Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Armed Career Criminal Receives 15 Year Sentence for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Antonio Buffington, 45, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on November 23, 2018, Memphis Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 4200 block of Gladstone Road. The officers were met by the wife of the defendant, Q.B., who advised that she and her husband were in an argument regarding money.
Buffington reportedly retrieved a firearm from a bedside table, pulled the hammer back, and demanded his wife withdraw money from a local ATM. The pair went to a nearby gas station where Q.B. withdrew money from an ATM and provided some to the defendant. The defendant then dropped his wife off at her house and left.
Later, when Buffington returned to the house, his wife called law enforcement. When officers arrived, they recovered an Interarms Industries .44 caliber revolver on the front seat of his vehicle. The defendant was taken into custody. After waiving his Miranda rights, Buffington informed officers that he was in possession of the gun and did take the gun from the nightstand to his vehicle.
Buffington is a convicted felon having previously been convicted of Criminal Attempt: Aggravated Assault, as well as having convictions for Aggravated Robbery. As a result of his felony convictions, Buffington is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition, and was determined to be an armed career criminal under the federal sentencing guidelines and subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 months.
On March 2, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Buffington to 180 months in federal prison followed by two years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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First Assistant United States Attorney Joseph “Joe” Murphy appointed Acting United States Attorney, Western District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Effective March 1, 2021, First Assistant United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., will succeed former United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act.
Murphy, a graduate of Lambuth College and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis, has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Memphis office since 1989. He was named as the office’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney in July of 2018. Prior to being named First Assistant, Murphy served as the office’s Criminal Chief beginning in 2011. In that role he supervised 28 Assistant U.S. Attorneys who investigated and prosecuted criminal cases in the Memphis office and 10 support staff. He also served as Chief of the office’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force for three years before being named Criminal Chief. Between 1991 and 2007, Murphy served as a line assistant in both the office’s criminal division and drug task force.
During his career with the Justice Department, Murphy has tried approximately 125 felony cases to verdict in U.S. District Court. These cases included prosecutions of health care professionals for illegally distributing controlled substances; mail and wire fraud cases; and theft cases involving pension funds and interstate shipments. Murphy has also represented the government in over 200 cases litigated before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and he has argued approximately 48 cases before that court.
A Memphis resident, Murphy has been married to Sandy Murphy for 32 years and has two adult children. Active in community and legal affairs, he is a member of the Leo Bearman, Sr. Inn of the American Inns of Court and a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation and has served as a volunteer with the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
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IRS Employee Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Linda Williams, 52, of Memphis, Tennessee, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax examiner, was indicted for defrauding the IRS by filing false tax returns for various tax payers in the Memphis area. Williams claimed over $500,000 in false deductions for these citizens. Many of these citizens were unaware of the false deductions discovered on their tax returns. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, from 2015 to 2017, Williams executed a scheme to prepare and file false tax returns for friends and family members. The tax returns contained false deductions to inflate tax payers’ refunds. Specifically, these deductions were pertaining to medical expenses, charitable contributions and business expenses. Williams would then take a portion from the refunds and transfer the funds to her personal bank account.
Williams was indicted for filing (10) false tax returns. She faces up to three years imprisonment for this offense and a fine in the amount of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and individual taxpayers is a core value and critical mission for this office and the Department of Justice. Whenever there is fraud against our tax system, we will use all available resources to expose, punish, and deter such dishonest criminal behavior. I commend the outstanding investigation by our federal law enforcement partners in this important case."
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon K. Griffin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Two Men Charged in Multi-million Dollar Darknet Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two Texas men were charged in a complaint unsealed today for their alleged participation in a drug distribution conspiracy perpetrated over the Darknet.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of HSI Houston, and Special Agent in Charge Charles Grinstead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
Kevin Ombisi, 31, and Eric Russell Jr., 35, both of Katy, were each charged in a complaint filed in the Western District of Tennessee. Ombisi is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, and Russell is charged with one count of conspiracy. Ombisi and Russell were arrested yesterday and made their initial appearance this afternoon.
The complaint alleges that Ombisi and Russell used a marketplace on the Darknet and an encrypted messaging service called Wickr to sell pills that were made to resemble the drug branded as Adderall. In reality, the pills were not Adderall. Instead, they contained methamphetamine.
In conjunction with the arrests, the government seized more than $5 million in assets alleged to be connected to the drug trafficking activity.
A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Nashville District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, HSI El Paso and Houston, and the FDA. Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Parks of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case with assistance on forfeiture matters from Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cotten.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion.
Two Men Charged in Multi-Million Dollar Darknet Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the affidavit can be obtained here.
MEMPHIS, TN – Two Texas men were charged in a complaint unsealed today for their alleged participation in a drug distribution conspiracy perpetrated over the Darknet.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Erik P. Breitzke of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of HSI Houston, and Special Agent in Charge Charles Grinstead of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.
Kevin Ombisi, 31, and Eric Russell Jr., 35, both of Katy, were each charged in a complaint filed in the Western District of Tennessee. Ombisi is charged with one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, and Russell is charged with one count of conspiracy. Ombisi and Russell were arrested yesterday and made their initial appearance this afternoon.
The complaint alleges that Ombisi and Russell used a marketplace on the Darknet and an encrypted messaging service called Wickr to sell pills that were made to resemble the drug branded as Adderall. In reality, the pills were not Adderall. Instead, they contained methamphetamine.
In conjunction with the arrests, the government seized more than $5 million in assets alleged to be connected to the drug trafficking activity.
A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Nashville District Office Tactical Diversion Squad, HSI El Paso and Houston, and the FDA. Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Parks of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case with assistance on forfeiture matters from Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Cotten.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion.
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United States Attorney Dunavant Announces Upcoming ResignationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, has announced his resignation, effective February 28, 2021. U.S. Attorney Dunavant has served in office since September, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant was appointed by President Donald J. Trump as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Dunavant was sworn in as the 50th person to serve as the United States Attorney on September 21, 2017. In that capacity, Dunavant supervised a total office staff of 85 federal employees, including 45 Assistant U.S. Attorneys; managed, oversaw, and implemented a total annual operating office budget of over $10 million; and oversaw the investigation, prosecution, and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States in West Tennessee.
"Nearly three and a half years ago I was provided the professional honor of a lifetime," U.S. Attorney Dunavant said. "To be able to serve the district where I was born, raised and educated, and for which I have tremendous love and respect, was a remarkable experience. I am tremendously grateful to President Trump, Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, and Congressman David Kustoff for placing their trust in me. I am confident that the extraordinary professionals of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will remain tirelessly devoted to the unwavering cause of justice on behalf of the citizens of West Tennessee and our great nation. I am proud of the consequential work we have accomplished in the Trump administration, including achieving justice for victims, consequences for criminals, support for law enforcement, resources for communities, protection of the U.S. Treasury, better public safety results for citizens, and respect for the rule of law. I am also exceedingly proud to have worked alongside the brave and dedicated men and women of law enforcement as they have selflessly served and sacrificed to make our communities safer. As I step away from this esteemed post, I remain committed to being actively engaged in serving our state and nation in the future."
When he assumed the role as U.S. Attorney in 2017, Mr. Dunavant committed himself to protecting the nearly 1.6 million citizens that comprise West Tennessee through the vigorous enforcement of federal laws and prosecution of high-impact cases in all 22 counties of the district. Mr. Dunavant operated a full service U.S. Attorney’s Office which faithfully executed all applicable laws of Congress, including the Armed Career Criminal Act, the Controlled Substances Act, the False Claims Act, the First Step Act, and the Migratory Bird Act.
Some of Mr. Dunavant’s many highlights during his tenure as U.S. Attorney include the following initiatives, priorities, and programs:
• He reinvigorated the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force in Memphis, recruiting the addition of new agents and resources from partner law enforcement agencies. In the first year in office, he dramatically increased the number of federal firearms cases filed by over 58%, and the number of defendants charged with firearms offenses by over 68%, leading to a two-year total decrease of 13.1% in overall violent crime and reported gun crime rates from 2017-2019.
• He led the DOJ Public Safety Partnership (PSP) Initiative with local team stakeholders in West Tennessee to receive federal resources for law enforcement training and technical assistance in an innovative framework to enhance data-driven, evidence-based local strategies for violence reduction; and led and hosted the National PSP Symposium on Violent Crime in Memphis in September 2019.
• He served on the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Executive Board, which continued funding to implement and sustain the Heroin Initiative, a joint coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, DEA, and the MPD Organized Crime Unit that exclusively targets crimes and overdoses involving the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids. Also while serving on the HIDTA Executive Board, Dunavant coordinated and supported a successful proposal to add and designate Madison County, Tennessee as a new county in the Gulf Coast HIDTA Region, which will significantly expand the law enforcement resource footprint in West Tennessee for drug investigations and interdiction.
• He participated in the DOJ Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force, working closely with other state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute cases involving healthcare fraud and unlawful distribution and diversion of prescription opioids by medical professionals, resulting in the indictments of 16 medical professionals in Memphis and Jackson in 2019.
• He created and sustained a new Carjacking Initiative with ATF and local law enforcement agencies for coordinated, targeted, and increased federal prosecution of armed carjacking offenses in Memphis and Shelby County.
• He served on the Executive Board of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), which is comprised of federal, state and local law enforcement officials, with a common goal of combating criminal gang activity in Memphis and Shelby County.
• He initiated and led a combined multi-agency law enforcement operation, "Bluff City Blues" with the U.S. Marshals Service in Memphis and Jackson that resulted in a total of 214 arrests, including 79 identified gang members, 65 individuals for aggravated assault, 34 individuals for homicide, 69 individuals for weapons offenses, and 40 individuals for drug offenses, and the seizure of 28 firearms.
• He initiated and led the "Operation Crime Driver" anti-violence initiative in Tipton County, TN, partnering with multiple state and local law enforcement agencies to target violent offenders with outstanding arrest warrants. The operation resulted in the federal indictments of six individuals from Tipton County, TN for firearms and drug offenses, including Maurice Nash, A/K/A "Monster," of Atoka, TN who was sentenced as an armed career criminal to over 17 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• He hosted Attorney General Sessions, Attorney General Barr, and Acting Attorney General Whitaker in Memphis for announcements of major DOJ initiatives, including PSP, ATF Gun Strike Force & Crime Gun Intelligence Center, Project Guardian, and Operation LeGend.
• After the Attorney General designated Memphis as one of a few select cities to receive enhanced federal resources to combat violent crime, Mr. Dunavant led the law enforcement efforts of both the Operation Relentless Pursuit and Operation LeGend initiatives, coordinating with the ATF, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to surge and deploy 40 new temporary and permanent federal agents into Memphis to work with the Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office in a sustained and systematic task force model to fight high levels of violent crime.
• He secured the allocation of DOJ federal grant funding for local law enforcement agencies in support of Operation LeGend and related efforts: City of Memphis Police Department – $9,823,624 (COPS Hiring Program funds, to hire 50 new officers); Shelby County Sheriff’s Office - $1,628,571 (Operation Relentless Pursuit/Operation LeGend); City of Memphis - $500,000 (Real Time Crime Center); Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office - $398,864 (Project Guardian).
• He led public awareness efforts at the onset and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to encourage reporting and investigation of hoarding and price-gouging of critical medical supplies, PPP fraud, treatment and vaccine scams, and COVID relief/stimulus fraud.
• He coordinated with federal, state, and local law enforcement to protect critical infrastructure sites and mitigate threat risks to significant events, including election security, federal buildings and property, and the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination (MLK 50 – April 4, 2018).
• He developed and launched three new video public service announcements (PSAs) providing targeted messaging to educate and inform the public to raise awareness and increase reporting about the Department of Justice priority areas of violent crime, elder fraud, and opioids.
• He joined with ATF and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to launch the "Don’t Lie for the Other Guy" public awareness campaign to warn about the seriousness of the crime of purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so, and to deter potential straw purchases.
With a focus on aggressively prosecuting cases involving violent crime, child exploitation, immigration offenses, health care fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, public corruption, gang conspiracies and racketeering, drug trafficking organizations, and unlawful firearm possession, prosecutorial highlights and case examples during Mr. Dunavant’s tenure include:
• Patricia Parsons, of Brighton, Tennessee, was sentenced to sixty months in federal prison for aiding and abetting solicitation to commit the kidnapping of a State Court Judge and County Sheriff.
• Jeremy Drewery, former Shelby County Sheriff’s deputy, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for Hobbs Act Extortion, Receipt of a Bribe by a Government Agent, and Solicitation to Tamper with a Witness.
• Byron Montrail Purdy, a/k/a "Lil B" or "Ghetto," of Jackson, Tennessee, was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release for leading and conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise, as part of a large RICO conspiracy case known as "Operation .38 Special", charging and convicting a total of 16 members of the Gangster Disciples criminal enterprise with racketeering and other crimes, resulting in the disruption and dismantlement of the Gangster Disciples organization, including several governors, enforcers, and ranking members of the gang.
• Marvin "Pookie" Foster, of Lauderdale County, TN, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for distributing heroin resulting in a fatal overdose.
• Deon Brown, Sr., a/k/a/ "Pleezy," of Bolivar, TN, was sentenced to 275 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine (ICE).
• WellBound of Memphis agreed to pay a $3,246,000 settlement of a False Claims Act complaint against the healthcare company for false claims to Medicare, TriCare, and TennCare for services rendered to home dialysis patients that were due to illegal inducements paid in violation of the Anti-Kickback statute.
