
Fairley was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of theft of government money. He will be sentenced on November 21, 2016 and faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and $750,000 fine.
Fairley and his co-conspirator, Artie Fletcher, devised a scheme to defraud HUD in connection with a government contract issued to the City of Hattiesburg for the rehabilitation of two 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. Fairley conspired with co-conspirator Fletcher to fraudulently perform the work 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.
Artie Fletcher previously pled guilty to a Criminal Information charging him with misprision of a felony. He will be sentenced on December 19, 2016, and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
Jackson Men Plead Guilty to CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Demario Webster, 20, and Ira McGruder, 24, both from Jackson, entered guilty pleas today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Don Alway.
The carjacking occurred at a residence in Clinton, Mississippi on September 30, 2014. When the victim arrived home from work, he was robbed of his wristwatch and cash and then forced inside his house at gunpoint by four 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 four individuals 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.
Sentencing in this case has been set for December 1, 2016. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of fifteen years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Darren J. LaMarca and Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Lemon. It was investigated by the Clinton Police Department, Jackson Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.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.
Three Plead Guilty to Importing White-Tailed Deer in MississippiRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – Coleman Virgil Slade, 70, of Purvis, Mississippi, Don Durrett, 72, of Aspermont, Texas, and Dewayne Slade, 44, of Purvis, Mississippi, pled guilty on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, to conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act by importing live white-tailed deer into Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG).
Coleman Virgil Slade pled guilty to a felony conspiracy count. He will be sentenced on November 21, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Don Durrett and Dewayne Slade pled guilty to a misdemeanor conspiracy count and were each sentenced to a $10,000 fine, placed on three years of probation, and prohibited from hunting for one year.
According to the guilty pleas, from January of 2009 through December of 2012, the Slades and Durrett spent over $100,000 to purchase live white-tailed deer for delivery from Texas to Mississippi. It is illegal to import live white-tailed deer into Mississippi. However, the deer were transported to Lamar County, Mississippi, and placed in a high fence enclosure. The purchases and transportation to Mississippi of the live white-tailed deer were accomplished through false purchase and transportation records.
“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the Lacey Act and other federal laws to protect our wildlife resources,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “We will continue to work closely with USDA OIG, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to enforce the Lacey Act.”
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated “We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. We will continue working vigorously investigating those who choose to violate state and federal laws.”
“I want to thank the US Attorney’s office, OIG special agents, and our law enforcement partners for their hard work on this investigation,” said USDA OIG Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson, “USDA OIG is committed to pursuing individuals who commit criminal violations of the Lacey Act, which is intended to protect the health and well-being of America’s wildlife.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. It was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Division Chief Darren LaMarca.Gulfport Resident Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Gregorio Medina, a/k/a Gregorio Villanueva-Medina, 36, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to two years in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for aggravated identity theft, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Medina was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Medina, a resident of Gulfport and native of Honduras, was working at the Gulfport Shipyard using a stolen identity. The fraud was discovered when the victim, a resident of West Virginia, received a notice from IRS that he owed back taxes for his work at the shipyard. Medina began working at the shipyard in 2014 earning $48,610 and $64,805 in 2015. He used the victim’s identity and claimed to be a U.S. citizen to obtain the job.
This case was investigated by Gulfport Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.Mississippi Businessman Charged with Bribery of Former Corrections CommissionerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Guy E. "Butch" Evans, 61, of Jackson, has been charged with paying bribes and kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner (MDOC) Christopher B. Epps in exchange for exclusive access to sell insurance products to MDOC employees, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain, and FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Donald Alway.
Evans is charged in a two count indictment with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and bribery. According to the indictment, beginning in 2012 and continuing until 2014, Evans gave Epps bribes and kickbacks in exchange for the exclusive access to sell insurance products to MDOC employees. The indictment alleges that, beginning in January 2013 and continuing through May 2014, Evans received approximately $4,300 per month from the products sold through his exclusive access and he made cash payments to Epps ranging from $1,400 to $1,700 per month.
Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain stated: "Corrupt individuals who place the integrity of government at risk will be held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to root out public corruption at all levels and to restore the public trust."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway applauded the investigators and prosecutors, whose hard work and determined efforts revealed these additional participants in this conspiracy of public corruption and led to the charges announced today. "Individuals and companies who do business with the government are held to a high standard of accountability," said Alway. "When these individuals decide to use the government to supplement themselves at the public’s expense, they can expect the FBI to come knocking to hold them accountable. The FBI in Mississippi will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those that criminally exploit the government."
Evans made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball. The case has been set for trial on October 3, 2016 before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy count is 20 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. The maximum penalty for the bribery count is 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Helen Wall.
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.
Justice Department Sues Mississippi for Discriminating AgainstAdults with Mental IllnessRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today filed a complaint against the state of Mississippi, alleging that it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) by failing to provide adults with mental illness with necessary integrated, community-based mental health services. The community integration mandate of the ADA and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. require states to make services available to people with disabilities – including people with mental illness – in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
The state’s failure to provide services in community settings forces adults with mental illness to access services and care in segregated state hospitals, including the Mississippi State Hospital, East Mississippi State Hospital, North Mississippi State Hospital and South Mississippi State Hospital. Under Olmstead, unnecessarily forcing people with disabilities to enter institutions to get services constitutes unlawful discrimination.
In December 2011, after conducting a comprehensive investigation, the department found that the state’s system for serving individuals with mental health disabilities violates the ADA. The department found that the state unnecessarily institutionalizes adults and children with disabilities and fails to ensure that they have access to necessary services and supports in the community. The state has recognized these failures but has not yet implemented the required reforms to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
“When individuals with mental illness receive the services they need, they are better able to find meaningful work, secure stable housing, build personal relationships, and avoid involvement with the criminal justice system,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “For far too long, Mississippi has failed people with mental illness, violating their civil rights by confining them in isolating institutions. Our lawsuit seeks to end these injustices, and it sends a clear signal that we will continue to fight for the full rights and liberties of Americans with mental illness”
“When individuals with mental illness get the services they need and the care they deserve, they can live and work in their own communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Mississippi violates the ADA by denying residents with disabilities the services the law requires and the support they deserve, forcing them to cycle in and out of state hospitals, emergency rooms and jails. The Justice Department’s lawsuit demonstrates our firm commitment to vindicate the rights of people with mental illness.”
