Middle District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
More than Two Dozen Sentenced in Connection with Prison-Based Drug RingRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Today, the United States concluded the prosecution of 27 defendants in connection with an extensive drug and money laundering conspiracy that operated in middle Tennessee and elsewhere between 2018 and 2021, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. The prosecution originated from an extensive multi-agency investigation of a prison-based drug ring, led by Humberto Morales, a Tennessee state prisoner, that culminated in a series of federal charges.
“For years, our office has worked diligently to break up this deadly criminal organization and hold its members accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “These dangerous criminals who plagued our community are behind bars, some for decades. Thanks to the dedication of our prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, their day is over, and justice has been served.”
According to court records, as part of that investigation, federal law enforcement agents identified numerous U.S. Mail parcels containing substantial quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, as well as marijuana, which were related to a largescale drug trafficking conspiracy being operated from within the Tennessee state prison system by Humberto Morales. The investigation, which included the review of the contents of dozens of contraband cellular phones seized from prison facilities, witness interviews, drug seizures, and other evidence, revealed that the conspiracy led by Morales operated in various counties in the Middle District of Tennessee, as well as in other states, namely California, and Mexico from at least 2018 to 2021. Morales and his co-conspirators routinely used encrypted communication services, principally WhatsApp, to communicate regarding drug trafficking, drug proceeds, firearms, and, in some instances, related armed violence. These communications included WhatsApp text and voice messages and drug-related photographs and videos.
During the conspiracy, Morales, a ranking Surenos gang member who was serving a decades-long sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction in connection with a home invasion in Williamson County, Tennessee, arranged for and coordinated the delivery of kilogram quantities of the identified dangerous drugs from Mexico to California, using numerous co-conspirators. Those drugs were then transported or mailed at Morales’ direction to specific locations in middle Tennessee and elsewhere for distribution. Morales principally directed these activities by utilizing cell phones smuggled into the prisons.
In the course of this conspiracy, Morales recruited dozens of co-conspirators to carry out his scheme. At his direction, members of the conspiracy routinely sent wire transfers consisting of drug proceeds totaling, at a minimum, hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mexico – primarily Sinaloa, Mexico, and sometimes to locations within the United States, to pay for controlled substances and to promote the continued operation of his drug enterprise. At Morales’ direction, co-conspirators also wire transferred money to other members of the conspiracy to pay for the transportation and expenses related to the trafficking of controlled substances and the transferring of drug proceeds using electronic services, such as Cash App. Further, co-conspirators deposited drug proceeds into bank accounts, purchased money orders with drug proceeds, and collected and delivered drug proceeds, often thousands of dollars in bulk cash, either by hand or by mail to other members of the conspiracy.
The conspiracy resulted in the delivery of massive quantities of drugs into middle Tennessee, as evidenced by numerous drug seizures of kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl during the investigation and by messages reviewed by investigators detailing discussions among co-conspirators about the drugs being received and distributed in this area.
Those prosecuted in this investigation and their resulting sentences include the following:
Humberto Morales, a/k/a “Pelon” – age 33 – life imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release
Armando Lopez, age 48, 324 months’ imprisonment and 7 years of supervised release
Jennifer Montejo, age 37, 300 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Avigael Cruz, age 33, 264 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Jose Alvarado, age 48, 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Kevin Oliva-Hernandez, age 35, 216 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Jesse Sanchez, age 35, 216 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Jacob Lee, age 29, 216 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Billy Cruz, age 30, 204 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Phillip Christopher Smith, age 45, 204 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Mario Garcia Flores, age 37, 180 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Terrance Marquette Bobo, age 32, 180 months’ imprisonment in two cases and 5 years of supervised release
Austin Dodd, age 29, 180 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Justin Blake Lee, age 30, 168 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release
Jairo Rostran, age 32, 156 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Grecia Rocio Barrios, age 37, 156 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Ricardo Davalos Martinez, age 32, 144 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Kevin Tidwell, age 31, 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Kim Lamont Birdsong, age 53, 100 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release
Tiffany Messick, age 30, 84 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Jasmine Taylor, age 30, 78 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
David Ku, age 49, 66 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
Oscar Avelar Anguiano, age 37, 66 months’ imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release
Luis Ramirez Escudero, age 32, 60 months’ imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release
Melinda Tidwell, age 35, 50 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release
Stacy Owens, age 35, 12 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, followed by an additional 11-month sentence in a related matter.
Korrine Parker, age 47, time served and 5 years of supervised release.
Six of these defendants, who are native to Mexico, are expected to face deportation proceedings at the conclusion of their sentences. Two defendants charged in this case remain fugitives from justice – Erika Vasquez, a/k/a “Chula,” and Magdiel Pina Ramirez, a/k/a “Big Show.” Another half-dozen individuals associated with Morales were also charged and convicted in separate cases.
“With both law enforcement and financial investigation expertise, our special agents are uniquely qualified to partner with state and federal agencies with these types of cases,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “IRS CI is proud to provide its financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice”
“Postal Inspectors tirelessly work to rid the mail of illegal drug trafficking and its accompanying violence,” said Acting U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Jessica Wagner, Atlanta Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). “These sentencings highlight the effectiveness of the collaboration between USPIS and our law enforcement partners, and the commitment of Postal Inspectors to provide a safe environment for postal employees and Postal Service customers – the American public.”
“The collaboration between HSI and IRS-CI exemplifies the relentless pursuit of justice, even when crimes are committed behind prison walls,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud. “Together with our partners, HSI will continue to disrupt criminal networks, ensuring that we hold these violent gangs accountable, regardless of where they operate.”
“These sentences are a victory for the dedicated men and women in law enforcement, combining efforts of Federal, State and Local partnerships to perfect a case that will have a lasting effect in the community. ATF is committed to these partnerships in its fight against violent crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the Nashville Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Several other law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) – Office of Investigations and Conduct, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Clarksville Police Department (CPD), and Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip H. Wehby and Juliet E. Aldridge prosecuted the case for the United States.
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Honduras Man Charged with Multiple Firearms Charges Following Burglary of a Federal Firearms Licensee in Dickson, TennesseeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Manuel De Jesus Guirola-Amaya, 20, a citizen of Honduras without legal status in the United States, has been indicted by a federal grand jury with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, possession of a stolen firearm, and stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, on December 5, 2024, a burglary occurred at Golden Eagle Pawn, a Federal Firearms Licensee, in Dickson, Tennessee. Surveillance video showed two stolen cars arrive at the shop, one of which rammed the front door. Four people got out of the cars and went into the store, targeting several firearms displays. About two minutes after crashing into the store, the four subjects left in one of the stolen cars. More than 40 firearms were stolen during the burglary.
Later that day, a La Vergne Police Department officer stopped a car with an expired registration. The sole occupant of the car was Guirola-Amaya. Inside the trunk of the car, officers discovered a backpack containing five pistols that had been stolen in the Golden Eagle Pawn burglary and still had the price tags attached. Officers also found another backpack in the backseat with two pistols which were also reported stolen from Golden Eagle Pawn, one of which still had a price tag attached. The backpack also held suspected marijuana, and a set of digital scales.
Agents later executed a federal search warrant at a residence tied to Guirola-Amaya. They discovered, among other things, a high-capacity magazine, ammunition, and price tags consistent with the Golden Eagle Pawn price tags. Agents also executed several search warrants on cell phones found on Guirola-Amaya or in the car the day of his arrest. The data extraction results from the phones provided further ties to the burglary including photographs and videos of firearms, location data, and search queries.
Guirola-Amaya entered the United States illegally in March 2022, and has no lawful status.
If convicted, Guirola-Amaya faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison on Count One, which charges possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and 10 years each on the other two counts. Guirola-Amaya also faces a $250,000 fine on each count.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the La Vergne Police Department and the Dickson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Hinkle is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Michigan Man Sentenced to25 Years in Federal Prison on Multiple Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Robert L. Northrup, 55, of Niles, Michigan, was sentenced last Friday to 25 years in federal prison after having pled guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, advertising child pornography, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, attempted transfer of obscene material to an individual under the age of sixteen, and committing an offense involving a minor while required to register as a sex offender, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Northrup will be required to continue registering as a sex offender.
“Stopping those who intend to prey on children is among the highest priorities of our office and the Department of Justice,” said Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney. “This sentence will make sure that Robert Northrup will not harm another child for a quarter century. I commend the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Morrison for their diligent pursuit of justice and drive to hold child sex offenders like Northrup accountable for their crimes.”
According to court records, between July 21, 2022, and August 22, 2022, Northrup communicated with an FBI online covert employee, who was posing as a thirteen-year-old girl, on an online dating application and by text message. Northrop’s status block on the online dating application made clear that he was looking for young girls. This was one of eight accounts Northrop had on this online dating application. While Northrop was communicating with the FBI employee, he requested sexually explicit photos of multiple minors, discussed engaging in sexually activity with the online covert employee, and sent photos of his penis and a masturbation video.
Northrup has prior convictions for a number of offenses including Criminal Sexual Conduct Third Degree, Child Solicitation, and Inappropriate Communication with a Child, which required him to register as a sex offender. He also has six convictions for Failure to Register or Attempted Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
After serving his sentence, Northrup will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clarksville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
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Nashville Man on Bond for Attempted Murder Arrested for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A criminal complaint charges Adrees Bumphus with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, Bumphus was on bond for Attempted First Degree Murder, Felonious Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Theft over $10,000, and Evading Arrest and other charges when police attempted to stop a car he was traveling in on March 12, 2025. The car fled from police at high speed and had to be stopped using spike strips. Once the car was immobilized, the complaint alleges that Bumphus fled from officers on foot before being apprehended. Once in police custody, officers recovered a firearm in his waistband and three more firearms in a backpack he was wearing. Bumphus was convicted in Cannon County for distribution of heroin in 2019, is on 12 years of Community Corrections from that case, and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
After his initial arrest by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) for his flight and firearm possession on March 12, 2025, Bumphus made bond again and was released on March 13, 2025. On the morning of March 14, 2025, officers of the MNPD TITANS team and federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) arrested Bumphus for the second time in forty-eight hours.
If convicted, Bumphus faces up to fifteen years in federal prison for the firearms offense.
“Our Operation Bond Watch was created to keep those out on bond for violent felonies from re-arming themselves and putting our citizens at risk,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “If local jurisdictions see it fit to put those charged with attempted murder on bond, and then release them again and again after re-arrests, we will seek to intervene federally to protect our community.”
"We are working with the U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal partners to hold accountable those persons who pose a real danger to Nashvillians," Chief John Drake said. "Convicted felons with guns demand precision-like attention. Mr. Bumphus is getting just that."
“ATF Nashville in partnership with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department remain committed to combatting violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz. “As part of Operation Bond Watch, dangerous criminals like this will continue to be brought to justice.”
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Illegal Alien Charged with Immigration and Firearm Offenses for Shooting a Man in Front of His DaughterRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal indictment unsealed today charges Jose Guadalupe Vazquez-Delgado, 36, of Mexico, with possession of ammunition by an illegal alien and unlawful reentry into the United States, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, Vazquez was drinking heavily in a house in Antioch, Tennessee, when he started arguing with the victim. The argument continued outside of the house, and the victim’s seven-year-old daughter followed the men outside. Moments later, Vazquez shot the victim numerous times before running away from the house. The victim was transported to the hospital where he received life-saving emergency surgery. Vazquez left 14 shell casings, his truck, his Mexican passport, and other items at the house. Before this shooting incident, immigration officials had previously deported Vazquez from the United States to Mexico on at least two prior occasions.
If convicted, Vazquez faces up to fifteen years in federal prison for the firearms offense and up to two years in prison for the immigration offense.
“Operations like this underscore the FBI's commitment to working with our partners to keep dangerous people and weapons from infecting our communities” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI in Tennessee is committed to actively investigating and apprehending individuals wanted for federal violations and those unlawfully present in the United States and remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the Constitution."