• Quenton Irwin White, former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee as well as the former Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Correction, was sentenced to federal prison for a mail fraud scheme to defraud black farmer clients.
• Cornelius Richmond, of Memphis, was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison for committing armed robberies of a Brink’s Armored Truck and Circle K store.
• Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, and Bryan Bailey, of Milan, TN, were sentenced to a total of 249 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare resulting in millions of dollars of loss to federal health care programs.
• Gloria Harris, of Memphis, was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison on bank fraud charges arising from her theft of approximately $292,500 from her former employer, Crescent Medical Corporation.
• Ronda Hopkins Richards, owner of Ronda’s Travel Corner, in Jackson, TN, was sentenced to federal prison for a wire fraud scheme in which she defrauded approximately 100 clients/victims of funds related to their travel, with a total loss of approximately $410,280.25.
• Dimitar Petlechkov, a Bulgarian national, was sentenced to federal prison for mail fraud in a scheme to defraud FedEx, resulting in over $800,000 in financial losses.
• Cleve Collins, aka Milton Cleve Collins of Memphis was sentenced to federal prison for major fraud involving a scheme to defraud the United States on a construction contract valued at approximately $1.5 million administered by the General Services Administration for the replacement of the roof and the air conditioning system at the Ed Jones Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Jackson, TN.
• Guy Randal Stockard, a/k/a Randy, owner of Southern Meat Market in Memphis, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for defrauding the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, of more than $1.2 million over an approximately 28-month period.
• Antonio Hawkins, of Memphis, was was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison on five counts related to sex trafficking, including sex trafficking of a minor victim and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion.
• Michael Jay Harris, of McNairy County, TN, was sentenced as a career drug offender to life imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking.
• Kevin Coleman and Terrion Bryson, both former Memphis Police Officers, were sentenced to federal prison for narcotics, weapons, and extortion offenses committed while on duty.
• Zachary M. Baker was sentenced to federal prison in connection with theft of over $800,000 from his former employer, Masterson Farms, a horse breeding farm located in Somerville, Tennessee.
• Michael Beamish, of Obion County, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for solicitation and enticement of a minor for sexual activity.
• Brian Black, former Crockett County 911 Director, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for embezzlement of $178,000 from the trust account of a decedent’s estate.
• Michael and Tawni Boutin, featured marijuana farmers on a television show called "Weed Country" in Oregon, were both sentenced to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute high-grade marijuana from Oregon to West Tennessee.
• Marlon Pruitt a/k/a "Big Putt", of Memphis, was sentenced as an armed career criminal to 15 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and drugs.
• Marcus Danner a/k/a "Poncho", of Memphis, was sentenced to 352 months imprisonment for his leadership role of an armed robbery crew and a member of a drug trafficking organization.
• Cortez Armstrong, of Memphis, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing a lethal dose of fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose.
• Christino Alcazar-Ortiz and Armando Alcazar-Ortiz, of Union City, were both sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and Illegal Reentry into the United States after having been previously deported.
• Jason King, a former employee and cast member of the TV series, the "Deadliest Catch," was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
• Willie Somerville, of Tipton County, TN, was sentenced to life in federal prison plus 10 years for his leadership role in the home invasion attempted robbery and murder of Timothy Edwards in Covington. Co-defendants Armoni Hall, Eddie Poindexter, Christian Sherrill, and Darrell Owens were also convicted for their participation in the robbery, and each received significant federal sentences.
• Brandon Albonetti, of Memphis, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for the armed robberies and attempted robberies of five CVS stores and one Burger King during the summer of 2018.
• Marlon "Jazz" Taylor, of McKenzie, TN, was sentenced to life in prison for his leadership role in a conspiracy to distribute multiple kilograms of actual methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and firearms.
• James Nelson, of Memphis, was sentenced as an armed career criminal to 405 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm he used in the domestic shooting death of his child’s mother.
• Roland Jackson and Taveyon Turnbo, both from Chicago, Illinois, were sentenced to a total of 109 months in federal prison for transporting and possession of 366 stolen firearms taken from the United Parcel Services ("UPS") facility in Memphis.
• SK Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (SK), one of the largest engineering firms in the Republic of Korea, pled guilty to wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain U.S. Army contracts through payments to a U.S. Department of Defense contracting official and the submission of false claims to the U.S. government, resulting in the payment by the defendant of $60,578,847.08 in criminal fines, the largest fine ever imposed against a criminal defendant in the Western District of Tennessee.
• James Jackson, of Memphis, known as the "Father of Identity Theft", was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for multiple counts of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and theft of mail resulting in losses to victims of over $300,000.
• Olufolajimi Abegunde, an extradited citizen of Nigeria residing in Atlanta, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, a citizen of Mexico residing in California, were sentenced to federal prison for an international cyber fraud scheme involving online dating and business email compromises.
• Sequna Copeland a/k/a "Cutthroat", of Ripley, Tennessee, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison on two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm that was used in the murder of a pregnant woman.
• Michael Love, of Horn Lake, MS, was givenmultiple life sentences in federal prison after having been found guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting six women in Memphis and attempting to kidnap and rape a seventh between 2008 and 2015.
• Jamal Cherry and Wendy Thomas were sentenced to federal prison for robbery of mail, money or other property of the United States and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, arising out of the armed robbery of a United States Postal Letter Carrier.
• Johnny Lee Nixon, Jr. was sentenced to 160 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Commit multiple business robberies, Hobbs Act business robbery, possession of a firearm during a robbery, and receiving firearms while under indictment during 3 business robberies and 2 shooting incidents in the Brownsville, Haywood County area.
• Isaiah Miller, of Memphis, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for participating in multiple (4) armed carjackings and brandishing a firearm during crimes of violence.
• Keith Norris, of Weakley County, was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking organization in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
• Gene Allen Howell, of Selmer, Tennessee, was sentenced to 38 years in federal prison for two armed bank robberies in McNairy and Henderson counties.
• Calvin Cole a/k/a "Fathead," of Jackson, TN, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for being a leader in a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances from a residence in Alamo, TN.
• Argel Hernandez-Escobar was sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien which was used in the fatal shooting of his minor child, and illegally re-entering the United States.
• Cortez Young was sentenced to a total of 52 years in federal prison for committing nine (9) armed business robberies across Memphis over a period of 44 days.
• Richard Farmer, a psychiatrist in Memphis, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
• Former TDOC Correctional Officers Tommy Morris, Nathaniel Griffin, Tanner Penwell, Carl Spurlin, Jr., Cadie McAlister, and Jonathan York, were charged and convicted for their roles in the civil rights violations during the assault of an inmate, and the conspiracy to obstruct the investigation by covering up evidence and providing false information.
Mr. Dunavant also led successful investigations and federal prosecutions of multiple criminal gang organizations, including the Gangster Disciples, Major Stackz Entertainment, Stackz Squad, Vice Lords, Kitchen Crips, Bloods, Conservative Vice Lords/Concrete Cartel, Peda Roll Mafia, Fast Cash Boyz Entertainment, Young Mob, Grape Street Crips, and the Stendo gang.
Between 2017 and 2021, Mr. Dunavant supervised a Financial Litigation Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office that collected more than $76 million in criminal and civil actions for victims of crime and the United States Treasury.
In 2019, Mr. Dunavant initiated and joined a legal action with Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein and U.S. Attorney colleagues in Tennessee to challenge, oppose, and stay the effectiveness of BPR Formal Ethics Opinion 2017-F-163, which expanded a Tennessee prosecutor’s duty of disclosure of information beyond that which is required by well-established substantive federal law. Dunavant drafted and signed the DOJ Amicus Brief to the Tennessee Supreme Court which ultimately vacated the formal ethics opinion and clarified that prosecutors’ ethical duties under Rule 3.8(d) are coextensive with their legal obligations under Brady and its progeny.
In addition, Mr. Dunavant served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s (AGAC) Violent & Organized Crime Subcommittee, Native American Issues Subcommittee, and the Controlled Substances Subcommittee, where he provided input and guidance on a Parcel Interdiction Initiative recommendation to the Attorney General.
Mr. Dunavant was responsible for fully staffing both the Memphis and Jackson divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office by hiring nearly half of the Office’s current Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs), along with one-third of the Office’s support staff. He created and appointed a dedicated Appellate Division responsible for handling all appeals in both criminal and civil matters in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals; restructured the Criminal Division of the Memphis office into three distinct subject matter units for greater efficiency; increased the appointment and allocation of Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) from state prosecutor offices; and designated an Elder Justice Coordinator to target elder fraud and financial exploitation cases. He was able to accomplish these milestones while navigating his staff through several unprecedented challenges, including the longest government shutdown in American history (from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019), a worldwide pandemic health crisis, nationwide civil unrest, contentious elections, and an unprecedented and unwarranted backlash against law enforcement. In 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office was recognized by The Commercial Appeal with a Memphis Area Top Workplace Award.
Prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney, Mr. Dunavant served as the elected District Attorney General for the 25th Judicial District of Tennessee from 2006-2017. For eleven years prior to that, he was a partner in the law firm of Carney, Wilder & Dunavant in Ripley, Tennessee.
Effective March 1, 2021, First Assistant United States Attorney Joe Murphy will succeed Dunavant as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act.
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McNairy County Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Bobby Earl Oliver, 33, of Adamsville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 26, 2019, an officer with the Selmer Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Oliver's vehicle for speeding. During the course of the traffic stop, Oliver admitted to having a pistol located beside the driver’s seat. While searching the vehicle, law enforcement located a Jennings .380 caliber pistol beside the driver's seat.
Oliver is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of three counts of burglary in October 2008 and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver in April 2018 in Hardin County. Additionally, after he committed the present offense in September 2019, Oliver was convicted of delivery of methamphetamine in McNairy County in January 2020.
As a result of his felony convictions, Oliver is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition, and was determined to be an armed career criminal under the federal sentencing guidelines and subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 months.
On January 26, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Oliver to 180 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and in this case, the Oliver was an armed career criminal who continued to commit crimes and possess a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history. There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this sentence removing him from the community for 15 years will make McNairy County and West Tennessee a safer place."
The Selmer Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Carroll County Man Indicted for Selling Firearm to Convicted Felon Jason AutryRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN –Danny Joe Ivy, 55, of Buena Vista, Tennessee, has been indicted for selling a firearm to a convicted felon and making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the filing of the indictment today.
According to allegations contained in the January 14, 2021 two-count indictment, Ivy is charged with selling a firearm to convicted felon, Jason Autry, and also for knowingly making materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statements to an ATF Special Agent during the criminal investigation.
During the same grand jury session, Jason Autry's previous indictment returned on December 10, 2020 for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm was superseded to add and include a second count for possession of ammunition while being a convicted felon. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/jason-autry-federally-indicted-being-convicted-felon-possession-firearm.
If convicted, Ivy faces up to ten years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Selling or providing a firearm to a known prohibited person such as a convicted felon is a serious violation of federal law with significant consequences. The government has a strong interest in preventing dangerous and prohibited persons from obtaining firearms, and this office will always vigorously prosecute any persons who sell guns to felons."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Morrow and Beth Boswell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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New Charges Filed Against Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson, Two Others in Fraud and Money Laundering CaseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson, 40, has been federally charged in a new case, along with two other co-defendants, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the new federal criminal complaint today.
According to information presented in Court, the Healthcare Institute ("THI") is a post-secondary educational provider located in Memphis, Tennessee. It purports to provide training programs for jobs in the healthcare field, including certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, and licensed practical nurse. It was founded in January 2015 as a Tennessee for-profit LLC, with Katrina Robinson as director. THI received more than $10,000 in federal funds each year between 2015 and 2019. During that period, Robinson is alleged to have stolen, converted, and intentionally misapplied property of THI for her own use. As a result, on July 30, 2020, she was indicted in Case No. 2:20-cr-20147-SHL, which is currently pending trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/federal-grand-jury-returns-indictment-charging-tennessee-state-senator-katrina-robinson
The charges in this new federal complaint arise from a completely separate fraud scheme in which Robinson, Katie Ayers, 59, and Brooke Boudreaux, 32, are alleged to have conspired to use THI to defraud victim R.S. out of $14,470.00, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 and 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h).
As set forth in more detail in the complaint affidavit, while investigating the charges in the 2020 case, the FBI also uncovered a scheme in which the defendants convinced R.S. that Boudreaux, with whom he had an existing relationship, needed the money for tuition and expenses to attend THI. R.S. agreed and tendered $14,470.00 to THI for that purpose. In fact, the investigation revealed that Boudreaux was never a student at THI, and the conspirators split the money among themselves for their personal benefit and unjust enrichment.
If convicted, the defendants each face a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendants.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris E. Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Robinson Complaint 21-20003
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Convicted Felon with Firearm Who Fled from Police Receives Seven Year SentenceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –Patrick Vaughn, 35, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 4, 2019, detectives with Memphis Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) were conducting surveillance for a suspect in a carjacking that occurred on December 21, 2018 at the Gold Club in Memphis, Tennessee. Detectives were in the area of Poplar Ave and Hollywood Street, when they observed Vaughn, driving a 2006 Kia Amanti. In an attempt to avoid the traffic stop, Vaughn began making several U-turns at a high rate of speed, ultimately striking several vehicles. He was apprehended after a short foot chase.