“In Mississippi, adults with mental illness receive inadequate mental health care – care that is too often in segregated, institutional placements,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi. “Mississippi has not developed the necessary supports in the community to prevent unnecessary institutionalization as required by the ADA.”
The complaint alleges that gaps and weaknesses in the state’s mental health system too often subject adults with mental illness to needless trauma, especially during a crisis. According to the complaint, adults with mental illness who experience a crisis in Mississippi often spend days in local emergency rooms and jail holding facilities that are ill-equipped to address their needs, before ultimately being transported to the state’s psychiatric hospitals. This costly and traumatic process could be avoided if adults with mental illness received proven and effective services in the community to prevent and deescalate crises, enable them to maintain safe housing and assist them in finding and holding employment.
Since issuing its findings letter, the department engaged in discussions with the state to reach a settlement resolving the violations the department identified. The parties, however, were ultimately unable to come to an agreement that would ensure the needed services and supports for people with disabilities in Mississippi. In order to vindicate the rights of adults with mental illness under the ADA, the United States has filed this lawsuit under the ADA and CRIPA. The United States is also participating as amicus in ongoing litigation against Mississippi in Troupe v. Barbour, a case that addresses the state’s ADA obligations toward children with mental health disabilities. The United States remains committed to resolving all of the violations the department identified in its findings letter.
For more information on the department’s Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 115 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Aaron Charles Harris, 30, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 115 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.
On May 27, 2016, after a five-day trial in U.S. District Court, a federal jury convicted Harris of possessing a .45 caliber Glock pistol loaded with 13 rounds and a Kel-Tec 5.56 mm pistol loaded with a double magazine containing 71 rounds.
The crime took place on July 4, 2015 on Beaverbrook Road in Jackson. Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives arrived at the location after hearing gunshots in the area. Once agents arrived, they witnessed Harris throw a firearm. Upon further investigation, another firearm was located in a vehicle belonging to Harris. Harris had previously been convicted of a felony in Hinds County Circuit Court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by AUSA Shundral Cole and Deputy Criminal Division Chief Darren LaMarca.
Three Plead Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Sharon Grear, 47, of Hermanville, Tonya Grear, 29, of Jackson, and Pinkie Tyler, 30, of Jackson, have entered guilty pleas before Senior U.S. District Court Judge William H. Barbour in a case involving the filing of false federal tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.
Sharon Grear pled guilty on August 2, 2016 to one count of aggravated identity theft. She will be sentenced on October 11, 2016, and faces a maximum sentence of two years in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release.
Tonya Grear pled guilty on July 19, 2016 to one count of theft of government funds. She will be sentenced on September 27, 2016 and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine followed by and three years of supervised release.
Pinkie Tyler pled guilty on August 9, 2016 to one count of theft of government funds. She will be sentenced on October 18, 2016 and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000.00 fine, and three years of supervised release.
"The victims of identity theft and tax refund fraud are often the most vulnerable members of our communities such as the elderly and disabled," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. "All tax payers become victims when fraudulent refunds are paid out of the U.S. Treasury. Working together with our law enforcement partners from IRS - Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, we are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who cause harm to the U.S. taxpayers."
IRS Special Agent in Charge, Jerome R. McDuffie, stated: "Crimes involving identity theft remain a priority for the Special Agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation. It is imperative to the achievement of the IRS Mission that these cases are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I want the law abiding taxpayers to know that we are working diligently to ensure these individuals are held accountable for their misdeeds with regards to violating the tax laws."
This case was investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wansley is prosecuting the case for the government.
Mississippi Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISILRead the Press Release
Jaelyn Delshaun Young, 20, of Starkville, Mississippi, was sentenced today to serve 144 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Felicia C. Adams of the Northern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Division made the announcement.
On March 30, Young pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock of the Northern District of Mississippi, who imposed today’s sentence and ordered Young to serve a 15 year term of supervised release following her imprisonment.
Young pleaded guilty to conspiring with Muhammad Oda Dakhlalla, 23, also of Starkville, to provide material support to ISIL. Dakhlalla pleaded guilty to the same charge on March 13 and will be sentenced on Aug. 24.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Jackson Division Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Washington Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clay Joyner and Bob Norman of the Northern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorney Rebecca Magnone of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Justice Department Sues Mississippi for Discriminating Against Adults with Mental IllnessRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today filed a complaint against the state of Mississippi, alleging that it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA) by failing to provide adults with mental illness with necessary integrated, community-based mental health services. The community integration mandate of the ADA and the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. require states to make services available to people with disabilities – including people with mental illness – in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
The state’s failure to provide services in community settings forces adults with mental illness to access services and care in segregated state hospitals, including the Mississippi State Hospital, East Mississippi State Hospital, North Mississippi State Hospital and South Mississippi State Hospital. Under Olmstead, unnecessarily forcing people with disabilities to enter institutions to get services constitutes unlawful discrimination.
In December 2011, after conducting a comprehensive investigation, the department found that the state’s system for serving individuals with mental health disabilities violates the ADA. The department found that the state unnecessarily institutionalizes adults and children with disabilities and fails to ensure that they have access to necessary services and supports in the community. The state has recognized these failures but has not yet implemented the required reforms to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
“When individuals with mental illness receive the services they need, they are better able to find meaningful work, secure stable housing, build personal relationships, and avoid involvement with the criminal justice system,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. “For far too long, Mississippi has failed people with mental illness, violating their civil rights by confining them in isolating institutions. Our lawsuit seeks to end these injustices, and it sends a clear signal that we will continue to fight for the full rights and liberties of Americans with mental illness”
“When individuals with mental illness get the services they need and the care they deserve, they can live and work in their own communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Mississippi violates the ADA by denying residents with disabilities the services the law requires and the support they deserve, forcing them to cycle in and out of state hospitals, emergency rooms and jails. The Justice Department’s lawsuit demonstrates our firm commitment to vindicate the rights of people with mental illness.”
“In Mississippi, adults with mental illness receive inadequate mental health care – care that is too often in segregated, institutional placements,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi. “Mississippi has not developed the necessary supports in the community to prevent unnecessary institutionalization as required by the ADA.”