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed A. Safeeullah and Joshua Kurtzman are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Brentwood Man Charged with Making Interstate Threats to Bomb the Nashville Federal CourthouseRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Alexander Thompson, 35, of Brentwood, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents and charged by criminal complaint with making threats in interstate commerce and making a threat in interstate commerce to damage or destroy a building or property by means of fire or an explosive, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
“We take dangerous threats to public spaces and public servants extremely seriously and will always act swiftly to hold those responsible accountable for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “People who work in courthouses, and citizens who attend proceedings there, should be free from threatening behavior.”
According to the complaint, on March 2, 2025, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) received a notification from a representative of the Tucker Carlson Network (“TCN”), stating that TCN had received an email from Email Address 1 that contained the following verbiage :
“I wanted to update you. Within 1-2 weeks, I will firebomb the Fred D Thompson Federal building and Courthouse in downtown Nashville. Beyond this singular act of violence, I bear no hostility towards America itself, and would be calm and peaceful to arrest prior to this act (and afterwards). I do not wish to shoot or kill law enforcement, I am rational, nonsuicidal, and would like to live a long life, but the attacks, harassment, torture against myself at the hands of a bunch of criminals has become unbearable. But, the current American Government is no longer lawful and legitimate and must therefore be exposed and overthrown pursuant to Founding documents of the United States. Despite informing thousands of politicians, local and federal law-enforcement, and various other parties, the nightly torture via targeted dream incubation, attacks, harassment, etc. continue. There is a surveillance&control backdoor present on every device in the Country, likely the It is my duty as both a person and as an American to not only stop horrendous physical and digital attacks against myself, but also inform my nation that it is on the brink of totalitarianism. I view my actions through the lens of necessity as I have tried every other available means to cease the torture, attacks, and to inform my Country that it is in the midst of a coup against it(but not by me).
Thank you, Alex”
TCN provided a possible X (formerly Twitter) account bearing username @cryptokeeper434, with a display name of “Alex.” This account is believed to be utilized by Thompson due to recent posts made showing the production and testing of a device which resembled a “Molotov cocktail.” A review of the publicly available X account for @cryptokeeper434 showed the following posts and photos of concern:
X: @cryptokeeper434 X: @cryptokeeper434 X: @cryptokeeper434A review of the publicly available X page for @cryptokeeper434, revealed photos of the Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and Courthouse, which is located at 719 Church Street, in Nashville. The Thompson Courthouse houses numerous employees, including employees of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services for the Middle District of Tennessee, the United States Marshals Service, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.
On March 3, 2025, MNPD officers arrested Thompson at his place of work in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. An MNPD officer and a mental health co-op crisis intervention team member spoke with Thompson, after which he stated to another law enforcement officer words to the effect of: You read the email, I was going to bomb the building, I couldn’t change the system from the outside and I need to be arrested to effect change from the inside.
On March 3, 2025, MNPD officers obtained a search warrant for Thompson’s residence to look for bomb making materials and other evidence of criminal conduct. During the execution of this warrant, investigators found multiple empty jars, wicks, and wax, consistent with the items depicted in the X posts above. Investigators also located a Molotov cocktail that was assembled and just missing a fuel source.
If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Nashville Field Office is investigating the case.
Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Franklin Resident Convicted of Multiple Cyber Stalking ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal jury on Friday convicted McKenzie McClure a/k/a Kalvin McClure, 31, of Franklin, Tennessee, of cyberstalking, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to the evidence presented at trial, the defendant, between February 2024 and April 2024, posted countless Tweets on X fixated on Christ Presbyterian Academy (“CPA”) and Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, school shootings, school lockdowns, guns, and other violent incidents. The defendant also visited the CPA school campus on Sunday, February 25, 2024, during the afternoon when almost no one would be present. During that time, the defendant was observed attempting to enter the locked doors of the church sanctuary three times, taking pictures of the maps of the school grounds, and flipping off the school campus while standing on the school crest. Then, on Sunday, March 24, 2024, on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the day of the Covenant School shooting, the defendant then left a menacing five-minute voicemail on CPA’s main phone line. In the voicemail, the defendant referenced multiple historical violent incidents and expressed anger and hostility at the school. The voicemail also referenced the movie Deadpool 2 in which a former student attempts to go back to his school to exact revenge and kill the headmaster. Countless school officials and the headmaster die in that movie. As a result of the defendant’s conduct, CPA closed school on Monday, March 25, 2024.
“Children, parents, teachers, administrators and staff need to feel safe from harm while at school,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Our office, and our law enforcement partners, are fully committed to keeping our school communities safe and will have no tolerance for those who would put our kids at risk.”
"The defendant’s concerning actions and social media posts emotionally devastated the school and church community and threatened their safety,” said Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI and our partners are committed to protecting the communities we serve and we encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious or threatening behavior to law enforcement.”
“No one should have to worry about their safety at school—students, parents, and teachers deserve peace of mind. Because of that, the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security is committed to protecting our communities and making sure threats like this are taken seriously,” said Commissioner Jeff Long, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. “We’ll continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold individuals accountable and ensure Tennessee remains a safe place to live, learn, and work.”
McClure will be sentenced on Monday, July 7, 2025. At sentencing, McClure faces a maximum term of incarceration of five years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, and the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katy Risinger and Joshua Kurtzman prosecuted the case.
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Twelve Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana in Tennessee and Other StatesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Twelve members of a drug trafficking conspiracy were sentenced last week for their roles in conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in middle Tennessee and elsewhere, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, around 2022, agents with Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating large shipments of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills that were inscribed “M30,” methamphetamine, and marijuana that someone was shipping to Tennessee and approximately 16 other states from California. Agents reviewed shipping materials, monitored social media accounts, and conducted surveillance before identifying Matthew Cox as the individual who was shipping these packages to members of the drug trafficking conspiracy. In their messages on social media applications and phones, the defendants discussed drug prices, drug shipments, and quality of the drugs. One defendant, Quortez Duncan, told Cox that he wanted stronger pills to get customers hooked on the pills to increase profits. Cox complied and attempted to send Duncan these pills, but Agents seized them. Agents also learned that another defendant, Khyre McClain, attempted to establish and launder money through a limited liability corporation.
In addition to this evidence of shipments to other states, agents seized packages of drugs that were being shipped to Tennessee. Specifically, on July 25, 2022, HSI agents seized a package from a UPS Store in Sebastopol, California, which was destined for Nashville, Tennessee. This package contained thousands of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills weighing over two kilograms. The package also contained more than eight pounds of methamphetamine. On August 9, 2022, HSI agents intercepted two additional packages from the Santa Rosa, California, area which were destined for residences in Nashville. One package contained 472 grams of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills, and the other package contained approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.
After collecting an overwhelming amount of evidence, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at multiple residences in California and Tennessee. They recovered handguns, assault rifles, bulk cash, expensive cars, marijuana, and large amounts of counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills.
“Stopping the trafficking of deadly fentanyl is a major priority of the Department of Justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire, “these successful prosecutions demonstrate our continued commitment to hit fentanyl traffickers with the full force of the law.”
“These defendants took part in a cross-country conspiracy that brought significant amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana to Tennessee,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to holding those accountable who attempt to poison our communities.”
Each defendant was convicted of conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Three defendants were also convicted of unlawfully possessing firearms after previously being convicted of felony offenses. The defendants were sentenced as follows:
Quortez Duncan, age 37, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison
Mathew Cox, age 28, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison
Jonny Rodriguez-Gonzalez, age 26, was sentenced to 11 years and 2 months in federal prison
Ricardo Molinero-Alcarez, age 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison
Khyre McClain, age 23, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison
Davontay Holt, age 30, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison
Marcus Johnson, age 27, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison
Tristain Orr, age 25, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison
Ethan Kimes, age 22, was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison
Marquitues Sawyers, age 24, was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in federal prison
Jahari Armstrong, age 22, was sentenced to 3 years of probation
Jaydan Armstrong, age 22, was sentenced to 3 years of probation
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; and the Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ahmed Safeeullah and Rachel Stephens prosecuted this case.
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Nashville Man Charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm Following Robbery at the Mall at Green HillsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Omari Rashad Moore, 30, of Nashville, has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm as part of a shooting incident near the Green Hills mall, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
“Citizens in our community need to feel confident that they can go shopping at a mall without fearing gunfire,” said McGuire. “We are unwavering in our commitment to secure a safe city and hold those who would threaten that safety fully accountable for their actions.”
According to the complaint, on February 4, 2025, officers with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) responded to the Mall at Green Hills in Nashville, in response to a possible robbery and shots-fired complaint. As the officers responded, 911 dispatch also received a complaint about a shooting near the I– 65 South and I–440 Interstate interchange in Nashville, which is about five miles driving distance from the Mall.
When MNPD officers arrived at the Mall, they found two .10 millimeter cartridge casings on the ground along with a high capacity magazine containing .10 millimeter ammunition near where the shooting and robbery had occurred. Officers could not locate a victim or suspect of the shooting at the Mall. About that time, MNPD officers arrived in the area of the I–65 South and I–440 Interstate interchange and saw a silver Tesla, which had been traveling away from the direction of the Mall, that had crashed into a tree. MNPD officers recovered two Louis Vuitton bags from inside the Tesla and located two men near the crash scene, who were later identified as Moore and SUBJECT 1. A bystander, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash, told MNPD officers that he/she had seen Moore approach a nearby guardrail on foot after the Tesla crashed. MNPD officers found a Glock Model: 29, Caliber: .10 millimeter pistol with the magazine missing near the guardrail.
SUBJECT 1 had multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Vanderbilt Hospital by emergency medical services, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
MNPD Detectives reviewed security footage of the robbery and shooting at the Mall. It showed a man walking away from the mall carrying two shopping bags. As he approached his car, a silver Tesla drove up to and stopped near the man’s car. A man, later identified as Moore, got out of the Tesla with an object in his pocket that was consistent with the appearance of a handgun loaded with a high-capacity magazine. Moore approached the other man’s car, and they fought before the other man broke free and ran. Moore then leaned into the other man’s car, then ran back to the Tesla carrying the two shopping bags.
Moore has multiple prior felony convictions in Henderson County and Davidson County, Tennessee.
If convicted, Moore faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Hinkle is prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Eight Venezuelan Nationals Charged with Offenses Related to their Roles in a Transnational Commercial Sex EnterpriseRead the Press Release
A four-count indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Middle District of Tennessee charging eight defendants with various offenses arising from their respective roles in a transnational commercial sex enterprise.
According to court documents, the defendants, all of Venezuela, Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, 51; Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, 35; Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca, 39; Wilmarys Del Valle Manzano Solorzano, 22; Frankyanna Del Valle Romero-Rivero, 30; Endrik Alexander Morales-Rivero, 25; Jesus Enrique Castillo Rodriguez, 24; and Ariannys Beatriz Gutierrez-Carrillo, 24, operated an illegal commercial sex and sex trafficking enterprise out of Nashville motels from July 2022 through March 2024.
According to the indictment, once the defendants facilitated the victims’ arrival in the United States, the defendants utilized online commercial sex websites to post advertisements for the victims and then used the internet and their cellular phones to direct commercial sex buyers to engage in commercial sex with the victims at the motels before collecting the proceeds from that commercial sex for the defendants’ benefit.
“This indictment demonstrates our commitment to stop human trafficking whenever and wherever we find it, and to hold those involved accountable” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We are coming after transnational criminal organizations like TdA, but this case shows that we will also do whatever it takes to stop those who would traffick women and girls no matter who is behind their suffering.”
“The success of this operation to stop Tren da Aragua operating in our communities is a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against human trafficking and transnational organized crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville. “This investigation exemplifies the importance of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies in ending these crimes in our communities while leaving a trail of suffering in their wake.”
“We will not allow TdA – or any criminal organization – to get a stronghold in Tennessee,” said Director David Rausch of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. “We are thankful for our local, state, and federal partners who joined us in investigating this case, and we stand prepared to continue aggressively investigating human trafficking in our state, holding traffickers and buyers accountable and helping victims take their first steps toward becoming survivors.”
“Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes the FBI encounters,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This devastating crime exploits vulnerable members of communities nationwide, including those in Tennessee. The FBI and our partners are committed to rescuing victims, investigating and prosecuting traffickers, and supporting survivors.”