A search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger .380 pistol on the passenger's side floorboard. The front seat passenger advised law enforcement that the firearm did not belong to her. Vaughn waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the firearm.
Vaughn is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, Identity Theft, and Carjacking. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Vaughn is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On January 13, 2021, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Vaughn to 84 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "As a fleeing felon in possession of a firearm, Vaughn presented a danger to the public and to law enforcement in multiple ways. The seven year sentence imposed in this case rightly punishes him for his recidivist behavior, removes him from the community, and makes Memphis a safer place."
The Memphis Police Department - Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office in Memphis Collects $65,969,200.04 for U.S. Taxpayers and Victims in 2020Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee collected a total of $65,969,200.04 in criminal and civil actions during Calendar Year 2020. Of that amount, $1,314,912.06 was collected through civil actions and $64,654,287.98 stemmed from fines and restitution ordered as part of criminal convictions.
One case that generated significant collection efforts was United States of America v. SK Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (SK), which generated $60,578,847.08 in criminal fines, the largest fine ever imposed against a criminal defendant in the Western District of Tennessee. On June 10, 2020, SK Engineering, one of the largest engineering firms in the Republic of Korea, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain U.S. Army contracts through payments to a U.S. Department of Defense contracting official and the submission of false claims to the U.S. government. SK was also ordered to pay $2,601,883.86 in restitution to the U.S. Army, and serve three years of probation, during which time SK agreed not to pursue U.S. federal government contracts.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a core value and critical mission for this office and the Department of Justice. Equally as important is the priority of collecting restitution for victims of crime in order to punish offenders and provide justice for the harm and loss suffered by victims. I commend the outstanding work of our Criminal Division, Civil Division, and Financial Litigation Unit in aggressively pursuing and effectively collecting this significant total amount on behalf of victims of crime and the United States in 2020."
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the U.S. Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Calendar year 2020 collections include recovery of government money lost to criminal fraud and other misconduct, and recovery of money lost by victims as a result of individual and corporate misconduct. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Education, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Total civil collections were reduced in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted the suspension of many civil collections, such as student loans, SBA loans and all Social Security Treasury Offset Program (TOP) payments.
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U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces That Federal Authorities Are Investigating Any Potential Violations of Federal Law by Residents of Western District of Tennessee at U.S. CapitolRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that his office, in coordination with the Memphis Field Division Office of the FBI, will investigate and charge any potential violations of federal law at the United States Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021 committed by individuals from the Western District of Tennessee.
"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this attack on our Government and the rule of law face the full consequences of their actions under the law. We are working closely with our partners at the FBI, who are actively investigating to gather evidence, identify perpetrators, and charge federal crimes where warranted," Dunavant said. "Any person who traveled from West Tennessee to commit federal crimes in Washington, D.C., as well as anyone who conspired with them or aided or abetted such lawlessness will be aggressively prosecuted by this office."
Individuals in the Western District of Tennessee with any information related to the identity of those involved in the commission of federal crimes at the Capitol are asked to contact the FBI Memphis Field Division Office at 901-747-4300. Additionally, tips may be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or at fbi.gov/USCapitol.
Dunavant noted federal statutes that may be applicable, including:
• 18 United States Code section 231 – Civil Disorder, which prohibits adversely affecting any federally protected function or obstructing any law enforcement officer from the performance of official duties, or any person who transports a firearm, explosive, or incendiary device to be used in furtherance of civil disorder. This federal crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.
• 18 United States Code section 2101 – The Federal Riot Act, which applies to anyone who travels in interstate commerce to incite, promote, or participate in a riot. This includes anyone who aided or abetted individuals who carried on a riot or committed any act of violence in furtherance of a riot. This federal crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.
• 18 United States Code section 1361 – Damage to Federal Property, which applies to anyone who willfully injures or causes damage to or against any property of the United States. This federal crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
• 18 United States Code section 2383 – Rebellion or Insurrection, which provides that whoever incites, assists or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the United States faces up to 10 years in prison.
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Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant Announce Final Results of Operation LegendRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On December 23, 2020, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the results of Operation LeGend, which was first launched in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 8, 2020, and then expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 14, 2020.
"Operation Legend removed violent criminals, domestic abusers, carjackers and drug traffickers from nine cities which were experiencing stubbornly high crime and took illegal firearms, illegal narcotics and illicit monies off the streets. By most standards, many would consider these results as a resounding success—amid a global pandemic, the results are extraordinary. I commend our federal law enforcement and prosecutors for seamlessly executing this operation in partnership with state and local law enforcement," said Attorney General Barr. "When we launched Operation Legend, our goal was to disrupt and reduce violent crime, hold violent offenders accountable and give these communities the safety they deserve in memory of LeGend Taliferro, whose young life was claimed by violent crime, undoubtedly, we achieved it."
Since Operation LeGend’s launch on July 8, 2020, over 6,000 arrests – including approximately 467 for homicide – were made; more than 2600 firearms were seized; and more than 32 kilos of heroin, more than 17 kilos of fentanyl, more than 300 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 135 kilos of cocaine, and more than $11 million in drug and other illicit proceeds were seized.
Of the more than 6,000 individuals arrested, approximately 1,500 have been charged with federal offenses. Approximately 815 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while approximately 566 have been charged with drug-related crimes. The remaining defendants have been charged with various offenses.
The Attorney General launched the operation as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. Operation LeGend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) provided a total of $60 million to fund 290 officers as part of Operation LeGend and related efforts. Additionally, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded nearly $9 million in grant funding to support Operation LeGend.
Since the official launch of Operation LeGend here in Memphis on August 6, 2020, a total of 266 arrests were made, and 124 defendants were charged with federal offenses: 53 for drug crimes; 46 for gun crimes; and 24 for other violent crimes such as carjacking, business robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. A total of 210 firearms were seized by federal agencies and federal task forces; $670,270 in criminal proceeds were seized; and a large quantity of illegal drugs were removed from our streets, as follows:
31,063 grams of methamphetamine
1,572 grams of cocaine
4,665 grams of fentanyl
5,021 grams of heroin
9,205 grams of marijuana
2,822 pills of various controlled substances, primarily opioids
The following local agencies in Memphis received federal grant funding from the Department of Justice in support of Operation Legend and related efforts:
City of Memphis Police Department – $9,823,624 (COPS Hiring Program funds, to hire 50 new officers)
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office - $1,628,571 (Operation Relentless Pursuit/Operation LeGend)
Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office - $398,864 (Project Guardian)
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "These are outstanding national and local results that have undoubtedly saved lives. Although this marks the end of the formal DOJ Operation LeGend initiative, we will continue our targeted enforcement actions and coordination in the future with the federal agents permanently reassigned to Memphis, as well as our LeGend Task Force model. Despite rising violent crime rates in 2020, as a result of Operation LeGend, drug traffickers, trigger-pullers, gang members, and violent offenders are going to prison, law enforcement is energized, and the public is better protected. I am proud of our federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in Memphis for their urgent and relentless efforts in this Operation, and I am grateful for their active participation and sustained partnerships during a most unusual and challenging time in our nation’s history."
Breakdown of Operation Legend charges in other cities:
Kansas City, MO.
• 196 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 75 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 107 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 14 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
176 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 40 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 130 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• Six defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
167 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 60 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 85 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 22 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
119 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 60 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 55 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• Four defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
100 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
• 33 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• Three defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
74 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 34 defendants have been charged with firearm related offenses;
• 32 defendants have been charged with narcotic related offenses;
• Eight defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
450 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 193 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 231 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 26 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, IN.
94 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 18 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 12 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Results of Operation LegendRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Earlier today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the results of Operation Legend, which was first launched in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 8, 2020, and then expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee, on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 14, 2020.
"Operation Legend removed violent criminals, domestic abusers, carjackers and drug traffickers from nine cities which were experiencing stubbornly high crime and took illegal firearms, illegal narcotics and illicit monies off the streets. By most standards, many would consider these results as a resounding success—amid a global pandemic, the results are extraordinary. I commend our federal law enforcement and prosecutors for seamlessly executing this operation in partnership with state and local law enforcement," said Attorney General Barr. "When we launched Operation Legend, our goal was to disrupt and reduce violent crime, hold violent offenders accountable and give these communities the safety they deserve in memory of LeGend Taliferro, whose young life was claimed by violent crime, undoubtedly, we achieved it."
Since Operation Legend’s launch on July 8, 2020, over 6,000 arrests – including approximately 467 for homicide – were made; more than 2600 firearms were seized; and more than 32 kilos of heroin, more than 17 kilos of fentanyl, more than 300 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 135 kilos of cocaine, and more than $11 million in drug and other illicit proceeds were seized.
Of the more than 6,000 individuals arrested, approximately 1,500 have been charged with federal offenses. Approximately 815 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while approximately 566 have been charged with drug-related crimes. The remaining defendants have been charged with various offenses.
The Attorney General launched the operation as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. Operation Legend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) provided a total of $60 million to fund 290 officers as part of Operation Legend and related efforts. Additionally, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded nearly $9 million in grant funding to support Operation Legend.
Breakdown of Operation Legend charges:
Kansas City, MO.
196 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 75 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 107 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 14 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
176 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 40 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 130 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- Six defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
167 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 60 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 85 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 22 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
119 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 60 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 55 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- Four defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
100 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 33 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- Three defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
74 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 34 defendants have been charged with firearm related offenses;
- 32 defendants have been charged with narcotic related offenses;
- Eight defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
450 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 193 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 231 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 26 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, Tenn.
124 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 53 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 47 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 24 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, IN.
94 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 18 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 12 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 12 Years for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - Joseph Morris, 39, has been sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on May 2, 2018, investigators from the Memphis Police Department went to a residence on St. Charles Street in search of the defendant who was located hiding in a back bedroom. As Morris was being placed into custody, officers smelled burnt marijuana in the house, and observed in plain view a red glass pipe laying on a television table in the living room. The glass pipe had burnt residue, which was believed to be marijuana. Officers also observed 2 boxes of ammunition and a black digital scale on top of the table behind the couch.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered a loaded Taurus 9 MM underneath the living room couch cushion, a common tool of the trade which drug dealers use to protect their stash and themselves from robbery. Officers recovered two clear bags of 5.60 grams of methamphetamine with a 99% purity level in a coat pocket behind the couch that the defendant hid from law enforcement.
Once detained, Morris admitted to ownership of the handgun and methamphetamine. Morris also admitted that he had been selling methamphetamine for 2 months, that he sells for approximately $50 a gram, and that he placed in the coat pocket behind the couch when he heard officers at the door.
Morris is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of aggravated assault and a felony drug offense. He is currently on parole until July 28, 2021, for his felony drug conviction in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Morris is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On August 20, 2020, the defendant pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On December 21, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl L. Lipman sentenced Morris to 150 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "We know that drugs and crime go hand-in-hand, and that drug trafficking is an inherently violent business. If you want to collect a drug debt, you can’t file a lawsuit in court; you collect it by the barrel of a gun. If you are a drug dealer with a gun, we will hold you accountable and remove you from our streets."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault of a Federal Employee and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Bernard Jones, 35, has pled guilty to aggravated assault of a federal employee and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on September 4, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Jones was in the process of committing the crime of burglary of a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, the victim, a U.S. Postal Service employee, was preparing to take First Class mail from the Jet Cove Annex to the Memphis Processing & Distribution Center in downtown Memphis. While loading the mail into his USPS staff vehicle, the victim, observed someone moving around inside his personal vehicle parked approximately 50 yards away in the employee parking lot at the Memphis Priority Mail Annex. The victim drove the staff vehicle near his pickup truck and saw the defendant exit his pickup truck.
The defendant shot multiple times at the victim as he escaped in his postal vehicle. As the victim drove away, the defendant followed him in a Nissan Sentra and continued to shoot. During the course of the investigation, United States Postal Inspectors determined two bullets struck the hood and several other locations on the postal vehicle. Law enforcement located two 9MM Luger shell casings from the shooting scene. The suspect, along with a female accomplice, fled the scene in a blue Nissan Sentra. Postal Inspectors later identified Bernard M. Jones as the shooter. Jones, a convicted felon, is also a member of the Gangsters Disciples Street Gang, and as a result of his prior felony conviction history, is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 24, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl Lipman. For the aggravated assault offense, Jones faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. For the firearm offense, he faces a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment; a $ 250,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the safety of United States Postal Service employees and the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail. This case reflects our commitment to hold offenders accountable for brazen and disturbing acts of violence that endanger and victimize federal employees. We commend the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS in this case."
"Protecting the safety of our USPS employees is the United States Postal Inspection Service’s most important mission. Postal Inspectors will stop at nothing to identify those responsible for assaulting postal employees and will bring them to justice," said Tommy D. Coke, U.S. Postal Inspector In Charge of the Atlanta Division.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Madison County Man Sentenced to 21 Years for His Involvement in a Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Xavier Demetrius James, 35, of Jackson, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 252 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in March 2017, DEA agents began an investigation into Rolando Lopez and his drug trafficking organization. Agents discovered that Lopez and other co-conspirators were trafficking in methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and other illegal substances from Texas to Tennessee. Investigators utilized six Title III wiretaps along with surveillance, confidential sources, traffic stops, and search warrants to investigate this drug trafficking organization, which was responsible for trafficking hundreds of pounds of actual methamphetamine.
