Eastern District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Timothy Chesser Sentenced for Methamphetamine Manufacturing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Dec. 14, 2015, Timothy Chesser, 35, of Harriman, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison, by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Judge, for conspiracy to manufacture 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (meth) and possession of precursors used to manufacture meth. Upon his release from prison, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. His federal sentence is consecutive to any Roane County, Tennessee state sentence he may receive for pending charges.
Chesser was charged along with several others in a July 2014 indictment. He pleaded guilty to the offenses described above in August 2015. According to documents on file with U.S. District Court, between 2012 and 2014, Chesser conspired with at least one other person to manufacture and distribute at least 50 grams of meth in various locations in east Tennessee. According to pharmacy records and the statements of others, he purchased, or had others purchase for him, pseudoephedrine that he used to manufacture meth.
This case was investigated by the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Harriman Police Department, Rockwood Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooklyn Sawyers represented the United States.
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Four More Individuals Sentenced in Large a-PVP ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Four more individuals involved in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina have been sentenced to serve time in federal prison by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Court Judge.
Brian Edward Hawkins, 44, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 99 months; Brett Thomas Carroll, 30, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 90 months; Tony Ray Norton, 27, of Greeneville, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 110 months; and Kendra Michelle Poe, 28, of Church Hill, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 63 months. Thirteen others who were previously sentenced in this conspiracy received prison sentences ranging from 110 to 235 months.
According to the plea agreements on file with U.S. District Court, the combined aggregate total of a-PVP stipulated to by Hawkins, Carroll, Norton and Poe was approximately 14,300 grams. Police reports filed as exhibits to sentencing memoranda document that in September 2015 Hawkins led officers on a high speed car chase reaching over 100 mph. Hawkins later admitted in his plea agreement that he ran from the police on that occasion and swallowed approximately 20 grams of a-PVP to avoid getting caught with it.
A-PVP is a synthetic drug, primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These are many of the characteristics of the drug that make it very dangerous for the user but also for law enforcement responding to people who are high on it. A-PVP has been referred to by users of the substance as “meth on steroids.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office; Kingsport Police Department; Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department; Johnson City Police Department; Greeneville, Tennessee Police Department; Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department; and Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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John Harper Farmer Sentenced to 210 Months in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On Dec. 3, 2015, John Harper Farmer, 40, of Chattanooga, was sentenced by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, U.S. District Judge, to serve 210 months in federal prison for sex trafficking of children. Farmer was also ordered to complete a 500 hour mental health program. Additionally, upon his release from prison, he will be supervised for five years by U.S. Probation.
Farmer pleaded guilty in May 2015 to one count of a five-count indictment charging offenses related to sex trafficking. This offense carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. He admitted to directing a minor and an adult co-defendant to meet a client at a Chattanooga hotel with the expectation that both females would engage in a commercial sex act. However, the client turned out to be an undercover police officer, and the encounter resulted in Farmer’s arrest and prosecution. Upon his arrest, police officers recovered a second minor with Farmer. Farmer’s co-defendant is scheduled for sentencing in March 2016.
FBI Special Agent in Charge, Edward W. Reinhold said “This investigation is but one example of the close working relationship the FBI enjoys with our law enforcement partners in combating the ever increasing threats to our nation. Human Trafficking represents some of the worst in human behavior, especially when it deals with the most vulnerable of our society, our children. The FBI, along with our local, state, and federal partners will continue to aggressively attack this problem.”
“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that Homeland Security Investigations fights as one of its highest priorities via a coordinated global effort with the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans Raymond R. Parmer Jr. “That this particular criminal took his depravity even further to sexually exploit children for profit makes this case especially egregious and illustrates why HSI will continue to investigate and seek prosecution of these criminals while also ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.” Parmer oversees a five-state area of operations to include Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; and Chattanooga Police Department. Assistant U.S Attorney Jay Woods represented the United States.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee Collects $ 41,677,882.32 in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2015Read the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Attorney William C. Killian announced today that the Eastern District of Tennessee collected $41,677,882.32 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2015. Of this amount, $2,268,837.64 was collected in criminal actions and $ 39,409,044.68 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Eastern District of Tennessee worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $795,366.68 in cases pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount, $531.00 was collected in criminal actions and $794,835.68 was collected in civil actions.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced on Dec. 3, 2015 that the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2015. Collections in FY 2015 represent more than seven and a half times the approximately $2.93 billion of the Justice Department’s combined appropriations for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal financial, health, safety, civil rights and environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
The total includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $16.2 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $6.8 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.
In measuring collections recovered in FY 2015, this figure necessarily includes some cases that were resolved in previous years but the proceeds of which were collected in FY 2015.
"The Department of Justice is committed to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and protecting the American people from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “The collections we are announcing today demonstrate not only the strength of that commitment, but also the significant return on public investment that our actions deliver. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this achievement possible, and to reiterate our dedication to this ongoing work.”
“Civil and criminal monetary penalties provide additional deterrence to those involved in violating federal laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office works very hard to insure that taxpayers’ money is collected and returned to the federal coffers. Also, our stringent enforcement of civil and criminal monetary penalties, provide an additional level of punishment for the offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
This past fiscal year, the Eastern District of Tennessee recovered $38,400,000 as part of a $92,000,000 settlement against Pilot Flying J for the company’s role in a complex rebate fraud scheme. As a civil collection, these funds go into the General Treasury Fund.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Eastern District of Tennessee, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $2,493,887.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2015. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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Bristol Businessman Sentenced to Serve 24 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic DrugsRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On Nov. 30, 2015, Daniel Guy Bickley, 56, of Bristol, Va., was sentenced by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 24 months in federal prison. Bickley was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term and forfeit over $300,000 in assets.
Bickley was indicted in January 2014 and pleaded guilty in September 2014 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption and conspiracy to commit money laundering. From approximately September 2010 through June 2012, he trafficked in synthetic drugs to include stimulants (“bath salts”) and cannabimimetic substances (“fake weed” and “incense”). He operated first from locations in southwest Virginia and then through a business called Cloud 9 Emporium in Bristol, Tenn. Bickley subsequently opened additional Cloud 9 locations in Johnson City and Mountain City, Tenn., before the stores were closed as the result of law enforcement action in March 2012. He was also involved in a fourth business, White Cloud Emporium, located in Kingsport, Tenn., and operated by another person. Bickley obtained the synthetic drugs from various sellers, but his primary suppliers were persons in the Largo/Holiday, Fla., area. During the less than two year period, he sold several million dollars’ worth of synthetic drugs and used the proceeds from the drug sales to purchase real and personal property in the names of other persons.
During the period in which Bickley was selling synthetic drugs, the Tri-Cities area experienced a public health crisis from the abuse of such drugs. Emergency rooms experience a surge of users of synthetic drugs, who exhibited extreme paranoia and psychoses; agitated and violent behavior; and elevated heart rates, blood pressure, and body temperatures. While the trafficking in illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin creates substantial risks to the public, trafficking in synthetic drugs brought a uniquely dangerous situation to the community. Medical treatment for the users of such drugs is complicated because there are no available antidotes, such as for opioid overdoses, and physicians often do not know what substance is involved. Synthetic drug products are often targeted at teenagers and young adults with colorful packaging with cartoon characters. A study by the Center for Substance Abuse Research identified synthetic marijuana as the third most reported substance used by U.S. high school students after alcohol and marijuana.
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Bristol Tennessee and Virginia Police Departments, Kingsport Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson City Police Department, and the First and Second Judicial District Drug Task Forces. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Smith represented the United States.
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Knoxville Businessman Pleads Guilty to Operating an Illegal Gambling Operation and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Nov. 30, 2015, George Marcus Hall, 45, of Knoxville, Tenn., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to an information charging him with operating an illegal gambling operation and money laundering. He was released under the supervision of the U.S. Probation office pending his sentencing hearing set for 10:00 a.m., on Apr. 20, 2016.
Hall faces up to twenty years in federal prison as well as supervision by the U.S. Probation office upon his release. Additionally, Hall agreed to forfeit his interest in assets collectively valued at over $9 million, which were involved in and/or products of his illegal gambling operation and money laundering conspiracy. These valuable assets consist of: four vehicles, including his 2014 Porsche Panamera; 18 pieces of real property valued at over $3.3 million; over $415,000 in cash and bank accounts and an agreed monetary judgment of $5 million.
The plea agreement on file with U.S. District Court details Hall’s participation in the illegal gambling and money laundering operation. An Agreed Preliminary Order of Forfeiture is also on file with U.S. District Court and describes the assets listed above in detail.
Bill Killian, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, said, “In addition to the potential punishments that Hall is facing, as a further deterrent, the government seized and is seeking forfeiture of numerous valuable assets owned by Hall and others involved in these criminal acts, which are either the proceeds of or were purchased with the profits of this unlawful gambling and money laundering business and/or were involved in these criminal violations.” Killian added, “Assets which were retained by Hall and not forfeited were of no value or benefit to the government, including Marc Nelson Denim, LLC.”
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kolman and Anne-Marie Svolto represented the United States.
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Mitchell Lee Chambers Sentenced to Serve 87 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic DrugsRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Mitchell Lee Chambers, 36, of Magnolia, Tex., formerly of Clearwater, Fla., was sentenced on Nov. 23, 2015, by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 87 months in federal prison. He was also ordered to forfeit approximately $500,000 in assets and serve three years of supervised release following his term in prison.
