Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces a total of $898,864 in Justice Department Grants to Support Gun Prosecutors and Real Time Crime Center in Memphis as Part of Operation LeGendRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant today announced $398,864 in Department of Justice grant funding awarded to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office to hire special prosecutors to try federal firearms cases originating in Memphis. The award supports violence reduction efforts as part of Operation LeGend and other Department-led initiatives in cities across the country. An additional $500,000 is available to support a Real Time Crime Center in Memphis that will provide police with rapid intelligence and instant information to help identify emerging crime patterns.
"Keeping its citizens safe is the primary responsibility of government," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Cities plagued by violent crime need the resources to tackle it, and these grant awards will help do that. On the enforcement side, Real Time Crime Centers will make policing more efficient and targeted; and on the prosecution side, Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) will help bring more federal firearms cases to justice."
Attorney General Barr announced that the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs is making up to $5.3 million available in grants to support Operation LeGend sites nationwide. More than $1.3 million will fund special prosecutors who have been cross-designated to try federal firearms cases originating in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kansas City, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee; and St. Louis, Missouri. In addition, these and other LeGend cities will be eligible for up to $500,000 in grant funding to support Real Time Crime Centers. These centers are a considerable financial investment for any law enforcement agency. The funding being made available to each LeGend city can assist police departments in purchasing critical equipment and paying for the overtime to keep these centers staffed around the clock.
"We are pleased to support the outstanding work being undertaken through Operation LeGend to reduce violent crime by focusing on cases involving illegal firearms," said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. "The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to make these resources available to support the brave crime-fighters who work so hard to deter violence and keep our communities safe."
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 dangerous offenders from our streets. We are thankful to Attorney General Barr for providing these additional SAUSA resources to enforce federal firearms laws, and we will continue to coordinate with Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich and the Memphis Police Department in our joint efforts to combat violent gun crime. Rest assured that, with our successful results and sustained resolve under Operation LeGend, we will aggressively prosecute the trigger-pullers, traffickers, straw purchasers, and prohibited persons who illegally possess firearms in Memphis and Shelby County."
A grant to the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office will support the hiring of two (2) full-time local prosecutors who will be empowered to try firearms cases in federal court. Prosecuting gun crimes is central to the Justice Department’s strategy under Operation LeGend and other violence reduction initiatives led by the Department. These efforts follow a sustained, systematic and coordinated approach to gun violence in which federal law enforcement agencies work closely with state and local officials to fight violent crime. Funding comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
The Department of Justice launched Operation LeGend in July, following the murder of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept in his Kansas City home. The initiative was subsequently expanded from Kansas City to Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Memphis, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Indianapolis. Since the summer launch, officials in Operation LeGend sites have made more than 5,500 arrests, including approximately 276 for homicide, and seized more than 2,000 firearms. Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses.More than 600 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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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Bounty Hunter Felon Convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, AgainRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a three-day jury trial with proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Jeremy Fields, 35, was found guilty as charged for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty verdict in what was the second post-COVID-19 federal trial held in Memphis.
According to information presented in court, on March 28, 2019, U. S. Probation and Parole Officers conducted a home inspection at the residence of Jeremy Fields, a convicted felon, who was on supervised release for possessing a firearm and body armor in conjunction with his duties as a bounty hunter. During the search, officers observed suspicious items in the home that led them to believe Fields was still engaged in the bounty hunting business. They discovered a handgun in a case containing Fields’ bounty hunter ID and badge, handcuffs, and two holsters, along with other personal documents in Fields’ bedroom.
Fields explained to the officers that the gun must belong to his brother (friend) Julian Williams, 36. When Williams arrived, he initially told officers nothing in the home belonged to him. After some time on the scene, Williams mentioned he stayed with Fields previously and might have left a gun there some time ago. At trial, Williams took the stand and told the jury that he did not know Fields was a convicted felon. He said he left his gun under Fields' bed in the case without telling Fields it was there. The jury rejected that defense, and found Fields guilty as charged in the indictment.
Sentencing is set for December 18, 2020 before U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays, where Fields faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison followed by up to 3 years 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, this offender stubbornly continued to possess a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history and his supervised probation status. Fields has demonstrated his refusal to accept responsibility for his criminal conduct, and as a result of this guilty verdict, he will now face a significant consequence for his brazen recidivism."
U.S. Probation and Parole, the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Memphis Police Department – Crump Station and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force investigated the case.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods 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 Neal Oldham and Jennifer Musselwhite are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates on Operation LeGend in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN –During a visit with law enforcement in Memphis today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation LeGend, which was expanded to Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020.
Since Operation LeGend’s launch in July 2020, nearly 5,500 arrests – including approximately 276 for homicide, 66 of which occurred in Memphis – have been made; more than 2,000 firearms have been seized; and nearly 28 kilos of heroin, nearly 16 kilos of fentanyl, more than 200 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 30 kilos of cocaine, and more than $7.3 million in drug proceeds have been seized.
Of the more than 5,500 individuals arrested, approximately 1,124 have been charged with federal offenses. Approximately 602 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while approximately 441 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.
Breakdown of Operation LeGend charges:
The initiative, which was first launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, 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 operation was subsequently expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO
174 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 67 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 94 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 13 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, IL
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
• 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM
126 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 52 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 64 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 10 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH
101 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 59 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 38 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 4 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
• 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI
57 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 25 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 27 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 5 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO
274 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
• 125 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 125 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 24 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, TN
64 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
• 35 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 16 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 13 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, IN
65 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
• 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 46 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 9 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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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.
Former Hardeman County Correctional Officer Sentenced to 5 Years for Distributing Narcotics in the Whiteville Correctional FacilityRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Shontavis Rivers, 21, a resident of Bolivar, Tennessee has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute in excess of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine within the Whiteville Correctional Facility. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 25, 2019, a criminal complaint was filed against Rivers for attempting to smuggle narcotics into the Whiteville Correctional Facility. Rivers, a correctional officer, began removing his personal items to pass through the security checkpoint when a K-9 dog barked. Rivers quickly turned and left the building. Correctional employees followed Rivers as he attempted to leave. When approached by employees he stated that he had forgotten his identification. Rivers was informed that he would have to pass through security screening before he could retrieve his identification.
Whiteville Police Department officers were called to the scene and questioned Rivers who admitted that he had several packages concealed on his person. Each package contained approximately 77 grams of actual methamphetamine at 98% purity and 6.82 grams of cocaine. Rivers admitted to bringing packages of narcotics into the facility on two prior occasions.
On October 16, 2020, Chief United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Rivers to 60 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Official misconduct by public officers in positions of trust and authority undermines the foundational integrity of our government institutions and the security of correctional facilities. We will root out, expose, and hold accountable those officials who violate their oath for personal gain by introducing illegal narcotics into jails and prisons."
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), Whiteville Police Department, and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges 3 with COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Local Tax Business Alleged to be Responsible for $1.1 Million in Fraudulently Obtained COVID-19 Related Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Memphis, TN – Brandy D. Scaife, 42, Janisha L. Jones, 22, and Sharika L. Carpenter, 42, of Better Days Tax Service, have been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the federal criminal complaint today.
According to information presented in the complaint, between April 2020 and June 2020, Scaife, Jones and Carpenter, participated in a fraud scheme to obtain COVID-19 relief funds from the Small Business Administration in excess of $1 million. Further, the scheme resulted in 401 fraudulently filed applications seeking Economic Injury Disaster loans made available to those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Numerous applications were submitted using false information for the purpose of facilitating the fraudulent activity. Evidence revealed approved loan applications netted approximately $1.1 million in fraudulently obtained funds.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 30 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "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 fraud during this challenging and uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic. I commend the outstanding investigation by our federal law enforcement partners in this brazen and disturbing case."
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General investigated this case.
For information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to stop illegal COVID-19-related activity, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, consumers may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites. The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline by phone at (1-866-720-5721) or via an online reporting form available at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster- complaint-form.
The Western District of Tennessee Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator is Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin.
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.