The complaint alleges that gaps and weaknesses in the state’s mental health system too often subject adults with mental illness to needless trauma, especially during a crisis. According to the complaint, adults with mental illness who experience a crisis in Mississippi often spend days in local emergency rooms and jail holding facilities that are ill-equipped to address their needs, before ultimately being transported to the state’s psychiatric hospitals. This costly and traumatic process could be avoided if adults with mental illness received proven and effective services in the community to prevent and deescalate crises, enable them to maintain safe housing and assist them in finding and holding employment.
Since issuing its findings letter, the department engaged in discussions with the state to reach a settlement resolving the violations the department identified. The parties, however, were ultimately unable to come to an agreement that would ensure the needed services and supports for people with disabilities in Mississippi. In order to vindicate the rights of adults with mental illness under the ADA, the United States has filed this lawsuit under the ADA and CRIPA. The United States is also participating as amicus in ongoing litigation against Mississippi in Troupe v. Barbour, a case that addresses the state’s ADA obligations toward children with mental health disabilities. The United States remains committed to resolving all of the violations the department identified in its findings letter.
For more information on the department’s Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Mississippi Olmstead Complaint
Jackson Man to Serve 221 Months in Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Lindsey Johnson, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced on August 2, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, to serve a total of 221 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for armed carjacking, felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. He was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine. Johnson was found guilty by a jury on May 19, 2016 after a three day trial before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour.
The crime took place on August 2, 2015 at the Northwood Village Apartments in Jackson. The victim had been visiting relatives in the apartment complex when Lindsey Johnson approached him with a .38 caliber revolver. Johnson demanded that the victim get out of the car and give him any money that he had on his person. Johnson then left the apartments in the victim’s Lexus automobile and was later spotted by Jackson Police officers. He led JPD officers on a high speed chase through the city of Jackson where they were able to safely apprehend him. JPD officers and federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recovered two weapons from the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. and Deputy Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca.Ninth Nigerian Extradited to Mississippi to Face Federal Internet Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – A ninth Nigerian national has been extradited from South Africa to face charges on a nine-count federal indictment filed in the Southern District of Mississippi involving various internet fraud schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Previously one South African was extradited from South Africa and an additional Nigerian from Canada.
Gabriel Oludare Adeniran, 30, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert H. Walker in Gulfport on Monday for arraignment on two counts of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and bank fraud, as well as identity theft, access device fraud and theft of government funds, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
This case is set for trial on January 17, 2017. Adeniran faces a maximum penalty of 55 years in prison on the charges.
The indictment in this case alleges a West African transnational organized crime enterprise involved in numerous complex financial fraud schemes over the internet. This mass marketing fraud includes romance scams, re-shipping scams, fraudulent check scams and work-at-home scams, along with bank, financial and credit card account take-overs. Potential victims can find information and a claim form on the website for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi at: http://www.justice.gov/usao/mss/scams.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this fraud. The case in Mississippi will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams, along with Conor Mulroe of the Organized Crime Gang Section and Peter Roman of the Computer Crimes Intellectual Property Section.
An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, an indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Texas Man Charged with Conspiracy to Bribe Former Corrections CommissionerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Mark Longoria, 53, of Houston, Texas has been charged in a Criminal Information with conspiracy to pay bribes to former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Commissioner Christopher B. Epps, announced Acting United States Attorney Harold Brittain and FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Donald Alway.
Longoria will appear for arraignment on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Ball. The maximum penalty for conspiracy is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca, Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Lemon, and financial analyst Kim Mitchell.
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.
Teresa Malone Charged with Conspiracy to Bribe Former Corrections CommissionerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Teresa Malone, 54, of Carthage, Mississippi has been charged with paying kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner (MDOC) Christopher B. Epps in exchange for receiving a consulting agreement involving the MDOC and its operations, announced Acting United States Attorney Harold Brittain and FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Donald Alway.
Malone will appear for arraignment on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Ball. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine for the conspiracy count, and a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine for the bribery count.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca, Assistant United States Attorney Patrick A. Lemon, and financial analyst Kim Mitchell.
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.
Mississippi Woman Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Unregistered ShotgunRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Monica Vaughn, 42, of Lauderdale County, Mississippi, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour to 21 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Vaughn was also ordered to pay a $1000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.
Choctaw Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss –James Bell, Jr., 21, of Choctaw, Mississippi, entered a guilty plea on July 19, 2016 to second degree murder, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The murder occurred in the Pearl River Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Bell will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan III on October 17, 2016. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Lemon and Darren J. LaMarca are prosecuting the case.
Mississippi Doctor Charged with Bribery of Former Corrections CommissionerRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Dr. Carl Reddix, 57, of Jackson, was charged today with paying bribes and kickbacks to former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Commissioner Christopher B. Epps in exchange for receiving contracts involving the MDOC and its operations, announced Acting United States Attorney Harold Brittain and FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Donald Alway.
Dr. Reddix was charged in a seven count indictment returned by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and with six counts of bribery. According to the indictment returned against Reddix, starting in 2012 and continuing until October, 2014, Dr. Reddix gave Epps bribes and kickbacks in exchange for the awarding and retention of MDOC contracts for Dr. Reddix’s company, Health Assurance, LLC to provide inmate health care services at four facilities: Walnut Grove Correctional Facility; East Mississippi Correctional Facility; Marshall County Correctional Facility; and, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility. The contracts were valued at over $29,000,000.
The indictment also alleges that Dr. Reddix made cash payments to Epps ranging from $8,000 to 9,500 per month from May through October of 2014.
"This indictment alleges a pattern of fraud and deceit based on greed," said Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain. "Corrupt individuals who place the integrity of government contracts at risk will be held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to root out public corruption at all levels and to restore the public trust."
FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway applauded the investigators and prosecutors, whose hard work and determined efforts revealed these additional participants in this conspiracy of public corruption and led to the charges announced today. "Individuals and companies who do business with the government are held to a high standard of accountability," said Alway. "When these individuals decide to use the government to supplement themselves at the public’s expense, they can expect the FBI to come knocking to hold them accountable. The FBI in Mississippi will continue to work alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those that criminally exploit the government."
Dr. Reddix is scheduled to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball today at 2:00 p.m. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a
$250,000.00 fine for the conspiracy count, and a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine for each of the bribery counts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca, Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Lemon, and financial analyst Kim Mitchell.