Chambers pleaded guilty in August 2015 to charges in a December 2014 indictment including conspiracy to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He, along with Clearwater area residents Michael Sheaffer and Matthew Sheaffer, and their wives Gretchen Sheaffer and Niki Maxwell, conspired to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption as well as conduct financial transactions in the proceeds of the drug trafficking to promote the distribution of the synthetic drugs.
Chambers became involved in the sale of smokable synthetic cannabinoid products while residing in Atlanta in 2010. He formed a business called “Satchel Services” to market “incense” and “fake weed” products. The products consisted of a smokable plant material, often the plant damiana, on which synthetic cannabinoids had been sprayed. Chambers sold the products to the Sheaffers, who in turn re-sold the products to retail distributors in upper east Tennessee and elsewhere. The products contained cannabimimetic agents commonly referred to as bath salts. These chemicals were classified as Schedule I controlled substances in March 2011. Chambers ordered the raw chemicals in bulk from sources in China, Europe, and elsewhere.
In approximately August 2011, Chambers moved from Atlanta to the Clearwater area to join the Sheaffers in their activities. Michael Sheaffer, Matthew Sheaffer and Chambers agreed to form a business called “Zombie International.” Zombie International continued to use the Internet, phone calls and text messages to receive orders for controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption. In addition to products which were labeled “Zombie” and “Zombie Killa,” Zombie International also sold a product in early 2012 labeled “Zombie Dust” which contained the controlled substance analogue ά-PVP (also known as “gravel” or “flakka”). Chambers and the Sheaffers agreed to use funds obtained from the sale of controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption to purchase additional analogues from sources in China and Europe.
While many believed that synthetic marijuana products were less harmful than other drugs, such products have been shown to result in extreme paranoia and psychoses; agitated and violent behavior; and elevated heart rates, blood pressure, and body temperatures. Other adverse effects include excited delirium, acute kidney injury, seizures, psychosis, hallucinations, cardiotoxic effects, coma, and death. Medical treatment for the users of such drugs is complicated because there are no available antidotes, such as for opioid overdoses, and physicians often do not know what substance is involved. Synthetic marijuana products are often targeted at teenagers and young adults with colorful packaging with cartoon characters. A study by the Center for Substance Abuse Research identified synthetic marijuana as the third most reported substance used by U.S. high school students after alcohol and marijuana.
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Bristol Tennessee and Virginia Police Departments, Kingsport Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson City Police Department, the First and Second Judicial District Drug Task Forces, and the Clearwater, Florida Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Smith represented the United States.
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Ten Individuals Sentenced in Stolen Identity Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, Tenn. – Ten individuals indicted in February 2015 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft of public money and money laundering conspiracy, have all been convicted and sentenced.
Eugene Carl Kotelman, 39, of Burtchville, Mich. was sentenced on Oct. 22, 2015, to serve 55 months in federal prison to run consecutively with any state sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will serve a term of three years supervised release.
Jamie Marie Lowery, 38, of Port Huron, Mich., was sentenced on Oct 10, 2015, to serve 27 months in federal prison to run consecutively with any state sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will serve a term of three years supervised release.
Brian Keith Elliott, 49, of Greeneville, Tenn., was sentenced on Oct. 8, 2015, to serve 27 months in federal prison consecutively to any state sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will serve a term of three years supervised release.
Bernard Erwin Goewey, 47, of Afton, Tenn., was sentenced on Aug 11, 2015, to serve three years of probation.
Michelle Goewey, 44, of Afton, Tenn., was sentenced on Aug. 11, 2015, to serve a total of six months in prison, followed by a term of six month home detention. Upon her release from prison, she will serve three years of supervised release.
Timothy Ray Groh, 46, of Port Huron, Mich., was sentenced on Oct. 6, 2015, to serve to serve 27 months in federal prison. Upon his release from prison, he will serve a term of three years supervised release.
Jake Marshall McKelvey, 53, of Atlanta, Mich., was sentenced on Oct. 8. 2015, to serve 27 months in prison to run consecutive with any sentence received in state court. Upon his release from prison, he will serve three years supervised release.
Gerald Kenneth Orshal, III, 56, of Crystal River, Fla., was sentenced on Nov. 19, 2015, to serve 12 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, he will serve three years on supervised release.
Amy Rose Peters Thompson, 33, Port Huron, Mich., was sentenced on Nov. 19, 2015, to serve 15 months in federal prison. Upon her release from prison, she will serve three years of supervised release.
Terri Lynn Worley, 52, of Port Huron, Mich., was sentenced on Oct. 6, 2015, to serve 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release upon her release from prison.
Each defendant was ordered to pay restitution to the United States in the amount of $1,249,934.00, which they owe jointly and severally. Each defendant was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100.
Between January 2008 and December 2012, these individuals conspired to obtain money from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by submitting fraudulent federal income tax returns that claimed false federal income tax refunds. As part of the scheme, they submitted, or caused to be submitted, a total of 150 federal income tax returns claiming false tax refunds of $1.2 million. The false returns were filed using stolen Personal Identification Information (PII) of others which was used without the individual’s authorization.
U.S. Attorney Bill Killian said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute these types of offenders. Collectively, these 10 individuals will serve 220 months in federal prison. This sends a message to others who may consider committing identity theft and tax fraud against innocent taxpayers that they are facing serious penalties for their actions.”
“Individuals who commit identity theft and refund fraud of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Tamera Cantu, Acting Special Agent in Charge. “These individuals demonstrated a blatant disregard for the integrity of the United States tax system and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims. IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to the pursuit of identity theft, and together with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will hold those who engage in similar conduct accountable.”
The case was investigated by Special Agents with the IRS–Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Smith represents the United States.
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Daniel Sands Arrested and Charged with Retaliation Against A Federal WitnessRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On Nov. 20, 2015, Daniel Sands was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint with engaging in conduct with the intent to retaliate against a witness who testified against his father in an official court proceeding in U.S. District Court.
An initial appearance was held this afternoon before the Honorable H. Bruce Guyton, U.S. Magistrate Judge, at which time the government asked that Sands be detained pending trial on the charge against him. Sands agreed to sign a detention hearing waiver and will remain in custody until a preliminary hearing scheduled for 2:30 p.m., on Dec. 2, 2015, in U.S. District Court.
According to the complaint and accompanying affidavit on file with the U.S District Court, on Nov. 17, 2015, the government called David Walker as a witness to testify in the trial of U.S. v. Leonard Sands, in U.S District Court in Knoxville. It is alleged that on that same evening, Daniel Sands, son of the defendant Leonard Sands, sent a threatening instant message to the witness via Facebook messenger. The affidavit further alleges that on Nov. 19, 2015, Daniel Sands posted other indirect threats of violence to “snitches” on his Facebook page. Details of the four Facebook posts are included in the affidavit and attachments thereto.
The investigation in this case is being led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cynthia Davidson and Jennifer Kolman represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that a complaint constitutes only a charge and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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United States Attorney William C. Killian Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – William C Killian, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, has submitted his resignation to President Barack Obama effective Dec. 5, 2015. He is joining a national law firm.
Mr. Killian was sworn into office Oct. 4, 2010, after nomination by President Barack Obama and unanimous confirmation by the United States Senate. He served on the following subcommittees of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee: Terrorism and National Security, Civil Rights and Healthcare Fraud Working Group.
“U.S. Attorney Bill Killian has served the people of the Eastern District of Tennessee, and all Americans, with extraordinary distinction,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “Under Bill’s outstanding leadership, his office secured landmark settlements in corporate and healthcare fraud cases; worked tirelessly to curb the illegal distribution of prescription drugs; joined local partners in combatting violent crime; and took aggressive action against illegal firearms. In guiding these and many other actions, Bill displayed impeccable judgment, impressive skill, and an unerring sense of fairness. Thanks to his dedicated service, the United States is a safer and more just place. I commend him on a job well done, and wish him the best as he begins the next chapter of his career.”
“Words cannot express the appreciation that I have for the opportunity to serve the people of Eastern Tennessee, granted to me by the efforts of former Congressman Lincoln Davis, the nomination by President Barack Obama, and the approval by Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander. It was my great pride and honor to represent the United States of America in the Eastern District of Tennessee. I will forever be grateful to President Barack Obama for entrusting me with this position. The dedicated professionals in this United States Attorney’s office have performed at the highest level as representatives of the Department of Justice, under the leadership of former Attorney General Eric Holder and current Attorney General Loretta Lynch. The leadership, advice and cooperation of the past and present Attorney General have been invaluable and an integral part of our success. I am humbled by the honor and experience of serving with my fellow United States Attorneys throughout the country,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian. “None of the accomplishments would have been possible without the cooperation and coordination of the various local, state and federal agencies,” added Killian.
During his tenure as U.S. Attorney Mr. Killian directed and oversaw the investigation of several matters involving national security, including the Chattanooga shootings that resulted in the deaths of five servicemen. He personally participated in the negotiation of the settlement in the Pilot/Flying J case, the largest corporate financial penalty collected in the history of the district. He, along with the Civil Affirmative Enforcement Assistant U.S. Attorneys, mediated the Hill–Rom matter, the largest civil healthcare fraud settlement in the history of the district. Under his direction, the office established new records for asset forfeiture collections, numbers of convicted individuals illegally distributing prescription pills, including new records for sentences imposed on some of those defendants. His district prosecuted one of the highest numbers of federal firearms offenses in the nation. The office further promoted and participated with local, state and federal agencies and task forces to address and combat violent crime, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and other illegal drug sales, and organized gang activity. The district also established new records for child sex trafficking and child pornography convictions through the Internet Crimes Against Children Initiative.