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McNairy County Man Pleads Guilty to His Involvement in a Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Nickolas Atkins, 41, a resident of Selmer, Tennessee has pled guilty to his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
In March 2018, a joint-task force investigation was initiated into the activities of a Drug Trafficking Organization run by Timmy Jermaine Cole (Cole). The investigation involved the trafficking of large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, and cocaine from individuals in Mexico into West Tennessee for distribution. Nickolas Atkins (Atkins) was a member of the drug conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and hydrocodone pills.
On April 15, 2019, a federal grand jury for the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern Division, returned a three-count Indictment against Timmy Jermaine Cole, Lynnie Ray
Pettigrew, Rolando Garibaldi-Alvarado, Juan Javier Acosta-Melendez, Kelvin Pettigrew, Anthony McElrath, Nickolas Atkins, Marcus Canty, Richard Trevino, Bayrin Hinson, Cornelius Talley, Robert Winters, Steven Williams, Scotty Tubbs, and Cindy Cannon. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/nineteen-members-drug-trafficking-organization-indicted-distributing-methamphetamine.
After his arrest, Atkins was released on bond. During his pre-trial release, law enforcement officers utilizing a confidential informant, purchased hydrocodone pills while Atkins was on bond. Atkins was re-arrested by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for distributing approximately 600 hydrocodone pills. His pre-trial bond was revoked and Atkins was detained. Thereafter, Atkins was indicted for possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of hydrocodone pills. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/mcnairy-county-man-re-arrested-and-indicted-distribution-hydrocodone-while-pre-trial.
During Atkins’ change of plea hearing on October 13, he admitted to being a member of the Cole drug conspiracy and admitted to distributing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, 3 ounces of cocaine, 100 pounds of marijuana and 600 hydrocodone pills.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson, where Atkins faces a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal enterprises that distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide. We are taking the fight to the drug trafficking organizations in order to dismantle them and remove them from our streets."
The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Sheriff's Department, Hardeman County Sheriff's Department, Decatur County Sheriff's Department, Lexington Police Department, Dyersburg Police Department, 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force and Jackson Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerry Kitchen and Assistant United States Attorney Hillary Parham are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Dyersburg Woman Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Anne Taylor Davis, 28, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in 2019, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers with the Dyersburg Police Department began an investigation into a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking organization in Dyersburg, and Eastern Arkansas.
During the investigation, Davis sold methamphetamine to an undercover operative, and was found in possession of ice methamphetamine. Evidence revealed Davis intended to distribute more than two kilograms of methamphetamine, which was 98% pure. Davis has an extensive criminal history, including multiple convictions for theft and drug charges. On October 9, 2020, Chief United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Davis to 151 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This sentence represents another great example of law enforcement working together to hold meth traffickers accountable. Criminal enterprises that distribute these harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide. We are taking the fight to the drug trafficking organizations in order to dismantle them and remove them from our streets."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Dyersburg Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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U.S. Attorney Announces the Appointment of the District Election Officer for the Western District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Scott Smith will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Smith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Dunavant stated that AUSA Smith will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 901-544-4231.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 901-747-4300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
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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Dyer County Career Drug Offender Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – William Frank Perry, 49, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine and marijuana. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 11, 2018, when officers with the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Dyersburg Police Department and the United States Marshals Service attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Perry at his residence, he was not home. Officers observed the defendant's sister in the driveway getting into a vehicle and instructed her to contact Perry. When he arrived to the residence, he was immediately placed into custody. While searching the vehicle, officers observed a black bag in the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. The defendant's sister denied ownership of the bag or knowledge of its contents.
Perry admitted to possessing the bag and provided a statement as to its contents. A search revealed 6.58 grams of crack cocaine, 5.57 grams of methamphetamine, 1.3 lbs. of marijuana and over $3,000 in U.S. currency on Perry’s person.
Perry has an extensive criminal history with prior convictions for multiple drug felonies, including possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; possession of marijuana with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver; attempt to distribute controlled substances; and possession with the intent to distribute and attempt to possess marijuana. As a result of these prior drug felony convictions, Perry is considered to be a career drug offender under federal law for purposes of sentencing.
On October 1, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Perry to 151 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, "This defendant has a long criminal history of felony drug convictions, yet continued his persistent pattern of drug trafficking. Mr. Perry has devoted his adult life to a career of repeated criminal conduct, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This sentence removing him from the community for more than 12 years is well-deserved, and will make Dyersburg and West Tennessee a safer place."
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Dyersburg Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Crockett County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Christopher Ethan Webb, 24, of Crockett County, TN has been sentenced to 57 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 3, 2019, Webb was released from a five-year state sentence on two counts of aggravated assault where the defendant shot an individual during an altercation. On January 24, 2020, the West Tennessee Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force was executing a search warrant at Webb’s residence in rural Alamo, Tennessee, when they recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol hidden in an air duct. The defendant admitted that he had been in possession of that firearm.
On October 7, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Webb to 57 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: "Less than 2 months after being released from state custody for a violent gun offense, Webb was again found with a gun. Clearly, he did not learn a lesson from his prior state convictions, and continues to be a danger to the community. Now, he will be rightly punished for his recidivism and incapacitated in federal prison, where there is no sentence discount or sanctuary of parole."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the West Tennessee Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Milan Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Michael Peoples, 27, of Milan, TN, has been sentenced to 49 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 July 7, 2018, Peoples was released from a six-year state sentence for convictions of two counts of aggravated assault in Gibson County. On October 10, 2018, Milan Police Department was called to a vehicle at a stop sign on Ellis Street. An officer arrived on the scene and discovered the individual later identified as the defendant, asleep in the driver's seat. The officer knocked on the window until the defendant awoke. After performing poorly on a series of field sobriety tasks, Peoples was placed into custody for driving under the influence.
A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol under the driver's seat. As a result of his prior felony convictions, Peoples is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition, and was charged accordingly.
On February 10, 2020, the defendant pled guilty as charged to the federal offense of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
On October 2, 2020, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Peoples to 49 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: "It is well known that past violence is predictive of future violence. Clearly, Peoples did not learn a lesson from his prior state convictions and sentence for violence, and continues to be a danger to the community. Now, he will be rightly punished for his recidivism and incapacitated in federal prison, where there is no sentence discount or sanctuary of parole."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); West Tennessee Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force; and the Milan Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Madison County Man Charged in Both Federal and State Courts for Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Possession of a Hoax Device During Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Justin Coffman, 29, has been federally charged with being a drug user in possession of firearms, and has been indicted in state court for the criminal offense of possession of a hoax device. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the federal criminal complaint, and 26th Judicial District Attorney General Jody Pickens announced the state indictment by the Madison County Grand Jury today.
According to a federal complaint unsealed today, on June 1, 2020, Jackson Police Department began investigating Coffman who was posting photographs to his Facebook page and another page titled, "The Gunpowder Plot" that depicted him holding a Molotov cocktail near the Jackson City Court building. The photo also showed a Jackson Police Department transport van. Above the photo was a quote, "You will bathe in the flames born from your hatred." Coffman was also seen at two protests against police violence in the days leading up to the investigation.
Officers obtained a state search warrant for Coffman’s residence to search for the potential incendiary device, and located a glass bottle containing a liquid substance fashioned to appear like a Molotov cocktail, as well as two firearms: a Spikes Tactical model ST15 multi caliber AR type rifle, and a Sarsilmaz model SARK2P 9mm pistol in Coffman’s bedroom. Marijuana was also recovered.
As a result of further investigation by law enforcement, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Coffman with being an unlawful user of drugs in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 USC §922(g)(3).
Coffman was also indicted by the Madison County Grand Jury and charged in state court by the 26th Judicial District Attorney General, Jody Pickens, for the Class C Felony offense of possession of a hoax device in violation of T.C.A. §39-17-1302, as well as the Class A misdemeanor offenses of possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance in violation of T.C.A. §39-17-418 and five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia in violation of T.C.A. §39-17-425.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as unlawful users of illegal narcotics are always a public safety concern, but especially so when multiple weapons are recovered during a potentially volatile situation, such as civil unrest. We take all threats against law enforcement very seriously, and I commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in quickly responding to remove firearms and potentially dangerous devices from this offender."