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.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Prison for Assault with Intent to Commit MurderRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Ruben Cruz, 26, originally of Philadelphia, Mississippi, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to 180 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for assault with intent to commit murder and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
The assault took place on the Choctaw Indian Reservation located near Philadelphia, Mississippi.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Choctaw Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pat Lemon prosecuted the case.
Mississippi Drug Dealer Sentenced to Twenty Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - On July 12, 2016, Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III sentenced convicted drug dealer Marvin Rocedreck Brown, 42, of Union, Mississippi, to 240 months in prison and ordered him to pay a $1,500 fine for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The sentence came one day after U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves sentenced Brown to 240 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release on drug conspiracy and distribution charges and fined him $1,500. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
Marvin R. Brown was found guilty by a jury in December, 2015, on three counts of drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He pled guilty in March, 2016, to conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. Brown was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine in central Mississippi and throughout Newton and Neshoba Counties for several years.
Law enforcement officials have seized or forfeited Brown’s assets including his personal residence on Highway 489 in Union, a residence on Highway 15 in Union, three acres in Union, and multiple mobile homes with ten acres on Rigdon Road in Union. Other seized assets included cash, a bank account, various vehicles and ATVs, a Kamatsu bulldozer, a tractor and trailer, zero-turn mowers, motorcycles, a GMC dump truck, a Fortress track paver etc.
The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics with assistance from the Newton County Police Department, the Decatur Police Department and the Neshoba County Sherriff’s Office.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren J. LaMarca, Christopher Wansley and Erin Chalk.
Two Inmates Sentenced in Adams County Prison Riot CaseRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss. – Two inmates were sentenced on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III for their roles in the Adams County Correctional facility prison riot which took place on May 20, 2012, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
Carlos Albert Delgado-Castaneda, 43, originally of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico was sentenced to 92 months in prison. He was previously convicted of rioting at the Adams County Correctional.
Jesus Beltran-Rodriguez, 38, originally of Tamaulipas, Mexico was sentenced to 240 months in prison. He was previously convicted of rioting and second degree murder, both of which occurred at the Adams County Correctional facility.
The defendants were also ordered to pay over $1.3 million in restitution jointly and severally.
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.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis commended the agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation who worked tirelessly on this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon who prosecuted the case for the Government.
McComb Doctor Pleads Guilty to Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss - Dr. Lawrence Edsel Stewart, 59, of McComb, Mississippi, pled guilty today, before Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to distributing and dispensing a schedule IV controlled substance outside the scope of professional practice, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux with the Drug Enforcement Administration - New Orleans Field Division.
Stewart will be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III on September 27, 2016 and faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Medical Board, and Mississippi Board of Nursing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.
Anthony Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit BriberyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Sean Hyatt Anthony, 41, of Biloxi, MS was sentenced to probation for conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud by United States District Judge Keith Starrett in U.S. District Court in Gulfport today announced United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Anthony, who has been on bond since March 3 2015, was sentenced to serve the first 6 months of probation on house arrest. District Judge Starrett also ordered Anthony pay a fine of $50,000 and entered a forfeiture money judgment in the sum of $349,720.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service.
Four Sentenced in Drug and Money Laundering CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Four family members and drug money laundering associates of convicted drug dealer Marvin Rocedreck Brown were sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III on June 30, 2016, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie with IRS Criminal Investigation.
Corina LeAnn Cornell, 39, of Union, Crystylin D. Patrick, 42, of Union, Linda Kay Parker, 57, of Decatur, and Sandra Denise Brown, 52, of Decatur, were all indicted on April 21, 2015 with Marvin Rocedreck Brown in a 21-count criminal indictment on charges of conspiracy, laundering drug proceeds in financial transactions involving the purchase of several real properties and personal properties, and multiple counts of causing Forms 8300 to not be filed with the Internal Revenue Service for cash transactions exceeding $10,000.
Marvin Rocedreck Brown, 42, of Union, Missisisppi, pled guilty on March 28, 2016 to conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and will be sentenced on July 12, 2016 before U.S. District Judge David Bramlette. Brown will also be sentenced on July 11, 2016 by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves after being found guilty by a jury in December 2015 on three counts of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Corina LeAnn Cornell pled guilty on March 28, 2016, to conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. She was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $1500 fine.
Crystylin D. Patrick pled guilty on March 28, 2016 to conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. She was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
Linda Kay Parker pled guilty on March 28, 2016 to a Criminal Information charging her with structuring and causing a bank to fail to file a Currency Transaction Report. She was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
Sandra Denise Brown pled guilty on March 28, 2016 to a Criminal Information charging her with structuring and causing a bank to fail to file a Currency Transaction Report. She was sentenced to 2 years of probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
The Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation has also resulted in the seizure or forfeiture of various real and personal properties. This includes real estate on Highway 489, Union, Mississippi; residence and land on Highway 15, Union, MS; and the mobile home park on Rigdon Road, Union, Mississippi.
The personal assets include several vehicles, U.S. currency, a checking account, a Kubota tractor, a Kamatsu bulldozer, a Fortress track paver, motorcycles, a John Deere tractor and front loader, a Toro Z mower, a GMC dump truck, a utility fleet trailer, and several all-terrain vehicles.
Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie, IRS Criminal Investigation, stated, “Today’s sentencing represents the conclusion of a very important investigation for this area. Corina Cornell, Crystylln Patrick, Linda Parker, and Sandra Brown were held accountable today for their role in the laundering of drug proceeds gained from the operation of Marvin Brown’s drug trafficking organization. Drug trafficking is a crime that is deterring the growth of our communities and increasing the economic depression that is so acutely apparent in rural areas such as Newton county. IRS Criminal Investigation is particularly proud of the work we do to enhance the OCDETF program, and the investigation of drug trafficking organizations. We will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement counterparts to put an end to the laundering of illegal drug proceeds in our communities, and do our part to help take back the streets in communities both large and small.”
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics with assistance from the Decatur Police Department and the Neshoba County Sherriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren J. LaMarca and Erin Chalk.Former Jackson Police Officer Pleads Guilty to ExtortionRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Bryan Jones, 44, of Jackson, pled guilty on June 29, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan, to 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 on April 15, 2015. Jones took cash during a stop from undercover FBI agents and never recorded or placed 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 to provide him with the location of someone who Jones thought was a drug dealer, but was really an undercover agent. Jones, acting in his capacity as a police officer, illegally searched and seized $4,000.00 and $5,000.00 respectively and later split the money with the confidential source and never recorded the money or turned it over to the Jackson Police Department evidence.