James was found to have taken part in this conspiracy. He helped transport four loads of actual methamphetamine totaling around 45 kilograms to co-defendant Ronald Parham's residence in mid-2017, and he was found in possession of 20 kilograms of actual methamphetamine during a traffic stop in the Atlanta, Georgia area on November 27, 2017. It was later determined that James was there to buy methamphetamine while on his way to Knoxville, Tennessee, to distribute the drugs to others when he was stopped by the police. In all, James was held responsible for distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute 75 kilograms of actual methamphetamine.
On December 15, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced James to 252 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Use and trafficking of methamphetamine continues to destroy lives, families, and communities across West Tennessee. The joint cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement in this case demonstrates our ability and resolve to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, including those that distribute narcotics from locations outside the country. The significant sentence in this case sends a clear message to those drug dealers who distribute poison in West Tennessee: You cannot prey upon our citizens for your selfish personal gain with impunity; there will be a reckoning."
This is the latest sentencing in a case involving multiple defendants including Rolando Lopez, Saul Vega Flores, Virginia Torres, Ronald Lynn Parham, Tammy Ranger, Marcus Jones, and Xavier Demetrius James on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
On July 9, 2019, Chief U.S. District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Lopez to life in federal prison to be followed by five years supervised release.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/rio-grande-texas-man-sentenced-life-imprisonment-conspiracy-distribute-methamphetamine.
Co-defendant Ronald Parham was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/kenton-tennessee-man-sentenced-200-months-conspiracy-distribute-methamphetamine
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Morrow and Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Cordova Man Federally Indicted for $5.9 Million Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Christopher C. Brown, 43, of Cordova, Tennessee has been federally indicted for a fraudulent scheme to unlawfully obtain $5.9 million dollars from multiple insurance companies. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, announced the indictment today.
According to allegations in the indictment, Brown defrauded multiple insurance companies over several years by making false representations, including submitting false, forged, and altered documents, to get the victim companies to pay his fraudulent claims.
Brown is charged with four counts of mail fraud and, if convicted, faces up to eighty years in federal prison and a fine of $1,000,000. The indictment also contains an asset forfeiture count seeking to recover all proceeds from the alleged illegal scheme and behavior. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Insurance fraud schemes negatively affect interstate commerce and victimize innocent companies and customers. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable for such crimes of dishonesty."
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are only accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony Arvin and David Pritchard are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Two Federally Charged in Kidnapping of Child Abandoned at Southaven GoodwillRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - Jeremy Fitzgerald, 34, and Turliscea Turner, 29, both of Memphis, Tennessee, have been federally charged in a criminal complaint with kidnapping a two-year-old boy whom they later abandoned at a Goodwill Store in Southaven, Mississippi. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the kidnapping charge in the federal complaint today.
According to information presented in the complaint, Fitzgerald offered to have Turner, posing as Fitzgerald's sister, babysit the child while Fitzgerald and the child's mother went to Nashville, Tennessee overnight on December 13, 2020. Turner agreed to watch and keep the child with her overnight. While Fitzgerald and the child's mother were in Nashville, Fitzgerald demanded that the child's mother work for him as a prostitute. When she refused, Fitzgerald left her in Nashville. He did not answer her repeated telephone calls.
Fitzgerald did, however, speak to the child's aunt. In that conversation, Fitzgerald demanded money for the return of the child. Turner was aware that Fitzgerald had demanded money in exchange for the child's return.
The next morning, Fitzgerald, Turner, and an unknown subject drove and transported the child across a state boundary from Memphis to Southaven, Mississippi. When they stopped at a gas station, Fitzgerald took the child out of the car to a nearby Goodwill store and abandoned him there. Turner went into the gas station; she knew that the child had been left at the Goodwill store.
Southaven Task Force Officers recovered surveillance video that showed the maroon vehicle that Fitzgerald and Turner had driven to Southaven with the child. The suspect vehicle was observed on Germantown Parkway in Shelby County on the afternoon of December 14, 2020. When law enforcement responded to the area, Fitzgerald crashed the vehicle, and was later transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Deputies found Turner inside a nearby Kroger, wearing the same clothing as in the surveillance video. Both subjects were taken into custody without further incident.
If convicted of kidnapping in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201, the defendants each face a possible sentence of 20 years and up to life in federal prison, 5 years to life of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendants, where additional federal charges may be added.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Southaven Police Department are continuing to investigate this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Delery is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Nurse Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Kathryn Nikole Russell, 41, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 29 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances. The defendant was charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the first Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/us-attorney-dunavant-along-federal-state-and-local-partners-continue-efforts-combat D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented at sentencing, Russell was an advance practice registered nurse licensed by the State of Tennessee with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Registration Number. Between March and April of 2018, Russell issued prescriptions for controlled substances, including the Schedule II controlled substances of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, and the Schedule IV controlled substances Alprazolam and Clonazepam, at Dillon Russell Health Care Professionals, Inc. in Memphis, outside the usual scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. The illegitimate prescriptions included issuing prescriptions for Schedule II drugs for friends and others with whom she had no medical relationship and without ever seeing the patients or conducting examinations, prescribing dangerous combinations of drugs, and failing to monitor patients for signs of addiction.
On April 16, 2019, Russell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Russell wrote prescriptions for opioids and dangerous drug cocktails that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice. In an eight-week period, Russell prescribed more than 7,800 oxycodone pills, more than 6,000 benzodiazepine pills, and more than 1,000 pills of carisoprodol. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/second-appalachian-region-prescription-opioid-strikeforce-takedown-results-charges.
On December 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Russell to 29 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, created in large part by the over-prescribing and diversion of potent opioids. We will not stand by and allow the harmful and oftentimes deadly practice of over-prescribing and diversion of highly addictive drugs to continue unchecked. Along with our law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold accountable any medical personnel who misuse their positions of trust to blatantly disregard and endanger others’ very lives for their own financial gain."
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean DeCandia of the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 50 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Program, led by the Fraud Section. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Armed Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Aaron Whitley, 21, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for multiple Hobbs Act business robberies and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to those crimes of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 30, 2019, at 10:50 pm, Whitley stole a Silver 2010 GMC Terrain parked outside of Circle K on North Germantown Parkway. The owner of the SUV reported that he left his car running while he walked inside the business, and turned around just in time to see someone drive away in his car. The owner worked as a security guard and his uniform, security badge and loaded 9mm pistol were in the car at the time. Whitley took the car, security guard uniform and the gun, and within twenty minutes committed three armed robberies of various convenience store businesses on Austin Peay Highway.
Specifically, Whitley took at gunpoint $190.00 and 6 packs of Newport 100 cigarettes from Marathon gas station; he then drove to Exxon where he took at gunpoint approximately $250.00-$300.00 in cash and 6 packs of Newport cigarettes; And finally, Whitley took at gunpoint $36.00 from Circle K. The clerk at Circle K managed to put a tracking device in the bag he gave Whitley. Moments after the third robbery, deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop for speeding on the GMC Terrain. Whitley, the driver was the only person in the car.
Evidence found in the car from all three robberies included, but was not limited to, 12 packs of Newport cigarettes, $430.55 in cash, a tracking device, a security guard shirt, and the 9mm pistol that matched the description given by the victims.
On December 9, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Whitley to 240 months in federal prison followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Robberies of businesses with a firearm are especially dangerous and violent due to the high risk of death and serious bodily injury by the simple squeeze of a trigger. Within the short span of 20 minutes, this young violent offender’s selfish and impulsive greed terrorized multiple victims – and rightly earned him a long sentence of 20 years in a federal prison."
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Crow and Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Jason Autry Federally Indicted for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Jason Wayne Autry, 46, of Holladay, Tennessee, has been federally indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the return of the indictment today.
According to allegations contained in a previously filed federal criminal complaint, on December 3, 2020, a Benton County Sheriff’s deputy encountered Autry, who was known to be a convicted felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law. The deputy initially observed a male subject, later identified as Autry, lying down in a field. Autry was searched and no weapons were found on his person. He then left the scene on foot.
After Autry walked away, the deputy noticed a Marlin 30/30 rifle where Autry had been lying on the ground in the field. The deputy secured the firearm, returned to his patrol vehicle, and followed Autry, who was located walking down the driveway to his residence in Holladay, Tennessee. The deputy ordered Autry to stop, and Autry complied. The deputy then asked Autry about the rifle, and Autry stated he was attempting to shoot a deer with the gun, and that he hid in the field when he observed the deputy’s patrol car.
Autry has several prior felony convictions, including Facilitation of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping and Solicitation of First Degree Murder, which arose out of the abduction and murder of Holly Bobo in Decatur County, Tennessee in April 2011. Autry also has prior state convictions for Aggravated Burglary, Burglary, Theft over $10,000, and Manufacturing a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Autry also has a prior federal conviction for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, wherein he received a sentence of 100 months imprisonment. Autry is still under supervision in his prior federal case, and faces imprisonment in that case due to his illegal possession of a firearm on December 3, 2020.
If convicted, Autry faces up to ten years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. If he is found to qualify as an armed career criminal under federal law, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms are always a public safety concern, but especially so when there is a known history of violent crime convictions. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in quickly responding to remove the firearm from this offender and safely bring him into custody."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the federal complaint and indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Haywood County Man Sentenced to over 5 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Donnie Ray King, 41, of Whiteville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 5, 2018, a Haywood Co. Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a residence in Whiteville, Tennessee to follow up on a stolen car report. Earlier that day, King’s mother reported to law enforcement that King had stolen her vehicle and her phone. When law enforcement arrived at King’s mother’s home, she said that King had returned her car and left walking on Hillville Road. The deputy later observed a male standing on the property of an old school nearby who identified himself as "Donnie King." King advised that he had a gun in his boot and was immediately placed into custody. The deputy then recovered an unloaded Ruger, Model SR9, 9mm pistol in King’s left boot, and a magazine containing 15 rounds of ammunition for the Ruger in his right boot.
King is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of two counts of statutory rape in Crockett County in 2000, aggravated assault in Shelby County in 2007, Violation of the Sex Offender Registry in Crockett County in 2008, and manufacturing methamphetamine in Carroll County in 2012. As a result of his felony convictions, King is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition.
On December 8, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced King to 70 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "As a multiple prior convicted felon, King has already disrespected the law and shown a manifest disregard for the rights of others. As a result, his possession of firearm and ammunition continues to threaten the security of his fellow citizens. This sentence accomplishes what his prior state sentences and probation could not – just punishment for his recidivism and incapacitation that will protect public safety."
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces Appointment of ADA Lance Webb as Special Assistant U.S. AttorneyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant is pleased to announce that Assistant District Attorney Lance Webb has been appointed as a new Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) in the Jackson Branch Office. Thanks to an agreement with 29th Judicial District Attorney General Danny Goodman, ADA Lance Webb will now serve as a SAUSA in the Jackson office on a part-time basis, and will be cross-designated and dedicated to the prosecution of federal offenses originating and occurring in Dyer and Lake counties, in the 29th Judicial District of Tennessee.
General Webb has served as an Assistant District Attorney General in the 29th Judicial District since 2001, and has handled and successfully prosecuted all types of state criminal offenses, from misdemeanors to capital cases. Prior to joining the District Attorney’s Office, Lance served as Associate General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services from 2000-2001, and prior to that, he was engaged in the private practice of law at Fowler, Prince & Webb in Union City, Tennessee.
General Webb obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1992, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Middle Tennessee State University in 1989. Lance and his family live in Dyersburg, where he is active in the community and his church.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “We are very excited to have Lance join our office, and I am thankful to District Attorney General Goodman for his commitment to this SAUSA position. With his many years of distinguished service and successful experience as a state prosecutor, Lance will be immediately effective and productive in furthering the mission of the Department of Justice in Dyer and Lake counties. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to providing full service in all counties of West Tennessee, and General Webb’s knowledge of the public safety issues in the 29th Judicial District and his good relationship with local law enforcement will be key in our collective efforts to combat violent crime, gang activity, and drug trafficking in Northwest Tennessee.”
District Attorney General Danny Goodman said, “I am excited that the 29th Judicial District has been allowed to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office and want to thank U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for giving us this enormous opportunity. This will place Dyer and Lake Counties in the unique position of having the authority to evaluate and prosecute cases on both the State and Federal level. This partnership will be an important tool to be used in our judicial district to combat crime and continue our commitment to make our communities safe.”
U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces Appointment of ADA Lance Webb as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney###
Henry County Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Jeffery Garvin Townsend, 60, of Paris, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on March 20, 2019, officers executed a search warrant at Townsend’s residence in Henry County, Tennessee. During a search of the garage, officers found a large locked firearms safe. A search of the residence yielded another large firearms safe in the basement that was also locked. Townsend refused to speak with the officers, and instead requested an attorney.
Officers then spoke with Townsend’s son about the combinations to and contents of the safes. He stated that he only knew the combination to the safe in his father’s bedroom in the basement. The son also informed law enforcement that the safe in the bedroom had guns in it, and the safe in the garage contained ammunition. The safe in the basement was opened and contained 13 guns (6 shotguns, 6 rifles, and one handgun), two barrels, and ammunition. One of the guns, a Century Arms AK-47, had a full magazine in it. One of the other guns, a Winchester Super X3, had the serial number filed off. Two other guns (a Bushmaster AR-15 and a Browning Invector Gold 10 gauge shotgun) were previously reported stolen. The officers had to force open the safe in the garage, which contained a large amount of ammunition.