Madison County District Attorney General Jody Pickens said: "I applaud the work of law enforcement in the investigation of this matter. It stands as a great example of cooperation between state and federal law enforcement."
If convicted, Coffman faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000 for the federal firearms offense; and a sentence from 3-15 years for the state felony hoax device offense. The federal charges will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendant. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Jackson Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Madison County District Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case on behalf of the State of Tennessee.
The charges and allegations contained in the federal criminal complaint and state indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates on Operation LeGend at Roundtable in AlbuquerqueRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN - At a roundtable with law enforcement in Albuquerque today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation LeGend, which was expanded to Albuquerque on July 22, 2020.
Since Operation LeGend’s launch in July 2020, more than 5,000 arrests – including approximately 263 for homicide – have been made; more than 2,000 firearms have been seized; and nearly 22 kilos of heroin, more than 15 kilos of fentanyl (enough to deliver more than 7.5 million fatal doses), more than 130 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 28 kilos of cocaine, and more than $7.3 million in drug proceeds have been seized.
Of the more than 5,000 individuals arrested, approximately 1,057 have been charged with federal offenses. Approximately 568 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while approximately 411 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.
Breakdown of Operation LeGend charges:
The initiative, which was first launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, 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 operation was subsequently expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO.
136 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 49 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 76 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 11 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
- 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
113 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 47 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 56 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 10 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
94 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 54 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 36 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
96 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 31 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 62 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
54 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 25 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 25 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
274 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
- 125 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 125 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 24 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, TN.
51 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
- 30 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 14 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 7 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, Indiana
65 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 46 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 9 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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Justice Department Charges More than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Today, the Justice Department announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
"The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe," said Attorney General Barr. "By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Justice Department is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners."
"Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission," commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. "Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across West Tennessee. Since becoming U.S. Attorney in 2017, I have intensified our focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing violent gun offenders from our streets. In order to reduce violent crime and save lives, we will continue to aggressively prosecute the trigger-pullers, traffickers, straw purchasers, and prohibited persons who illegally use and possess firearms in West Tennessee."
Of the more than 14,200 cases charged, a total of 203 federal firearms-related cases have been brought in the Western District of Tennessee in FY 2020, announced U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Justice Department and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Multiple Firearms in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Markeis Ivy, 24, has been sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on May 2, 2019, while on targeted patrol in the area of Springdale and Howell area, undercover law enforcement encountered a blue Camaro that had stopped in the middle of the road as the occupants in the vehicle talked to people standing along the street. As the officers pulled around the Camaro, the driver pointed an AR type rifle at one of the undercover officers. Law enforcement then radioed for assistance.
Arriving to the scene, law enforcement spotted the suspect vehicle with its passenger side door open in front of a residence on Howell Street. The officers gave commands for the occupants to show their hands when the passenger side door closed and the vehicle reversed at a high rate of speed. The vehicle made a U-turn and accelerated, hitting the undercover vehicle and chain link fence at the rear of the apartment complex. The car then stopped.
As one man attempted to run, he was captured and placed into custody. Officers saw Ivy reaching for the driver’s side floorboard and pulled him out of the car. There was a struggle, and officers were required to restrain Ivy by the use of a taser before placing him into custody. As they picked him up off the ground, a plastic Ziploc bag containing four other small plastic bags fell from his person, which contained 73 oxycodone pills, 12 Xanax pills, marijuana, and $1,879 in U.S. currency.
Officers found a black assault rifle on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle and a black assault-style handgun on the passenger side floorboard, a 70-round magazine, a Glock 40 caliber magazine, and a FN 57 magazine.
On November 26, 2019, law enforcement served a search warrant at Ivy’s residence in Cordova, Tennessee and found 29.94 grams of marijuana in two bags, a digital scale, and approximately $6,000 in U.S. currency on his person.
Also found in the residence were the following:
• MAG Tactical AR15 Model G4 Variant Pistol, one round in the chamber and a loaded 30 round magazine, 5.56 caliber ammunition, a 24 round 5.56 caliber magazine removed from the pistol.
• American Tactical Hybrid .223 caliber Short Barrel Rifle with a loaded 60 round extended magazine.
• Glock 9mm handgun loaded with an extended magazine, 32 total rounds.
• Ruger 9mm pistol with one round in the chamber and a loaded magazine.
• Sig 229 magazine, and 12 Speer .40 caliber rounds.
• Body armor vest.
• 19 rounds of 9mm ammunition in a baggie on the kitchen counter.
• Three rounds of assorted ammunition on the kitchen counter.
• One round of Riocchi ammunition.
• 50 round drum magazine located on the kitchen counter.
On October 7, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Ivy to 75 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed drug dealers pose a significant public safety risk to our communities and law enforcement, and must be punished and incapacitated in a meaningful way. This outstanding investigation removed multiple firearms from the hands of a dangerous offender, and this sentence will reduce the threat of addiction, injury, violence, and death in Memphis."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Memphis Police Department – Crump Station Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Federal Jury Convicts Getaway Driver of Two Armed Business Robberies and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a three-day jury trial with proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Frederick Coleman, 29, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit multiple armed business robberies and brandishing a firearm during crimes of violence, in the first post-COVID-19 federal trial held in Memphis. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, from July 8, 2019-July 15, 2019, Coleman and co-defendant Raphael Hall, committed three armed business robberies at the following locations in Memphis: Dixie Queen at 4092 S. Third Street; Waffle House at 4313 American Way; and Captain D’s at 2238 Frayser Boulevard. Hall was the gunman and Coleman served as the lookout and getaway driver in the robberies. In the Waffle House robbery, Coleman entered the business, but stayed at the door holding a silver revolver, while Hall pointed a shotgun at the cashier and then took the money.
On January 14, 2020, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Hall and Coleman, charging them with the 3 business robberies affecting interstate commerce and brandishing a firearm during those crimes of violence. On September 15, 2020, Hall pled guilty as charged, and has yet to be sentenced.
On October 8, 2020, the jury found Coleman guilty of the robberies and firearms offenses involving the Waffle House and Captain D’s businesses. The jury was unable to reach a verdict as to the charges involving the Dixie Queen.
Sentencing is set for January 8, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla, where Coleman faces sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison and $250,000 fine for each of the business robberies, and a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years imprisonment for each firearm offense.
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. This verdict sends a clear message that there will always be a reckoning, a real and significant consequence, for the commission of violent crimes."
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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DOJ Charges 500+ Domestic Violence–Related Firearms Cases in Fiscal Year 2020Read the Press Release
Western District of Tennessee Has Charged 25 Cases in FY 20
Memphis, TN – Today, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 500 domestic violence cases involving firearms during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. A Department priority since 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr created the Department of Justice’s first ever-Domestic Violence Working Group, these charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made domestic violence firearms-related investigations a priority.
"Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminal offenders is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities," said Attorney General Barr. "This is especially important when it comes to individuals with prior domestic violence convictions. The statistics are clear that when domestic violence offenders have access to guns, their partners and their families are at much greater risk of falling victim to gun violence. In fact, in some communities across America, roughly half of the homicides are related to domestic violence. The Department of Justice is committed to keeping guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from having them, and we will continue investigating and prosecuting all domestic violence firearms related crimes."
"According to the CDC, data suggests that about one in six homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner," said ATF Acting Director Lombardo. "Nearly half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. ATF is committed to aggressively pursuing prohibited possession of firearms due to domestic violence convictions and certain protective orders. It is another way we prevent violent gun crime within our communities."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. The presence of a firearm during a crime of domestic violence dramatically increases the chances that the victim or other family members in the household, including children,will be fatally shot. A central component of PSN is that safe neighborhoods begin with safe homes, and through our aggressive federal prosecution of these known abusers, we can incapacitate and hold dangerous offenders accountable, send a strong message of deterrence, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives."