“While the focus of this investigation centers around human trafficking, Tren de Aragua is involved in all manner of criminal activity, to include the sale of narcotics and dangerous drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA)’s Louisville Division. “The dedicated men and women of DEA will continue to work side by side with our federal, state and local partners to rid our communities of the transnational criminal gangs, like TdA.”
“The trafficking of human beings is abhorrent to all of us, it’s a modern-day form of slavery,” said Chief John Drake of the Metro Nashville Police. “I want to be very clear, our police department will always make human trafficking an investigative priority regardless of where the suspects are from and will work with our partners for an intentional and coordinated law enforcement response.”
A grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee previously returned the four-count indictment charging all eight defendants for their respective roles in facilitating the recruiting of young women from impoverished parts of Venezuela and other South and Central American countries, then facilitating their transportation across the U.S. southern border and across state lines to engage in commercial sex in the Nashville area.
Three of the defendants — Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, and Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca — are additionally charged with a sex trafficking conspiracy for conspiring to use force, fraud, and coercion to compel the women into engaging in commercial sex acts for the defendants’ profit that include invoking alleged ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and its reputation for violence.
The indictment further charges defendant Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
Mother and son defendants Rivero-De Caldera and Mota-Rivero are charged with conspiring to impose a coercive debt scheme upon the victims to compel them to continue engaging in commercial sex acts until the defendants deemed their debts repaid. Defendants Rivero-De Caldera and Mota-Rivero previously were arrested and detained on state charges relating to their conduct.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A conspiracy to commit interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
If convicted of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, Mota-Rivero also faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and additional federal, state, and local Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) partners who coordinated related law enforcement operations across multiple jurisdictions. OCDEFT identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Jessica Arco of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Eight Venezuelan Nationals Charged with Offenses Related to their Roles in a Transnational Commercial Sex EnterpriseRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A four-count indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Middle District of Tennessee charging eight defendants with various offenses arising from their respective roles in a transnational commercial sex enterprise.
According to court documents, the defendants, all of Venezuela, Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, 51, Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, 35, Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca, 39, Wilmarys Del Valle Manzano Solorzano, 22, Frankyanna Del Valle Romero-Rivero, 30, Endrik Alexander Morales-Rivero, 25, Jesus Enrique Castillo Rodriguez, 24, Ariannys Beatriz Gutierrez-Carrillo, 24; operated an illegal commercial sex and sex trafficking enterprise out of Nashville motels from July 2022 through March 2024.
According to the indictment, once the defendants facilitated the victims’ arrival in the United States, the defendants utilized online commercial sex websites to post advertisements for the victims and then used the internet and their cellular phones to direct commercial sex buyers to engage in commercial sex with the victims at the motels before collecting the proceeds from that commercial sex for the defendants’ benefit.
“This indictment demonstrates our commitment to stop human trafficking whenever and wherever we find it, and to hold those involved accountable” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We are coming after transnational criminal organizations like TdA, but this case shows that we will also do whatever it takes to stop those who would traffic women and girls no matter who is behind their suffering.”
“The success of this operation to stop Tren da Aragua operating in our communities is a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against human trafficking and transnational organized crime,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Rana Saoud. “This investigation exemplifies the importance of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies in ending these crimes in our communities while leaving a trail of suffering in their wake.”
“We will not allow TdA – or any criminal organization – to get a stronghold in Tennessee,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We are thankful for our local, state, and federal partners who joined us in investigating this case, and we stand prepared to continue aggressively investigating human trafficking in our state, holding traffickers and buyers accountable and helping victims take their first steps toward becoming survivors.”
“Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes the FBI encounters,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This devastating crime exploits vulnerable members of communities nationwide, including those in Tennessee. The FBI and our partners are committed to rescuing victims, investigating and prosecuting traffickers, and supporting survivors.”
“While the focus of this investigation centers around human trafficking, Tren de Aragua is involved in all manner of criminal activity, to include the sale of narcotics and dangerous drugs,” said Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “The dedicated men and women of DEA will continue to work side by side with our federal, state and local partners to rid our communities of the transnational criminal gangs, like TdA.”
“The trafficking of human beings is abhorrent to all of us, it’s a modern-day form of slavery,” said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. “I want to be very clear, our police department will always make human trafficking an investigative priority regardless of where the suspects are from and will work with our partners for an intentional and coordinated law enforcement response.”
A grand jury in the Middle District of Tennessee previously returned the four-count indictment charging all eight defendants for their respective roles in facilitating the recruiting of young women from impoverished parts of Venezuela and other South and Central American countries, then facilitating their transportation across the U.S. southern border and across state lines to engage in commercial sex in the Nashville area.
Three of the defendants, Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, and Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca are additionally charged with sex trafficking conspiracy for conspiring to use force, fraud, and coercion to compel the women into engaging in commercial sex acts for the defendants’ profit that include invoking alleged ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) and its reputation for violence.
The indictment further charges defendant Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
Mother and son defendants Rivero-De Caldera and Mota-Rivero are charged with conspiring to impose a coercive debt scheme upon the victims to compel them to continue engaging in commercial sex acts until the defendants deemed their debts repaid. Defendants Rivero-De Caldera and Mota-Rivero previously were arrested and detained on state charges relating to their conduct.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A conspiracy to commit interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and a conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
If convicted of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, Mota-Rivero also faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, the DEA, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and additional federal, state, and local Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) partners who coordinated related law enforcement operations across multiple jurisdictions. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Jessica Arco of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Smyrna Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Peter Allen Snyder, 43, of Smyrna, Tennessee, was sentenced last Thursday to 20 years in federal prison after having pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Snyder also is required to register as a sex offender.
“One of our office’s highest priorities is the aggressive prosecution of crimes against children,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “We will seek to hold these criminals accountable in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
According to court records, on November 21, 2019, Snyder created at least nine sexually explicit images of the Minor Victim on his cell phone which depicted her naked from the waist down. Snyder’s hand was visible in one of the images. Snyder later distributed these photographs through the internet. The creation and distribution of these sexually explicit images came to light in December 2021, when Yahoo submitted a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The CyberTip contained twenty-five images of child sexual abuse material, including nine of the Minor Victim, which had been sent by e-mail from a Russian-based e-mail service, with the subject header reading “Trade.”
The images of the Minor Victim contained gps data confirming the images were produced at or near the vicinity of Snyder’s residence in Cannon County. These images also included data about the cell phone used to create the sexually explicit images of the Minor Victim. When Snyder was questioned about the cell phone following his arrest, he said he had disposed of it at a recycling kiosk.
After serving his sentence, Snyder will be on supervised release for the remainder of his life.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Woodbury Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
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Ft. Campbell Soldier Sentenced to 87 Months in Federal Prison on Child Sexual Abuse ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Donald Lee Collins, 41, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in federal prison after having pled guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor and one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to an individual under the age of sixteen, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. In addition to his sentence of incarceration, Collins is required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in late December 2019, Collins and the minor victim, who was the daughter of a friend, connected over Facebook Messenger and began exchanging sexually explicit messages and images. On the night of December 31, 2019, the minor victim spent the night at Collins’ house with his teenage daughter. The next morning, Collins sexually abused the minor victim at his home. Then, as he drove the minor victim to her father’s house on Fort Campbell, Collins again sexually abused the minor victim both before driving through the gate at Fort Campbell and after they entered the Army base. Collins continued to engage in sexually explicit communication with the minor victim over Facebook Messenger after January 1, 2020.
As a result of this conduct, Collins was other than honorably discharged by the Army.
After serving his sentence, Collins will be on supervised release for 10 years.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, Clarksville Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
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Multiple Nashville Felons Charged with Federal Weapons, Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Three Nashville men, all of whom have previous convictions for either violent crimes or drug felonies, were recently charged with federal firearms offenses, two of the men were additionally charged with drug offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire. Carlos J. Rodriguez, 27, was charged on January 24 with being a felon in possession of a firearm; George Charles Carter, III, 48, was charged on January 24 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Keontis Jenkins, 28, was charged on January 27 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances,
“We are ramping up our efforts to protect our community from those who would illegally possess guns and those who would sell drugs,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “These three arrests in the span of just a few days should put violent criminals on notice that if you break the law, we will hold you accountable in federal court—especially if you possess dangerous drugs like fentanyl and dangerous items like Glock switches. If we find evidence to support a federal charge, we are not going to wait. We are going to act.”
Rodriguez
According to court documents, on September 25, 2024, law enforcement conducted a surveillance operation in the area of a bar on Charlotte Pike in Nashville. While conducting surveillance, agents saw Rodriguez exit the bar and conduct what appeared to be hand-to-hand narcotics transactions in the parking lot. After agents stopped Rodriguez, he told them that he was on probation out of Rutherford County for selling narcotics. A search of Rodriguez’s car yielded over $500, 9mm cartridge cases, three cell phones, and handwritten ledgers and notes that appeared to document narcotics sales. Rodriguez was arrested on a state offense and was released.
On January 17, 2025, ATF Agents were notified that Rodriguez was arrested for driving with an expired license. Agents asked Rodriguez about his arrest on September 25, 2024, and Rodriguez acknowledged that he possessed the ammunition was recovered from his car and that he knew he was a convicted felon who could not possess ammunition. At the time Rodriguez possessed the ammunition, he was a prohibited person, having previously been convicted in Rutherford County of a felony drug offense.
Carter
On January 19, 2025, at approximately 3:20 a.m., Metro Nashville Police officers began investigating an armed robbery attempt that resulted in a shooting. When officers arrived on scene, they found a victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper left arm and a single gunshot wound to his upper right arm. The shooting was captured on Metropolitan House and Development Agency cameras near the J.C. Napier Housing Development. On the video, officers observed a person, later determined to be Carter, making movements consistent with pointing a weapon. Officers also recovered multiple shell casings from the area where Carter could be seen standing on the video.
The next day, MNPD detectives observed a silver Dodge Avenger which matched the description of a suspect vehicle involved in the shooting the night before. The driver appeared to be conducting hand-to-hand narcotics transactions out the driver’s window. When officers attempted to stop the car, the Avenger’s driver, later identified as Carter, fled from officers, almost striking another vehicle. Carter drove at high rates of speed, drove into oncoming traffic, ran red lights, and almost caused multiple accidents. After he was arrested, Carter admitted throwing a bag of narcotics out of the car next to Margaret Allen Middle School on Spence Lane. Detectives later retrieved a bag which contained approximately 18.5 grams of cocaine, 5.2 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and multiple baggies.
Carter eventually came to a stop in the area of Thompson Lane in Nashville and was taken into custody. Carter admitted that he fled from officers, that he had thrown a bag out the window which contained the drugs that were later recovered by detectives, and that he had a bag of crack cocaine, also known as cocaine base, inside his pants. Detectives recovered this bag during the interview. The bag weighed approximately 40.6 grams. A check through law enforcement databases revealed that Carter has multiple felony convictions in Tennessee including Aggravated Assault and Simple Possession with Priors in Davidson County.
Jenkins
On January 14, 2025, Metropolitan Nashville Police Detectives arrested Jenkins on outstanding warrants for attempted homicide. A search of Jenkins’ person led to the discovery of an oxycodone pill and a search of the vehicle Jenkins was driving resulted in the recovery of a Glock pistol from the rear passenger’s side floorboard, with an affixed machine gun conversion device (MCD). Later that day, MNPD detectives executed a search warrant on Jenkins’ residence, which resulted in the discovery of two additional firearms, a Glock model 17 9mm pistol and a Glock model 19 9mm pistol, along with three bags of M30 pills (approximately two hundred pressed suspected fentanyl pills), Xanax bars, hydrocodone, marijuana, baggies, scales, U.S. currency, and a money counter.
MNPD detectives interviewed Jenkins who admitted selling marijuana, fentanyl, and Xanax. Jenkins also admitted that he carries a firearm to protect himself during narcotics sales and that he had shot one of his customers in a drug deal gone wrong. Jenkins has multiple prior felony convictions in Tennessee, including Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon and Contraband in a Penal Facility in Madison County. Jenkins admitted he knew he was a felon and was prohibited from possessing firearms.