Throughout his service, Eastern District of Tennessee averaged collecting more than $36 million per year, as a result of various forms of fraud perpetrated on the taxpayers of the United States.
During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Killian made presentations at various national and international seminars and conferences, including the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud and the European Union Office of Harmonization in the Internal Market regarding intellectual property rights prosecutions. He has presented to the Global Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Tennessee Hospital Compliance Officers Association, the National State Attorneys General Conference and spoken to the Pharmaceutical Compliance Congress in the District of Colombia on healthcare fraud prevention and prosecution.
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Seymour Resident Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Nov. 12, 2015, Naomi Jean Justice, 23, of Seymour, Tenn., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Knoxville, to using a pre-pubescent minor to produce child pornography. Sentencing has been set for 1:00 p.m., Mar. 31, 2016.
Justice faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of up to 30 years prison, as well as supervised release following incarceration, restitution, and fines. She will also be required to register as a sex offender in any state in which she resides, works, or attends school.
In the plea agreement on file with the U.S. District Court Clerk, Justice admitted that in July 2014 she used a pre-pubescent minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a picture of the conduct with her cellular telephone. She then sent the picture to someone in North Carolina.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Four More Individuals Sentenced in Large a-PVP ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Between Oct. 26 and Nov. 9, 2015, four more individuals involved in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina, were sentenced to serve time in federal prison by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Court Judge.
Melissa Carol Williams, 39, of Greeneville, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 115 months; Jason Kyle Dulworth, 35, of Greeneville, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 46 months; Jonathon Rae Watson, 32, of Concord, N.C., was sentenced to serve 80 months; and, Richard Carmen Ware, 72, of Hendersonville, N.C., was sentenced to serve 60 months. Twelve others who were previously sentenced in this conspiracy received prison sentences ranging from 110 to 235 months.
According to the plea agreements on file with the U.S. District Court Clerk, the combined aggregate total of a-PVP stipulated to by Williams, Dulworth, Watson and Ware was approximately 19,275 grams.
A-PVP is a synthetic drug, primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These characteristics of the drug make it very dangerous for both the user and law enforcement responding to people who are using the drug. Users of a-PVP have referred to the substance as “meth on steroids.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Homeland Security Investigations, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson City Police Department, Greeneville, Tennessee Police Department, Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department, and the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, all of which provided invaluable assistance during the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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Dakota Weaver Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On November 3, 2015, Dakota Destry Weaver, 20, of Clinton, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Judge, to serve 144 months in prison as a result of his conviction for receipt and possession of child pornography. Following his release from prison, Weaver will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a term of 20 years and will be required to register with the sex offender registry in any state in which he resides, works, or attends school.
Weaver pleaded guilty in June 2015 to federal charges stemming from an undercover investigation into trading child pornography on the Internet. A forensic examination of Weaver’s computer revealed that he had collected 1106 still images and 78 videos of child pornography.
This investigation was conducted by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Christopher Anthony Burkett Pleads Guilty to Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Christopher Anthony Burkett, 42, of Knoxville, Tenn., pleaded guilty on October 28, 2015, in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, to using a minor to produce child pornography and to distributing child pornography.
Pursuant to his plea agreement, Burkett admitted that, from July 2014 through September 2014, he posed as a 19-year-old man on Facebook and solicited two minors to send pornographic images of themselves to him via the Internet. Burkett also admitted to sending pornographic images of one minor victim to another minor victim via the Internet in order to coax the recipient to send him additional pornographic pictures of herself.
Sentencing has been set for 11:00 a.m., March 24, 2016. Burkett faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and maximum of up to 50 years in prison, as well as supervised release following incarceration, restitution, and fines. Burkett will also be required to register as a sex offender in any state in which he lives, works, or attends school.
This investigation was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Mark Douglas Helton Pleads Guilty Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Oct. 20, 2015, Mark Douglas Helton, 61, of Maryville, Tenn., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, to knowingly distributing and receiving child pornography. Sentencing has been set for 2:00 p.m., March 9, 2016.
Helton faces a maximum of up to 40 years in prison, as well as supervised release following incarceration, restitution, and fines. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Helton admitted to distributing and receiving child pornography via the Internet with peer-to-peer computer software. Helton also admitted to possessing in excess of 600 images of child pornography, including images of sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence involving minors.
This investigation was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Joshua Brandon Hinkle Sentenced to 110 Months for A-PVP Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Joshua Brandon Hinkle, 30, of Chuckey, Tenn., was sentenced on Oct. 20, 2015, by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 110 months in federal prison for his role in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina.
According to the plea agreement on file with the U.S District Clerk, Hinkle admitted to making approximately 30 to 40 trips to obtain a-PVP from a source of supply in North Carolina, and bringing back an estimated 2,000 grams (2 kilograms) to the Eastern District of Tennessee for resale.
A-PVP is a synthetic drug, primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These are many of the characteristics of the drug that make it very dangerous not only for the user but also for law enforcement responding to people who are high on it. A-PVP has been referred to by users of the substance as “meth on steroids.”
Others who were previously sentenced in this a-PVP trafficking conspiracy include: Richard McNeal Hillman, Ronnie Lee Shelton, Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Desera Jade Allen, Phillip Wayne Mullins, Johnny White, Michael Ray Mangum, Eric Matthew Vance, Evelyn Vickers and James Elmer Mclain, who were sentenced by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge to 188 months, 235 months, 121 months, 180 months, 151 months, 151 months, 120 months, 120 months, 135 months, 110 months and 110 months in federal prison respectively.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Hinkle and the co-defendants listed above include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Homeland Security Investigations, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson City Police Department, Greeneville, Tennessee Police Department, Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department, and Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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Joel D. Cormier Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Using the Internet to Entice Children for Illegal Sexual PurposesRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On Oct. 19, 2015, Joel D. Cormier, 27, of Blountville, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 18 years in federal prison. Cormier will also serve a life term of supervised release with special conditions. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cormier pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of a federal grand jury indictment charging him with using a means of interstate commerce to entice a child for illegal sexual activity.
The investigation began when the family of a 15-year-old child reported to local law enforcement that Cormier had solicited meetings with their child using the Internet and that he had actually traveled to meet their child on several occasions for the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity. Subsequent investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies revealed that a total of six minor children from northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and New Jersey were victims of Cormier’s conduct and that he had actually met and engaged in illegal sexual activity with five of the victims. In his plea agreement, which is on file with the U.S. District Court, Cormier admitted that he knew the victims were minors when he communicated with them online and created fictitious social media profiles portraying himself as a 15-year-old child with terminal brain cancer for his communications with some of them.
“This individual’s conduct demonstrates that the Internet can be a dangerous tool for predators and reminds the public to be vigilant in protecting yourselves and your children. Six minor females from three different states were victims of this online predator through his use of websites and applications. The lengthy sentence he received sends a strong message to other potential perpetrators about the consequences of committing these heinous crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute predators who seek out children on the Internet,” stated U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
This investigation and prosecution was a result of the collaborative efforts of Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Sierra Danielle Messer Indicted on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment charging Sierra Danielle Messer, 21, of Newport, Tenn., with knowingly distributing and possessing child pornography involving prepubescent minors. This illegal conduct is alleged to have taken place in June and September 2015.
Messer was arrested on Oct. 8, 2015, in Newport, Tenn., by members of the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), with assistance from the City of Newport Police Department. Following the arrest, an initial appearance was held in U.S. District Court in Knoxville before the Honorable H. Bruce Guyton., U.S. Magistrate Judge, at which the indictment was unsealed and she was apprised of the charges. Messer pleaded not guilty. A detention hearing was conducted on Oct. 15, 2015, the result of which is pending.
Details of the charges are outlined in the indictment which is filed as a public record in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Larry Thomas Williams Sentenced to 140 Months on Large Scale Marijuana Conspiracy ConvictionRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On Oct. 19, 2015, Larry Thomas Williams, 67, of Mendota, Va., was sentenced by the Honorable J. Ronnie Greer, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 140 months in federal prison for his role in an extensive marijuana distribution conspiracy centered in the Eastern District of Tennessee and Western District of Virginia, with sources of supply in and around the Los Angeles, Cal., area.
According to the plea agreement on file with the U.S. District Court, Williams admitted to selling ounce quantities of marijuana in May and June 2007, to an individual working on behalf of law enforcement in Russell County, Va. He admitted to conspiring to distribute marijuana for many years in the Eastern District of Tennessee. In a recorded July 2013 meeting in Bristol, Va., Williams told an individual working with law enforcement that he had hauled marijuana for the last 17 years and that he was interested in purchasing up to 50 pounds of marijuana at a time. He discussed, with this same individual, the best times of the day to transport marijuana and the fact that Tennessee was making it hard on smugglers. Williams also admitted to dealing in marijuana with one particular co-conspirator for 10 years, to which he owed a drug debt. However, since that individual was now deceased, he considered the debt to be severance pay. He further admitted to knowing the location of 256 pounds of marijuana that has been missing since this co-conspirator passed away.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Larry Thomas Williams include the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, Second District Judicial Drug Task Force, Kingsport Police Department and Russell County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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Raymond Racey Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine Manufacturing ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Oct. 15, 2015, Raymond Racey, 35, of Rockwood, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison, by the Honorable Pamela Reeves, U.S. District Judge, for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (meth) and possession of precursors used to manufacture meth. Upon his release from prison, he will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years.