Of the more than 500 cases charged, 25 cases have been brought by the Western District of Tennessee in FY 2020, announced U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant. Here in the Western District of Tennessee, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has dramatically increased the number of defendants charged with domestic violence-related firearms offenses over the last 3 years:
FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 FY 2020
Defendants charged 1 15 33 22 25
Examples of successful federal prosecutions of firearms offenses committed by domestic abusers in West Tennessee over the last year include the following:
• Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 6 Years for Unlawful Possession of Multiple Firearms: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/domestic-abuser-sentenced-6-years-unlawful-possession-multiple-firearms
• Convicted Felon with Prior Domestic Violence History Given 5 Year Sentence for Gun Possession: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-prior-domestic-violence-history-given-5-year-sentence-gun-possession
• Convicted Felon Sentenced to Over 7 Years for Possession of Firearm During Domestic Violence Incident and Possession of Ammunition After Threatening and Evading Law Enforcement: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-over-7-years-possession-firearm-during-domestic-violence
• Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm During Domestic Violence Incident: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-federal-prison-possession-firearm-during-domestic-violence
• Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm During Domestic Violence Incident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-possession-firearm-during-domestic-violence-incident-sentenced-10-years
• Convicted Felon with Prior Domestic Violence Conviction Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being in Possession of Ammunition: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-prior-domestic-violence-conviction-sentenced-federal-prison-being
This significant increase in federal charges and convictions in this category is a direct result of the Justice Department’s aggressive effort to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. This effort, combined with the re-invigoration of Project Safe
Neighborhoods (PSN) and the Justice Department’s concerted efforts to prosecute violent crime through Project Guardian and Operation LeGend, has resulted in this success.
Under federal law, individuals with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions, as well as individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders, are prohibited from possessing firearms. The data shows that offenders with domestic violence in their past pose a high risk of homicide. In fact, domestic violence abusers with a gun in the home are five times more likely to kill their partners.
The Working Group, chaired by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox, of the Northern District of Texas, disseminates legal guidance on keeping guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers using three federal statutes:
• 18 USC § 922 (g)(1), felon in possession of a firearm
• 18 USC § 922 (g)(9), possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (misdemeanor crime of domestic violence)
• 18 USC § 922 (g)(8), possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order
Based on the Working Group’s guidance, in FY 2020, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices nationwide brought 337 domestic violence felon-in-possession charges, 54 possession while subject to a protective order charges, and 142 possession by a prohibited person charges.
For more information on domestic violence or to get help, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
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John McAfee Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging John David McAfee with tax evasion and willful failure to file tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. The June 15, 2020 indictment was unsealed following McAfee’s arrest in Spain where he is pending extradition.
According to the indictment, John McAfee earned millions in income from promoting cryptocurrencies, consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary. From 2014 to 2018, McAfee allegedly failed to file tax returns, despite receiving considerable income from these sources. The indictment does not allege that during these years McAfee received any income or had any connection with the anti-virus company bearing his name.
According to the indictment, McAfee allegedly evaded his tax liability by directing his income to be paid into bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts in the names of nominees. The indictment further alleges McAfee attempted to evade the IRS by concealing assets, including real property, a vehicle, and a yacht, in the names of others.
If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on each count of tax evasion and a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each count of willful failure to file a tax return. McAfee also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Dunavant commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney William Guappone of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Wilson and Damon Griffin, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
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Henry County Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Justin Simmons, 36, has been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 14, 2018, investigators with the Paris, Tennessee Police Department observed a blue van speeding. Upon stopping the vehicle, it was determined that the driver’s license had been revoked. Simmons was the front seat passenger. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, investigators found 62 grams of marijuana and 37 grams of methamphetamine.
On or about May 29, 2018, Paris, Tennessee Police Department investigators observed Simmons operating a vehicle and attempted to stop him; he fled in his vehicle, nearly hitting another officer’s vehicle. Simmons was then pursued by law enforcement on Elkhorn Road in Paris, Tennessee, until he ran off the left side of the road.
A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 2.205 ounces of marijuana in a plastic container. Investigators located a green army can beside Simmons’s vehicle which contained approximately 1.167 pounds of methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, plastic baggies, and $2,178 in United States currency.
On October 6, 2020, Chief U.S. District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Simmons to 140 months in federal prison followed by 5 years 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."
The Paris, Tennessee Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Jackson, Tennessee Task Force investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Seventeen Charged in Poly-Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Spanning Multiple StatesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Seventeen individuals have been charged in federal court with operating a multiple–state drug trafficking organization. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the federal criminal complaint today.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal enterprises that distribute harmful drugs into West Tennessee can no longer hide. We are taking the fight to the gangs in order to dismantle their drug trafficking organizations and remove them from our streets. I commend the outstanding investigative efforts by DEA and our state and local law enforcement partners in this important and impactful case."
The following individuals have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana into and throughout West Tennessee. In March 2019, a DEA investigation was initiated in the Jackson, Tennessee area. Investigators used wiretaps along with other surveillance, confidential sources, traffic stops, search warrants, and gang intelligence to investigate this drug trafficking organization. Agents seized 106.5 lbs. of methamphetamine (ice), 500 fentanyl pills, and an additional 1.25 lbs. of fentanyl, and 3.5 grams of heroin. Each defendant’s role in the drug trafficking conspiracy is outlined in the criminal complaint:
Methamphetamine Conspiracy:
• Terry Smith, a/k/a "Ali," a/k/a "Cockeye", 33 of Lauderdale County (TDOC Custody)
• Rodney Ayers, a/k/a "P-Rod," 47 of Shelby County
• Horace McNeary, a/k/a "HB," 35 of Henry County
• Brianna Norsworthy, 23 of Calloway County, Kentucky
• -SEALED-
• Dustin Chambers, a/k/a "SNOW," 35 of Madison County
• Anthony Hines, a/k/a "BYRD," 41 of Shelby County
• Kayla Henderson, 28 of Shelby County
• Teddy Reed, a/k/a "PT," 40 of Shelby County
• Jermichael Buggs, 33 of Shelby County
• -SEALED-
• Danielle Cunningham, 35 of Shelby County
• Aerielle Coleman, 31 of Shelby County, and
• James Dumas, a/k/a "DOO DOO," 45 of Shelby County
Fentanyl Conspiracy:
• Terry Smith, a/k/a "ALI," a/k/a "COCKEYE"
• Rodney Ayers, a/k/a "P-ROD,"
• Anthony Hines, a/k/a "BYRD,"
• Kayla Henderson
• Teddy Reed, a/k/a "PT," and
• James Dumas, a/k/a "DOO DOO"
Cocaine Conspiracy:
• Rodney Ayers, a/k/a "P-ROD,"
• Anthony Hines, a/k/a "BYRD,"
• Teddy Reed, a/k/a "PT"
• Jermichael Buggs
• -SEALED-
• Michael Broady, 49 of Shelby County
• -SEALED-
• Tracy Coleman, 49 of Shelby County, and
• James Dumas, a/k/a "DOO DOO"
Heroin Conspiracy:
• Terry Smith, a/k/a "ALI," a/k/a "COCKEYE
• Rodney Ayers, a/k/a "P-ROD,"
• Horace McNeary, a/k/a "HB,"
• Kayla Henderson,
• Teddy Reed, a/k/a "PT,"
• -SEALED-, and
• James Dumas, a/k/a "DOO DOO"
Marijuana Conspiracy:
• Terry Smith, a/k/a "ALI," a/k/a "COCKEYE
• Rodney Ayers, a/k/a "P-ROD,"
• Anthony Hines, a/k/a "BYRD,"
• Kayla Henderson
• Teddy Reed, a/k/a "PT"
• Jermichael Buggs
• Michael Broady and
• James Dumas, a/k/a "DOO DOO"
Further investigation revealed that Terry Smith a/k/a "Ali," a/k/a "Cockeye", Chief of Security for the Vice Lords street gang, arranged large quantities of methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to be shipped into the Western District of Tennessee from Texas and Arizona. He utilized a large distribution network that ranged from Western Kentucky to Northwest Mississippi. Smith was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service while in TDOC custody at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary, and transferred to federal pre-trial custody.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); West Tennessee Drug Task Force; Jackson Police Department; Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit; Madison County Sheriff’s Department; Paris, Tennessee Police Department; Henry County Sheriff’s Department; Murray, Kentucky Police Department; Kentucky State Police; Arkansas State Police; Tennessee Department of Correction Office of Investigations & Compliance (TDOC-OIC); and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. Each charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law. The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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John McAfee Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed today charging John David McAfee with tax evasion and willful failure to file tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. The June 15, 2020 indictment was unsealed following McAfee’s arrest in Spain where he is pending extradition.