These cases are being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is prosecuting the cases.
A complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Venezuelan Citizen Arrested and Charged with Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Elmer Humberto Aparicio Castillo, 28, of Nashville, Tennessee, was charged yesterday with unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire. Aparicio Castillo is a citizen of Venezuela who is unlawfully present in the United States with a criminal history related to immigration offenses.
“This prosecution demonstrates our continued commitment to enforcing the law, especially against those who are prohibited from carrying firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire.
According to court documents, on January 8, 2025, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Nashville and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at 2334 Hobson Pike in Antioch, Tennessee. As the agents approached the house to execute the search warrant, five male occupants, including Aparicio Castillo, fled on foot from the back of the residence. All were caught. Following his arrest, officers conducting a safety sweep recovered a Glock 23, Gen 4 .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine with a maximum capacity of 31 rounds which was loaded with 19 9mm rounds. After waiving his Miranda rights, Aparicio Castillo admitted that the pistol had been in his possession and that he had thrown it away as he ran from the house.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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United States Attorney's Office Collected More than $137 Million in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee recovered $137,054,515 for American taxpayers and crime victims in Fiscal Year 2024.
“The dedicated public servants in our office responsible for protecting the public fisc from fraud and disgorging criminal proceeds have once again done a fantastic job on behalf of taxpayers and crime victims in Middle Tennessee,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire.
Of the money collected, $135,738,858 was collected in civil cases, primarily through actions brought pursuant to the False Claims Act, which provides that the United States may recover up to three times the amount of money that had been fraudulently obtained from government programs. In the addition to the False Claims Act recoveries, over $59 million of the funds collected in civil cases came from civil penalties paid under the Controlled Substances Act, which governs controlled substances. The United States obtained money judgments totaling approximately $4,130,000 in criminal cases during Fiscal Year 2024. The United States Attorney’s Office also recovered $939,718 through forfeited criminal and civil assets during Fiscal Year 2024.
The pursuit of recovery as a result of fraud committed against the United States through affirmative civil enforcement is a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office. This includes actions to recover monies lost due to fraud – including Medicare and TennCare fraud – or other misconduct against the United States and the pursuit of monetary penalties and injunctive relief to address ongoing violations of federal laws. One of the primary objectives of asset forfeiture is to take the profit out of crime. Both the proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes are subject to forfeiture. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also initiates legal proceedings and takes other necessary actions to enforce the collection of all federal debts in the Middle District of Tennessee. These debts include criminal fines, restitution orders and civil judgments filed against judgment debtors, as well as unsecured civil debts referred from federal agencies.
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Nashville Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Robberies and CarjackingsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Jesse Jose Rucker, 35, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, on charges related to a series of carjackings and robberies he committed in Middle Tennessee in November 2021 while he was on probation for a state court felony offense, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire. Rucker previously pled guilty to four counts of commercial robbery, four carjacking counts, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“This prosecution again demonstrates our unwavering commitment to hold violent offenders accountable for the havoc they wreak in our community” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “This sentence ensures that Jesse Rucker will not have the chance hurt any other citizen for over two decades. Those who would do similar violence should know that we will do what it takes to ensure that they face similar punishment.”
“This investigation focused on armed robberies, multiple carjackings, and terrifying acts of violence within the communities that we serve,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson. “The ATF and our valued law enforcement partners will continue to collaborate and work collectively to take violent criminals off our streets in an effort to maintain public safety.”
“Accountability is essential for violent criminals who prey on innocent victims,” said Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake. “In this case, our partnership with federal law enforcement to hold Rucker accountable means that he will be 60 when he is released from prison. I deeply appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working closely with us to keep Nashville safe.”
According to court documents, on November 10, 2021, Rucker entered the Hightail Convenience Store on Eaton’s Creek Road in Joelton, Tennessee, and requested the clerk turn on a gas pump for him. When she said she could not, he opened his jacket and showed her a gun. He told her, “My homie was just shot, and I have to do what I have to do.” He left the store and pumped gas then returned to the store and demanded the money from the register. He received approximately $180 from the clerk, then fled the store.
On November 11, 2021, at 8:01 a.m., Rucker carjacked a victim at the Woodspring Suites, located at 515 Metroplex Drive in Nashville. Rucker pulled into a parking space next to the victim, pointed a gun at the victim, and stated, “I want your car.” A few hours later, Rucker carjacked two more victims outside their home. He pointed a gun at the victims and told them he needed their vehicle. He then fled in their car in the direction of Nolensville Pike where, a few minutes later, he was captured on video getting out of the car before robbing the Harding Pharmacy at 4120 Nolensville Pike in Nashville. Rucker entered the pharmacy and approached the counter where he asked the victim for two boxes of syringes while waiving a black and silver pistol.
Less than an hour later, at approximately 1:37 p.m., Rucker pulled up in the second stolen car next to yet another victim who was sitting in their car eating lunch at 1201 Antioch Pike. He pointed a gun at the victim and asked if he could have the victim’s car and phone. The victim refused to turn over the phone, despite Rucker asking multiple times. Finally, Rucker drove off in the victim’s car. A few minutes later, Rucker parked the latest stolen car outside the Metro PCS store at 3503 Nolensville Pike. He walked into the store and yelled to the employees, “You’re about to get robbed.” The employees did not believe him at first, but he then pulled out his black and silver gun, cocked it, and pointed it at an employee. He then demanded all the store’s iPhones. Surveillance from a nearby store captured Rucker entering the store, then walking by with his arms full of the stolen items from Metro PCS. Within minutes of leaving Metro PCS, Rucker entered the Dubai Jewelry store at 3971 Nolensville Pike with a gun in his hand where he smashed the glass of a jewelry counter with his gun. He reached into the jewelry counter and grabbed four 24 carat gold rings valued at $1,450 before leaving the store. After fleeing the store, Rucker crashed the stolen car into another car and attempted to carjack that car, but it had been disabled by the crash. Rucker then ran through the street and fired at least one shot.
Rucker then carjacked yet another car at gunpoint at 2219 Murfreesboro Pike. This car was occupied by a couple and their two young children. Metro Nashville Police officers located the vehicle and initiated a pursuit on I-40 East into Wilson County where the pursuit lasted more than six minutes with multiple law enforcement vehicles dodging in and out of interstate traffic at speeds up to 126 miles per hour. Rucker crashed the stolen car into a Wilson County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s car and then ran away still carrying his gun in his hand. Wilson County deputies chased Rucker on foot for a short time down the interstate into oncoming traffic before catching and arresting him.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens prosecuted the case.
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Franklin Certified Public Accountant Indicted on Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal indictment unsealed today charges Jason Alexander Jerkins, 36, of Franklin, Tennessee, with wire fraud, money laundering and tax fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire.
According to the indictment, Jerkins, a Certified Public Accountant, owned Jerkins Business Solutions (“JBS”) which provided tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services, among other accounting and financial services, for individuals and businesses since 2015. JBS was a sole proprietorship, and Jerkins controlled its bank accounts. JBS had office locations in Fairview and Nashville, Tennessee.
To facilitate his scheme, between March 2020 and October 2024, Jerkins obtained and maintained bank account and online banking information of his clients at JBS. Using Intuit QuickBooks software, Jerkins would initiate wire transfers out of his clients’ bank accounts and into bank accounts that he controlled or could access. Jerkins used Intuit QuickBooks so that these withdrawals appeared on clients’ bank statements with descriptions including “Intuit,” “Jerkins Business Sol,” or “Jerkins Business Sale,” which concealed the nature of these fraudulent transactions from his clients and made them appear as though they were for legitimate business purposes. Jerkins would initiate these withdrawals from his clients’ accounts within days of initiating legitimate payroll or tax payments from his clients’ accounts to make it appear as if the legitimate payments were split between multiple withdrawals by Intuit. Jerkins would then withdraw funds from his clients’ accounts as if he were paying over business expenses owed by his clients, but instead of paying the expense owed by the business, Jerkins would deposit the funds into his own bank accounts or use the funds for his personal benefit. When clients confronted him about fraudulent withdrawals, Jerkins provided those clients with fraudulent documentation that made the withdrawals appear to be legitimate. And at least one time, Jerkins repaid a client the amount of a fraudulent withdrawal using funds from a second fraudulent withdrawal from another client’s account. Throughout his scheme, Jerkins initiated over four hundred wire transfers totaling over $3,900,000, from his Intuit account to transfer the unauthorized client funds to one of his bank accounts. On at least one occasion, in September 2023, Jerkins used these stolen client funds to purchase residential real property.
Finally, as part of his plan to take his clients’ money, Jerkins prepared and filed materially false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for at least two clients. These tax returns reported false deductions and false business expenses, which the taxpayers did not incur, to the IRS.
If convicted, Jerkins faces up to twenty years in federal prison for the wire fraud count, up to ten years in federal prison for the money laundering count, and up to three years in federal prison for each count of preparing false tax returns. The United States is also seeking forfeiture of real property purchased with the proceeds of Jerkins’ fraud scheme.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell T. Galloway is prosecuting the case.
A federal indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Jamestown Pharmacist Arrested and Charged with Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in a Multi-Million Dollar Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal indictment returned last week and unsealed on Friday charges Jamestown pharmacist Philip Hall, 48, with 9 counts of Health Care Fraud and 6 counts of Aggravated Identity Theft, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the indictment, Hall was a licensed pharmacist in Tennessee and was the owner, operator, and registered agent of Hall Family Pharmacy, Inc. (“HFP”), a pharmacy with locations in Jamestown and Clarkrange, Tennessee.
Hall was the pharmacist-in-charge of HFP Jamestown and one of the pharmacists at HFP Clarkrange. From 2018 until at least May 2024, Hall submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, for prescriptions for drugs that were medically unnecessary, not actually dispensed, or were not ordered by a physician or other healthcare provider. In many cases, the pharmacies lacked the inventory to even dispense these drugs. In total, Hall submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE totaling more than $6 million. On many occasions, Hall also used the identification of other people without their authorization to obtain reimbursement for claims submitted to a health care benefit program. Hall personally profited from his participation in the scheme by receiving fraud proceeds for his personal use.
“We will always seek to protect taxpayer dollars from those who would take them fraudulently and illegally,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “Seniors in our community need to know that Medicare will be protected from fraud and abuse.”
If convicted, Hall faces up to ten years in federal prison for each health care fraud count, and two years consecutive in federal prison for the aggravated identity theft counts. The United States also is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $6,524,585.44, which represents the proceeds of Hall’s fraud scheme.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Suedekum is prosecuting the case.
If you believe that you or someone you know may have any information about the conduct alleged in the indictment, please contact the HHS-OIG Hotline at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or call the HHS-OIG Hall tip line at (888) 720-4377.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Former Maury County, Tennessee, Corrections Officer Sentenced for Obstructing Civil Rights InvestigationRead the Press Release
A former corrections officer of the Maury County, Tennessee, Jail was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Nashville, Tennessee, to 60 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
James Stewart Justice was previously convicted of falsifying a record in a federal civil rights investigation for a report he wrote in response to allegations that he had sexually abused an inmate in his custody.
“Everyone who serves in law enforcement knows of their duty of candor,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “That duty of candor is at its highest when responding to serious allegations such as the sexual abuse of an inmate in the officer’s care. The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who disregard that duty and obstruct federal civil rights investigations.”
“When he authority that corrections officers are given is abused, it’s not just the civil rights of prison inmates that are threatened, but the public’s trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentencing should be a reminder that the FBI will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and trust of the people."
According to court documents, Justice, formerly known as James Stewart Thomas, wrote an official report for the Maury County Jail in response to allegations that he sexually abused an inmate he guarded in a hospital room while the inmate recovered from major surgery. In his report, the defendant 1) falsely claimed that he had reported to two Maury County Jail supervisors that an inmate had made sexual advances toward him while the inmate was in his custody at the hospital; 2) falsely claimed that those two Maury County Jail supervisors both advised him not to write a report about those alleged sexual advances by the inmate; and 3) omitted a claim he later made to criminal investigators that he had a sexual relationship with the inmate after the inmate’s release from custody.