Racey was charged along with several others in a July 2014 indictment. In June 2015, he pleaded guilty to the offenses described above. According to documents on file with U.S. District Court, between 2012 and 2014, Racey conspired with at least one other person to manufacture and distribute at least 50 grams of meth in various locations in east Tennessee. According to pharmacy records and by his own admission, he purchased, or had others purchase for him, pseudoephedrine that he used to manufacture meth.
This case was investigated by the Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Harriman Police Department, Rockwood Police Department, Kingston Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooklyn Sawyers represented the United States.
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Heather Morgan Sentenced for Making False Statements to Federal Law Enforcement in Breakthrough Pain Management InvestigationRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- On Oct. 13, 2015, Heather Morgan, 28, of Maryville, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Judge. Upon her release from prison, Morgan will serve a two year period of supervised release.
Morgan pleaded guilty to a federal grand jury indictment charging her with making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. She admitted to lying to law enforcement regarding the location of customer files during the investigation of the Breakthrough Pain Management Clinic (Breakthrough) in Maryville, Tenn.
The co-owners of Breakthrough, along with two family members, were previously convicted for their roles in operating the pain clinic and are currently serving prison terms. The pain clinic ceased operations after raids at several locations by federal and local law enforcement agents in December 2010, when agents seized significant quantities of prescription narcotic pain pills, firearms, and nearly $700,000 in cash.
The investigation into the pill mill case was the collaborative effort of several law enforcement agencies including the Internal Revenue Service, Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
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Brian Michael Burton Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of A Minor for Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On Oct. 7, 2015, Brian Michael Burton, 40, of Fayetteville, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Judge, to attempting to entice a minor via the Internet to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Sentencing was set for Feb. 25, 2016, in U.S. District Court.
Burton faces a minimum of 10 years up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, supervised release of five years up to life following his prison term, and asset forfeiture. He will also be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he resides, works, or attends school.
The plea agreement, signed by Burton and on file with the U.S. District Court, explains that he corresponded via the Internet with an undercover law enforcement officer about having sex with a 12-year-old male. Burton also corresponded with the undercover officer who posed as the 12-year-old male and discussed the sexual acts in which Burton wanted to engage with the minor. Burton was arrested when he arrived at a hotel where the meeting with the minor male had been arranged to take place.
This investigation was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. -- On Oct. 6, 2015, Daniel Martinez, Jr., 39, of Morristown, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 15 years in federal prison by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Judge. Upon his release from prison, Martinez will serve a 10 year period of supervised release.
Martinez pleaded guilty to a federal grand jury indictment charging him with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted to obtaining methamphetamine from sources of supply near Atlanta, Ga., as well as Bakersfield, Calif., and distributing the drug in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Martinez admitted that the drug trafficking network grew out of relationships formed in the over-the-road truck industry and that the conspirators had been trafficking methamphetamine for several years prior to their indictment.
Three others were indicted along with Martinez and have each pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Randy Dean, 49, of Greeneville, Tenn., was sentenced in October 2015 to serve 97 months in prison. Amanda Norton, 36, of Morristown, Tenn., and Terry Mulkey, 49, of Calhoun, Ga., are awaiting sentencing.
The investigation into the drug trafficking of Martinez and his conspirators was the collaborative effort of several law enforcement agencies including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Morristown Police Department, Third Judicial Drug Task Force, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the prosecution of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Lampe represented the United States.
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Chattanooga Pill Mill Owner Sentenced to 44 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- On Oct. 1, 2015, Faith Blake, 40, of Chattanooga, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 44 years in federal prison by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, U.S. District Judge. Upon her release from prison, Blake will serve a three year period of supervised release. Additionally, she was ordered to forfeit $2,700,000 to the United States, which represented the gross income generated by her illegal clinics.
Blake pleaded guilty to a federal grand jury indictment charging her with conspiring to distribute prescription drugs outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. She admitted to being involved in two drug conspiracies. One conspiracy involved Superior One Medical Clinic, which she co-owned with her mother Barbara Lang, who was also charged in this case. The other conspiracy involved Elite Care Medical Clinic, which was solely owned by Blake. Blake also pleaded guilty to failing to appear after she was released on conditions of bond and became a fugitive. She was apprehended five months later in Maryland, living under an assumed name.
Three others involved in the operation of the clinics were separately convicted and have been sentenced. Dr. Jerome Sherard, the medical director for Superior One and Elite Care, was sentenced to serve five years in prison. Charles Larmore, a nurse practitioner who worked at Superior One and co-defendant Barbara Lang’s clinic, Primary Care, received a 13 year prison sentence. Barbara Lang, Blake’s mother, was convicted after trial of several offenses including drug conspiracies involving Superior One and Primary Care. She was sentenced to serve 280 years in prison. Over $500,000 in seized assets were forfeited as part of their sentences.
Blake’s clinics distributed over 28 kilograms of oxycodone (or almost 1,000,000 tables of Oxycodone 30mg pills) to thousands of individuals, many of whom illegally abused the drugs and redistributed them to others. Oxycodone pills are typically sold on the street for $1 per milligram. The clinics catered to pill-seeking individuals from the Southeastern United States.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Collier noted that prescription pill abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. He remarked that Blake’s substantial sentence was intended to deter others from engaging in this illegal activity and to keep her from ever committing this type of crime in the future.
“The substantial sentences ordered for these individuals will act as a deterrent for others who may be considering the illegal selling of highly addictive opioids. The defendants’ use of the medical training of others to effectuate this criminal scheme was particularly reprehensible. The public should be aware that federal law enforcement officials, in conjunction with the state and local authorities, are focusing on these illegal opioid transactions,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
Daniel R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “DEA and its law enforcement counterparts will continue to target and crack down on pill mill operators who distribute pain medications for non-medical reasons. The success of this investigation is a direct result of the hard work and dedication put forth by our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts.”
“Illegally prescribing narcotics for profit is a serious offense,” stated Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge, IRS, Criminal Investigation. “Today’s sentencing should send a message to operators of these illegal pill mills that this activity will be investigated and prosecuted. IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to stop the flow of these illegal drugs into our communities.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in this joint investigation included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Trustee’s office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Chattanooga Police Department, Roane County Sheriff’s Department, and Rockwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregg L. Sullivan and Michael D. Porter represented the United States at trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Stone prosecuted other individuals involved in the drug conspiracies.
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Ray M. Mubarak Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Defrauding Multiple BanksRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On Sept. 28, 2015, Ray M. Mubarak, 56, of Knoxville, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Judge, to serve 57 months in prison for conducting a scheme to defraud financial institutions and engaging in an unlawful monetary transaction with fraudulently-obtained loan proceeds. He was also ordered to pay $1,993,938.44 in restitution to three banks and a title insurance company that lost money as a result of the scheme.
Mubarak pleaded guilty in May 2015 to federal charges stemming from his scheme to defraud multiple banks into loaning him over $6 million. He submitted false tax returns and personal financial statements which grossly inflated his income and net worth in order to qualify for the loans. Mubarak also admitted to defrauding the banks by causing them to rely on a fraudulent title opinion letter and forged loan closing documents and deeds.
The trial for Mubarak’s co-defendants, Dianna Mubarak and Blythe Bond Sanders, III, is scheduled for March 1, 2016.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The investigation and prosecution of Mubarak was coordinated with the Office of the District Attorney General, 6th Judicial District. Matthew T. Morris, Assistant U.S. Attorney, represented the United States.
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Johnny Ray Sammons Sentenced to 393 Months in Prison for Producing and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On Sept. 21, 2015, Johnny Ray Sammons, 33, of Gatlinburg, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Judge, to serve 393 months in prison for producing child pornography and distribution of child pornography. Following his release from prison, Sammons will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a term of 25 years and will be required to register with the sex offender registry in any state in which he resides, works, or attends school.
Sammons pleaded guilty in March 2015 to federal charges stemming from his use of two minor females to make pornographic videos and pictures and his distribution of those depictions to others via the Internet. Undercover investigators with the Knoxville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (KPD-ICAC) and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned that someone in the Gatlinburg area was circulating child pornography from a publicly open wireless router to undercover investigators in Queensland, Australia. KPD-ICAC investigators utilized an undercover persona to contact the suspect and glean more information about the source of the child pornography. During an undercover surveillance in the area of the public wireless router, investigators spotted the victims at a local fast food restaurant. Sammons was identified as the person who was making and distributing the child pornography and arrested.
This investigation was conducted by KPD-ICAC, HSI, and the Gatlinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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U.S. Department of Justice Awards Law Enforcement Hiring Grants to Help Build Trust, Reduce Violence and Protect SchoolsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced an Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) funding award to one county in the Eastern District of Tennessee, aimed at creating, and in some cases protecting, six law enforcement positions. Over $107 million will be awarded nationally, through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), including $621,318.00 awarded to the Eastern District of Tennessee.
The list of this year’s grantees includes the Sevier County Sheriff’s Department, which was awarded the entire $621,318.00 referenced above to fund six additional officers.
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “These grants are not simply about putting more officers on the street, they are about expanding the capacity of law enforcement agencies to engage in community policing.”
CHP provides grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
“We are pleased that this grant will provide Sevier County funding to hire more officers for the safety of not only Sevier County residents, but the large number of tourists who visit Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain National Park and surrounding areas within the county,” said U.S. Attorney William C. Killian.
Priority consideration was given this year to agencies that selected any of the Building Trust focus areas or School Based Policing through School Resource Officers. All applicants were encouraged to refer to the report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing for suggested actions to incorporate into their proposed community policing strategy.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has invested over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 127,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2015 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Op-Ed: Police Officers Protect and Serve Our CommunitiesRead the Press Release
Residents of the United States of America enjoy a security system like no other country in the world. This system is based upon being able to call the police whenever we need them. Help or protection is never too far away. We know that they will come, regardless of the circumstances or potential danger involved.