Jones will be sentenced on September 23, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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.
Five More Inmates Sentenced for Rioting in a Federal Prison FacilityRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss - Five inmates were sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III for their participation in a prison riot which took place at the Adams County Correctional facility prison on May 20, 2012, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
Ricardo Gonzales-Porras, 31, originally of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 300 months in prison.
Ricardo Quintana, 29, originally of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 48 months in prison.
Ernesto Granados, 37, originally of Salamanca, Mexico, was sentenced to 120 months in prison.
Ian Reid, 45, originally of Montego Bay, Jamaica was sentenced to 89 months in prison.
Marco Perez-Serano, 32, originally of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, was sentenced to 105 months in prison.
The defendants were ordered to pay restitution jointly and severally in the amount of $1,382,313. They are subject to deportation following their 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.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis commended the agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation who worked tirelessly on this case
Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Reform Criminal Justice System in Hinds County, MississippiRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today reached a landmark settlement agreement to reform the criminal justice system in Hinds County, Mississippi. The agreement resolves the department’s findings that the Hinds County Adult Detention Center and the Jackson City Detention Center – which together form the Hinds County Jail – failed to protect prisoners from violence and excessive force and held them past their court-ordered release dates, in violation of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA).
The settlement agreement is the first of its kind to incorporate broader criminal justice system reform through diversion at the front end and reentry to the community after incarceration. It creates a criminal justice coordinating committee that will help ensure the county’s systems operate effectively and efficiently, develop interventions to divert individuals in appropriate cases from arrest, detention and incarceration, and engage in community outreach. To promote successful reentry, the agreement includes mechanisms for notifying community health providers when a person with serious mental illness is released to help the person transition safely back to the community. The agreement also addresses unlawful enforcement of court-ordered fines and fees by ensuring that the county cannot incarcerate an individual for non-payment if the court does not first assess whether the individual is indigent.
“Across the board, this settlement will make the Hinds County criminal justice system smarter and fairer,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “If implemented, these reforms will make pretrial detainees, prisoners, corrections staff and the entire community safer, while also ensuring that vulnerable individuals get access to the treatment, care and community services they need and deserve. We commend the county for its commitment to making these reforms a reality.”
“For too long, the conditions in the Jail have posed a serious challenge to law enforcement and the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi. “I appreciate the commitment made by Hinds County officials to turn the page and begin making necessary reforms.”
The settlement agreement – subject to approval by the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Mississippi – requires the county to implement a series of reforms across various stages of the criminal justice system, including the following:
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Improve safety and security within the jail through better staffing and supervision, revised policies and physical plant improvements;
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Limit the use of segregation and improve access to screening, treatment and community-based services for special needs prisoners, including juveniles and prisoners with serious mental illness;
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Improve mental health and youth services, including better integration of jail operations with local community mental health and youth programs;
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Enhance communication and coordination among different agencies involved with the criminal justice process; and
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Ensure compliance with due process liberty protections as prisoners navigate the criminal justice system.
Together these reforms aim to improve communication and coordination among criminal justice entities and community service providers to help individuals with mental illness transition back to the community and to reduce recidivism. If approved by the federal district court, an independent monitor will be appointed to assess the county’s compliance.
In May 2015, the Justice Department completed a comprehensive investigation – which included on-site inspections, document reviews and stakeholder interviews by department experts and staff – and issued a findings letter that determined that Hinds County Adult Detention Center and the Jackson City Detention Center violated CRIPA by failing to protect prisoners from violence by other prisoners and from improper use of force by staff. The department also found that inadequate staffing and training, a backlog in record filing and a lack of centralized information resulted in prisoners being held beyond court-ordered release dates.
CRIPA authorizes the department to seek a remedy for a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of persons confined in a jail, prison or other correctional facility. For more information on the Civil Rights Division’s work in this area, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
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Four Inmates Sentenced for Rioting in a Federal Prison FacilityRead the Press Release
Natchez, Miss - Four inmates were sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III on Thursday, June 23, 2016 for their participation in a prison riot which took place at the Adams County Correctional facility prison on May 20, 2012, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.
Ruben Coronado-Licon, 24, originally of Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison.
Jorge Felix-Ibarra, 31, originally of Sinola, Mexico, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.
Joel Oswaldo Ramirez-Nunez, 36, originally of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison.
Hector Miguel Diaz-Osuna, 35, originally of Sinola, Mexico, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison.
The defendants were ordered to pay restitution jointly and severally in the amount of $1,382,313, and they are subject to deportation following their 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.
U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis commended the agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation who worked tirelessly on this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon who prosecuted the case for the Government.Mississippi Sports Medicine to Pay Civil Penalty for Violating the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control ActRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - The United States has reached a civil settlement with Mississippi Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, PLLC (MSM) in connection with allegations that MSM violated federal regulations related to record keeping violations regarding the issuance of numerous controlled substance prescriptions, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation of MSM records determined that there were grounds for action against MSM based on the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Control Act of 1970, including monetary penalties and damages as a result of violations of Title 21 U.S.C. 829 and 842, as MSM employees failed to comply with regulations required by Title 21 C.F.R. 1306.04 and 1306.05. DEA Investigators found record keeping violations affecting numerous prescriptions for Schedule II-V controlled substances.
As a result of the DEA investigation, MSM will pay a civil penalty in the amount of $726,000 to the U.S. Department of Justice. MSM cooperated in the investigation of their records and has already taken steps to more closely monitor its prescription writing practices.
Prescriptions for controlled substances are subject to strict record keeping requirements due to the potential for harm, abuse and diversion. DEA is tasked with ensuring that DEA registrants, to include practitioners and pharmacies, meet federal record keeping requirements to ensure the proper regulation and deter diversion of controlled substances.
DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux stated: “Prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in this country. The rules, regulations and record keeping requirements set in place by The Controlled Substances Act, as supported by the Code of Federal Regulations, exist to prevent the illegitimate diversion of controlled substances as well as protect our citizens from harm. Failure to follow these rules and regulations will result in an investigation, action and penalties for DEA Registrants. Today’s civil settlement, based on DEA’s investigation, sends a resounding message that such activities will not be tolerated.”