The FBI Nashville Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nani Gilkerson for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.
Garner Hotel in Clarksville Agrees to Settle Allegations that It Violated the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that the United States has reached an agreement with Triumph Hospitality, LLC and A&S Hospitality Management, LLC, which collectively own and operate the Garner Hotel in Clarksville, Tennessee, to settle allegations that the Garner violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) by failing to honor a reservation made for an accessible room by an individual with a disability. As part of the settlement, the Garner will implement ADA training, pay the complainant $5,000.00, and pay a $2,000.00 civil penalty to the United States.
“We are committed to enforcing the rights of persons with disabilities in Tennessee,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “Hotels must have systems in place to effectively manage reservations made for accessible rooms by individuals with disabilities. Questioning a hotel guest’s disability status is prohibited under the ADA and is not an appropriate response when a hotel fails to honor a reservation for an accessible room.”
The United States alleges that the complainant reserved an accessible room, but that the hotel failed to honor the reservation when the complainant presented at the check-in desk. The United States also alleges that the hotel employee at the check-in desk made insensitive and inappropriate comments regarding the complainant’s disability, including questioning the complainant’s disabled status while other individuals in the hotel’s lobby and the complainant’s family were present. The hotel staff were ultimately unable to secure an alternative reservation for an accessible room at the Garner or at another hotel, and the complainant was unable to use the shower in the room where the complainant ultimately stayed.
Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, the owners and operators of the Garner will implement an ADA policy that complies with the Code of Federal Regulations sections pertaining to hotels, including 28 C.F.R. § 36.302. The owners will also conduct ADA training and pay the complainant $5,000.00 and a civil penalty to the United States of $2,000.00.
The civil claims settled by this Settlement Agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Tackeff investigated the complaint and negotiated the Settlement Agreement.
The Department of Justice has a number of publications available to assist entities in complying with the ADA. For more information on the ADA and to access these publications, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). ADA complaints may be filed by email to [email protected].
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Texas Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today in the Middle District of Tennessee charging a Texas man for child sexual exploitation offenses.
According to court documents, between October 2018 and May 2019, Philip Taylor Sobash, 34, of Austin, then a practicing physician, engaged in an online sexually explicit relationship with Minor Victim 1, who resided in the Middle District of Tennessee. This online relationship allegedly began after they connected on a dating website that facilitates “sugar daddy” relationships. Although Minor Victim 1 represented that she was 18 when she signed up for the website, the site did not verify the age of its users. As alleged, after their communications moved to text message, Minor Victim 1 quickly informed Sobash of her true age and sent him a photo of her driver’s license, which confirmed that she was a minor.
Sobash allegedly requested that Minor Victim 1 produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself and provided her thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to entice her to do so. Over the course of more than seven months, Minor Victim 1 allegedly sent hundreds of sexually explicit photos and videos to Sobash, most of which constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Although Sobash allegedly assured Minor Victim 1 that the images she sent him would remain private between them, he distributed the images online. This led to unknown persons contacting Minor Victim 1 and attempting to blackmail her to produce more CSAM.
Court filings indicate that the FBI discovered in 2024 that Minor Victim 1’s CSAM was available for sale on a publicly accessible website and was labeled with Minor Victim 1’s first and last name. The CSAM was part of a larger collection of sexually explicit images and videos of about 70 young women and girls called the “DiscreetGent” collection.
According to court documents, evidence from various sources that indicates Sobash is “DiscreetGent” and is responsible for the sexually explicit imagery found in the online collection. The court filings further allege that in addition to Minor Victim 1, at least four other victims featured in the “DiscreetGent” collection were minors at the time they created CSAM for Sobash. Sobash allegedly sent electronic payments to Minor Victim 1 and the other minor victims, sometimes with sexual comments attached, and Sobash’s Apple iCloud account contained copies of Minor Victim 1’s CSAM.
Sobash was arrested earlier today in the Western District of Texas. He is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercing a minor to engage in prostitution or unlawful sexual activity, and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on the sexual exploitation of a minor count, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison on the coercing a minor to engage in prostitution or unlawful sexual activity count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the receipt of child pornography count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Anyone who believes they or their minor dependent was victimized by Sobash is asked to visit the following FBI website and complete a short online questionnaire: www.fbi.gov/SobashVictims.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Texas Man Indicted on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE - An indictment was unsealed today in the Middle District of Tennessee charging a Texas man for child sexual exploitation offenses.
According to court documents, between October 2018 and May 2019, Philip Taylor Sobash, 34, of Austin, then a practicing physician, engaged in an online sexually explicit relationship with Minor Victim 1, who resided in the Middle District of Tennessee. This online relationship allegedly began after they connected on a dating website that facilitates “sugar daddy” relationships. Although Minor Victim 1 represented that she was 18 when she signed up for the website, the site did not verify the age of its users. As alleged, after their communications moved to text message, Minor Victim 1 quickly informed Sobash of her true age and sent him a photo of her driver’s license, which confirmed that she was a minor.
Sobash allegedly requested that Minor Victim 1 produce and send him sexually explicit images of herself and provided her thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to entice her to do so. Over the course of more than seven months, Minor Victim 1 allegedly sent hundreds of sexually explicit photos and videos to Sobash, most of which constituted child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Although Sobash allegedly assured Minor Victim 1 that the images she sent him would remain private between them, he distributed the images online. This led to unknown persons contacting Minor Victim 1 and attempting to blackmail her to produce more CSAM.
Court filings indicate that the FBI discovered in 2024 that Minor Victim 1’s CSAM was available for sale on a publicly accessible website and was labeled with Minor Victim 1’s first and last name. The CSAM was part of a larger collection of sexually explicit images and videos of about 70 young women and girls called the “DiscreetGent” collection.
According to court documents, evidence from various sources that indicates Sobash is “DiscreetGent” and is responsible for the sexually explicit imagery found in the online collection. The court filings further allege that in addition to Minor Victim 1, at least four other victims featured in the “DiscreetGent” collection were minors at the time they created CSAM for Sobash. Sobash allegedly sent electronic payments to Minor Victim 1 and the other minor victims, sometimes with sexual comments attached, and Sobash’s Apple iCloud account contained copies of Minor Victim 1’s CSAM.
Sobash was arrested earlier today in the Western District of Texas. He is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercing a minor to engage in prostitution or unlawful sexual activity, and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on the sexual exploitation of a minor count, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison on the coercing a minor to engage in prostitution or unlawful sexual activity count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the receipt of child pornography count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Anyone who believes they or their minor dependent was victimized by Sobash is asked to visit the following FBI website and complete a short online questionnaire: www.fbi.gov/SobashVictims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Criminal Division; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison and Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Nashville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Weapons and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Terrence Devol London, II, 34, of Nashville, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee. London was convicted by a federal jury in March 2023 of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and controlled substances offenses.
In 2018, London was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, on federal drug and weapons charges. After being released from federal custody, London repeatedly violated the terms of his supervised release, including by cutting off an electronic monitoring device and leaving home confinement. When Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested London, they found him in possession of a loaded firearm, fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and over $9,000 in cash.
“The prosecution of those under court supervision who re-offend are among our highest priorities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “Offenders like London, like those we prosecute under Operation Bond Watch, need to know that if they are already on court supervision and don’t respect the law, they will be held accountable and there will be serious consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and the Gallatin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rascoe Dean and Nicholas J. Goldin prosecuted the case.
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Nine Members of Multi-State Money Laundering Organization Charged in Wide-Ranging ConspiracyRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee, charging nine members of a multi-state money laundering organization responsible for laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes. The nine defendants were arrested in a takedown coordinated across three jurisdictions.
According to court documents, Samson A. Omoniyi, 43 of Houston; Misha L. Cooper, 50 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Robert A. Cooper, 66 of Murfreesboro; Carlesha L. Perry, 36 of Houston; Whitney D. Bardley, 30 of Florissant, Missouri; Lauren O. Guidry, 32 of Houston; Caira Y. Osby, 44 of Houston; Dazai S. Harris, 34 of Murfreesboro; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro, were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering.
As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were members of a long-running money laundering organization operating since approximately November 2016 in and around Tennessee, Texas, and across the country. The conspirators allegedly structured the organization so that recruiters or “herders” recruited and directed participants or “money mules” to launder money obtained from internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the United States and abroad. The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the members of the conspiracy. The conspiracy is alleged to have agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Nashville Field Office and Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency are investigating the case. FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Nine Members of Multi-State Money Laundering Organization Charged in Wide-Ranging ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE — The United States yesterday unsealed an indictment in Nashville, Tennessee, charging nine members of a multi-state money laundering organization responsible for laundering millions of dollars derived from internet fraud, including business email compromise schemes.
According to court documents, Samson A. Omoniyi, 43, also known as Dada, Dadaman81, and Mr D; Misha L. Cooper, 50, also known as Misha Brookings, Misha Harris, and Misha L. Brookins; Robert A. Cooper, 66; Carlesha L. Perry, 36, also known as D Man; Whitney D. Bardley, 30; Lauren O. Guidry, 32, also known as Mommy; Caira Y. Osby, 44, also known as Solomon Amanti; Dazai S. Harris, 34; and Edward D. Peebles, 35, were charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering.
As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were members of a money laundering organization, which has been in existence in and around Tennessee, Texas, and elsewhere, since approximately November 2016. The conspiracy allegedly relied on a structured organization where recruiters – referred to as “herders” – recruited and instructed participants — referred to as “money mules” — to launder proceeds derived from internet frauds that targeted businesses and individuals in the United States and abroad. The defendants allegedly used sham and front companies to conceal the fraud proceeds and enrich the members of the conspiracy. The conspiracy is alleged to have agreed to launder more than $20 million in fraud proceeds.
Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI’s Nashville Field Office and Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency are investigating the case. FBI’s Forensic Accountant Support Team provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Carran Daughtrey for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Kenneth Kaplan and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Murfreesboro Man Sentenced to 41 Years for July 2020 Violent Crime Spree in Murfreesboro and FranklinRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Joshua Hallmon, 29, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 41 years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee. Hallmon was convicted by a federal jury in August 2023, on all 12 counts he faced for a string of violent crimes he committed in Murfreesboro and Franklin.
Hallmon and two co-defendants, Charles Melvin Walker and Walter Lee Williams, were charged by a federal grand jury in May 2021 with multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Additionally, Hallmon was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Prior to trial, Walker and Williams both pleaded guilty to all charges against them. Walker and Williams were sentenced last year, with each receiving sentences of 16 years in federal prison.
The charges in this case related to a crime spree that spanned from July 6 to July 27, 2020, involving the armed robberies of Twice Daily and Mapco gas stations in Murfreesboro on July 6 and July 23, 2020. Then, on the night of July 26-27, 2020, Hallmon and his two co-defendants committed an armed carjacking and kidnapping in Murfreesboro, attempted to commit a second armed carjacking in Franklin, and committed a third armed carjacking and kidnapping in Murfreesboro in which Williams shot the victim in the face.
“The defendant committed senseless and violent crimes against people apparently chosen at random. Today’s sentence keeps the community safe from the defendant for over four decades,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “I commend our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their work on this highly important case.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Murfreesboro Police Department; the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office; the Smyrna Police Department; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; the Franklin Police Department; and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Suedekum and Rachel Stephens prosecuted the case.
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Man Who Shot at Nashville Police Officer Charged with Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A man who shot at a Metro Nashville police officer was charged with a federal firearms violation, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the complaint, Knykholas Lane, 21, of Nashville, was already on probation after having been convicted of two felony counts of Aggravated Burglary when Metro Nashville police officers responded to the 700 block of Lewis Street based on a citizen complaint that an armed man was attempting to break into a woman’s residence.
In the early morning hours of November 19, 2024, officers observed Lane as the suspect in the possible break-in and ordered him to stop. However, Lane fled on foot and, as officers pursued him, they observed a pistol in his right hand. According to the complaint, Lane then pointed the pistol at an MNPD officer and fired a shot. The officer returned fire, striking Lane twice. Officers recovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol which Lane had used to shoot at the officer. Lane was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. After the shooting, officers learned that Lane also had outstanding warrants for his arrest on charges of Domestic Violence and False Imprisonment.