We go to sleep every night, secure in the knowledge we will be protected from harm. Also, unlike many countries in the world, we are confident that the police will not come into our homes and take us away without due process of law. As their badges say, they are here to "serve and protect." They serve regardless of the risk of potential harm to themselves. They have sworn to uphold the law. Their families and friends worry more about them than the officers do themselves. They are proud to serve and never hesitate to answer a call. That is their job, their duty, and truly their calling in life.
Officers, like so many others, are often called upon to react at a moment’s notice and exhibit the courage and the fortitude to respond to the situation. They do this without thought, hesitation or reservation. Many times they are heroes in everyday situations that are unknown to the public or even their own families. This lack of publicity makes these acts no less courageous.
Unfortunately, a few officers choose to violate the laws that they have sworn to uphold. In these rare occasions, the officers face the same system of justice as anyone else. However, these few officers and the publicity of their wrongful acts should never overshadow nor demean the good name and service of the majority of police officers who serve and protect us daily. We, as a country, are lucky to have almost 700,000 people willing to take risks and endure the criticism and stress of being law enforcement officers.
As the Department of Justice implements its “Community Policing Initiative,” please feel free to offer your suggestions for improvement. Most importantly, please continue to support law enforcement officers and appreciate the sacrifice and service they make every day to ensure safer communities for everyone.
Federal Jury Convicts Juan Alberto Robles Zavala for Attempting to Entice A Child Under the Age of 18 for Sex Using A Facility or Means of Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Following a three day trial in U.S. District Court a jury convicted Juan Alberto Robles Zavala, a Mexico Nationalist working in Chattanooga, Tenn., of attempting to entice a child under the age of 18 for sex using a facility or means of interstate commerce.
Sentencing is set for 2:00 p.m., Jan. 20, 2016, in U.S. District Court in Knoxville, Tennessee. Zavala faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison.
Evidence presented at trial showed that law enforcement placed a female profile on an adult sex website “looking for right Dom needing a teacher for Taboo” for herself and her younger version. Zavala replied to the profile and learned that the younger version was a 12-year-old child. Over a four month period of time he emailed who he believed to be a mother and 12-year-old daughter with explicit details of his intent and desires to have sex with the child. Zavala was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location with condoms and a sexual aid.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to indictment and subsequent conviction of Zavala included Knoxville Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Blount County Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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David Anthony Shoemaker Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- On August 31, 2015, David Anthony Shoemaker, 29, of Knoxville, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela R. Reeves, U.S. District Judge, to serve 120 months in prison for receiving child pornography. Following his release from prison, Johnson will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a term of 15 years and will be required to register with the sex offender registry in any state in which he resides, works, or attends school.
Shoemaker pleaded guilty in April 2015 to a federal charge stemming from his use of peer-to-peer computer file sharing software to obtain child pornography via the internet. A search warrant for Johnson’s computers revealed that he had had saved a large cache of child pornography to his computers via the use of search terms designed to find depictions of sexual abuse of minors. The Court found that Shoemaker had also distributed child pornography via the peer-to-peer software.
This investigation was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Eric Michael Johnson Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison on Federal Child Pornography and Travel ChargesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Sept. 3, 2015, Eric Michael Johnson, 29, of Jamesville, Wis., was sentenced in the by the Honorable Pamela R. Reeves, U.S. District Judge, to serve 240 months in prison for using a minor to produce child pornography and traveling interstate for the purpose of having illicit sex with a minor. Following his release from prison, Johnson will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a term of 10 years and will be required to register with the sex offender registry in any state in which he resides, works, or attends school.
Johnson pleaded guilty in April 2015 to federal charges stemming from his October 2014 arrest in Knoxville. Johnson exchanged email messages with an undercover law enforcement officer in which he expressed interest in having sex with a 12-year-old female. He drove from Wisconsin to Knoxville for the purpose of having sex with the girl. A search warrant for his cellular telephone revealed that he had previously sexually molested a minor female and made video recordings of the molestation, leading to additional charges pertaining to the production of child pornography.
This investigation was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Multi-Defendant Indictment Returned for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.-- A federal grand jury in Knoxville returned a 32-count indictment on July 21, 2015, against 36 individuals involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, a conspiracy to launder money, and numerous firearms offenses. Those indicted include: Martin Kenneth Wheeler, Jr., 50, of Tucker, Ga.; Abigail B. Thompson, 46, of Whitesburg, Tenn.; Stephen L. Maness, 46, of Maryville, Tenn.; Scottie R. Gray-Stephens, 40, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Glenn M. Tegeler, 48, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; Richard J. Corbett, III, 27, of Strawberry Plains, Tenn.; Thomas O’Neil Moore, 25, of Molena, Ga.; Tracey D. Dugger, 30, of Morristown, Tenn.; Alexander E. Penley, 36, of Greeneville, Tenn.; Juan C. Solis, 38, of Rutledge, Tenn.; Joshua K. Guthry, 27, of Chuckey, Tenn.; Clint L. Epps, 35, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Randall Logan Crawford, 25, of Jacksboro, Tenn.; Lawrence H. Bond, Jr., 53, of Morristown, Tenn.; Jason M. Hammond, 28, of Heiskell, Tenn.; Matthew Todd Bryant, 40, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Cindy D. Davis, 41, of Morristown, Tenn.; Christopher D. Barrett, 38, of Newport, Tenn.; Lext A. Dienst, 40, of Morristown, Tenn.; Christopher W. Visser, 39, of New Market, Tenn.; Jason D. Lowery, 37, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Nathan S. James, 23, of Mooresburg, Tenn.; John R. Fields, 42, of Morristown, Tenn.; Steven M. Watkins, 60, of Knoxville, Tenn.; Brady Thompson, 49, of Soddy Daisy, Tenn.; Brandon S. Estes, 21, of Russellville, Tenn.; Joshua M. Lynn, 26, of Maryville, Tenn.; Eric C. Henson, 32, of Morristown, Tenn.; and, Eduardo Rivera Gattorno, 48, of Chattanooga, Tenn.
All of these individuals appeared in court between July 28, 2015, and September 1, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Clifford Shirley and pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment.
Documents on file with the U.S. District Court Clerk detail the charges against these individuals and reveal that they were obtaining crystal methamphetamine, or ICE, from near the Atlanta area and transporting it back to the Eastern District of Tennessee for distribution.
If convicted, all face a minimum and mandatory term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least five years. All also face mandatory court assessments.
This indictment is the result of a multi-agency investigation including the Knoxville Police Department, LaFollette Police Department, White Pine Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Third Judicial Drug Task Force, Fourth Judicial Drug Task Force, Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, Gordon County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, Sevier County Street Crimes Unit, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn L. Hebets will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was a result of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s drug supply reduction strategy. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multi-level attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
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Chattanooga Pill Mill Operator Sentenced to 280 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On August 27, 2015, Barbara Lang, a.k.a. “Aunt Bea,” 61, of Rossville, Ga., was sentenced by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, U.S. District Judge, to serve 280 years in federal prison.
After a 25-day trial that spanned almost three months, Lang was convicted of two counts of conspiring to distribute and dispense Schedule II and IV controlled substances, outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose; five counts of maintaining a premises for the purpose of distributing controlled substances; and fourteen counts of structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements.
Lang was charged along with three other individuals. Her daughter, Faith Blake, pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute drugs through Superior One medical clinic, a business she operated with her mother. Blake also pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute drugs through Elite Care, another Chattanooga pain clinic that she operated. Additionally, she pleaded guilty to obstructing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and failure to appear for a federal court proceeding. Sentencing for Blake is set for 9:00 a.m., October 1, 2015, in U.S. District Court in Chattanooga.
Dr. Jerome Sherard, Superior One’s medical director, pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute drugs at Superior One Medical Clinic and at the Sherard Clinic, his own practice. Sherard was sentenced to serve five years in federal prison. Sherard was also ordered to forfeit $192,956.31 to the United States.
Charles Larmore, a nurse practitioner employed by Lang at Superior One and Primary Care, pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute drugs at both those clinics. Larmore was sentenced to serve 13 years in federal prison. Larmore was also fined $20,000 and ordered to forfeit $375,829.20 to the United States.
“We are very pleased with this very lengthy sentence given to this defendant, who disbursed these very addictive drugs to many people over a long period of time. Illegal opioid pain medication distribution organizations, such as this, contribute to an epidemic of addiction in the United States. We thank the cooperative work of the federal, state and local agencies, who investigated this case and participated in this very lengthy trial. She will never be able to participate in the illegal distribution of prescription drugs again,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
Daniel R. Salter, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Atlanta Division stated, “The dispensing of addictive prescription pain medication under the guise of a doctor’s care is not about the good of the community or an individual’s specific health needs; it is about greed and those involved in “pill mill” activity are in fact drug dealers. The sentencing of this defendant makes the Chattanooga area a safer place today.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in the joint investigation which led to indictment and subsequent conviction of Lang, Blake, Sherard and Larmore included: the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); IRS - Criminal Investigation; Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office; Chattanooga Police Department; Roane County Sheriff’s Department; and Rockwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregg L. Sullivan and Michael D. Porter represented the United States at trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Stone prosecuted other individuals involved in the drug conspiracies.