According to the indictment, John McAfee earned millions in income from promoting cryptocurrencies, consulting work, speaking engagements, and selling the rights to his life story for a documentary. From 2014 to 2018, McAfee allegedly failed to file tax returns, despite receiving considerable income from these sources. The indictment does not allege that during these years McAfee received any income or had any connection with the anti-virus company bearing his name.
According to the indictment, McAfee allegedly evaded his tax liability by directing his income to be paid into bank accounts and cryptocurrency exchange accounts in the names of nominees. The indictment further alleges McAfee attempted to evade the IRS by concealing assets, including real property, a vehicle, and a yacht, in the names of others.
If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on each count of tax evasion and a maximum sentence of one year in prison on each count of willful failure to file a tax return. McAfee also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Dunavant commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney William Guappone of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Wilson and Damon Griffin, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the Division’s website.
“Father of Identity Theft” Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a week-long federal jury trial in September 2019, James Jackson, 58, of Memphis, Tennessee, was convicted of 13 counts of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and theft of mail. Jackson has now been sentenced to 207 months in federal prison. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, in 2014-2015, Jackson devised a scheme to steal money from banks, financial companies and other individuals. Jackson obtained the personal identifying information of numerous individuals, most of whom were deceased, and used this information to take over the victims’ financial accounts (stock, credit card, and bank accounts). Jackson would search online obituaries and noteworthy articles to discover the identities of recently deceased individuals and then he would research the individuals to determine if they had any credit accounts or financial investment accounts. He would then impersonate the victims (both male and female) and use their information when contacting customer service representatives of banks, credit card companies and financial firms. Jackson would convince the businesses to mail new bank/credit cards to other addresses (vacant homes and hotels in Memphis area) and also caused the sale of over $340,000 of stock out of one victim’s investment account. Jackson recruited another individual to use the cards to withdraw funds from the victim accounts and to purchase gift cards.
On February 27, 2015, Jackson called the Cordova Post Office claiming to be a Charles Fulks and inquired about a credit card package that should have been delivered the day before to 10022 Cameron Ridge Trail. United States Postal Inspectors and members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Identity Crimes Unit determined this was an imposter because the true Charles Fulks had died on February 2, 2015 and the 10022 Cameron Ridge Trail address was a vacant house at the time. Later, agents watched the package containing credit cards be delivered to the mailbox at 10022 Cameron Ridge Trail. Twelve hours later, agents observed Jackson emerge from a house at 10027 Cameron Ridge Trail and walk across the street to retrieve the credit card package from the mailbox and then went back into his residence. No one answered the door when agents announced their presence. Later, agents noticed smoke coming out of the home. Agents eventually located Jackson in the house pretending to be asleep. Numerous small fires had been set throughout the house in what appeared to be an attempt to destroy evidence. In the home, agents located items associated with identity theft, including documents and a guide entitled "How to Find Anyone and Anything" and computers. A search of Jackson’s computers revealed that he had been researching the deceased victims. This was done through use of numerous online obituary sites and nationwide news articles. In a subsequent search of Jackson’s mother’s house, agents found a box of Jackson’s business cards, wherein he claimed to be the "Father of Identity Theft."
In August 2018, Jackson was arrested again in Charlotte, North Carolina, while attempting to purchase a $43,000 Corvette using the name and personal information of a recently deceased individual.
Jackson had prior federal convictions for mail fraud, credit card fraud and bank fraud from the Southern District of New York and mail fraud, credit card fraud and social security fraud from the Western District of Tennessee. Jackson’s life and fraud schemes were highlighted in a 2004 book entitled "Your Evil Twin- Behind the Identity Theft Epidemic."
On September 30, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Jackson to 207 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. Jackson was also ordered to pay over $300,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Aggravated identity theft and schemes to defraud or compromise the personal and financial security of vulnerable and deceased victims will not be tolerated. This case demonstrates our commitment to protect the personal and financial information of citizens and institutions, and to hold offenders accountable for these disturbing crimes of dishonesty. This self-proclaimed ‘Father of Identity Theft’ will now have to change his name to ‘Father Time’, because he will be doing plenty of it in federal prison."
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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East Tennessee Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Forging PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Erin Pealor, 36, of Maryville, TN, has been sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for attempting to acquire or obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and Brian Rabbitt, Acting Assistant Attorney General Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, beginning in November 2017 and continuing through February 2018, the defendant knowingly and intentionally attempted to obtain Schedule II controlled substances, namely methylphenidate and amphetamine, by fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge by filling out prescriptions with false and fraudulent patient names and forging the signature of a local physician. Pealor then attempted to fill those false and fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances at various pharmacies.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, and unfortunately, causes individuals to engage in criminal behavior that contributes to the problem. Just as this office will hold medical professionals accountable for over-prescribing opioids, we will also pursue federal charges against any person who exploits the medical profession for their own selfish desire to obtain highly addictive prescription drugs by dishonest methods."
In addition to the conduct charged in the September 2019 indictment in the Western District of Tennessee, Pealor admitted to the following facts related to conduct in the Eastern District of Tennessee:
On February 18, 2019, law enforcement made contact with Pealor in a parking lot at a CVS Pharmacy in Maryville, Tennessee. Law enforcement advised Pealor of her Miranda rights and she consented to have law enforcement search her vehicle. Law enforcement found four fake Arkansas drivers' licenses, a bottle of methylphenidate (Ritalin) 20mg in the name of a minor, an empty pill bottle in the name of another minor, CVS Pharmacy sales receipts, prescriptions in the names of two other doctors along with two ledgers that contained children's names, dates of birth, addresses and pharmacy names, and an iPhone.
Evidence revealed Pealor was the manager of Youth Opportunity Services and had been knowingly stealing personal identifying information belonging to children in the Department of Children's Services database and using that information to write and pass fraudulent prescriptions at numerous pharmacies in Blount and Knox counties. No one authorized the prescriptions, and Pealor's use of the children’s identities was unauthorized. Ms. Pealor forged prescriptions in the name of two doctors who did not authorize Pealor to place their names and signatures on the prescriptions. Some of those false and fraudulent prescriptions were found in her vehicle, but prior to being taken into custody, Pealor had successfully made unauthorized use of the identities of dozens of children in order to obtain Ritalin by means of forged prescriptions.
Through this scheme, Ms. Pealor obtained an estimated 5,000 pills. She also stole the TennCare numbers for these children and used the children's TennCare benefits to pay for the prescriptions. Accordingly, she was knowingly using, without lawful authority, the identities of both children and physicians in order to commit the offense of health care fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1347 and making false statements in connection with a health care matter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1035.
Pealor was among several defendants charged in the Second Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown in September, 2019:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/second-appalachian-region-prescription-opioid-strikeforce-takedown-results-chargesOn September 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Pealor to 36 months in federal prison followed by one year supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the State of Tennessee Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigated this case. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 federal judicial districts, has charged more than 300 individuals with schemes involving more than 6 billion dollars in alleged healthcare fraud, and millions of prescription opioids.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine and Trial Attorney Emily Petro of the DOJ Fraud Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Union City Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Ryan Decker, 37, of Union City, TN, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute Methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in 2018, the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Maywood Drive in Martin, Tennessee. Officers recovered a small quantity of methamphetamine, along with four firearms. As a result, the investigation expanded to target multiple co-defendants, including Decker.
On August 1, 2018, Decker delivered two ounces of methamphetamine to an agreed upon location, and was taken into custody. Decker provided a Mirandized statement to officers admitting his involvement in the drug trafficking organization (DTO).