The investigation of MSM was conducted by the Jackson DEA office in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Murray.Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Reform Criminal Justice System in Hinds County, MississippiRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today reached a landmark settlement agreement to reform the criminal justice system in Hinds County, Mississippi. The agreement resolves the department’s findings that the Hinds County Adult Detention Center and the Jackson City Detention Center – which together form the Hinds County Jail – failed to protect prisoners from violence and excessive force and held them past their court-ordered release dates, in violation of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA).
The settlement agreement is the first of its kind to incorporate broader criminal justice system reform through diversion at the front end and reentry to the community after incarceration. It creates a criminal justice coordinating committee that will help ensure the county’s systems operate effectively and efficiently, develop interventions to divert individuals in appropriate cases from arrest, detention and incarceration, and engage in community outreach. To promote successful reentry, the agreement includes mechanisms for notifying community health providers when a person with serious mental illness is released to help the person transition safely back to the community. The agreement also addresses unlawful enforcement of court-ordered fines and fees by ensuring that the county cannot incarcerate an individual for non-payment if the court does not first assess whether the individual is indigent.
“Across the board, this settlement will make the Hinds County criminal justice system smarter and fairer,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “If implemented, these reforms will make pretrial detainees, prisoners, corrections staff and the entire community safer, while also ensuring that vulnerable individuals get access to the treatment, care and community services they need and deserve. We commend the county for its commitment to making these reforms a reality.”
“For too long, the conditions in the Jail have posed a serious challenge to law enforcement and the safety of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi. “I appreciate the commitment made by Hinds County officials to turn the page and begin making necessary reforms.”
The settlement agreement – subject to approval by the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Mississippi – requires the county to implement a series of reforms across various stages of the criminal justice system, including the following:
- Improve safety and security within the jail through better staffing and supervision, revised policies and physical plant improvements;
- Limit the use of segregation and improve access to screening, treatment and community-based services for special needs prisoners, including juveniles and prisoners with serious mental illness;
- Improve mental health and youth services, including better integration of jail operations with local community mental health and youth programs;
- Enhance communication and coordination among different agencies involved with the criminal justice process; and
- Ensure compliance with due process liberty protections as prisoners navigate the criminal justice system.
Together these reforms aim to improve communication and coordination among criminal justice entities and community service providers to help individuals with mental illness transition back to the community and to reduce recidivism. If approved by the federal district court, an independent monitor will be appointed to assess the county’s compliance.
In May 2015, the Justice Department completed a comprehensive investigation – which included on-site inspections, document reviews and stakeholder interviews by department experts and staff – and issued a findings letter that determined that Hinds County Adult Detention Center and the Jackson City Detention Center violated CRIPA by failing to protect prisoners from violence by other prisoners and from improper use of force by staff. The department also found that inadequate staffing and training, a backlog in record filing and a lack of centralized information resulted in prisoners being held beyond court-ordered release dates.
CRIPA authorizes the department to seek a remedy for a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of persons confined in a jail, prison or other correctional facility. For more information on the Civil Rights Division’s work in this area, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Hinds County Settlement Agreement
Hinds County Fact Sheet
Biloxi Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Mississippi. – Ruben Ralph-James Masters, 43, of Biloxi, was sentenced on Thursday, June 9, 2016, by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography, and 300 months in prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The sentences will run concurrently. Masters was also ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $10,000, as well as restitution,
Masters entered a guilty plea to the charges on September 29, 2015. The evidence in this case revealed that as he knowingly possessed one or more images and videos constituting child pornography, and he produced videos which contained visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexual explicit conduct.
This case was jointly investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Biloxi Police Department as part of the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Glenda Haynes and Andrea Jones.
U.S. Attorney Announces New Civil Rights Practice at Civil Civil Rights Symposium Held in Jackson TodayRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss – Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, delivered remarks during a Civil Rights Symposium hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi in Jackson today, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
The purpose of the symposium was the announcement of a new Civil Rights Section within the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi that will investigate and remedy civil rights violations within the district. The new Civil Civil Rights Section welcomes information from the public regarding possible violations of our nation’s civil rights laws.
The new Civil Civil Rights Section will collaborate with local community members, advocacy groups and other federal and state agencies in the area of civil rights, working to civilly enforce federal civil rights laws including the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Civil remedies under these statutes may include monetary penalties, injunctions, civil judgments and more.
Coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the newly created Civil - Civil Rights Section has already been busy with a Polling Place Initiative launched in March, where the office reviewed polling places in Hinds County and Forrest County. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by places of public accommodation, including polling places, and requires such places comply with the accessibility standards established by the ADA’s implementing regulations. This initiative is in accordance with the Department of Justice’s congressionally-mandated responsibility to review compliance with the ADA and is not in response to any specific complaint against a polling place.
Today’s symposium, held at the Jackson Medical Mall, focused on the nation’s federal civil rights laws in the areas of disability, housing and education and highlighted the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in ensuring compliance and effective monitoring in the areas of affirmative civil rights enforcement. Other topics covered by various speakers during the event included: civil rights enforcement; military rights; disability rights; LGBT rights; discrimination in access to housing and credit; juvenile justice; school discipline; jails and policing; equal educational opportunities; and improving local communities through an active civil rights practice.
Participants, including members of various civil rights organizations, members of state and local bar associations, and local, state and federal officials, were able to raise questions or concerns regarding civil rights issues in the Southern District of Mississippi.
"Today’s Civil Civil Rights Symposium is an effort to let the public know that the United States Attorney’s Office is indeed a partner with other community advocates and organizations in enforcing the civil rights of all Mississippians," said Civil Division Chief Mitzi Dease Paige. "We are committed to advancing equal opportunity and we look forward to continuing to do justice for all people wherever and whenever we can."
Trial Team Honored by Department of Justice at Executive Office for United States Attorneys Director's Awards CeremonyRead the Press Release
Deputy AG Sally Yates, EOUSA Director Monty Wilkinson recognize select employees at event in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON – An Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Southern District of Mississippi along with two DOJ Civil Rights Division attorneys, a DOJ Civil Rights Division Paralegal, and two FBI agents were among 160 recipients recognized by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Monty Wilkinson at the 32nd annual Director’s Awards Ceremony held in Washington D.C. on June 1, 2016.