The son also told law enforcement that several of the firearms in the safe belonged to his father, and that he had seen his father shoot several of the guns recently. He also said his father had acquired some of the guns in the last few months.
Townsend is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted in federal court of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in 2008, and attempting to possess wildlife taken in violation of federal law in 2002. Townsend was also convicted of aggravated assault in 1985. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Townsend is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On December 4, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Townsend to 78 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The government has a strong interest in preventing people who already have disrespected the law, including felons, from possessing guns. As a prior convicted felon, Townsend’s possession of a large cache of firearms and ammunition, including stolen guns and one with obliterated serial numbers, continued to threaten the security of his fellow citizens. This sentence accomplishes the public safety goals of removing firearms from dangerous offenders and providing just punishment, incapacitation, and deterrence for repeated violations of law."
The Paris, Tennessee Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Drug User in Possession of a Firearm Sentenced to Federal Prison as Part of “Operation Crime Driver” in Tipton CountyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Isca Johnson, 24 of Covington, Tennessee has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. This case was developed as part of the first "Operation Crime Driver" in Tipton County. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
Johnson’s arrest was part of "Operation Crime Driver", a joint federal, state and local law enforcement anti-violence initiative led by the District Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District, and conducted between February and May 2019, where law enforcement targeted offenders wanted on arrest warrants for violent criminal offenses in Tipton County, Tennessee. Johnson was among 6 defendants from the first phase of "Operation Crime Driver" to be indicted in federal court in October, 2019 for various drug and gun offenses. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/operation-crime-driver-targets-violent-criminals-tipton-county
According to information presented in court, on May 3, 2019, Tipton County Sheriff’s deputies encountered Johnson as they smelled marijuana emanating from his apartment. He gave consent to search, and deputies found marijuana, alprazolam, a loaded handgun, and ammunition. He admitted to owning the items and to being a regular user of illicit drugs. Johnson was charged in federal court in Memphis with possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
On December 9, 2019, Johnson pled guilty to being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3).
On November 30, 2020, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Jon McCalla sentenced Johnson to 21 months in federal prison followed by two years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Studies amply demonstrate the connection between chronic drug abuse and violent crime, and illuminate the nexus between Congress’s attempt to keep firearms away from habitual drug abusers and its goal of reducing violent crime. We are pleased to join with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to focus on the priority areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities, and we are glad to support this successful joint operation by adopting these cases for federal prosecution."
Other defendants sentenced in Operation Crime Driver include:
• Danny Muex, 32, of Tipton County was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/tipton-county-probationer-arrested-during-operation-crime-driver-sentenced-federal
• Maurice Nash, A/K/A "Monster," 47, of Atoka, TN was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/tipton-county-armed-career-criminal-sentenced-over-17-years-federal-prison
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean G. Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
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Weakley County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring with Others to Distribute over 500 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - Justin Tyler Bynum, 32, of South Fulton, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 25, 2018, when deputies with the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department attempted a traffic stop on Bynum's vehicle, he turned into a driveway, stopped his vehicle, and fled on foot. Deputies eventually caught Bynum and recovered approximately an ounce of methamphetamine. Bynum later admitted to selling methamphetamine for the previous four months, in the amount of at least two ounces per week.
On June 25, 2019, Bynum pled guilty to conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Bynum has an extensive criminal history, including his current offense, which involved his distribution of approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine, prior burglary, theft and vandalism convictions that occurred a few years before his current offense.
On December 1, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Bynum to 100 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked in and through West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. Drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment, and this sentence does just that."
This is the third sentencing in a case involving multiple defendants, including Justin Tyler Bynum, Keith Norris, Robert Thomas, Charles Settles, and Solomon Clay on charges of conspiracy to distribute actual methamphetamine. On August 6, 2019, Robert Thomas was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release for his role in the conspiracy. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/martin-tennessee-man-sentenced-108months-imprisonment-conspiracy-distribute
On July 13, 2020, Norris was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison followed by five years supervised release. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/weakley-county-man-sentenced-23-years-federal-prison-conspiracy-distribute
This case was investigated by the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth C. Boswell and Jennifer Musselwhite Become Certified Instructors of DOJ Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) ProgramRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant is pleased to announce that Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Boswell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite have successfully completed and been certified as instructors of the Department of Justice Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program. G.R.E.A.T. is a gang and violence prevention program built around school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curricula, intended to guide children away from delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. The program certifies instructors around the country to give interactive educational presentations and teach an approved curriculum to 4th through 8th grade students. The G.R.E.A.T. Program began in 1991 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and in 2004 the program administration was transferred from the ATF to the DOJ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).
The G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training (GOT) process is very rigorous, and requires a commitment of 10 hours of online training and 36 hours of classroom training. AUSAs Boswell and Musselwhite have demonstrated significant commitment to complete the program, and will now be available to represent the U.S. Attorney’s Office in classrooms across West Tennessee in order to proactively prevent youth violence through this certified program. AUSAs Boswell and Musselwhite also have the notable distinction of being the first federal prosecutors to become certified instructors of the G.R.E.A.T. program. They join certified instructors from 30 district and state attorneys’ offices in 11 states, including the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office in Memphis, as well as a strong contingent from the ATF and other law enforcement officers from the United States Marshals Service (USMS), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and every branch of the U.S. Military.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Having Assistant U.S. Attorneys as certified instructors of the G.R.E.A.T. program is an important part of our efforts to proactively prevent future criminal behavior and gang membership. We are proud of Beth and Jennifer for their commitment, achievement, and ground-breaking work in this important initiative, and I am confident that their leadership in the G.R.E.A.T. program will promote positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, help young people avoid delinquent behavior and bad decisions, and ultimately improve public safety in West Tennessee."
For more information about the G.R.E.A.T. program, visit: https://www.great-online.org/GREAT-Home
Pictured from left to right are: AUSA Jennifer Musselwhite, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, and Criminal Chief AUSA Beth Boswell.Sixth Former Tennessee Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Offenses Arising out of a Cover up of Staff Assault of an InmateRead the Press Release
Former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) Corporal Tommy Morris, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the beating of an inmate and to encouraging other officers to provide false information to investigators, the Justice Department announced today.
“The State of Tennessee entrusted this defendant with the responsibility to act lawfully as a corrections officer by supervising those in his chain of command and by treating inmates humanely and in a manner that complies with the U.S. Constitution and other laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Instead of acting lawfully, this defendant violated the public trust, stood by and did nothing as junior officers unjustly beat an inmate, lied repeatedly about the beating, and tried to persuade other corrections officers to lie about what happened. This defendant’s criminal misconduct violates both our law and common decency, and the U.S. Department of Justice will not stand for it. The Justice Department will continue to work hard to ensure that all Americans are held accountable for breaking the law, especially those who abuse their position of authority in the law to do so.”
“Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer actively participated to conceal the use of physical force by other officers to violate the civil rights of an individual. As a result, he will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law.”
“When a correctional officer violates the civil rights of an inmate whose safety he is charged with, it undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement officers,” said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the FBI. “This plea should be a reminder that the FBI takes the allegation of civil rights violations seriously, and will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases, and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and the trust of the people.”
With his guilty plea, Morris admitted that, on Feb. 1, 2019, he and other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Morris stood by as a junior officer instructed another officer to cover the surveillance camera in the cell. Morris then watched as three officers punched R.T. in retaliation for R.T. spitting earlier.
After the officers left R.T.’s cell, Morris, who was the ranking officer, suggested that they should falsely claim that R.T. injured himself while he was on suicide watch. Morris and another officer then directed the others to adopt the false and misleading story. The officers agreed to cover up the unlawful use of force on inmate R.T.
Morris knew that the officers’ use of force should be reported to TDOC authorities, but he did not report the incident, fill out any paperwork, or instruct any of the other officers to take those steps. Instead, when a junior correctional officer asked Morris if he needed to fill out any paperwork, Morris falsely claimed that it would be handled and there was no need to do anything.
With today’s guilty plea, Morris admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 371 when he conspired to cover up the beating of R.T. and that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b) (3) when he knowingly encouraged correctional officers to provide investigators with false and misleading information. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy offense is five years imprisonment and 20 years imprisonment for the obstruction offense.
Previously, former TDOC Correctional Officers Nathaniel Griffin, Tanner Penwell, Carl Spurlin Jr., Cadie McAlister, and Jonathan York entered guilty pleas for criminal offenses arising out of the assault of inmate R.T. Morris is the sixth and final defendant to enter a guilty plea.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the TDOC, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
Sixth Former Tennessee Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Offenses Arising Out of Cover up of Staff Assault of an InmateRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) Corporal Tommy Morris, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the beating of an inmate and to encouraging other officers to provide false information to investigators, the Justice Department announced today.
“The State of Tennessee entrusted this defendant with the responsibility to act lawfully as a corrections officer by supervising those in his chain of command and by treating inmates humanely and in a manner that complies with the U.S. Constitution and other laws,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “Instead of acting lawfully, this defendant violated the public trust, stood by and did nothing as junior officers unjustly beat an inmate, lied repeatedly about the beating, and tried to persuade other corrections officers to lie about what happened. This defendant’s criminal misconduct violates both our law and common decency, and the U.S. Department of Justice will not stand for it. The Justice Department will continue to work hard to ensure that all Americans are held accountable for breaking the law, especially those who abuse their position of authority in the law to do so.”
“Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer actively participated to conceal the use of physical force by other officers to violate the civil rights of an individual. As a result, he will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law.”
“When a correctional officer violates the civil rights of an inmate whose safety he is charged with, it undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement officers,” said Douglas M. Korneski, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the FBI. “This plea should be a reminder that the FBI takes the allegation of civil rights violations seriously, and will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases, and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the constitution and the trust of the people.”
With his guilty plea, Morris admitted that, on Feb. 1, 2019, he and other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Morris stood by as a junior officer instructed another officer to cover the surveillance camera in the cell. Morris then watched as three officers punched R.T. in retaliation for R.T. spitting earlier.
After the officers left R.T.’s cell, Morris, who was the ranking officer, suggested that they should falsely claim that R.T. injured himself while he was on suicide watch. Morris and another officer then directed the others to adopt the false and misleading story. The officers agreed to cover up the unlawful use of force on inmate R.T.
Morris knew that the officers’ use of force should be reported to TDOC authorities, but he did not report the incident, fill out any paperwork, or instruct any of the other officers to take those steps. Instead, when a junior correctional officer asked Morris if he needed to fill out any paperwork, Morris falsely claimed that it would be handled and there was no need to do anything.
With today’s guilty plea, Morris admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 371 when he conspired to cover up the beating of R.T. and that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b) (3) when he knowingly encouraged correctional officers to provide investigators with false and misleading information. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy offense is five years imprisonment and 20 years imprisonment for the obstruction offense.
Previously, former TDOC Correctional Officers Nathaniel Griffin, Tanner Penwell, Carl Spurlin, Jr., Cadie McAlister, and Jonathan York entered guilty pleas for criminal offenses arising out of the assault of inmate R.T. Morris is the sixth and final defendant to enter a guilty plea.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the Tennessee Department of Corrections, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
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Mississippi Man Convicted for Defrauding the Internal Revenue Service for up to $1.7 MillionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –After a four-day jury trial with proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Terry Benson, 47, of Senatobia, Mississippi, has been found guilty as charged of Theft of Government Funds, Mail Fraud, and Passing Fictitious Instruments. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the conviction today.
Benson was found guilty of defrauding the IRS by submitting fictitious financial instruments in the amounts of $393,053.78 and $1.3 million and other numerous fraudulent documents, causing the IRS to send him a refund check for $297,311.12. He then used those funds to open accounts with Morgan Stanley and Regions Bank and purchase a mobile home and other personal items. In addition, he was found guilty of using the U.S. Mail in furtherance of these crimes.
According to the indictment, Benson executed a scheme to steal funds from the IRS. Benson sent the IRS a fictitious money order as a “Tax Account Settlement Payment” which was applied to balances he owed for tax years 2006, 2007, and 2010 to settle his debt. The IRS issued him a refund check in the amount of $297,311.12 for the overage amount after applying amounts to his IRS debt and debt owed by Benson to the Tennessee Office of Child Support Enforcement Services. Benson filed many fraudulent documents with the IRS naming public officials, organizations or other entities in the documents. In some instances, Benson filed UCC-1 financing statements with the Tennessee Secretary of State naming Regions Bank, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, Shelby County Juvenile Court, the IRS and an employee of the IRS as debtors while identifying himself as the creditor.
On March 19, 2019, Benson was indicted for theft of government funds, mail fraud, and passing a fictitious financial instrument. A sentencing hearing is set for February 25, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark Norris, where Benson faces possible sentences of up to 10 years for the theft of government funds; up to 20 years for the mail fraud; and up to 25 years for passing fictitious instruments. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the integrity of the United States Treasury and the sanctity of the U.S. Mail system is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. This guilty verdict demonstrates our ability and resolve to expose fraudulent schemes against the government, hold offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct, and to recover ill-gotten proceeds on behalf of the United States."