On June 17, 2019, a Federal Grand Jury sitting in the Jackson returned a four-count superseding indictment against Decker and the other members of the DTO: Rudy Powers, John Paul Henry, Daniel Nunez, Kwantrez Pitts, Nelson Urias and Jimmie Goodman for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. On August 24, 2020, Daniel Nunez was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison for his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/union-city-man-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison-meth-distribution-and-firearm
On September 29, 2020, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Anderson found that Decker was responsible for the distribution of over 50 kilograms of actual methamphetamine in furtherance of the conspiracy, and sentenced him to 210 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee, and we will continue to aggressively investigate, prosecute, and punish drug dealers to hold them accountable. With a long stint in prison like his poison-pushing partners, Decker will at last make the community safer by no longer being a part of it."
This case was investigated by the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Drug Unit, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department and the 27th Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Chicago Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Leon Cooper, 51 has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in late 2015 the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation into a group of drug traffickers in Memphis. Their investigation led to several individuals pooling their money together to buy kilograms of heroin from a source of supply in Chicago. The Memphis co-conspirators were arrested on March 5, 2016, with a kilogram of heroin in their possession and sentenced in late 2016.
As the investigation continued, officers and agents identified the drug supplier as a Jeffrey Brooks of Chicago, Illinois, who was charged and convicted as a co-defendant. Cooper was also identified as a member of the conspiracy, who helped the Memphis co-conspirators contact Brooks to request the heroin. The object of the conspiracy was to bring heroin to Memphis and distribute it in small amounts to users and addicts. During the course of the conspiracy, over 15 kilograms of heroin was trafficked between Chicago and Memphis.
On September 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Leon Cooper to 120 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Our nation and our district are suffering from the heroin and opioid epidemic, causing increases in drug trafficking, violence, addiction, and overdose deaths that are tearing our communities apart. We will not tolerate out-of-state poison pushers who threaten West Tennessee citizens for profit.
This Chicago trafficker brought large quantities of heroin into Memphis for resale, and will now reap a long prison sentence for his harmful crimes."
This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Special Assistant Joseph Griffith prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of the Heroin Initiative in collaboration with the Shelby County District Attorney's Office.
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Convicted Felon Gets 9 Year Sentence for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Fred Lee Williams, 37, has been sentenced to 108 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 July 12, 2018, at approximately 7:30 p.m., DEA Task Force Officers conducted surveillance at North Watkins Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Officers observed Williams, who was sitting in a 2007 Honda Accord in a parking lot with the driver’s side door open, pull a bag from the driver’s side door, and show it to another male. Williams then pulled a gun from the center area of the car and began waving it around. Williams put the gun down and exited the vehicle. He was temporarily detained while officers assessed the situation.
The gun, which had been reported stolen, was found in plain view, on the driver’s side floorboard. While opening the door to retrieve the gun, officers observed a clear bag of marijuana in the driver's door, weighing 114.9 grams. The gun, a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, was loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Further evidence proved Williams purchased the gun that same day in exchange for three grams of marijuana.
As a result of his two prior felony convictions for aggravated assault in 2007 and 2012, and three prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to sell in 2003, 2009, and 2017, Williams is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. Additionally, Williams was on probation for a drug trafficking offense at the time of his arrest for the instant offense.
On September 25, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Williams to 108 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, "Targeted, persistent law enforcement can make a difference in our neighborhoods. Each illegal firearm that we can take off the streets and every dangerous felon in possession that we can punish and incapacitate makes our communities a safer place to live."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Hardin County Man Convicted of Conspiracy and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN– Following a week-long trial with proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols, a federal jury has convicted Charles Ray Smith, 71, of Crump, Tenn., of defrauding three banks in Tennessee and Alabama. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, Smith owned and operated several aggregate materials businesses in Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana. From March 2009 until February 2012, Smith defrauded Central Bank in Savannah, Tenn., by depositing and directing others to deposit more than $116 million in fraudulent bank checks into his companies’ bank account. Smith also defrauded Wayne County Bank, in Waynesboro, Tenn., and First Metro Bank, in Muscle Shoals, Ala., by falsifying collateral to obtain loans. As a result, Smith stole more than $ 9.9 million from the victim banks.
The jury convicted Smith of all of the counts in the indictment, charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and seven counts of bank fraud.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson, who also presided over the trial. Smith faces up to 30 years in prison for each count in the indictment, and a $1 million fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The financial fraud committed by this defendant is massive, and had a significant negative impact on the shareholders, employees and customers of his bank victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office places a high priority on protecting the security and integrity of transactions, deposits and assets of financial institutions, and this guilty verdict demonstrates that commitment. Smith has now been held accountable for his brazen crimes of dishonesty."
The case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dean DeCandia and Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Carjacking at Local Car WashRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Carlos Jones, 21, has pled guilty to armed carjacking and brandishing 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 July 13, 2018, at approximately 9 p.m., the victim was washing his 2013 Volkswagen Passat at a local carwash on Holmes Road when approached by two suspects, both of whom pointed firearms and demanded his vehicle. The victim said one of the suspects pointed a gun at him from behind and said, "Get the hell away from the car and go."
Surveillance video showed the suspects entered the carwash in a white vehicle, exited the vehicle and approached the victim. Footage captured the victim's vehicle leaving the carwash, followed by the suspect's vehicle. The victim's vehicle was tracked by GPS and later recovered from an apartment complex in Southaven, Mississippi.
Fingerprints belonging to co-defendant Angelo Bunting, 22, were recovered from the interior of the vehicle. The victim positively identified both co-defendants as the suspects responsible for the carjacking.
On September 23, 2020, Jones entered a guilty plea to the charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Jones’ sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris, where Jones faces up to 15 years on the carjacking charge, and a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years for brandishing a firearm. Charges against Bunting are still pending. 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. When violent criminals act impulsively, we will respond deliberately with the full weight and force of federal sanctions to suppress, punish, and incapacitate."
The Memphis Police Department 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 for prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen GunRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Erik Macklin, 24, has pleaded guilty to possessing a stolen gun. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on November 1, 2019, members of the Germantown Police Department were conducting surveillance on Macklin, a suspect in multiple aggravated burglaries in Germantown, Tennessee. Macklin also had an outstanding arrest warrant.
Officers located Macklin at a local business. As they approached and asked him to step outside, Macklin pulled away from the officers and grabbed a firearm from his waistband. Law enforcement was able to restrainMacklin, which caused him to drop the firearm, and he was taken into custody.
The firearm was a.45 caliber pistol that had been reported stolen from West Memphis, Arkansas, several weeks prior. Macklin waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the firearm.
As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated burglary, felony theft, and felony vandalism, Macklin is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On September 23, 2020, Macklin entered a guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., where he faces up to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "A stolen firearm in the hands of a convicted felon threatens everyone, including law enforcement. There is a good reason that federal law prohibits and punishes such illegal gun possession, and this conviction resulting in prison with no parole will help to reduce gun crime in Memphis."
The Germantown Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. 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. Project Guardian is a new DOJ initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country by focusing on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Recidivist Felon Sentenced to 17 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Jeffery Lee Davis, 58, of Trenton, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute more than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in Court, on July 6, 2017, agents with the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force, as well as deputies with Gibson Co. Sheriff's Office, were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on the defendant, Jeffery Lee Davis, at his home in Trenton, Tennessee.
Prior to entering Davis's home, an agent observed Davis sitting at a desk weighing methamphetamine on a set of digital scales. Also in plain view were two clear plastic bags containing approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement entered the home and took Davis into custody. While searching Davis, agents found another clear plastic bag containing 14 grams of methamphetamine. Davis later admitted that the drugs were his and this offense was his "third-strike."
On May 8, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a Chemical Analysis Report confirming the drugs contained 27 grams of actual methamphetamine with a 98% purity level.
In January, 2020, Davis proceeded to trial where a jury convicted him of possession with the intent to distribute more than 5 grams of actual methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1). In addition to the evidence concerning the July 6, 2017 incident, the government also presented evidence concerning Davis's sale of methamphetamine to an individual at his home on February 28, 2017. Testifying in his own defense, Davis attempted to place the blame on other individuals for his conduct on
July 6 and February 28, 2017. The jury rejected Davis's claims and returned a guilty verdict against him.
Davis has an extensive criminal history, including four prior felony convictions involving the manufacturing and/or distribution of methamphetamine, as well as convictions for assault and burglary.