“Stopping armed felons who put members of our community at risk is among our highest priorities,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “When those individuals put not just citizens but also our police officers in danger, we will act swiftly to hold offenders accountable.”
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Kurtzman is prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Convicted Felon Charged with Multiple Weapons Charges Following High Speed Chase After Fleeing ArrestRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Bryan Odell Hunter, 35, of Nashville, was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday with possession of ammunition by a felon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a Machinegun Conversion Device (“MCD”), announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
On the night of October 24, 2023, Hunter, a six-time convicted felon, shot a gun near two citizens in the parking lot of Nissan Stadium. When Metro Nashville police officers responded, he fled in a stolen car and led officers from the Metro Nashville Police Department, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol on a multi-county, high-speed pursuit, until he crashed near mile marker 89 on Interstate 24 West in Rutherford County. Hunter attempted to flee on foot but was arrested. In his car, police located a Star model Firestar caliber .45 pistol, an Anderson Manufacturing, model AM-15 AR-style rifle, three extended capacity magazines, 50 rounds of Winchester .45 caliber ammunition, 50 rounds of Federal 9mm caliber ammunition, 10 rounds of .45 caliber hollow point ammunition, one round of 9mm caliber hollow point ammunition, one rifle sight, and a MCD, which is commonly known as a Glock switch.
If convicted on the federal charges, Hunter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ashland City Sex Offender Convicted on Possession of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal jury yesterday convicted Scott Michael Nelson, 61, of Ashland City, Tennessee, of Possession of Child Pornography Depicting a Prepubescent Minor or a Minor who has not Attained the Age of 12 years, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on October 16, 2021, Probation Officers with the Tennessee Department of Corrections searched Nelson’s cell phone as part of Operation Blackout whereby Probation conducted a home search of every registered sex offender on probation prior to Halloween. A video of child sexual abuse material was found on the Defendant’s cell phone during the search by Probation. Nelson admitted the cell phone was his. Probation contacted the Metro Nashville Police Department, who seized the cell phone and obtained a search warrant for the cell phone.
At the time authorities found the video on Nelson’s phone, he was a registered sex offender who was on probation in Davidson County after serving a 10-year sentence in Florida for 2009 convictions for multiple child exploitation crimes. After serving his sentence in Florida, the Defendant was ordered to serve 10 years’ probation, which was transferred to Tennessee when he moved to Ashland City.
Nelson will be sentenced on March 27, 2025. At sentencing, Nelson faces a mandatory minimum term of incarceration of 10 years and a maximum term of incarceration of 20 years in federal prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica R. Morrison and Katy Risinger prosecuted the case.
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Murfreesboro Man Sentenced to 32 Years for Multiple Armed Robberies in Middle TennesseeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Frederick Eugene Carney, 34, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was sentenced on Friday to 32 years in federal prison for robbery, bank robbery, illegally possessing ammunition, and brandishing or discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
The convictions in this case relate to the armed robberies of two Cash Express businesses in Ardmore, Tenn., and Greenbrier, Tenn., as well as armed robberies of the Regions Bank in Smyrna, Tenn., and the First Horizon Bank on Whites Creek Pike in Nashville. During the armed robbery at the First Horizons Bank, Carney fired one round that struck a door. This crime spree occurred between March 24 and May 2, 2022.
William John Ewing, III, 27, of Nashville, was found guilty of the bank robbery at the Regions Bank, as well as brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ewing will be sentenced on January 23, 2025, and he could be sentenced from 7 years to life in federal prison. During the armed robbery at the Regions Bank in Smyrna, Carney and Ewing stole over $15,000 in currency.
“This sentence sends another strong message to those who commit violent crimes in our district that we will prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “The community will be now safe from this defendant for decades. Our office is thankful for partnerships with multiple law enforcement agencies throughout middle Tennessee and northern Alabama that made this result possible.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department; the Murfreesboro Police Department; the Ardmore Police Department; the Greenbrier Police Department; the Smyrna Police Department; and the Moulton, Alabama Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Montminy prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon Out on Bond Charged with Possessing a Machine Gun and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE –A federal criminal complaint filed today charges Keandre Lamont Johnson a/k/a Keandre L. Waters, 27, of Nashville with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and unlawful transfer or possession of a machine gun, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the complaint, on March 21, 2024, the Metro Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) Specialized Investigations Division (“SID”) conducted a surveillance operation on South 7th Street, in the James Cayce Housing Projects in Nashville. During the operation, officers saw Johnson, who they knew had an active warrant for his arrest out of Sumner County and arrested him. While searching Johnson once he was arrested, detectives found a Glock, Model: 27, Caliber: .40, pistol, with a “Glock Switch” Machinegun Conversion Device (“MCD”) in his pants. They also found heroin, bags of white powder, oxycodone, plastic baggies, and $400 in cash. Johnson was charged in Davidson County following this arrest.
Johnson has previously been convicted of aggravated burglary and vehicle theft over $1,000, both of which are felonies.
On November 11, 2024, while out on bond from the March 21, 2024, arrest, Johnson was arrested again and charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and Felony Firearms offenses stemming from a shooting in East Nashville.
“We remain vigilant so that those on bond will not put others at risk from their release,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “These federal charges demonstrate again our office’s commitment to protecting the community from those who wreak havoc while illegally possessing firearms.”
If convicted on the federal charges, Johnson faces 37-46 months in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens is prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Nashville Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Unlawful Possession of Ammunition by a FelonRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Demetris Octavius Parrish, 37, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced on Friday to 15 years in prison for unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on February 26, 2021, Parrish entered the R&B Market located at 2600 Clarksville Pike, in Nashville. The Market’s manager recognized Parrish as a regular customer. They had a brief conversation, during which Parrish said that he wanted to exchange some goods. When the manager told Parrish that he could not return those goods because the Market did not sell them, Parrish became enraged, stated that he would return to kill the manager, and then left the Market.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Parrish returned to the Market carrying a black 9mm pistol. Parrish entered the Market and pointed the pistol at the manager, who was behind the check-out counter. As the manager fled to the rear of the Market, Parrish fired multiple shots at him. Parrish then fled the Market. Parrish’s first visit to the Market, the attempted shooting and Parrish’s flight from the Market were captured by the Market’s surveillance cameras.
Metro Nashville police officers responded and, upon arriving, recovered three 9mm caliber cartridge cases inside the Market from the rounds that Parrish had fired.
“This prosecution demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting the community from repeat offenders who wreak havoc with firearms,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “The defendant was previously convicted of at least six felony offenses, including aggravated assault and aggravated robbery. Thanks to the work by our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, the community will finally be safe from the defendant’s crimes for an extended period.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Goldin and Rascoe Dean prosecuted the case.
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Former Assistant Treasurer for Bridgestone Americas Arrested and Charged with a $15 Million Wire Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE –A criminal complaint unsealed today charges Sajju Khatiwada, 43, of Franklin, Tennessee, with wire fraud and money laundering for conducting a scheme in which he submitted approximately $15 million in bogus reimbursement invoices to his employer, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., for payments to himself, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the complaint, starting in 2016, Khatiwada was employed by Bridgestone in various positions, and he was working as Bridgestone’s Assistant Treasurer, Capital Planning and Funding, when he left the company in April 2024. Khatiwada was responsible for managing the relationships with banks that provided credit card processing services at each of the retail Bridgestone locations across the United States, acting as a liaison with bank representatives and initiating payments for bank fees and credit card processing fees.
In July 2020, Khatiwada created a phony vendor called Paymt-Tech, LLC and began submitting bogus invoices to Bridgestone for purported bank fees owed to Paymt-Tech. Each month from August 2020 to April 2024, Khatiwada sent an email from his Bridgestone email account to initiate a payment to Paymt-Tech, LLC for the fictitious monthly bank fees. The email would contain a bogus PDF invoice and would request payment of the invoice. Bridgestone approved payment of these invoices, believing they were for true bank fees for a legitimate vendor, Chase Paymentech.
In April 2024, Khatiwada left his employment at Bridgestone. Approximately two months later, Bridgestone Accounting Department personnel questioned the significant decrease in monthly bank fees being paid by Bridgestone. The subsequent investigation identified that between August 2020 and April 2024, Khatiwada had submitted 47 false invoices to Bridgestone for a total amount paid of $14,923,978.57, which the FBI traced back to Khatiwada.
If convicted, Khatiwada faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud count and 10 years in federal prison on the money laundering count, and a fine of up to twice the value of the money laundered.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Booth is prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Nashville Man on Bond for Domestic Violence Charged for Violent Robbery and Arson of a South Nashville StoreRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Pardrae Gooch, 38, of Nashville, Tennessee, was charged by a federal grand jury yesterday with robbery affecting interstate commerce, using a fire to commit a felony and damaging a building by fire, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents and other publicly available information, on May 29, 2024, Gooch entered S. Fashion Clothing Store in South Nashville and brutally assaulted the lone female employee, Victim 1, choking her until she lost consciousness, hitting her, and then pushing her into a bathroom in the back of the store. Once in the bathroom, the defendant struggled with Victim 1 over her cell phone, hitting her again. Gooch then stole the employee’s phone and car keys and fled in her vehicle. Before leaving the store, he lit a pile of clothes in the bathroom on fire, attempting to burn the store down with the unconscious victim trapped inside.
Metro Nashville police officers and fire fighters responded to the store after witnesses called 911. They located the victim, who was then transported by ambulance to a hospital where she was diagnosed with a cranial fracture and other injuries. The Nashville Fire Department successfully extinguished the fire, but the store remained closed for multiple days due to the damage caused to the building and the store’s property.
At the time of this incident, Gooch was on bond for domestic violence related arrests involving two women. Before allegedly committing these crimes, he was arrested 8 days earlier for violating an order of protection.
If convicted on all counts, Gooch faces a mandatory minimum of sentence of 15 years and up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and the Nashville Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn D. Risinger and Emily Petro are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and to Destroy an Energy Facility in NashvilleRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Skyler Philippi, 24, of Columbia, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility.
“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology -- but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case serves as yet another warning to those seeking to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our country’s critical infrastructure: the Justice Department will find you, we will disrupt your plot, and we will hold you accountable. I am grateful to the public servants of the FBI for their extraordinary work on this case and for the work they do every day to keep our country safe.”
“Those fueled by hate and inspired to violence by racial or ethnic bias pose a grave threat to our national security,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As alleged in today’s charges, Skyler Philippi, a man dedicated to white supremacist ideology and the destruction of our critical infrastructure, planned to attack Nashville’s power grid using a drone carrying an explosive device. Thanks to brave work by the FBI, his scheme was thwarted. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable those who seek to wage such hate-fueled violence, which has no place in America or anywhere else.”
“Driven by a racially motivated extremist ideology, the defendant allegedly planned to attack the power grid with a drone and explosives, leaving thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure like hospitals without power,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plot before he could cause any damage. We are committed to hold accountable anyone who threatens or plans harm to critical infrastructure or seeks to hurt American communities through domestic violent extremism.”
“Dangerous threats to our critical infrastructure threaten every member of this community and will not be tolerated” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will always work with our law enforcement partners to identify and stop any and all efforts to wreak this kind of havoc and will not hesitate in prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As alleged, the defendant in this case conducted extensive research into explosive devices and potential targets to launch an attack against critical infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI is committed to doing everything in our ability to detect, disrupt, and deter attacks by domestic violent extremists, and will continue to pursue those who look to commit acts of violence in furtherance of their ideological beliefs.”
Beginning in June 2024, Philippi told a confidential human source (CHS) about his desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility located in or around Columbia, Tennessee. In July 2024, Philippi told another CHS about the impact of attacking large interstate substations and said that attacking several substations would “shock the system,” causing other substations to malfunction. Philippi researched previous attacks on electric substations and concluded that attacking with firearms would not be sufficient. Philippi, therefore, planned to use a drone with explosives attached to it and to fly the drone into the substation.