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Four Additional Defendants Sentenced on a-PVP (a.k.a. “Gravel”or “Flakka”) Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Ronnie Lee Shelton, 43, and Brenda Lee Bolton, 46, both of Greeneville, Tenn., Eric Matthew Vance, 33, of Blountville, Tenn., and Geri Kim Ward, 33, of Church Hill, Tenn., were sentenced between August 18 and August 20, 2015, by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge, to federal prison terms of 235 months, 95 months, 135 months and 78 months respectively. These sentences were a result of their roles in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina. Both Shelton and Vance were also convicted for possessing a firearm in furtherance of their a-PVP trafficking.
A-PVP is a synthetic drug, primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These are many of the characteristics of the drug that make it very dangerous for the user but also for law enforcement responding to people who are high on it. A-PVP has been referred to by users of the substance as “meth on steroids.”
According to the plea agreements signed and filed with the district court clerk’s office, the combined aggregate total of a-PVP stipulated to by Shelton, Bolton, Vance and Ward was approximately 37,000 grams. Shelton admitted to being accountable for 20,000 grams of that total. Shelton was initially arrested in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in January 2014, in a vehicle that contained approximately 530 grams of a-PVP and a loaded .40 caliber handgun. A few months later, in early May 2014, he escaped from the Greene County Jail. In numerous jail recorded conversations, Shelton conspired with several other people to plan the escape and admitted that he wanted to escape because he was facing a long sentence on federal gravel charges.
Vance was arrested in March 2014 after a hit and run incident in Unicoi County, Tenn. A subsequent search of Vance revealed a loaded .380 handgun and 11 baggies containing approximately 50 grams of a-PVP. Each was baggie was individually wrapped and had the names of individuals, dates and weights on them. Shelton, Bolton, Vance and Ward all made repeated trips to North Carolina to obtain a-PVP and transported it back to the Eastern District of Tennessee for resale.
Others who have been previously sentenced in this a-PVP trafficking investigation include Richard McNeal Hillman, Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Desera Jade Allen, Phillip Wayne Mullins, Johnny White, Michael Ray Mangum and Evelyn Vickers, who were sentenced to serve 188 months, 121 months, 180 months, 151 months, 151 months, 120 months, 120 months and 110 months in federal prison respectively.
Law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson City Police Department, Greeneville, Tennessee Police Department, Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department, and Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, all of which provided invaluable assistance during the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
Law enforcement investigations have revealed that A-PVP began to appear in the Eastern District of Tennessee as early as 2012 and federal, state and local law enforcement immediately joined forces to combat this growing problem. Studies have shown that it is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs available anywhere. The seriousness of these offenses is further aggravated by the propensity of many individuals involved in the sale of a-PVP to carry and use firearms.
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Richard McNeal Hillman Sentenced to 188 Months on a-PVP (a.k.a. “Gravel” or “Flakka”) and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Richard McNeal Hillman, 54, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced on August 13, 2015, by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 188 months in federal prison for his leadership role in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
A-PVP is a synthetic drug, primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” of “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These characteristics of the drug make it very dangerous not only for the users, who have described it as “meth on steroids,” but also for law enforcement responding to individuals who are high on the substance.
According to the plea agreement on file with U.S. District Court, Hillman admitted to conspiring to distribute and being accountable for a conservative estimate of 30,000 grams (30 kilograms) of a-PVP between September 2012 and August 2014. He admitted that he was obtaining approximately one kilogram of a-PVP per week for resale from his source of supply in Hendersonville, N.C., Scott Braddock, 49, from July 2013 through March 2014. Braddock has also been convicted of a-PVP conspiracy and international money laundering charges and currently has a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 9, 2015.
Hillman stated he had been selling drugs his whole life and had been able to stay mostly under the radar of the police until now. He also admitted that he had multiple people selling a-PVP for him, including approximately 25 in Virginia alone. He proclaimed that he aspired to be the biggest gravel dealer and control the gravel trade in Southwest Virginia. In explaining how he ran his drug trafficking organization, Hillman stated, “you have to be smart, you don’t want to get the area saturated with it. You have to control the output, or the price will drop and you won’t make money. If you flood the market, you’ll step on your own foot.” Hillman estimated making over a quarter of a million dollars selling gravel, which was his only source of income during the conspiracy. Additionally, he also admitted to often carrying a firearm and accepting guns in trade for gravel.
Others who have been previously convicted and sentenced in this a-PVP trafficking conspiracy include Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Desera Jade Allen, Phillip Wayne Mullins, Johnny White, Michael Ray Mangum and Evelyn Vickers, who were sentenced to 121 months, 180 months, 151 months, 151 months, 120 months, 120 months and 110 months in federal prison respectively.
U.S. Attorney William C. Killian stated, “We are pleased with this significant sentence on Richard Hillman, who served as one of the primary dealers of a-PVP in this region of the country. This drug began to appear in Eastern District of Tennessee as early as 2012 and we have been combating this problem ever since. It is simply one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs available anywhere. I am proud of the hard work expended by everyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case and this sentence will serve as an effective deterrent for others who are considering making money by selling a-PVP.”
Michael J. Stanfill, the Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Tennessee said, “All participating agencies played a crucial role in the eradication of this criminal network. Mr. Hillman’s a-PVP trafficking activities posed a significant threat to the quality of life in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia and western North Carolina. The dismantling of this organization makes these communities safer today. I want to thank our federal, state and local law enforcement counterparts, who had a direct impact in making this investigation a success.”
Jack Webb, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, said, "This conviction illustrates ATF’s commitment to reduce violent crime by those who prey on our communities."
“Flakka and other meth-like illegal drugs are a cancer devastating countless communities that traffickers exploit without any regard for the violence and damage they leave in their wake,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans, Raymond R. Parmer Jr. “The ongoing partnership between HSI, ATF, DEA and local law enforcement officials to identify and bring these criminals to justice is one of our most important priorities.”
Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Richard McNeal Hillman and his co-defendants include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson City Police Department, Greeneville, Tennessee Police Department, Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department, and the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, all of which provided invaluable assistance during the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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Jonathan Eugene Loper Sentenced to 324 Months in Prison on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- Jonathan Eugene Loper, 29, of Dayton, Tenn., was sentenced in the by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Judge, to serve 324 months in prison for distributing child pornography. Following his release from prison, Loper will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for a term of 25 years and will be required to register with the sex offender registry in any state in which he resides, works, or attends school.
Loper pleaded guilty in February 2015 to a federal grand jury indictment based upon his trading child pornography with an individual residing in Canada in 2012 and his posting of child pornography on Internet websites for downloading in 2013. Loper’s sentence was enhanced due to a prior conviction in Rhea County, Tenn., for attempted aggravated sexual battery of a minor.
This investigation was conducted by the Knoxville Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Morris represents the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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James Glenn Collins, Jr., Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On August 11, 2015, James Glenn Collins, Jr., 48, of Knoxville, Tenn., was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison for conspiracy to defraud the government by filing false income tax returns. Collins pleaded guilty to a federal indictment in January 2015.
According to the plea agreement on file with the U.S. District Court, while incarcerated in a Tennessee correctional facility, Collins was able to obtain Personal Identification Information (PII), including social security numbers and dates of birth, on numerous individuals and used this information to create and file fraudulent tax returns. Collins employed the use of friends and family to receive the refund checks and cash them, which is described in detail in the plea agreement. The attempted tax refunds totaled $993,576, and the actual amount of loss to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was approximately $150,464.67.
Others involved in this conspiracy include: Tenna Allison, 59, of Knoxville, Tenn., who pleaded guilty to theft of public money and was sentenced to five years of probation; James Scott Huskey, 52, of Knoxville, Tenn., pleaded guilty to theft of public money and was sentenced to serve five years of probation; Natosha Nicole Cooper, 29, of Knoxville, Tenn., pleaded guilty to theft of public money and was sentenced to serve six months in prison and six month of house arrest, followed by three years of supervised release; and Mona Griffith, 56, of Nesbit, Miss., pleaded guilty to theft of public money and was sentenced to serve three years of probation.
In addition to his prison sentence, Collins was ordered to pay $150,464.67 in restitution to the IRS jointly and severally with Allison, Huskey, Cooper and Griffith.
This investigation was conducted by the IRS- Criminal Investigation and U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
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Kenneth Stephen Fagin, Jr. and Terry Bruce Tate Sentenced to Serve 30 Months in Prison for Illegally Excavating Civil War Artifacts from Public LandsRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Kenneth Stephen Fagin, Jr., 39, of South Pittsburgh, Tenn., and Terry Bruce Tate, 61, of Manchester, Tenn., were sentenced on July 30, 2015, by the Honorable Curtis L. Collier, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 30 months in federal prison. Fagin was ordered to pay $22,463.59 in restitution to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the National Park Service to cover the cost of restoration and repair to the sites. Tate was ordered to pay $21,619.59 in restitution to the TVA. Upon their release from prison, Fagin and Tate will each serve a one-year term of supervised release.
Fagin and Tate pleaded guilty in February 2015 to multiple counts of violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), including violations in the Eastern District of Tennessee, Northern District of Alabama, and Western District of Tennessee. ARPA first became law in 1979 as a way to protect against the loss and destruction of archaeological resources found on public and Indian lands that are an “irreplaceable part of the nation’s heritage.”
From September 2007 to July 2011, Fagin, Tate and others excavated Civil War era artifacts from the bottom of Fort McCook, also known as Battle Creek, which is located on TVA property. Specifically, Fagin, Tate and others recovered Civil War Hotchkiss shells, which are pieces of artillery used during the Civil War. Fagin and Tate did not have permits as required under the ARPA nor did they have authority from TVA or any other entity to excavate artifacts from Battle Creek.