On September 18, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Davis to 210 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. Chief Judge Anderson also found that Davis obstructed justice in this case by testifying falsely at trial, and that he used his residence for the purpose of storing and distributing methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Davis is a recidivist drug offender who was destroying this rural community by his sale of highly potent and poisonous drugs, and despite his refusal to accept responsibility, his prior felony convictions have finally caught up with him. This sentence removing him from the community for 17 years is just punishment for the countless people he has victimized with his repeated criminal conduct."
The 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Morrow and Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Updates on Operation LeGend at Press Conference in MilwaukeeRead the Press Release
Charges Announced Against 26 Defendants Alleged to Operate a Violent Drug Trafficking Organization in Milwaukee
Memphis, TN – At a press conference in Milwaukee today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation LeGend. He was joined by Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, who announced charges against 26 defendants who allegedly operated a violent drug trafficking organization in Milwaukee. Law enforcement resources allocated by Operation LeGend contributed to the investigation and today’s enforcement operation.
Since Operation LeGend’s launch in July 2020, more than 3,500 arrests – including approximately 200 for homicide – have been made; more than 1,000 firearms have been seized; and nearly 19 kilos of heroin, more than 11 kilos of fentanyl (enough to deliver more than five million fatal doses), more than 94 kilos of methamphetamine, nearly 14 kilos of cocaine, and more than $6.5 million in drug proceeds have been seized.
Of the more than 3,500 individuals arrested, approximately 815 have been charged with federal offenses. More than 440 of those defendants have been charged with firearms offenses, while more than 300 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. A prime example of that partnership is the announcement made today by U.S. Attorney Krueger.
This morning, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 21 of the 26 defendants charged by criminal complaint with offenses related to a violent drug-trafficking organization that obtained multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana
from California for distribution in the Milwaukee area. The officers also executed search warrants in both Milwaukee and California, resulting in the seizure of approximately 33 firearms, $170,000, and over 700 grams of heroin from one location, as well as additional heroin, cocaine, and marijuana from other locations.
Included among the defendants is Louis R. Perez III, also known as "Eight Ball," who is alleged to be a Mexican Posse gang member and the current leader of the nationwide drug trafficking organization. Several other Mexican Posse gang members have also been charged and arrested.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Breakdown of Operation LeGend charges:
The initiative, which was first launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, 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 operation was subsequently expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO.
147 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 54 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 80 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 13 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
150 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 37 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 108 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 5 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
60 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 23 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 30 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 7 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
72 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 42 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 26 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
65 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 16 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 46 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
47 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 24 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 19 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
205 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
- 93 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 90 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 22 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, Tenn.
27 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
- 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 13 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, Indiana
45 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 7 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 33 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 5 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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Operation Legend: Case of the Day Tennessee: Three Memphis Men Charged with Stealing 32 FirearmsRead the Press Release
Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the Western District of Tennessee. Operation Legend launched in Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.
United States vs. Kendrick Monger, Corey Groves, and Martez Banks
On Sept. 10, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against three Memphis men for conspiracy and theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
“The proliferation of stolen firearms on the streets of Memphis contributes to the increased frequency and severity of shooting incidents and violent crime in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Under Operation LeGend, we are surging federal resources to assist local law enforcement, and we are committed in our resolve to reduce violent crime by aggressively prosecuting federal firearms offenses. This indictment does just that.”
According to the indictment, on Aug. 2, 2020, Kendrick, Monger, 24; Corey Groves, 25; and Martez Banks, 25, all of Memphis, stole 32 firearms from the Shoot Point Blank gun range, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Memphis.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Background on Operation Legend
Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 2,000 local, state, and federal arrests, with more than 592 defendants charged with federal crimes.President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.
Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis.
Madison County Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Crack Cocaine Distribution in Crockett CountyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Calvin Cole a/k/a “Fathead,” 46, of Jackson, TN, has been sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in Court, in April 2017, agents with the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force received a phone call from a concerned citizen that a heavyset male traveling to and from a residence on London Road in Alamo, Tennessee, was selling “dope” regularly.
Agents conducted surveillance and observed Cole on an almost daily basis arrive at a residence on London Road, driving different automobiles on different days and distributing crack cocaine throughout the day. Throughout the investigation, it was determined that multiple people would approach Cole and exchange money and crack cocaine.
In March of 2016 and April of 2016, agents with the Drug Task Force and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation made five separate undercover drug transactions with Cole on separate dates utilizing multiple reliable confidential sources (CSs) to purchase crack cocaine. Agents continually monitored the CSs throughout the meeting with Cole; after each transaction, the CS would turn over the crack cocaine to agents. The substance was then forwarded to the DEA crime laboratory for analysis, which determined that the substance was crack cocaine.
The transactions also included a co-defendant, identified as Tony “Bone” Douglas. Douglas was seen on surveillance video assisting Cole with distributing crack cocaine. Douglas would arrive to the location site prior to Cole’s arrival, search the customers for wires, and then sell crack cocaine to the large number of customers. Douglas was previously sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his involvement in the drug conspiracy. Other co-defendants, including Arvis "Shorty" Ball of Alamo, TN, and Bob
Terry of Bells, TN were part of the Calvin Cole Drug Trafficking Organization, and were indicted along with Cole and Douglas in February, 2018:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/four-suspects-arrested-west-tennessee-federal-drug-trafficking-and-money-laundering.
During the sentencing hearing, the government presented numerous photographs and one video of Cole distributing crack cocaine to multiple drug buyers. Based upon statements from the drug buyers who were identified from the surveillance video, each person described when they began purchasing crack cocaine from Cole and for how long. Cole was ultimately found responsible for distributing approximately 2.8 kilograms of crack cocaine in Crockett County.
On September 16, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Cole to 170 months in federal prison followed by five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Fathead Cole and his fellow drug dealers will no longer sell poison for profit with impunity. We will not tolerate illegal drug activity disrupting and destroying the daily lives of citizens in our small communities, and this lengthy sentence will rightly punish and incapacitate Cole for his harmful criminal conduct. This is a high impact case that will improve public safety and the quality of life in Crockett County and across West Tennessee."
The 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Crockett County Sheriff’s Department, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Police Department and Gibson County SWAT Team investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Judge Sentences Convicted Felon to 7 Years for Possessing a Firearm in Scuffle with PoliceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jeremy Pruitt, 33, has been sentenced to 92 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 the information presented in Court, on May 8, 2018, Memphis Police officers pulled over a vehicle on Depass Street because the people inside were not wearing their seatbelts. The driver side rear passenger, Jeremy Pruitt, got out of the car and would not obey officer commands. The officer saw a firearm in Pruitt's hand as he exited the vehicle. As Pruitt ran from law enforcement, he stumbled. A scuffle ensued and Pruitt attempted to take the officer’s drawn service firearm. Pruitt broke away and began to raise his hand to shoot the officer. As a result, Pruitt was shot in the hand. The officer’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) captured the entire scene.
Memphis Police officers continued their search and located Pruitt at a residence on Salem Avenue. Law enforcement knocked on the door, an occupant answered the door and told police that he had the person they were looking for. Pruitt was sitting on the couch near the front door. This was recorded on the BWC. After officers took Pruitt into custody, they began to search for his firearm. The loaded firearm was found on the fence line in the yard behind the residence on Salem. This was also recorded by the officer’s BWC. As a result of his prior felony conviction, Pruitt is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
Pruitt admitted to law enforcement to possessing the firearm, and on December 19, 2019, Pruitt pled guilty in U.S. District Court to possessing the firearm.
On September 17, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Pruitt to 92 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, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to both the community and law enforcement, as seen in this case. This sentence is just punishment for such a brazen attack on police, and will incapacitate Pruitt from committing additional gun violence for a significant period of time, making us all safer."
The Memphis Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Carroll County Man Convicted of Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – After a 3-day jury trial with proper COVID-19 health and safety protocols,William Farrell Russell, 47, has been found guilty of possession and distribution of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of children under twelve years of age. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in Court, investigators with the Faulkner County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Department learned that a user of the Kik instant messaging service was distributing child pornography under the screen name "funfortaboo." The investigators assumed undercover identities and began communicating with funfortaboo in late June 2016. Between July 1 and July 7, 2016, funfortaboo distributed to the undercover investigators images of child sexual abuse. The Faulkner County, Arkansas investigators and members of the FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force for the Western District of Tennessee, identified "funfortaboo" as William Farrell Russell, who was then living in Cedar Grove, TN.