The Southern District of Mississippi was one of 33 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In her prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Yates said, “The achievements being recognized today reflect the breadth of the department’s responsibilities, and some of our most significant challenges. From dismantling dangerous gangs, drug cartels and human trafficking operations to tackling political corruption, white collar crimes, and international terrorism, these awardees have taken on our toughest cases. And the citizens of our country are safer because of their work.”
“We honor the truly talented and dedicated legal and administrative personnel in the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and our law enforcement partners who everyday touch lives in our communities, protect the American people, and work to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice,” said Director Wilkinson.
The award for “Superior Performance by a Litigative Team” was given to Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes, DOJ Trial Attorney Sheldon L. Beer, Deputy Chief Paige M. Fitzgerald of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, Paralegal Specialist Steven Harrell of the DOJ Civil Rights Division, FBI Agent Bradley Hentschel, and FBI Agent Robert H. Ruby for their hard work on U.S v. Dedmon case.
The Dedmon case was a federal hate crime case involving an assault which culminated in the death of James Craig Anderson, an African-American man, in the summer of 2011. The case was historic as it marked the first time that the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act had been used in a case where the defendants’ actions resulted in a victim’s death.
“We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Justice has recognized this trial team for their outstanding contribution to the Department and its mission,” said U.S. Attorney Davis.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.Ocean Springs Spa Manager Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss. – Yeon Sook Hwang, 41, of Ocean Springs, pled guilty on Thursday, June 2, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to conspiracy to commit money laundering in a case involving the interstate transportation of prostitutes, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Hwang was identified as the manager of a massage parlor operating in Ocean Springs at which Korean women would provide sexual services.
Hwang will be sentenced on September 1, 2016, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.
Jury Finds Jackson Man Guilty in Felon in Possession of a Firearm CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Following a five day trial in United States District Court in Jackson, a jury found Aaron Charles Harris, age 30, of Jackson, guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
The crime took place on July 4, 2015 on Beaverbrook Road in Jackson. Federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives arrived at the location after hearing gunshots in the area. Once agents arrived, they witnessed Harris throw a firearm. Upon further investigation, another firearm was located in a vehicle belonging to Harris. Harris had previously been convicted of a felony in Hinds County Circuit Court.
Harris will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on August 12, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. The maximum penalty for felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Jackson Police Department, and prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Darren LaMarca and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shundral H. Cole.Illegal Alien to Serve Time for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Carlos Efrain Chavez-Alas, age 27, an illegal alien from El Salvador living in Gulfport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 13 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Chavez-Alas also faces deportation as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.Alabama Man Pleads Guilty in Government Mischarging InvestigationRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Randy Mitchell Wilson, 63, of Grand Bay, Alabama, pled guilty on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, to one count of making a materially false and fraudulent statement to government agents, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.
Randy M. Wilson, a former Director of Manufacturing Services at Huntington Ingalls Industries ("HII"), in Pascagoula, Mississippi, pled guilty to intentionally making a false and material statement, in March of 2014, to special agents of the U. S. Navy, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U. S. Coast Guard for the purpose of misleading the agents, when he was questioned as to his knowledge regarding an ongoing investigation relating to government mischarging at HII.
Wilson will be sentenced on August 23, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., by Chief U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola. He faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.
Two Jackson Men Plead Guilty to Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime Causing the Death of an IndividualRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Anthony Watson, 26, and Joshua Martin, 24, both from Jackson, pled guilty on Friday, May 20, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.
Watson and Martin admitted to killing Sharod Vaughn, 22, of Jackson, Mississippi, 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.
Watson and Martin will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves on September 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Jackson Police Department. Also 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 are prosecuting the case.
Jury Finds Jackson Man Guilty in Armed Carjacking CaseRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Following a three day trial in United States District Court in Jackson, a jury found Lindsey Johnson, age 28, of Jackson, guilty of armed carjacking, felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
The crime took place on August 2, 2015 at the Northwood Village Apartments in Jackson. The victim had been visiting relatives in the apartment complex when Lindsey Johnson approached him with a .38 caliber revolver. Johnson demanded that the victim get out of the car and give him any money that he had on his person. Johnson then left the apartments in the victim’s Lexus automobile and was later spotted by Jackson Police officers. He led JPD officers on a high speed chase through the city of Jackson where they were able to safely apprehend him. JPD officers and federal agents with the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recovered two weapons from the vehicle.
Johnson will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour on August 2, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. The maximum penalty for the carjacking offense is 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the felon in possession of a firearm offense is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for brandishing a firearm during the commission of a felony is 7 years in federal prison and, under federal law, must run consecutive to the time he will receive on the first two counts.
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. and Deputy Criminal Chief Darren Lamarca.
Nineteen Defendants Charged with 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 the unsealing of two federal indictments charging multiple defendants with U-Visa fraud and marriage fraud.
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. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) along with the U-Visa applications. 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. The Law Enforcement Certification forms contain the description of the crimes. In this case, the forms fraudulently listed individuals as victims of certain crimes in an effort to obtain U-Visas.
The Indictment alleges that Simpson Lloyd Goodman, a licensed attorney, submitted fraudulent documents to USCIS for the purpose of obtaining U-Visas for other co-defendants. The false documents submitted to USCIS included falsified police reports allegedly prepared by Officer Ivory Lee Harris of the Jackson Police Department. Other defendants engaged in and caused various acts which enabled defendants to attempt to obtain U-Visas from USCIS.
The following defendants have been charged in the U-Visa fraud indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to commit fraud and misuse of 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;
Ashaben Mukeshbhai Patel, 38, of Covington, Louisiana;
Rajan Nareshkumar Patel, 31, currently incarcerated in Adams County, Mississippi;
Gopaldas Khodabhai Patel, 55, of Byram, Mississippi;
Sachin Khodidas Patel, 27, of Byram, Mississippi; and
Baldevbhai Ramabhai Patel, 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
In the 16 count marriage fraud indictment, it is alleged that the aliens would enter into marriages between persons who were already 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 not entered into because of mutual love and affection between the parties, but solely to create a legal status that would provide a basis for immigration status for the alien partner and usually for some economic benefit to the United States citizen.