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon K. Griffin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eileen Kuo are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Bartlett Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Christopher Pipken, 39, has been indicted for possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine; and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl resulting in death. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, in late August of 2019, the victim was found deceased at a house in Bartlett, apparently the result of an overdose. On November 12, 2020, a federal grand jury charged Pipken with distributing the drugs that led to the death of the victim. In addition, Pipken was charged with three other separate distributions of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
If convicted for the drug distribution counts, Pipken faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. If convicted for the distribution count resulting in death, Pipken faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office has developed a district-specific strategy to prioritize and aggressively prosecute cases involving heroin and fentanyl distribution causing overdose deaths, and this indictment demonstrates that commitment to address the opioid epidemic in West Tennessee. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our law enforcement partners at the FBI and the Bartlett Police Department in this important case."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bartlett Police Department investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. This case is part of the Heroin Initiative in collaboration with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant Launches Public Service Announcements on Violent Crime, Elder Fraud, and OpioidsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Today, United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant is launching three Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness and increase reporting about the Department of Justice priority areas of violent crime, elder fraud, and opioids. The campaign employs targeted messaging to educate and inform the public with a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that will run on television, radio, social media and streaming platforms urging individuals to rethink committing violent crimes that could be federal offenses, and to guard against becoming victims of elder fraud or opioid abuse or overdose. The PSAs can be found at the links below to 30 and 60-second YouTube videos.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said: "These PSAs are a proactive way for our office to provide education, deterrence, harm reduction, cooperation with law enforcement, community outreach, and federal assistance resources to citizens in West Tennessee. All federal crimes are important to our office, but these three priority areas of violent crime, elder fraud, and opioids are having an immediate and significant impact on our communities, and we have designed these PSAs to make it easier for victims to find resources and report crimes."
The first PSA is aimed at discouraging violent crime, specifically robbery and gun crimes, through our Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. It warns potential offenders of the legal consequences of committing a federal gun crime: "Put the guns down and turn your life around, because if my office can prosecute you, we will." The PSA also encourages members of the community to report criminal activity in their neighborhoods to law enforcement: "If you see something and say something, we WILL do something."
PSN 30: https://youtu.be/fUeO1VI0WdQ
PSN 60: https://youtu.be/zemHXkKyitE
The second PSA focuses on the growing problem of Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation. Earlier this year, Attorney General William Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate service. The online link to the hotline is: https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/. This Elder Fraud PSA warns potential victims and their loved ones about the types of scams targeting older Americans for financial fraud and theft, and encourages them to take action by reporting suspicious activity to the FBI: "Don’t let a scammer cheat you or your loved ones out of money or your peace of mind."
Elder Abuse 30: https://youtu.be/uMS73NKuRxs
Elder Abuse 60: https://youtu.be/t4AtXQzVZ9s
The third and final PSA targets the dangers of Prescription Opioid abuse and misuse. Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdoses are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. This PSA warns of the addictive and deadly dangers of opioid abuse: "Abusing prescriptions and buying pills on the street is gambling with your life. Your first one may be your last." It also encourages everyone to properly lock away prescriptions, safely dispose of unused and expired medications, and provides contact information about help available to those struggling with addiction: "You might just save a life."
Opioids 30: https://youtu.be/I2Bz4UT6pN4
Opioids 60: https://youtu.be/-Jjrgo6rFLU
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Huntingdon Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Jamieson Maurice Esquivel, 27, of Huntingdon, TN has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 30, 2017, officers with the Huntingdon Police Department attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Esquivel’s father, James H. Brown, Jr., at a residence in Huntingdon, TN. The officers subsequently obtained a search warrant for that residence, and during the search they discovered two firearms -- a Smith & Wesson Model M&P 9C 9mm pistol and a Rohm Model RG10 .22 caliber revolver. Further investigation revealed that both guns belonged to Esquivel.
Esquivel has an extensive criminal history, including prior felony convictions for Robbery in Madison County in 2012, and Sale of a Schedule II controlled substance in Carroll County in 2012. Esquivel was still on probation in both cases at the time he committed the present offense on September 30, 2017. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On June 16, 2020, the defendant pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
On November 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Esquivel to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Chief Judge Anderson also ordered that the federal sentence run consecutive to the state sentence that Esquivel is currently serving for violating his probation in his prior Carroll County felony drug case, which is not scheduled to expire until August 2026. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "As a prior convicted felon, Esquivel has already disrespected the law and shown a manifest disregard for the rights of others. As a result, his possession of firearms continues to threaten the security of his fellow citizens. This sentence accomplishes what his prior state sentences and probation could not – just punishment and incapacitation that will protect public safety."
The Huntingdon Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Woman Sentenced in Healthcare Fraud Case; Charged in New Criminal Complaint for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –Princess Terry, 27, has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft, and has also been charged with wire fraud and making a false statement in connection with a loan application. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence and the new unsealed complaint today.
According to the federal indictment in the healthcare fraud case, Terry owned and operated Caring Hearts Memphis, a home healthcare services business, which purported to provide healthcare services to mostly elderly patients, including home health aides, skilled nursing, and physical and occupational therapy.
Between approximately January 1, 2016 and June 27, 2019, Terry submitted over $2 million in fraudulent billing to Humana, a private health insurance provider, for services that were not actually rendered. Terry's fraudulent billing practices included numerous instances of billing for home health services on days when patients were actually hospitalized, billing for services in excess of 24 hours in a given day for the same patient, and billing for services purportedly rendered after the patient was deceased.
In executing this scheme, Terry also committed aggravated identity theft by forging patients' signatures without their knowledge or permission on consent-for-services forms and progress notes containing fraudulent misrepresentations about services not actually performed. On September 17, 2019, she was indicted based on that scheme; and on August 25, 2020, she entered a plea of guilty to charges of healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft.
On November 6, 2020, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Parker to 65 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a criminal forfeiture money judgment of $2 million on charges of healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Court reserved ruling on the question of restitution for a later date.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Fraudulent schemes and crimes of dishonesty do not pay, and will be exposed. This case represents our commitment to expose healthcare fraudulent schemes, protect the integrity of the health insurance system, hold offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct, and to recover ill-gotten proceeds on behalf of victims. Likewise, protection of the United States Treasury is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and our office is absolutely committed to bringing to justice those who would seek to take unfair advantage of critical government resources through PPP fraud during this challenging and uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic."
While she was on pretrial release in that case, Terry was also further charged with wire fraud and making a false statement in connection with a loan application. According to information in the unsealed criminal complaint, Terry allegedly executed a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan program enacted in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis which provides forgivable loans to small businesses adversely affected by the pandemic.
In April and May of 2020, it is alleged that Terry falsely represented to the SBA and two different financial institutions that Caring Hearts Memphis was still a going business with employees and payroll obligations, despite the fact that it had not been in active operation since 2017 and had no employees. She also falsely certified that she was not under indictment, and submitted forged bank statements to document her loan applications. In this manner, Terry fraudulently obtained $290,000 in PPP loan funds.
The new charges will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendant. If convicted on the new wire fraud charge, the defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, three years supervised release and a $1 million dollar fine. For the offense of making a false statement in connection with a loan application, Terry faces a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release and a $1 million fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated both of these cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten is prosecuting both cases on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Reginald Dontae Williamson, Jr., 26, has been sentenced to 77 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 20, 2019, investigators with the Jackson Police Department Gang Unit were assisting the U.S. Marshals Service while serving an arrest warrant at the defendant’s residence in Jackson. As agents with the USMS were inside the residence securing Williamson, JPD officers saw two partially smoked marijuana cigarettes in an ashtray in the living room. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the home, which revealed a black 12-gauge shotgun and a Mac-10 pistol in a bedroom closet. The shotgun had been stolen in 2017 during an automobile burglary in Jackson. Both guns were loaded.
As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated burglary, theft of property, aggravated riot and vandalism, Williamson is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On July 21, 2020, Williamson pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of the 12-gauge shotgun and the Mac-10 pistol.
On November 6, 2020, U.S. Chief District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Williamson to 77 months in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across West Tennessee, including Jackson. Congress enacted the statutory prohibitions of federal firearms laws to keep guns out of the hands of presumptively risky people, and the government has a strong interest in preventing people who already have disrespected the law, including felons, from possessing guns. This sentence removes two dangerous threats from the streets: a risky recidivist felon, and stolen firearms."
The Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Benton County Career Criminal Sentenced to 18 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute over 50 Grams of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Walter Griffin, 43, of Benton County, TN., has been sentenced to 220 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on June 15, 2018, a Benton County Sheriff’s deputy observed Griffin traveling northbound on Highway 69A in Benton County. The deputy had prior knowledge that Griffin had an active warrant in Dickson County for failing to appear and an active Tennessee state parole violation warrant. As the deputy turned his vehicle around to conduct a traffic stop, he observed Griffin flee. After a short pursuit, Griffin made a hard turn in his vehicle and spun into a ditch and became stuck. Griffin was then taken into custody without incident.
A search of Griffin’s vehicle revealed 75 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), five oxycodone pills, eight hydrocodone pills, digital scales, and a pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine. The crystal methamphetamine was packaged for resale in 13 separate bags. It was later tested at a DEA laboratory and confirmed to have a purity level of 98%.
On May 3, 2019, Griffin pled guilty to possessing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Griffin has an extensive criminal history with prior felony convictions for selling methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to sell. As a result of these prior felony drug convictions, Griffin is classified as a career drug offender under federal law for purposes of sentencing.
On October 30, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Griffin to 220 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Evidence at sentencing also revealed that one month prior to his present offense, Griffin was detained on I-40 in Dickson County and found to be in possession of one-half pound of methamphetamine. Chief Judge Anderson noted that Griffin presented a significant risk to public safety due his recidivist nature and his inability to conform to the law and cease his criminal activity. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Deadly, addictive, and illegal drugs – especially pure methamphetamine – are ripping asunder small towns and rural communities in West Tennessee. Recidivist drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment, and this sentence does just that."
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Dyersburg Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Christopher Lee Faulcon, a/k/a "Wheezy", 35, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, has been sentenced to life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, beginning in early 2017, the FBI and Dyersburg Police Department became aware of an ongoing drug trafficking organization in the West Tennessee area, specifically Dyer County, Tennessee. The investigation, which lasted approximately one year, revealed that the organization was trafficking crystal methamphetamine (ice) from multiple residential locations within the City of Dyersburg. As a result, law enforcement officers developed further information from numerous sources which led to the execution of search warrants at residences of targets, search warrants for a stash house and a storage unit, search warrants for Facebook information, and search warrants for text messages. In order to further the investigation, agents also conducted traffic stops, obtained information from confidential sources, and made controlled purchases from the targets.
The majority of the crystal methamphetamine (ice) recovered was tested at Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratories and was determined to be 99% pure crystal methamphetamine. The investigation further revealed that the drug trafficking organization distributed over 14 kilograms of ice during the time in question. Law enforcement recovered five firearms and over $79,000 in currency. As a result of his three prior felony convictions, Faulcon is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
In February, 2018, Faulcon was charged in an 18-count indictment along with six other co-defendants with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual
methamphetamine. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/seven-suspects-arrested-west-tennessee-federal-drug-trafficking-charges-1
On November 8, 2018, Faulcon pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. On November 4, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Faulcon to life in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Drug trafficking offenses are at the root of some of the gravest problems facing our country. The ‘fruit’ of the drug plague is everywhere; it fills our jails, our courts, our streets, and our nurseries. Accordingly, given that drug dealers themselves sentence many individuals to a lifetime of addiction and dependency, a life sentence for repeatedly dealing large quantities of dangerous drugs is a just and proper punishment in this case. Criminal enterprises that distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide, and this maximum sentence demonstrates our ability to dismantle their organizations."
Other members of the drug trafficking organization have been previously been sentenced, including:
• On May 3, 2019, Damien Nixon, 39, of Gates, TN, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/damien-nixon-sentenced-240months-imprisonment-his-involvement-drug-trafficking
• On February 26, 2019, Patricia Wilson, a/k/a “PJ”, 31, of Dyersburg, TN, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/dyersburg-resident-sentenced-20-years-imprisonment-federal-drug-trafficking-charges
The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Dyersburg Police Department investigated this case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Violent Fugitive from Dyersburg Charged in Federal Court with Shooting of Federal Task Force OfficersRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Bobby Joe Claybrook, Jr., 39, of Dyersburg, TN has been federally charged with discharging a firearm during an assault on a federal officer. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the filing of the federal criminal complaint today.
According to the federal complaint, on August 3, 2020, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force based in Jackson, Tennessee received warrants for Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, three counts of Aggravated Assault, and Felon in Possession of Firearm from the Dyersburg Police Department for the arrest of Bobby Joe Claybrook, Jr. The U.S. Marshals Task Force adopted the case and began searching for Claybrook, who was on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s (TBI) Most Wanted List.
On Monday, November 2, 2020, the USMS Task Force tracked Claybrook to a home on Morningside Drive in Jackson, Tennessee. As the Task Force approached the residence to knock and announce their presence, two Task Force officers sustained injuries as a result of multiple gunshots fired from the residence. A perimeter was established, and the Task Force called the Jackson Police Department for assistance. The Jackson Police Department’s SWAT Team and negotiators arrived, and after a lengthy standoff, Claybrook surrendered without further incident. One of the injured USMS Task Force members was a Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) Agent, and the other was a Deputy U.S. Marshal. Both members of the Task Force were treated for their injuries and released from a local hospital.
During the resulting investigation of the shooting incident, the TBI executed a state search warrant on the residence and located a .9mm firearm and several .9mm shell casings inside the residence near the window where Claybrook carried out his assault on the Task Force officers.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "We take all threats against law enforcement very seriously, and we have zero tolerance for any assault on federal officers. I commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in quickly responding to apprehend this dangerous offender without further incident."