In September 2024, Philippi drove with undercover employees (UCEs) of the FBI to an electric substation previously researched and targeted by Philippi, and Philippi conducted reconnaissance of the substation. While driving, Philippi ordered a plastic explosive composition known as C-4 and other explosives from the UCEs. Philippi later purchased black powder to be used in pipe bombs, which Philippi intended to use during the attack on the substation. Philippi texted the CHS: “if you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.” Referring to the substation, Philippi stated, “Holy sh**. This will go up like a fu**in fourth of July firework.” Philippi talked about operational security, including the need for disguises, the use of leather gloves (because latex and nitrile gloves can transfer fingerprints), wearing shoes that are too big, the need to burn their clothes after the attack, and not bringing smartphones on the night of the attack.
On Nov. 2, 2024, Philippi participated in a Nordic ritual, which included reciting a Nordic prayer and discussing the Norse god Odin. Philippi told the UCEs that “this is where the New Age begins” and that it was “time to do something big” that would be remembered “in the annals of history.” Philippi and the UCEs drove to the operation site. The UCEs moved to their assigned positions as lookouts for Philippi. Law-enforcement agents arrested Philippi. When he was taken into custody, Philippi was at the rear of the vehicle, with the drone powered up, and the explosive device was armed and located next to the drone.
Philippi is charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Nashville Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Use a Weapon of Mass Destruction and to Destroy an Energy Facility in NashvilleRead the Press Release
View the complaint here.
Skyler Philippi, 24, of Columbia, Tennessee, was arrested by federal agents and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and attempting to destroy an energy facility.
“As charged, Skyler Philippi believed he was moments away from launching an attack on a Nashville energy facility to further his violent white supremacist ideology – but the FBI had already compromised his plot,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This case serves as yet another warning to those seeking to sow violence and chaos in the name of hatred by attacking our country’s critical infrastructure: the Justice Department will find you, we will disrupt your plot, and we will hold you accountable. I am grateful to the public servants of the FBI for their extraordinary work on this case and for the work they do every day to keep our country safe.”
“Those fueled by hate and inspired to violence by racial or ethnic bias pose a grave threat to our national security,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “As alleged in today’s charges, Skyler Philippi, a man dedicated to white supremacist ideology and the destruction of our critical infrastructure, planned to attack Nashville’s power grid using a drone carrying an explosive device. Thanks to brave work by the FBI, his scheme was thwarted. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and hold accountable those who seek to wage such hate-fueled violence, which has no place in America or anywhere else.”
“Driven by a racially motivated violent extremist ideology, the defendant allegedly planned to attack the power grid with a drone and explosives, leaving thousands of Americans and critical infrastructure like hospitals without power,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI’s swift work led to the detection and disruption of the defendant’s plot before he could cause any damage. We are committed to holding accountable anyone who threatens the security of our critical infrastructure or seeks to harm American communities through domestic violent extremism.”
“Dangerous threats to our critical infrastructure threaten every member of this community and will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will always work with our law enforcement partners to identify and stop any and all efforts to wreak this kind of havoc and will not hesitate in prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As alleged, the defendant in this case conducted extensive research into explosive devices and potential targets to launch an attack against critical infrastructure,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI is committed to doing everything in our ability to detect, disrupt, and deter attacks by domestic violent extremists, and will continue to pursue those who look to commit acts of violence in furtherance of their ideological beliefs.”
Beginning in June 2024, Philippi told a confidential human source (CHS) about his desire to commit a mass shooting at a YMCA facility located in or around Columbia, Tennessee. In July 2024, Philippi told another CHS about the impact of attacking large interstate substations and said that attacking several substations would “shock the system,” causing other substations to malfunction. Philippi researched previous attacks on electric substations and concluded that attacking with firearms would not be sufficient. Philippi, therefore, planned to use a drone with explosives attached to it and to fly the drone into the substation.
In September 2024, Philippi drove with undercover employees (UCEs) of the FBI to an electric substation previously researched and targeted by Philippi, and Philippi conducted reconnaissance of the substation. While driving, Philippi ordered a plastic explosive composition known as C-4 and other explosives from the UCEs. Philippi later purchased black powder to be used in pipe bombs, which Philippi intended to use during the attack on the substation. Philippi texted the CHS: “if you want to do the most damage as an accelerationist, attack high economic, high tax, political zones in every major metropolis.” Referring to the substation, Philippi stated, “Holy sh**. This will go up like a fu**in fourth of July firework.” Philippi talked about operational security, including the need for disguises, the use of leather gloves (because latex and nitrile gloves can transfer fingerprints), wearing shoes that are too big, the need to burn their clothes after the attack, and not bringing smartphones on the night of the attack.
On Nov. 2, 2024, Philippi participated in a Nordic ritual, which included reciting a Nordic prayer and discussing the Norse god Odin. Philippi told the UCEs that “this is where the New Age begins” and that it was “time to do something big” that would be remembered “in the annals of history.” Philippi and the UCEs drove to the operation site. The UCEs moved to their assigned positions as lookouts for Philippi. Law-enforcement agents arrested Philippi. When he was taken into custody, Philippi was at the rear of the vehicle, with the drone powered up, and the explosive device was armed and located next to the drone.
Philippi is charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and attempted destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Nashville Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lab Owner and Marketing Company Owner Both Found Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Medicare and Medicaid Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – After a seven-week trial, a jury yesterday found defendants Fadel Alshalabi, 57, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, and Samuel Harris, 30, of American Fork, Utah, guilty of conspiracy to violate and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, arising out of a multi-million dollar, multi-state Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme, announced Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Alshalabi was also convicted of money laundering.
Alshalabi was the owner and Chief Executive Officer of a series of laboratories based in Spring Hill, Tennessee, called Crestar Labs, LLC (“Crestar Labs”). Harris was the owner of Flojo Recruiting d/b/a Secure Health, a Utah-based marketing company that contracted with Crestar Labs.
According to the evidence presented at trial, the co-conspirators entered into sham contracts and paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for laboratory genetic tests. This included targeting and recruiting elderly and low-income patients who were federal health care program beneficiaries in order to obtain their genetic material for conducting genetic tests. Marketers, who were not health care professionals, obtained buccal swabs of DNA from patients at senior health fairs, door-to-door marketing, low-income housing and elsewhere. The tests were then approved by purported telemedicine doctors who were paid kickbacks in exchange for signing off on the laboratory orders sent to Crestar Labs. Alshalabi and co-conspirators paid marketers kickbacks for the genetic testing samples and doctor orders. During the conspiracy, Alshalabi and his co-conspirators billed Medicare and Medicaid over $100 million for laboratory tests procured through the payment of these illegal kickbacks.
"Decisions to order health care items and services should not be coerced and influenced by the payment of illegal kickbacks. These defendants' criminal scheme to pay and receive kick-backs corrupts our country's healthcare system and costs the taxpayers millions of dollars that should go to pay for legitimate health care services for the elderly and poor," said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. "I commend our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for their dedication to pursuing justice and protecting our taxpayer funded programs from those who commit fraud for personal gain."
“These defendants disregarded the medical needs of patients and orchestrated a kickback scheme that undermined the integrity of federal health care programs,” said Kelly J. Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to hold individuals accountable for exploiting federal health care programs.”
“Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Schemes threaten our health care system and our public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “These guilty verdicts demonstrate that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively fight back to protect the integrity of our federal health care programs.”
Alshalabi and Harris will be sentenced on March 5 and 6, 2025. At sentencing, Alshalabi and Harris each face up to 10 years in prison on the counts of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and up to 5 years in prison on conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. Alshalabi also faces up to 10 years in prison on the money laundering counts. The defendants were acquitted on separate counts of health care fraud.
Six co-defendants previously pled guilty before trial, including Edward D. Klapp of Jupiter, Florida, the former Vice President of Sales for Crestar Labs; Melissa L. Chastain of Belton, South Carolina, the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Genetix LLC, a South Carolina marketing company that contracted with Crestar Labs; Roger Allison of Greenville, South Carolina, the President of Genetix; Dakota White of Easley, South Carolina, the former Director of Client Services and Vice President of Operations for Crestar Labs; Robert Alan Richardson of Silver Spring, Maryland, a principal of Maryland based Freedom Medical Labs, LLC, a marketing company that contracted with Crestar Labs; and Edward Burch of Rockville, Maryland, also a principal of Freedom Medical Labs, LLC. Each pled guilty to one count of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. They all face up to 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and up to 5 years on the conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. They will be sentenced at a later date to be set by the court.
Two other co-conspirators part of the same scheme were separately charged and convicted. Elizabeth H. Turner, of Glenview, Kentucky, the owner of Advanced Tele-Genetic Counseling, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to offer, pay, solicit, and receive illegal kickbacks and to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid programs. She will be sentenced on January 6, 2025, and faces up to 5 years in prison. Dr. Benjamin Toh, of Chicago, Illinois, was convicted in September 2023, of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute after a two-week jury trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2025 and faces up to 5 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, with the assistance of state partners including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, Georgia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah K. Bogni and Robert S. Levine prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. Tackeff provided assistance.
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Gallatin Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for December 2019 Violent Crime SpreeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE - Lazavion Kern, 23, of Gallatin, Tennessee, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison, following his conviction in December 2023, of multiple armed robbery and firearms offenses, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
During a three-week span in December 2019, Kern robbed four convenience stores in Gallatin and Portland, Tennessee, taking thousands of dollars from the clerks. As part of the final robbery, Kern repeatedly pistol-whipped the clerk, seriously injuring him. Kern was charged by a federal grand jury in January of 2023 with one count of Hobbs Act robbery for each of the four robberies, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Our office is committed to prosecuting violent criminals and to protecting law abiding citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “This sentence shows that if you commit a violent crime in our community, we will do whatever it takes to find you and hold you accountable for your actions. We stand with our law enforcement partners across Middle Tennessee to seek justice and keep our communities safe.”
“This sentence should send a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our communities safe,” said Joe Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This case was another example of law enforcement agencies coming together to combat violent crime and ensure the streets are rid of such callous criminals.”
Kern was aided in each robbery by Antonio Jones and, in the third robbery, by Michael Sanchez Fitts. Jones and Fitts pleaded guilty to felonies. Fitts was sentenced on May 22, 2023, to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Jones was sentenced on October 10, 2024, to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gallatin Police Department, the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Portland Police Department. Significant assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph P. Montminy and Taylor J. Phillips prosecuted the case.
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"Operation Bond Watch" Seeks to Prevent Those Charged with Violent Crimes from Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, today announced a new initiative aimed at prosecuting unlawful firearm possession by individuals previously charged with murder and attempted murder. “Operation Bond Watch” seeks to deter defendants who are out on bond for serious violent crimes from illegally possessing firearms and potentially putting the community at risk. The program seeks to deter those released on bond for First Degree Murder, Felony Murder, Second Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, and Attempted Second Degree murder from unlawfully possessing firearms.
Under this new program, if an individual on bond for a serious violent crime is found to have unlawfully possessed a firearm, federal prosecutors will, where the evidence supports it, swiftly seek appropriate federal charges against those individuals. “The goal is to keep the community safe from gun violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski, “and to prevent those on bond while charged with murder and attempted murder from illegally carrying guns while awaiting their day in court.”
“Breaking cycles of violent gun crime by repeat offenders is essential to the safety of the Nashville community,” said Metro Police Chief John Drake. “Operation Bond Watch is an important tool in a system of checks and balances between a defendant’s arrest and ultimate adjudication of the case. I am grateful to Acting U.S. Attorney Jaworski and our strong partners in the ATF and FBI for their commitment in helping us hold violent criminals accountable.”
“Protecting the public is at the core of our ATF mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the ATF Nashville Field Division. “We, along with our law enforcement partners, stand ready to work tirelessly to prevent those who choose to illegally possess firearms from wreaking havoc on law abiding citizens.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners on Operation Bond Watch,” said Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Here in Tennessee, the FBI will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to deter defendants who are out on bond for serious violent crimes from illegally possessing firearms. Everyone deserves to live in a community free of gun violence.”