The following defendants have been charged in the marriage fraud indictment 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
Terilynn Rankin, 48, of Mendenhall, Mississippi
Sejal Sanjay Kakadia, 52, of Covington, Louisiana
Jayantibhai Kalidas Chaudhari, 47, of Covington, Louisiana
Virendra Rambachan Rajput, 45, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and
Javona Shanice Rajput, 27, of Jackson, Mississippi
"The defendants allegedly circumvented the laws and submitted fraudulent documents that are critical to obtaining immigration status," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. "These arrests were made as a result of the great work of our law enforcement partners who stopped 19 people who sought to undermine the integrity of our nation’s immigration system."
"Immigration fraud poses a significant threat to national security by allowing individuals to enter or remain in the United States under false pretenses with unknown intentions," said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans. "The alleged involvement of attorneys and law enforcement officers in this particular scheme is particularly troubling, and shows that HSI will investigate and hold accountable those who violate our nation’s laws regardless of their position in society." Parmer oversees a five-state area of operations to include Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, 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; 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.
Arraignments on these indictments are scheduled for today, May 19, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson in Jackson.
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. Attorney Jerry Rushing.
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.
Guilty Plea in International Internet Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Genoveva Farfan one of twenty-one defendants indicted in a nine-count federal indictment filed in the Southern District of Mississippi against defendants in Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, Indiana, California, New York and Wisconsin, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Farfan, 46, of Los Angeles, California, entered the guilty pleas before United States District Judge Sul Ozerden Monday May 16, 2016. Farfan faces a maximum of five years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of post-release supervision for the conspiracy and an additional 4 years for two counts of aggravated identity theft. Farfan admitted an on-line relationship led to mailing hundreds of counterfeit checks in an advance fee scheme and receiving and using the numerous victims’ personal identifying information and credit card information.
The indictment alleges a West African transnational organized crime enterprise involved in numerous complex financial fraud schemes over the internet. This mass marketing fraud includes romance scams, re-shipping scams, fraudulent check scams and work-at-home scams, along with bank, financial and credit card account take-overs. Potential victims can find information and a claim form on the website for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi at: http://www.justice.gov/usao/mss/scams.
The investigation was initiated in October, 2011, by Homeland Security Investigations agents in Gulfport after U.S. law enforcement officers were contacted by a female victim in Mississippi who was the victim of a sweetheart scam. The victim received a package in the mail requesting that she reship cell phones to an address in Pretoria, South Africa. The investigation later revealed that the cell phones were purchased using stolen personal identity and credit card information of persons in the United States. Investigators have identified hundreds of victims of this scam in the United States, resulting in the loss of millions of U.S. dollars.
The indictment is the result of an investigation led by the HSI Gulfport office in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, South African Police Service, Toronto Police, HSI Cyber Crimes Center, Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture, HSI Ontario, HSI Charleston, Interpol South Africa, HSI Pretoria and HSI Atlanta.
The Department of Justice Office of International Affairs assisted in the provisional arrests of ten defendants in Pretoria, South Africa. Another defendant was arrested in Toronto, Canada, the remaining defendants were arrested in the United States.
The case in Mississippi is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams and main Justice Trial Attorneys Peter V. Roman of the Computer Crimes Intellectual Property Section and Conor Mulroe of Organized Crime Gang Section.Three Indicted for Importing White-Tailed Deer into MississippiRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, Miss. – United States Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker unsealed a federal indictment yesterday charging Coleman Virgil Slade, 70, of Purvis, Mississippi, Don Durrett, 72, of Aspermont, Texas, and Dewayne Slade, 44, of Purvis, Mississippi, with various violations of the Lacey Act for importing live white-tailed deer into Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General.
Don Durrett and Dewayne Slade appeared for arraignment today and pled not guilty to the 7- count federal indictment. Coleman Virgil Slade will be arraigned at a later date.
According to the indictment, from January of 2009 through December of 2012, the Slades and Durrett did knowingly and willfully conspire to purchase and transport in interstate commerce live white-tailed deer from Texas to Mississippi in violation of both state and federal laws. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each individual count.
"The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the Lacey Act and other federal laws to protect our wildlife resources," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. "We will continue to work closely with USDA OIG, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to enforce the Lacey Act."
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated "We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. We will continue working vigorously investigating those who choose to violate state and federal laws."
"I want to thank the US Attorney’s office, OIG special agents, and our law enforcement partners for their hard work on this investigation," said USDA OIG Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson, "USDA OIG is committed to pursuing individuals who commit criminal violations of the Lacey Act, which is intended to protect the health and well-being of America’s wildlife."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The case is currently scheduled for trial on June 20, 2016 in Hattiesburg.
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.
Perkinston Man Pleads Guilty to Accessing Child Porn with Intent to ViewRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – William Joshua Woodward, age 39, of Perkinston, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court on Thursday, April 21, 2016, to one count of access with intent to view child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
This case began when the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force, while monitoring the internet for individuals who download child pornography via Peer-to-Peer file sharing networks, located an IP address showing multiple downloads of child pornography. An investigation followed, which determined that Woodward, from July 2015 to February 2016, knowingly accessed the Internet through his computer using a Peer-to-Peer file sharing program which accessed visual depictions involving the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further forensic examination of Woodward’s computer revealed hundreds of downloaded images of child pornography.
William Joshua Woodward will be sentenced on July 7, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., by Chief U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by agents with the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Wiggins Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.
California Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jackson, Miss - Walter Pernillo, 42, of San Bernardino, California, was sentenced on Friday, April 22, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to serve a term of 151 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, U.S. Gregory K. Davis announced today.
The indictment in this case was the result of an extensive investigation dubbed Operation Yeti Ice@ which targeted illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics led the investigation. Assisting agencies included the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Leake County Sherriff’s Office, Madison County Sherriff’s Office, United States Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service, Carthage Police Department, , Forest Police Department, Newton County Sherriff’s Office, Lauderdale County Sherriff’s Office, Decatur Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Richland Police Department, Pearl Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department and the United States Marshal Service.
Ten Year Prison Sentence in Stolen Guns CaseRead the Press Release
Gulfport, Miss – Octavia Jermaine Winters, 32, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Sul Ozerden to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for stealing firearms from a licensed dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.
Winters was also ordered to pay restitution of $9,008.68 and a $4,000 fine. The case involved the theft of 52 firearms from Friendly Pawn and Auto in Saucier, Mississippi.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.