If convicted in federal court, Claybrook faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for the assault on a federal officer, and a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendant, where additional federal offenses may be charged. There is no parole in the federal system.
At the request of 26th Judicial District Attorney General Jody Pickens, the TBI has also charged Claybrook in state court with the offenses of one count of Criminal Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder Causing Serious Bodily Injury, four counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder, five counts of Employing a Firearm in the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and one count of Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon. Claybrook has multiple prior violent felony convictions from Dyer and Obion counties, including for attempted first-degree murder, eight aggravated assault convictions, and aggravated burglary.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Jackson Police Department (JPD) Criminal Investigation Division, JPD SWAT and Gang Unit, Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit, Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Parham is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Armed Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joshua Beason, 26, has pleaded guilty to three (3) counts of Hobbs Act Robbery and three (3) counts of brandishing a firearm during those crimes of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2019, Beason, along with two co-defendants, robbed the Mapco Express on Raleigh Millington Road, and Murphy's Express and Exxon, both on Summer Avenue. Beason and one of the co-defendants entered the businesses brandishing firearms at the employees and/or customers and left after taking money from the cash registers. The other co-defendant acted as the getaway driver.
Shortly after committing the last robbery, Beason and co-defendants committed a home invasion and Beason’s two co-defendants were shot during the home invasion. Beason took his wounded co-defendants to Methodist Hospital North. While there, law enforcement identified Beason and his co-defendants from the businesses' surveillance video system. At the hospital, Beason was wearing a unique jeans brand and a red hoodie worn during each of the three business robberies.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr, where Beason faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each the 3 Hobbs Act Robbery offenses, as well as a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years on each of the 3 brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence offenses. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Robberies of businesses with a firearm are especially dangerous and violent due to the high risk of death and serious bodily injury by the simple squeeze of a trigger. Business robberies also have a substantially negative impact on the local economy and interstate commerce, which victimizes the entire community. Within one day, this violent offender’s selfish and impulsive greed terrorized multiple victims. For that, his own future is now destroyed because he will spend decades in a federal prison."
The FBI’s Safe Street Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Whitmore is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces over $2 Million to Combat Violent Crime in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant today announced more than $2 million in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime in the Western District of Tennessee. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
"One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans."
The funding announced today continues the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. In the two years before President Trump took office, America had experienced a precipitous rise in crime, particularly in serious violent crime. The President elevated community safety to the top of his domestic agenda and crime rates have fallen steadily since. Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing conspicuous countertrends. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
"Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities," said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. "Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Under Operation LeGend, we have intensified our focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing violent offenders from our streets. We are thankful to Attorney General Barr for providing these additional OJP grant resources to combat violent gun crime in Memphis, and we will continue to coordinate with our state and local law enforcement partners to use these resources to effectively target the real crime drivers in Memphis and Shelby County: gangs, guns, and drugs."
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The following organizations received funding:
• Operation Relentless Pursuit
Shelby County
$1,428,571• Project Guardian
District Attorney General, 30th Judicial District
$398,864• Operation LeGend
Shelby County
$200,000For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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West Tennessee Psychiatrist Sentenced for Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A West Tennessee psychiatrist was sentenced today to 48 months followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully distributing opioids.
Richard Farmer, 83, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker. Farmer was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 21, 2020, of three counts of distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
The defendant was charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the first Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown, and his conviction was the first guilty trial verdict for the ARPO Strike Force.
"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that physicians who abuse their power to promote and prolong drug addiction for their own benefit are punished accordingly," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
"Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, created in large part by the over-prescribing and diversion of potent opioids," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. "This sentence demonstrates our ability and resolve to aggressively prosecute and hold accountable any medical personnel who misuse their positions of trust to exploit the very people coming to them for help."
"Doctors who prey on those who suffer from the disease of addiction are no better than street corner drug dealers," said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Division. "DEA remains committed to rooting out and locking up all healthcare practitioners who exploit the weak and put greed above patient care."
According to the evidence presented at trial, Farmer prescribed opioids to three sisters with whom he had ongoing sexual contact during the time he was prescribing. The evidence showed that between July 2016 and January 2019, Farmer prescribed over 1,200 pills, even though the three sisters showed clear signs of addiction. The evidence further showed that he kept almost no patient files on these women. Farmer also provided opioid prescriptions for the women’s friends, without keeping patient files for them or requiring medical examinations.
The DEA, along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Griffin of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 50 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Program, led by the Fraud Section. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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West Tennessee Psychiatrist Sentenced for Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
A west Tennessee psychiatrist was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully distributing opioids.
Richard Farmer, 83, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker. Farmer was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 21, 2020, of three counts of distribution of controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose.
The defendant was charged in an April 2019 indictment as part of the first Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown, and his conviction was the first guilty trial verdict for the ARPO Strike Force.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that physicians who abuse their power to promote and prolong drug addiction for their own benefit are punished accordingly,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, created in large part by the over-prescribing and diversion of potent opioids,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. “This sentence demonstrates our ability and resolve to aggressively prosecute and hold accountable any medical personnel who misuse their positions of trust to exploit the very people coming to them for help.”
“Doctors who prey on those who suffer from the disease of addiction are no better than street corner drug dealers,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Louisville Division. “DEA remains committed to rooting out and locking up all healthcare practitioners who exploit the weak and put greed above patient care.”
According to the evidence presented at trial, Farmer prescribed opioids to three sisters with whom he had ongoing sexual contact during the time he was prescribing. The evidence showed that between July 2016 and January 2019, Farmer prescribed over 1,200 pills, even though the three sisters showed clear signs of addiction. The evidence further showed that he kept almost no patient files on these women. Farmer also provided opioid prescriptions for the women’s friends, without keeping patient files for them or requiring medical examinations.
The DEA, along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department, investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Jillian Willis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Griffin of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 50 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force Program, led by the Fraud Section. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Memphis Physicians Agree to Pay More Than $340,000 for Alleged OverbillingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Doctor Shoaib Qureshi, Doctor Imran Mirza, Memphis Primary Care Specialists, Lunceford Family Health Center, and Getwell Family Medicine agreed to pay $341,690 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly charging Medicare for services rendered by nurse practitioners at the higher reimbursement rate for physician services, the Justice Department announced today.
Doctor Qureshi and Doctor Mirza are family medicine physicians who practice in and around Memphis, Tennessee. Doctor Qureshi owns and operates Memphis Primary Care Specialists and Lunceford Family Health Center; Doctor Mirza owns and operates Getwell Family Medicine.
“Healthcare providers who overcharge Medicare contribute to the soaring cost of health care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of federal health care programs and the American taxpayers.”
"Falsely billing Medicare for services by absent physicians encourages fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds and can ultimately harm patients," said D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. "Settlements like this achieve provider accountability, protect public funds, and safeguard the beneficiaries of federal health care programs."
“Medicare is a system based on trust and depends on the integrity of health care providers,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. “Physicians have a duty to ensure claims are accurate in order to prevent the program from over-paying for the services rendered to patients.”
Medicare pays a higher rate for physician services than for non-physician services. Medicare will pay the higher physician rate for services rendered by non-physician providers if the services are “incident to” the services of a physician. Such “incident to” services, however, must be provided under the direct supervision of a physician. The United States alleged that, from 2015 to 2018, Doctor Qureshi, Doctor Mirza, and their clinics billed Medicare as though the physicians had provided the services in question, when in fact nurse practitioners had treated the patients without the supervision required by Medicare’s “incident to” rules. Indeed, the government alleged that the services were rendered when the physicians were out of the office, including times when they were traveling out of state or abroad.
The settlement resolves allegations filed in a lawsuit by Michael Grace under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private individuals to sue for false claims on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The civil lawsuit is docketed in the Western District of Tennessee and is captioned United States; the States of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas; the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Virginia; and the City of Chicago ex rel. Grace v. Tenet HealthCare Corp., St. Francis Hospital-Memphis, Desert Regional Medical Center, Apollo MD, Shoaib Qureshi, MD; and Imran Mirza, MD, Case No. 2:20-CV-2209. As part of this settlement, Grace will receive $58,087 as his share of the government’s recovery.
The resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was investigated by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, and the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Last Defendant in Gangster Disciple RICO Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tarius Montez Taylor, a/k/a "T," 30, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
This guilty plea was the last conviction in a large RICO conspiracy case known as "Operation .38 Special", which was originally indicted in May, 2016, charging a total of 16 members of the Gangster Disciples criminal enterprise with racketeering. With the addition of this guilty plea, all 16 of the gang members have now been found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.
According to the superseding indictment, Taylor held the rank of blackout squad/security team member. The superseding indictment further stated that the defendants named in the RICO conspiracy committed attempted murders; robberies; assaults; distribution of large quantities of cocaine, crack and marijuana; firearms trafficking; kidnappings; intimidations of witnesses and victims; extortion; obstruction of justice; and other offenses in furtherance of the Gangster Disciples criminal enterprise and to promote and enhance the members’ position within the gang. This prosecution significantly damaged the national Gangster Disciples organization, eliminating some of its most powerful leaders, removing the gang from its key territory, and dismantling an important part of its organization here in West Tennessee.
The leadership of the Gangster Disciples (GD) criminal enterprise is organized into different positions, including national board members; governors of governors who controlled multiple states or geographic regions; and governors, assistant governors, chief enforcers, chiefs of security, and security team members for each state or region within the state where the Gangster Disciples were active. They also have coordinators and leaders within each local group. To enforce discipline among Gangster Disciples and adherence to the criminal organization’s rules and structure, members and associates are routinely fined, beaten and even murdered for failing to follow the gang’s rules.
Other leaders and members of the Gangster Disciples have previously been sentenced for their roles in the RICO conspiracy:
• Byron Montrail Purdy, a/k/a "Lil B" or "Ghetto," 38, of Jackson, Tennessee, the GD Governor of Tennessee who received a sentence of 360 months;
• Derrick Kennedy Crumpton, a/k/a "38," 35, of Memphis, Tennessee, the GD Assistant Governor of Tennessee who was sentenced to 324 months;
• Henry Cooper, a/k/a "Big Hen," 37, of Memphis, Tennessee, the GD Chief Regional Enforcer who received a sentence of 360 months;
• Demarcus Crawford, a/k/a "Trip", 35 of Jackson, Tennessee, the Chief of Security of the State of Tennessee who was sentenced to 300 months;
• Tommy Earl Champion, Jr., a/k/a "Duct Tape," 29, of Jackson Tennessee, a GD Black Out Squad member who was sentenced to 360 months;
• Daniel Lee Cole, a/k/a "D-Money," 38, a GD Assistant Governor in Jackson, Tennessee who received a sentence of 292 months; and
• Gerald Hampton, a/k/a, "G-30", 33 of Jackson, Tennessee, a GD Blackout Squad member who was sentenced to 240 months consecutive to a 13 year state sentence.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. on January 28, 2021. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Operation .38 Special demonstrates our ability and resolve to aggressively prosecute and hold accountable those who engage in organized criminal enterprises and gang conspiracies in furtherance of racketeering and violence. This successful federal prosecution has completely disrupted, dismantled, and devastated the leadership of the Gangster Disciples street gang here in West Tennessee, and ‘T’ is now teed up for a long prison sentence as well. The message from this case is clear: No matter what your role is in the conspiracy, or what your position, title, or gang nickname is, if you are a member of a criminal gang, your days are numbered and there will be a reckoning."
This prosecution was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, and to diminish the violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent organizations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI); JPD Gang Enforcement Team; Memphis Police Department; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; 28th Judicial District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; 26th, 25th, and 30th Judicial District Attorney’s General’s Offices; Sheriff’s Offices for Tipton, DeSoto, Madison, and Fayette Counties; and the Police Departments of Bartlett, Germantown and Columbia investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth Boswell of the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Shauna Hale of the Criminal Division Organized Crime and Gang Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Multiple Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of a Stolen Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Demetrius Lay, 41, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 24, 2018, officers with the Memphis Police Department performed a traffic stop on Faxon Street. The driver, Demetrius Lay, pulled into the driveway of a residence near that location. When officers approached, Lay fled the vehicle and threw a rifle over a fence and into an adjacent yard. Officers recovered the rifle, and a large plastic bag next to the rifle. The rifle was reported stolen on July 5, 2018. Inside the plastic bag were three smaller plastic bags all containing a white rock-like substance suspected to be crack cocaine. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation forensic laboratory tested the narcotics and determined the defendant possessed over 28 grams of cocaine.
Lay is a prohibited person with a prior felony conviction history that includes voluntary manslaughter, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from the possession of firearms or ammunition.
On December 13, 2018, Lay was indicted for one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On July 23, 2020, Lay pled guilty as charged in the indictment.
On October 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced the defendant to 120 months in federal prison followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This offender presented a triple threat of serious bodily injury and death: a prior violent convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm while distributing a deadly and addictive substance on the streets. This sentence protects the community by incapacitating a repeat dangerous offender, and achieves justice by providing proper punishment according to law."
The Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force investigated this case. The PSN initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 52 Years for Nine Armed Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cortez Young, 24, has been sentenced to 624 months in federal prison for committing nine (9) armed business robberies across Memphis. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on October 17, 2017, at approximately 10:50pm, three male individuals armed with handguns entered the Sonic Drive-In on South Perkins Road, waving the firearms and demanding money. The suspects pointed the guns at the employees and forced them to open the cash drawer. One of the suspects put the cash into a bag and all suspects fled towards the Cottonwood Apartments. This incident was captured on surveillance video.