In August 2009, Fagin and Tate also excavated Civil War era U-rails from public lands in Bridgeport, Alabama. In March 2010, Fagin and Tate transported and delivered a counterfeit “Sherman Bow-Tie” that was made from Civil War era U-rails that Fagin and Tate excavated from public lands in Bridgeport, Alabama, without permission or authorization.
In August 2010, Fagin also excavated Civil War era artifacts from Shiloh National Military Park, including a .57 cal. three-ring rifle bullet; five fired three-ring rifle bullets and Schenkl artillery shell fragments. Fagin had no permit or authorization from the National Park Service to excavate artifacts from Shiloh National Military Park.
Agencies involved in this investigation included TVA and the National Park Service. Anne-Marie Svolto, Assistant U.S. Attorney represented the United States.
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Jacqueline Stanfill Indicted for Fraud and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Jacqueline J. Stanfill, 58, of Knoxville, Tenn., was arrested today in Knoxville by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Trial was set for September 30, 2015, before the Honorable Leon Jordan, Senior U.S. District Court Judge.
In July 2015, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment against Stanfill alleging wire fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, which is on file with the U.S. District Court Clerk, she allegedly defrauded individuals by inducing them to provide her with funds for investment with Charles Schwab and Co. Instead of investing the funds with Schwab, she converted the money to her own personal use. Stanfill was the owner and operator of Stanfill Wealth Management in Knoxville.
The investigation, which led to the indictment of Stanfill, was conducted by the FBI and IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dale represents the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Law Enforcement and Military Response to the July 16, 2015, Deadly Shootings at A Military Recruitment Center and A Naval and Marine Reserve Center in Chattanooga, TennesseeRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On July 16, 2015, Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, 24, of Hixon, Tenn., shot and killed five individuals and wounded two more, including a Chattanooga Police Officer, at a Military Recruitment Center and Naval and Marine Reserve Center.
Evidence collection and testing are still ongoing. The FBI, along with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, will continue to work tirelessly on this complex investigation. Approximately 250 FBI personnel are on the ground in Chattanooga, with more working across the country and around the globe, following almost 400 leads.
A law enforcement news briefing was held today in Chattanooga to share information concerning the timeline of events which occurred on July 16, 2015. Participating in this press briefing were: Major General Paul W. Briar, United States Marine Corp, Commanding General of 4th Marine Division; Rear Admiral Mary M. Jackson, United States Navy, Commander, Navy Southeast Region; NCIS Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Keleher, NCIS Central Field Office; FBI Special Agent in Charge Ed Reinhold, Knoxville Field Office; ATF Special Agent in Charge Steven Gerido, Nashville Field Office; Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher, Assistant Commissioner David Purkey, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security; and United States Attorney Bill Killian, Eastern District of Tennessee.
During today’s press conference, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ed Reinhold described the series of events that occurred on July 16, 2015, as follows:
- Shortly before 11:00 a.m., on July 16, 2015, the shooter, who has now been identified as Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez, drove up to the Armed Forces Recruitment Center and fired shots. He did not get out of his vehicle at this time.
- Abdulazeez then left the Lee Highway location and traveled to the other facility on Amnicola Highway, crashing into the gate at the Naval Reserve Center.
- Abdulazeez exited the vehicle, armed with an assault rifle, handgun and numerous magazines of ammunition.
- A service member fired at Abdulazeez from within the facility as he approached the building. Abdulazeez fired several rounds into building before reaching the facility.
- Abdulazeez then entered the building and shot the first service member and he then made his way through the building and continued to shoot at those he encountered.
- Abdulazeez continued to fire on exposed military personnel as he made his way outside to the gated motor pool area and killed two military service members.
- Two military service members attempted to provide cover and assist the military personnel in getting over the fence and away from Abdulazeez.
- Abdulazeez continued to fire and killed two others service members.
- Abdulazeez attempted to move inside the compound at which point he was engaged by the Chattanooga Police Department.
- One Chattanooga Police Department officer was then wounded and Chattanooga Police Department killed the shooter
- The heroic actions of these service members saved countless lives.
Both U.S. Attorney Killian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Reinhold extended their sincere appreciation for the cooperation and coordination among all levels of law enforcement as well as the support from the city, state and nation as a whole during this investigation. Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and NCIS likewise recognized the support from the community and the bravery of the responding police.
As this is an ongoing investigation, no further regular press briefings are scheduled after today. If information becomes available that can and should be shared with the public, either a press release will be issued with the information, or the time and location of a press briefing will be announced. All future media inquiries should be directed to Special Agent Jason Pack, Public Information Officer, FBI, at [email protected] or Sharry Dedman-Beard, Public Information Officer, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Tennessee, at [email protected].
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Three Additional Defendants Sentenced in Large A-PVP ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On July 14, 2015, Desera Jade Allen, 27, and David Michael Stallard, 20, both of Kingsport, Tenn., were sentenced by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 151 months and 56 months in prison respectively for their roles in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy in the Sullivan County, Tenn., area. Additionally, William Aope Ward, 35, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced on July 9, 2015, to serve 80 months in prison for his involvement in the a-PVP conspiracy.
A-PVP is a synthetic drug, primarily ordered from China, which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.” Common effects on users include: extreme paranoia; hallucinations; elevated blood pressure; extremely high body temperature; excited delirium; staying awake for days; hostility and having exceptional strength without apparent fatigue. These are many of the characteristics of the drug that make it very dangerous for the user but also for law enforcement responding to people who are high on it.
According to plea agreements on file with the US District Court Clerk, Allen, Stallard and Ward conspired to distribute a combined aggregate total of approximately 11,400 grams of a-PVP.
Others who were previously sentenced in this a-PVP trafficking investigation include Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Phillip Wayne Mullins, Johnny White, Evelyn Vickers and Michael Ray Mangum, who were sentenced by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge to 121 months, 180 months, 151 months, 120 months, 110 months and 120 months in federal prison respectively.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Allen, Stallard and Ward and their co-defendants include the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office; Kingsport Police Department; Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department; Johnson City Police Department; Greeneville Police Department; Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department; and Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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David Allen Cutshall Sentenced to Serve Eight Years in Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On July 14, 2015, David Allen Cutshall, 31, of Greeneville, Tenn., was sentenced by the Honorable Pamela L. Reeves, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve eight years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cutshall pleaded guilty to the charge in April 2015. According to the plea agreement on file with U.S. District Court, in December 2014, a Greeneville police officer observed an individual walking around a vehicle sitting at a car wash off Highway 11E in Greeneville. It was drizzling rain, and no one was washing the car. After observing the suspicious situation for a few minutes the officer pulled in behind the vehicle. Cutshall, who was in the driver’s seat, saw the police car and started to pull away, but was stopped by the officer. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed Cutshall “digging at something” in his lap. The officer removed him from the vehicle and ordered the front seat passenger to get out and come around to him. The passenger complied. Drugs and drug paraphernalia scattered out in the vehicle and onto the ground as Cutshall came out of the vehicle. He refused to stand still and was restrained and placed in handcuffs as backup officers arrived.
Before being transported to jail, officers searched Cutshall and found a Hi-Point, P-9 semiautomatic pistol concealed in the front of his pants. Several pills and four small bags containing methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia were found during a search of the vehicle. Cutshall had previous felony convictions, including aggravated burglaries and attempting to introduce suboxone into a penal facility, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.
Agencies involved in this investigation included the Greeneville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Shipley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Reeves represented the United States.
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Chattanooga, Tennessee, Man Charged with Solicitation to Burn Down a Mosque in Islamberg, New YorkRead the Press Release
Vanita Gupta, the head of the Civil Rights Division, and William C. Killian, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, announced today that a federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned a one-count indictment charging Robert Doggart, 63, with soliciting another person to violate federal civil rights laws by burning down a mosque in Islamberg, a hamlet in Hancock, New York.
According to court documents, Doggart planned an attack on Islamberg, a small settlement that is home to a large Muslim community. Doggart’s plans included burning a mosque, a school and a cafeteria in the community, and he solicited others to join in his plan through Facebook posts and in telephone conversations.
Doggart has been charged with one count of soliciting others to violate federal civil rights laws by intentionally defacing, damaging or destroying any religious property, because of the religious character of that property, or attempting to do so. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Saeed Mody and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Perry H. Piper and Chris Poole of the Eastern District of Tennessee.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Chattanooga Man Charged with Solicitation to Burn Down A Mosque in Islamberg, New YorkRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON—Vanita Gupta, the head of the Civil Rights Division, and William C. Killian, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, announced today that a federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned a one-count indictment charging Robert Doggart, 63, with soliciting another person to violate federal civil rights laws by burning down a mosque in Islamberg, a hamlet in Hancock, New York.
According to court documents, Doggart planned an attack on Islamberg, a small settlement that is home to a large Muslim community. Doggart’s plans included burning a mosque, a school and a cafeteria in the community, and he solicited others to join in his plan through Facebook posts and in telephone conversations.
Doggart has been charged with one count of soliciting others to violate federal civil rights laws by intentionally defacing, damaging or destroying any religious property, because of the religious character of that property, or attempting to do so. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Saeed Mody and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Perry H. Piper and Chris Poole of the Eastern District of Tennessee.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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Michael Ray Mangum Sentenced to 120 Months on a-PVP ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Michael Ray Mangum, 43, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced on July 2, 2015, by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge, to serve 120 months in federal prison for his role in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in and around the Sullivan County area. A-PVP is a synthetic drug which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.”