In April 2024, a Nashville man out on bond for a 2021 murder was arrested on suspicion of committing another murder; both cases are still pending. “We believe in the presumption of innocence and a right to a fair trial,” Jaworski said, “but we also believe that the community should be protected from individuals unlawfully possessing firearms when there is the potential to cause destructive violence.”
Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nashville have previously charged individuals on bond for murder with unlawful weapons possession offenses. For example, Mark Ellis, 30, of Clarksville was on bond for First Degree Murder when he was arrested with a 9mm pistol and a pound of fentanyl during a drug deal. In March of 2024, Ellis was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his crimes.
This new effort will bring more federal resources to bear against individuals who unlawfully possess firearms while on bond for serious violent crimes. “Our commitment to the safety of our community has been steadfast,” Jaworski said, “this new initiative will hopefully deter those awaiting a trial on serious charges from illegally carrying a gun, which is better for everyone.”
This initiative is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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United States Attorney's Office to Monitor Election Day ComplaintsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that Criminal Chief Ben Schrader will lead the United States Attorney’s Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. Criminal Chief Schrader has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
Acting United States Attorney Jaworski said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
Acting United States Attorney Jaworski stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Criminal Chief/DEO Schrader will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (615) 736-5151.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Nashville Division of the FBI, which covers the entire state of Tennessee, can be reached by the public at (865) 544-0751.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
Acting United States Attorney Jaworski said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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Owner of Tennessee Mental Health Counseling Center Charged with Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A former business owner was charged by a federal grand jury yesterday with eleven counts of willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the IRS.
According to court documents, from at least 2011 through 2023, Mari Ross-Alexander, of Columbia, South Carolina, was the owner and president of Ross Behavioral Group, a mental health counseling center with multiple locations in middle Tennessee. Alexander controlled Ross Behavioral Group’s financial affairs and was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying them over to the IRS. From at least 2015 through 2020, Alexander withheld these taxes from her employees’ wages but did not fully pay the withheld taxes over to the IRS.
Each year, from at least 2015 through 2020, Ross-Alexander issued tax W-2’s and paystubs to the employees that showed taxes taken out of their pay, which falsely implied that the withheld taxes were paid over to the IRS.
In total, Ross-Alexander is alleged to have caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1 million dollars.
If convicted on all counts, Alexander faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Acting U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee and Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitchell T. Galloway of the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Ashley J. Stein of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Man Involved in Shooting During Tennessee State University Homecoming Charged with Federal Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A criminal complaint obtained today charges Marquez Davis, 24 of Nashville, with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Thomas J. Jaworski.
According to the complaint, officers of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) were searching for Davis on October 14, 2024, to arrest him on state charges related to the deadly shooting on Jefferson Street during Tennessee State University’s Homecoming celebration on October 12th. MNPD officers located Davis in a house in North Nashville and prepared to arrest him on outstanding warrants. Footage from law enforcement’s aerial surveillance showed an individual, later identified as Davis, exit the residence’s rooftop, climb to an adjacent rooftop, and discard a firearm. Davis was then arrested by MNPD on criminal homicide charges related to the October 12th shooting on Jefferson Street. Officers recovered a Franklin Armory Inc, Model FAI-15 caliber multi-pistol near where Davis discarded it from the rooftop. According to the criminal complaint, Davis has prior felony convictions for robbery, possession of a controlled substance for resale, and being a felon in possession of a handgun.
“Everyone in our community must be able to gather and celebrate together without fearing random gun violence,” said Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski. “Our office will do whatever it takes to keep firearms out of the hands of felons who may use those firearms to inflict greater damage on our citizens.” Jaworski added: “Our firm commitment is in our continued partnership with Chief Drake and the MNPD to hold offenders accountable, reduce gun violence, and ensure safer communities for everyone.”
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 15 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by the MNPD and the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed A. Safeeullah is prosecuting the case.
A federal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Barron M. Poole, 50, of Ripley, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison after having pled guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, announced Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, on February 2, 2023, a user with the profile of “Barron read bio,” who was later identified as Barron M. Poole, contacted an FBI online covert employee (“OCE”) on an online dating application that is frequented by minors and those who seek to exploit them. The OCE was conducting an online covert investigation utilizing a profile of an 18-year-old female, which contained a photo of a female’s face. Above the photo was a status block, which contained the text, “hi im really 13.” Poole messaged and texted with the OCE, who he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, asked her to send him nude photographs, sent her photos of nude adult females in the poses he wanted the OCE to recreate, and sent her photographs of his penis and abdomen which had distinctive tattoos. The communications continued for a week. When he was arrested at his home in Ohio, Poole admitted to using the online dating application, and admitted that “Barron read bio” was his profile with his photograph.
After serving his sentence, Poole will be on supervised release for 5 years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Clarksville Resident Agency, Nashville Field Office, and assisted by the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
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Owner of Sumner Wholesale Auto Group and a Co-Conspirator Charged in Scheme to Defraud Ford Motor CompanyRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – John Alan Nebel, 39, of Gallatin, Tennessee, and Joshua David Nichols, 52, of Nashville, Tennessee, have been charged with conspiring to defraud Ford Motor Company by selling old fuel injectors in boxes falsely labeled with Ford markings to make it appear as though those parts were eligible for a rebate from Ford, announced Acting United States Attorney Thomas J. Jaworski for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to court documents, Nebel was a founder and co-owner of Sumner Wholesale Auto Group LLC, which operated under the name SWAG Performance & Off-Road LLC in Hendersonville, Tennessee, during the time of the conspiracy. SWAG has relocated to Cotton Town, Tennessee. Nichols was an independent contractor working for SWAG.
Ford offered a rebate program through which customers who bought a genuine Ford replacement fuel injector, which cost approximately $300, could return their old fuel injector (“core”) and receive $180 from Ford. Instead of selling genuine Ford cores to SWAG’s customers, Nebel, Nichols and their co-conspirators bought old, used cores for $35 to $45, packaged them using fake labels, decals and logos so that they appeared to be cores that were associated with the purchase of new replacement parts, and then sold them to SWAG customers for $95 to $170 each, knowing that SWAG’s customers would make rebate claims to Ford for the full $180 rebate.
If convicted, Nebel and Nichols face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 each.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Toussaint is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or information is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until convicted.
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Three Texas Men Face Federal Charges for Robbing an ATM Repairman at Truist Bank in MurfreesboroRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Robert Bailey, Jr., 24, Demond Johnson, Jr., 19, and Ryan Smith, Jr., 26, all of Houston, Texas, with one count of bank larceny, announced Thomas J. Jaworski, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to the indictment and publicly available information, on November 14, 2023, the defendants stole over $50,000 from an ATM outside of Truist Bank on Old Fort Parkway in Murfreesboro while it was being repaired. Smith was arrested on Interstate 24 while riding in an Uber. Johnson was arrested at the Nashville International Airport. Bailey was able to catch a flight to Houston and was arrested on a later date. Law enforcement officers in Houston seized the bag containing the stolen money when it arrived at the Houston Hobby Airport.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a minimum fine of $250,000.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office and Houston Field Office, the Murfreesboro Police Department, and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Montminy is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Former Postal Carrier Indicted for Throwing Baskets of Mail into a Trash Dumpster in Antioch, TennesseeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – DuJuan Butler, 33, of Antioch, Tennessee, was charged by a federal grand jury yesterday with unlawfully detaining and delaying the mail, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee.
According to publicly available information, on August 3, 2024, Butler was driving a U.S. Postal Service truck while delivering the mail in Antioch. A woman happened to look out her window and saw Butler take baskets of mail from the Postal truck and throw them into dumpsters behind a strip mall. The woman filmed Butler and then uploaded her video to TikTok where it was viewed millions of times. Other Postal Service employees were later able to recover the discarded mail from the dumpsters.
If convicted, Butler faces up to five years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Goldin is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until convicted.
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Leader of 2021 Tennessee Clinic Blockade Sentenced for Federal Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Chester Gallagher, the leader of a March 5, 2021, blockade of a Mount Juliet, Tennessee, reproductive health clinic was sentenced yesterday to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release following his convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses.
“This defendant, like everyone else, has a right to his personal views regarding reproductive healthcare, and the right to speak, write and demonstrate about those views,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “But he does not have the right to impose his views on others by using intimidation and physical obstruction to prevent access to reproductive health care. This defendant is being held accountable for leading both a conspiracy to blockade a reproductive health clinic and the actual blockade, which physically obstructed patient access. The Justice Department will continue to protect patients seeking reproductive health services and the providers delivering those services.”
“The defendant and his co-conspirators knowingly chose to violate a law that was enacted to protect health care providers and patients in an effort to impose their views about reproductive healthcare on others” said U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “While we are all entitled to our personal views, yesterday’s sentence is a reminder that we cannot pick and choose which laws we follow and that those who violate the law will be held accountable.”
“This sentencing should send a clear message that the FBI will always work to bring to justice those who violate the civil rights of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “The FBI will continue to investigate FACE Act violations to protect the rights of those who receive or provide lawful reproductive health care without the threat of violence or intimidation.”
Gallagher and five co-defendants were previously convicted at trial of all charges. A sixth co-defendant previously pleaded guilty. Evidence presented at trial proved that Gallagher and his co-defendants engaged in a conspiracy to prevent employees at the Mount Juliet reproductive health clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services, a civil right secured by the FACE Act. As part of the conspiracy, Gallagher and others traveled to Tennessee from other states to participate in the clinic blockade, and Gallagher and another co-defendant stalled the Mount Juliet Police Department through phony negotiations. Evidence at trial further proved that the defendant violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because the clinic provided, and the patient sought, reproductive health services.
Gallagher was also convicted of conspiracy against rights and FACE Act offenses in the Eastern District of Michigan on Aug. 20.
The FBI Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency, investigated the case.
The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Nashville Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Armed Robbery and Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE - Terrell Stevenson, 35, of Nashville was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison today, announced United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry C. Leventis.
Within 40 minutes on Halloween night 2018, Stevenson robbed a Dollar General Store and a Mapco gas station in Nashville, brandishing a semi-automatic pistol and pointing it at the head of the clerk working at the Dollar General Store. Stevenson and his accomplice were arrested by police officers after fleeing from a traffic stop. Stevenson was charged by a federal grand jury in January of 2020 with two counts of Hobbs Act Robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was convicted on all charges following a jury trial in September 2023.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Stephens and Kathryn Risinger prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Air National Guardsman Pleads Guilty in Murder-For-Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Josiah Ernesto Garcia, 23, of Toledo, Ohio, formerly of Hermitage, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to federal charges after meeting with an undercover FBI agent to finalize a deal to murder an individual for payment, announced United States Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Garcia pleaded guilty to using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire.
According to court records, Garcia needed money to support his family and in mid-February 2023 began searching online for contract mercenary jobs and found the website www.rentahitman.com. Originally created in 2005 to advertise a cyber security startup company, the company failed and over the next decade it received many inquiries about murder-for-hire services. The website’s administrator then converted the website to a parody site that contains false testimonials from those who have purported to use hit man services, and an intake form where people can request services. The website also has an option for someone to apply to work as a hired killer.
Garcia submitted an employment inquiry indicating that he was interested in obtaining employment as a hit man and that he had “military experience, and rifle expertise.” Garcia followed up on this initial request and submitted other identification documents and a resume indicating he was an expert marksman and had been employed in the Air National Guard since July 2021. The resume also provided that Garcia was nicknamed “Reaper” which was earned from military experience and marksmanship. Garcia continued to follow up with the website administrator indicating that he wanted to go to work as soon as possible.
An FBI undercover agent spoke with Garcia by phone then met him in person to discuss his application. Both conversations were recorded. The agent then met with Garcia at a park in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and provided him with a target packet of a fictional individual, which included photographs and other information about the individual to be killed, and a down payment of $2,500. After agreeing to the terms of the murder arrangement, Garcia asked the agent if he needed to provide a photograph of the dead body. Garcia was then arrested by FBI agents, who in a subsequent search of his home, recovered an AR style rifle.
Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2025. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Resident Agency, Memphis Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle prosecuted the case.
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