It was determined that Young had the following history:
• On December 11, 2017, at approximately 10:30am, a male entered the Dollar Tree on Park Avenue, pointed a black handgun at a store employee and said, "you know what this is, hurry up and give me the money." After getting money from the register, the victim grabbed the drawer of the register and gave it to the suspect. The incident was captured on surveillance video.
• On December 16, 2017, at approximately 7:15pm, two armed male suspects entered the Dollar Tree on East Parkway demanding money from the employees. When the employees could not open the register, one of the men "cocked" his weapon and began breaking apart the register. They were unable to obtain anything from the store and fled the scene.
• On December 16, 2017, at approximately 9:00pm, two armed males entered the Family Dollar Store on South Perkins Road, threatening the employees and demanding money. One suspect pointed a gun at an employee’s face, and said, "I know you love your life, give it to us" and knocked items over near the counter. The suspects took the entire drawer and fled the scene.
• On December 21, 2017, at approximately 9:00pm, two armed males entered the Family Dollar on Summer Avenue, shouting and demanding money. The suspects ordered the employees to open the cash registers and the safe. One of the suspects shouted, "I know you love your life, I will blow your face off!" The suspects fled the scene with several hundred dollars in cash.
• On January 3, 2018, at approximately 8:15pm, two armed males entered the Circle K on Mt. Moriah Extended, demanding money. Before the employee could open the cash register, a customer in the store began firing shots at the suspects. The suspects fled the scene and the customer followed. As shots continued, one of the suspects, Devonte Gary, 21, was shot. Gary and Cortez Young got into a red vehicle driven by Cortez Young’s uncle, Arkiest Young, 38, who drove Gary to Delta Medical Hospital. The description of the vehicle at the hospital matched the description of the vehicle fleeing the Circle K.
• On January 22, 2018, at approximately 9:30pm, two male suspects entered the Family Dollar on Summer Avenue. The males approached an employee as he was restocking items in the store; one pointed a handgun and demanded money from the register. The suspects fled with an unknown amount of money. Upon reviewing the surveillance video, officers determined the suspect with the gun was Cortez Young.
• On January 22, 2018, at approximately 8:30pm, two armed male suspects entered the Dollar Tree on East Parkway and demanded money from the employees. An employee ran to a back office and called 911. The suspects fled without obtaining anything, and a witness described a red vehicle fleeing the scene.
• On January 24, 2018, at approximately 8:40am, one suspect entered the Subway on Lamar Ave, armed with a handgun. The suspect forced the employee to give him money from the register, followed her into the rear of the store, demanding to open the safe. The suspect left scene. The victim positively identified Cortez Young as the person responsible for the robbery.
• On January 25, 2018, officers with the Memphis Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force executed an arrest warrant for Cortez Young at his residence on Yale Avenue. Young was found hiding between a mattress and the wall in a back bedroom. As officers were executing the warrant, Arkeist Young arrived on the scene driving a stolen red Chevrolet HHR, which was similar in description as having been on the scene of several of the robberies. Inside the vehicle was a .380 caliber handgun, and a box of blue latex gloves. Victims of several of the robberies indicated the suspects were wearing blue latex gloves. Inside the residence were several boxes of .380 caliber ammunition, which matched some of the shell casings recovered from the shootout at the Circle K. Police investigators showed surveillance photos to Cortez Young, and he identified himself in at least one of the photos.
On June 19, 2018, a federal grand jury for the Western District of Tennessee returned a 16-count indictment charging Arkeist Young, Cortez Young, and Davonte Gary with the crimes of Hobbs Act robbery affecting interstate commerce; attempted robbery affecting interstate commerce; using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On August 14, 2019, Cortez Young entered a guilty plea to all 16 counts of the indictment as charged. On February 7, 2020, Arkeist Young pled guilty to attempted Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment for his role in these crimes. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/getaway-driver-sentenced-5-years-role-armed-business-robbery Charges against Davonte Gary are still pending.
On October 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cortez Young to 624 months and 1 day in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Business owners and employees have a fundamental right to be safe from armed robbers who terrorize our communities with their lawlessness. The senselessness of gun violence has a long lasting effect on victims of armed robbery, and we will no longer allow gun crime to rule our streets. Young’s violent crime spree is over, for good. This 52-year sentence for a 24 year-old offender sends a clear message that there will always be a reckoning, a real and significant consequence, for the commission of violent crimes."
The Memphis Police Department and the FBI - Safe Streets Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Whitmore and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Local Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Angelo Bunting, 22, has pled guilty to multiple carjackings and brandishing a firearm during those crimes of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2018, victim R.D. was driving southbound on Shelby Drive when flagged down by two males with children asking for a ride. The victim pulled over, and one of the males pointed a handgun and told him to get out of the vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Corolla. When the victim did not immediately comply, the men assaulted him with a firearm. The males fled in his vehicle, leaving him with injuries to his knee, lip, and face. On July 1, 2018, the vehicle was located on Sanford Road. Angelo Bunting’s fingerprints were discovered on the vehicle. The victim observed Bunting in a photo lineup and stated he resembled the man with a firearm at the driver’s window.
On July 6, 2018, victim E.S. was at the Shell station onMillbranch Road when he observed two males exit a red vehicle and approach him as he returned to his car after paying inside. The first suspect pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded his keys, while the second suspect put a firearm to the victim’s back and demanded money. The victim gave the suspects his keys, wallet, and cell phone. Both fled in the victim’s vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala; an unidentified individual drove the red vehicle away separately. The victim’s vehicle was later located on Elvis Presley Boulevard. The victim identified Bunting in a photo lineup and stated that he looked similar to one of the suspects.
On July 13, 2018, victim J.M. was washing his car, a 2013 Volkswagen Passat, at a carwash on Holmes Road when approached by two suspects, both of whom pointed firearms at him and demanded his vehicle. The victim complied, and the suspects left the scene. The vehicle was tracked by GPS in Southaven, Mississippi. Bunting’s fingerprints were found in the interior of the vehicle. Victim J.M. positively identified Angelo Bunting as one of the suspects who carjacked him. Co-defendant Carlos Jones previously entered a guilty plea in federal court to this carjacking and firearms offense on September 23, 2020, and is scheduled for sentencing on January 7, 2021. /usao-wdtn/pr/man-pleads-guilty-armed-carjacking-local-car-wash
On July 31, 2018, Bunting was arrested by officers with the Memphis Police Department’s Victim Crime Unit and the Multi Agency Gang Unit in connection with these crimes, as well as other robbery charges, which are still pending in state court. Bunting was originally indicted for these violent crimes on October 23, 2018. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/five-men-indicted-carjacking-and-armed-robbery-memphis On October 26, 2020, Bunting pleaded guilty to the offenses as charged.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Mark Norris, where Bunting faces up to 15 years for each of the 3 carjacking offenses, as well as a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years on each of the 3 brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence offenses. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed carjacking is a cowardly act involving short sighted gain with long term consequences for both victims and offenders. In the short period of just over two weeks, this young offender not only injured and terrorized multiple victims, but he also senselessly wasted his own life by committing successive violent gun crimes. When violent criminals act impulsively, we will respond deliberately with the full weight and force of federal sanctions to suppress, punish, and incapacitate them, and Bunting will now pay the price with decades in federal prison."
The Memphis Police Department – Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Used in Fatal Shooting of His Minor Child and Unlawful Reentry into the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –Argel Hernandez-Escobar, 33, last residing in Memphis, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for one count of possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and one count of illegally re-entering the United States. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on Sunday, September 30, 2018, at approximately 3 p.m., Memphis Police officers responded to a 911 call from a woman who said her son had been accidentally shot by the son’s father (later identified as Mr. Hernandez-Escobar) at their residence in Memphis, Tennessee.
Responding officers found Hernandez-Escobar on the front porch with a gunshot wound to his leg. Officers also found a 3-year-old male victim on the porch with a gunshot wound to his chest. A Mini Draco 7.62X39mm caliber pistol and a high capacity magazine were located near the front porch. Officers determined that Hernandez-Escobar had accidentally shot himself in the leg and the bullet struck his 3-year-old son who was playing nearby.
The child was transported to LeBonheur but later succumbed to his injuries. Hernandez-Escobar was transported to Regional One Medical Center. Hernandez-Escobar later gave a statement and admitted to possessing the Draco firearm with 30 round clip on his lap and stated that it accidentally went off, hitting himself in the leg and also striking his son. He stated the reason he had his firearm outside on his porch was because he was concerned about some unknown individual walking up and down in front of his house. A witness stated that Hernandez-Escobar had been drinking alcohol prior to the shooting.
Further investigation revealed Hernandez-Escobar is a citizen of Mexico and he did not have lawful status to be or remain in the United States. Specifically, it was determined that Hernandez-Escobar had the following history:
• On October 15, 2009, he was apprehended by Border Patrol Agents and served with an order of Expedited Removal and removed to Mexico the same day.
• On March 28, 2013, Hernandez-Escobar was apprehended by ICE agents in Memphis, and served a Notice of Intent to Reinstate Prior Order of Removal.
• On April 13, 2013, he was again removed to Mexico.
• On July 11, 2013, Hernandez-Escobar was apprehended by Border Patrol Agents in Texas and again served with a Notice of Intent to Reinstate Prior Order of Removal and other documents, which advised him that he was prohibited from entering or being in the United States for a period of 20 years.
• On July 16, 2013, he was convicted of illegal entry in the Western District of Texas.
• On August 9, 2013, he was again removed to Mexico.
• On September 30, 2018, he was again found to be unlawfully present in the United States after deportation.
A search of the relevant immigration records reflect that the defendant never obtained the consent or permission of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter into the United States, and was therefore charged with violation of 8 U.S.C. 1326(a). As a result of his illegal alien status, Hernandez-Escobar is prohibited by federal law from possession of a firearm or ammunition, and was therefore charged with a violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5). In May 2020, Hernandez-Escobar pled guilty as charged to the federal charges.
On October 23, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Hernandez- Escobar to 60 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Hernandez-Escobar awaits trial in Shelby County Criminal Court for state charges of Reckless Homicide and Aggravated Child Abuse. Following his ultimate release from federal and state custody, Hernandez-Escobar will again be subject to deportation and removal from the United States.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation, but also threaten the safety of our communities. Keeping guns out of the hands of presumptively risky people who are difficult to track and who have an interest in eluding law enforcement serves the public safety objectives and Congressional intent of federal firearms laws. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized and renewed our commitment to immigration enforcement, and this case demonstrates our focus on those criminal aliens who continue to illegally reenter and violate our laws after deportation.
We will aggressively and unapologetically enforce U.S. immigration laws and federal firearms statutes, and seek stiff penalties against those who violate them."
The Department of Homeland Security - Border Enforcement Security Task Force in conjunction with the Memphis Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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West Tennessee Pharmacy Burglary Crew ConvictedRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Several individuals have been convicted for conspiracy to burglarize pharmacies. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the convictions today.
According to information presented in court, from February 3, 2017 to December 6, 2018, in the Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Mississippi, Middle District of Tennessee, Southern District of Ohio, and elsewhere, a roving band of burglars in various combinations burglarized over 90 businesses and pharmacies.
In most instances, the suspects would wear masks or an article of clothing to conceal their face, and gloves so as not to leave prints. Entry was typically gained utilizing a crow bar to pry open the door. Once entry was made, two to three suspects would enter the business, taking various types of controlled substances for purposes of redistribution. During these burglaries, several variations of vehicles were being utilized, many of which had temporary operation plates, "dealer drive-out" tags, no tags at all, or were found to be stolen vehicles.
• On May 16, 2019, defendants Nicholas Wright, 28, Tony Bowen, 26, Brandon Clay, 24, Marquis Presley, 29, Bryan Presley, 30, and Anwar Gates, 42, were indicted for conspiracy to burglarize a number of pharmacies in the Western District of Tennessee and elsewhere in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2118(d). In addition, Bowen, Presley, and Clay were indicted for the burglary of the Walgreens located at 1424 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN on October 19, 2017.
• Wright and Bowen were also indicted for the burglary of the Walgreens located at 4890 N. Highland Street, Columbus, OH., during which a federal agent was assaulted. Bowen was also indicted for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
• Bryan Pressley was also indicted for burglary of the Homewood Drug Company located at 2280 North Washington Avenue, Brownsville, TN. On December 6, 2018, Pressley assaulted a Brownsville Police Officer.
All of the defendants have since pleaded guilty, and have been sentenced as follows by United States District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla:
• Bowen was sentenced to 180 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $191,656.87.
• Brian Presley was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $24,905.86.
• Marquis Presley was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment followed by 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $53,994.63.
• Gates was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment followed by 2 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,107.26.
• Clay was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,002.89.
On October 16, 2020, Wright pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on January 22, 2021 before United States District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Pharmacy burglaries and theft of controlled substances not only harm the business owner, but also present the dangerous risk of hundreds of prescription opioids being unlawfully distributed into the community, causing further potential addiction, injury, and death. As demonstrated in this case, we will not tolerate this lawlessness by organized criminal enterprises, and will use all available resources to punish and remove dangerous offenders from our communities for a very long time."
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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