Mangum’s federal prison sentence was ordered to run consecutively to a number of sentences in Sullivan and Greene County General Sessions Court and Washington County Criminal Court.
According to the plea agreement on file with the U.S. District Court Clerk, Mangum admitted that during 2013 and 2014 he conspired to distribute, and was accountable for a conservative estimate of 4,000 grams of a-PVP. He made repeated trips to out of state suppliers in North Carolina to obtain a-PVP and brought it back to the sell in the Sullivan County area, often out of motels. He also agreed that he supplied a-PVP to another individual in exchange for allowing him to sell a-PVP from that person’s residence. Mangum admitted to being a user of a-PVP, but he told law enforcement officers that he was in it for the money.
Others who have been previously sentenced in this a-PVP trafficking investigation include Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Phillip Wayne Mullins, Johnny White and Evelyn Vickers, who were sentenced to 121 months, 180 months, 151 months, 120 months and 110 months in federal prison respectively.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Michael Ray Mangum and his co-defendants include the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office; Kingsport Police Department; Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department; Johnson City Police Department; Greeneville Police Department; Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department; and, Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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Evelyn Jean Vickers Sentenced to 110 Months on A-PVP ChargesRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Evelyn Jean Vickers, 39, of Kingsport, Tenn., was sentenced on June 30, 2015, by the Honorable R. Leon Jordan, U.S. District Court Judge, to a federal prison term of 110 months for her role in an extensive a-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) distribution conspiracy centered in and around the Sullivan County area and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. A-PVP is a synthetic drug which is commonly referred to on the street as “gravel” or “flakka.”
Vickers’s federal sentence was ordered to run consecutively to her sentences and probation revocations in Sullivan County General Sessions Court as well as any sentence that may be imposed in Sullivan County Circuit Court.
According to the plea agreement on file with the U.S. District Court Clerk, Vickers admitted that she conspired to distribute and was accountable for a conservative estimate of 5,200 grams of a-PVP between March 2012 and March 2014. In December 2013, Vickers, who was already a convicted felon, was arrested while in possession of a .22 caliber pistol in a room at a hotel in Kingsport, Tenn. Vickers admitted that she was one of the primary a-PVP distributors for co-defendant, Richard Hillman, 54, of Kingsport, Tenn., and for portions of the conspiracy, she sold an ounce of a-PVP per day.
Hillman is currently scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2015. Others who have been previously sentenced in this a-PVP trafficking investigation include Austin Michael Stallard, Johnny Michael Stallard, Phillip Wayne Mullins and Johnny White, who were respectively sentenced to serve 121 months, 180 months, 151 months and 120 months in federal prison.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the investigation which led to the indictment and subsequent conviction of Vickers and her co-defendants include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Kingsport Police Department, Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department, Johnson City Police Department, Greeneville Police Department, Hendersonville, North Carolina Police Department, and Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Taylor represented the United States.
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Adam Scott Mitchell Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. -- Adam Scott Mitchell, 31, of Appalachia, Va., was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison by the Honorable Leon Jordan, Senior U.S. District Judge. Mitchell pleaded guilty in January 2015 to a federal grand jury indictment charging him with the production of child pornography.
Upon his release from prison, he was ordered to remain on federal supervised release for the remainder of his life and is subject to numerous special conditions of release which restrict his access to children and the internet.
Mitchell, who was previously convicted of indecent liberties with a minor under the age of 15 in Wise County, Va., and violating Virginia's Sex Offender Registry Law in Scott County, Va., made movies and still images of a young child who was the daughter of his live-in girlfriend. The movies included him engaging the child in sexual activity and other illegal sexual conduct. He has remained in custody since his arrest in Kingsport, Tenn., in August 2014.
The indictment and subsequent conviction of Mitchell was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Virginia State Police, Big Stone Gap Police Department, Johnson City Police Department, and Kingsport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Helen Smith represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Tennessee State Representative Joe Armstrong Indicted for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, Tax Evasion, and Filing A False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On June 16, 2015, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Tennessee State Representative Joe Armstrong charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States, tax evasion and filing a false federal income tax return.
Armstrong appeared in U.S. District Court on June 19, 2015, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. A trial has been set for 9:00 a.m., on August 25, 2015, before the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Court Judge.
The indictment, which is on file with the U.S. District Court, alleges that Armstrong utilized his position as a legislator to profit from the sale of Tennessee cigarette tax stamps and avoid the payment of federal income taxes.
Agencies involved in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles E. Atchley, Jr., represented the United States.
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Convicted Felon Found Guilty of Possessing Firearm in Facebook PhotosRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Following a two-day trial in U.S. District Court, on June 17, 2015, Malik First Born Allah Farrad, a.k.a. Marvin Maurice Buckles, 41, of Johnson City, Tenn., was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is set for 10:00 a.m., Oct. 29, 2015.
Farrad faces a baseline punishment of a maximum of 10 years in prison. However, possible sentencing enhancements could result in a mandatory minimum term of 15 years up to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
In the fall of 2013, officers with the Johnson City Police Department began an investigation into suspected illicit conduct by Farrad. In so doing, law enforcement examined his use of social media, specifically, Facebook. Investigators found that in October 2013, Farrad uploaded a photograph of three handguns placed atop the toilet seat in his bathroom. Having previously sustained numerous felony convictions for drug, gun, and violent offense, it was illegal for him to be in possession of such weapons.
Subsequently, investigators, working in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), obtained a search warrant for the entirety of Farrad’s Facebook account. Once executed, law enforcement discovered a variety of photographs showing him holding, posing with, and displaying a Springfield, Model XD, .45 caliber, semiautomatic pistol. The pictures were taken from inside Farrad’s bathroom, and were uploaded in quick succession in October 2013.
At trial, Corporal Kenny Hinkle of the Morristown Police Department testified in great detail as to the distinguishing characteristics of the firearm seen in the seized Facebook photos. Those characteristics both confirmed the identity of the firearm, and dispelled any possibility of it being a toy, fake, replica, or imitation.
This investigation was the product of a partnership between the Johnson City Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Regalia represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”), a comprehensive national strategy that creates local partnerships with law enforcement agencies to effectively enforce existing gun laws. It provides more options to prosecutors, allowing them to utilize local, state, and federal laws to ensure that criminals who commit gun crime face tough sentences. PSN gives each federal district the flexibility it needs to focus on individual challenges that a specific community faces.
This case was also brought as part of the Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiative, a program which combines the efforts of federal, state, and local agencies in order to stop violent felons from endangering our communities.
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Georgian Delegation Visits Eastern District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – During June 10-20, 2015, a group of official delegates from the Republic of Georgia will visit the United States to learn about the U.S. criminal justice system and enhance their efforts to modernize their justice sector/system. The visit will begin in Washington, DC, where the delegates will meet with various representatives from the State Department, Pretrial Services for the District of Columbia, Bureau of Prisons, and Department of Justice (DOJ). After their short stay in Washington, the group will travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., where they will be hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
During their visit, the delegates will study how the probation/pretrial services system operates in federal court. The week will include meetings in both Chattanooga and Knoxville with the U.S. Attorney; Assistant U.S. Attorneys; U.S. Probation Officers; U.S. District and Magistrate Judges; local defense attorneys; and federal, state and local law enforcement representatives. They will also attend court hearings to observe typical proceedings in federal court. Additionally, to ensure they experience the local culture, several leisure activities are also planned throughout the week for the delegates including a baseball game, cookout, and concerts at the annual Chattanooga Riverbend Festival.
The Georgian delegates participating in this U.S. visit include: Tamar Alania, Judge, Tbilisi Court of Appeals; Shalva Tadumadze, Parliamentary Secretary, GoG Administration; Archil Talakvadze, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs; Kakha Kakhishvili, Deputy Minister of Corrections and Legal Assistance; Giorgi Arsoshvili, Head of Probation Service, MCLA; Giorgi Gabitashvili, Deputy Chief Prosecutor; Misha Shakulashvili, Tbilisi Chief Prosecutor; Nino Aglemashvili, Prosecutor, PGO; Irina Tsakadze, Head of Legal Drafting Department, MOJ; Archil Kbilashvili, Chairman, NGO European Choice of Georgia; Kakha Tsereteli, Defense Attorney, BLC Law Office; and Natia Oniani, Translator. The delegation will be accompanied by Tracey Newell, the Director of the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, and by Tatiana Pataraia and Nata Tsnoriashvili, Georgian Staff Attorneys at the U.S. Embassy who work with DOJ’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) program in Georgia.
For the last two years, Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Steve Neff, a federal prosecutor with the Chattanooga office, was detailed as OPDAT’s RLA in Tbilisi, Georgia. While on detail in Tbilisi, AUSA Neff worked closely with Georgian government officials as well as the Georgian legal and law enforcement community, including Justice Ministry officials, prosecutors, judges, investigators, and members of parliament, to develop and implement justice sector assistance programming aimed at modernizing Georgia’s criminal justice system. The current visit of these delegates to the United States is a continuation of those efforts.
“We are pleased to host the Georgian delegation in their quest to enhance their justice system. We are honored that they would choose to visit our office and district to help them understand the American system in a way that could help them further strengthen the rule of law in Georgia and aid them in their goal of Euro-Atlantic integration, including accession into the European Union (EU) and NATO,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Killian. “Our partnership and friendship with Georgia is vital to the interests of both nations, and we welcome the opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge with our friends from Georgia.”
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