On July 28, 2016, members of the FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force executed a search warrant at Russell's Cedar Grove home, and recovered the cellular telephone that Russell had used to distribute the child sexual abuse materials. On that telephone, Russell possessed hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse, including the images that he had distributed to the undercover officers under the screen name funfortaboo.
That same day, July 28, 2016, Russell waived his Miranda rights and admitted to using the cellular telephone to communicate with and send photographs to the undercover officers.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson. Russell faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of the indictment, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Child pornography is an abhorrent offense that scars the children affected forever. And it doesn’t take an economist to know that demand drives supply. By repeatedly distributing hundreds of images and videos of young children being sexually abused, Russell contributed to their past victimization. And by fueling the demand for child pornography, his conduct likely also contributed to the future harm done to children in the name of profit. This office will always aggressively prosecute and seek significant and mandatory sentences for such depraved and predatory behavior in order to protect children and hold offenders accountable."
The FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force and Faulkner County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Allen and Lauren Delery are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Three Men Charged with Burglarizing Gun Range and Theft of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On September 10, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against three individuals for conspiracy and theft of firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, on August 2, 2020, at approximately 11:12 p.m., the Shoot Point Blank gun range, a federally licensed firearms dealer located at 1740 Century Center Cove in Memphis, Tennessee was burglarized. Three suspects took a total of 32 firearms from the business.
The defendants are listed below:
• Kendrick Monger, 24, Memphis, Tennessee
• Corey Groves, 25, Memphis, Tennessee
• Martez Banks, 25, Memphis, Tennessee
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 10 years imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The proliferation of stolen firearms on the streets of Memphis contributes to the increased frequency and severity of shooting incidents and violent crime in our neighborhoods. Under Operation LeGend, we are surging federal resources to assist local law enforcement, and we are committed in our resolve to reduce violent crime by aggressively prosecuting federal firearms offenses. This indictment does just that."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case as part of Operation LeGend, 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, particularly gun violence, in Memphis.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Fraud Alert: Scammers Claiming to be with DOJ, Preying on ElderlyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The Department strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target the elderly.
Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an "operator" who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That "investigator" then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.
"Phone scams are an ugly and pervasive act of victimization. The scams being reported to our National Elder Fraud Hotline are especially heinous because they show the perpetrators are preying upon one of the most vulnerable segments of our society – the elderly," said OVC Director Jessica Hart. "As if this were not despicable enough, the scammers do so posing as employees of the Justice Department, usurping public trust in the agency that serves as a bastion of fairness and lawfulness while these scams exploit the elderly for financial gain. The first step to identifying these criminals is to have their crimes reported."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Those who target the elderly will receive the full attention of our office and law enforcement officials in West Tennessee. We will work with our senior citizens to empower them with knowledge and awareness so that they can defend themselves from these fraudulent phone scams."
Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information and to report these scams to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.
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U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant Announces Preliminary Results from First Month of Operation LeGend in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that a total of 302 arrests have been made by local and federal law enforcement officers so far as part of Operation LeGend.
Between August 6 and September 8, 2020, federal and local law enforcement agencies in the Operation LeGend Task Force have worked cooperatively to arrest 106 people on new state and federal charges. Ninety of those arrests were for state charges and 16 of the arrests were for federal violations.
In addition to the 106 arrests, several seizures were made during Operation LeGend activities. The seized items include:
• 85 firearms;
• 6.3 kilograms of methamphetamine and 4 kilograms of heroin; and
• $191,645 in U.S. currency.
The seizure of the firearms is significant since the available information demonstrates that firearms are used in a high percentage of murders and aggravated assaults committed in Memphis.
In the first month of Operation LeGend in Memphis, a total of 16 defendants have been charged with new federal crimes:
• 9 defendants have been charged with federal firearms violations;
• 4 defendants have been charged with violating federal drug laws; and
• 3 defendants have been charged with federal violent crimes such as bank robbery, carjacking, and the robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce.
Illustrative federal cases include the following examples:
United States v. DeQuan Johnson - DeQuan Johnson, of Memphis, was charged on August 25, 2020, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a drug user. According to the charging document, in January 2020, the ATF assisted the USMS with the arrest of Johnson, who was wanted by police for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on November 24, 2019.
It is alleged that on November 24, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers responded to a shooting in which victims reported that two men approached the back porch of their residence and began firing shots into the residence, which was filled with 12 people. One of the victims reported hearing approximately 15 gunshots coming from the back of the residence, and local police subsequently collected 15 spent cartridge casings from the scene. The investigation led to Johnson, who was positively identified by one of the victims.
On January 22, 2020, members of the USMS Fugitive Task Force made contact with Johnson at his residence in Memphis. During a protective search of Johnson’s home, law enforcement located a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol; an extended magazine containing 20 .40 caliber rounds of ammunition; and marijuana. Because Johnson had active warrants out for his arrest, he was taken into custody.
United States v. Robert Michael Durham- The defendant in this case committed a series of robberies on July 30, 2020, and is charged with robbing the City of Memphis Credit Union. In addition, Durham, as set out in the federal criminal complaint, confessed to robbing the credit union and attempting to rob a CVS Pharmacy, two nurses at a local hospital, and a second bank. Durham, who has a prior federal conviction for bank robbery, was apprehended on August 5, 2020, in Southaven, Mississippi, where he was also charged with driving a stolen vehicle and drug-related charges.
United States v. Jarvis Warren - Warren was wanted on outstanding warrants for carjacking, aggravated robbery and extortion. When officers tried to arrest him, he was driving a stolen BMW. Warren eventually crashed into a fire hydrant and was arrested. He was found to be in possession of a stolen handgun loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, marijuana, and digital scales. Warren was charged with federal narcotics and firearms offenses.
Also, as part of the Operation LeGend effort nationally, an emphasis has been placed on arresting individuals who have outstanding arrest warrants for violent crimes. This effort has resulted in the arrest of 196 fugitives on pending warrants by the USMS since July 15, 2020, including 47 individuals wanted for homicide charges and 36 identified gang members apprehended in the Memphis area.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Operation LeGend is leveraging our collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, and is already making a difference in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis. With these new arrests, federal charges, and seizures, we are interrupting the shooting cycle, holding dangerous offenders accountable, reducing violent crime rates, and ultimately saving lives. As violent gun crime and homicide spike up, we will meet that threat with urgency to attack the real violent crime drivers in our community: gangs, guns, and drugs."
Operation LeGend, which began in Memphis on August 6, 2020, is a sustained, systematic, and coordinated national law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in 9 American cities with increased violent crime rates, including Memphis.
As part of Operation LeGend, Attorney General Barr has directed the ATF, FBI, DEA, HSI and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to significantly increase resources into Memphis to help state and local officials fight high levels of violent crime, particularly homicide, aggravated assault, and gun violence. Local agencies participating include the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office. The ultimate goal of Operation LeGend is to reduce violent crime through focused and aggressive enforcement of state and federal laws, including federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime statutes.
The details contained in the cases above are merely allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing Stolen GunRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ronald Johnson, 30, has pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in Court, on March 11, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers observed a grey BMW on Yale Road near Ramill with a missing headlight and conducted a traffic stop. Officers could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked both the driver and the passenger to step out of the vehicle. Law enforcement searched Johnson, and found a small amount of marijuana in his pocket. Johnson was detained.
After searching the vehicle, officers found in the glovebox, a black Sig Sauer P938 9mm handgun loaded with one live round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine. Further investigation revealed the weapon had been reported stolen out of West Memphis, Arkansas. The driver, Johnson's girlfriend, advised she recently purchased the vehicle, but was out of town the previous weekend and that Johnson had been driving the vehicle.
As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, Johnson is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On September 9, 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing this gun after having previously been convicted of felony offenses. Sentencing is set before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker on December 10, 2020, where the defendant faces up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "A stolen firearm in the hands of a violent felon threatens everyone. There is a good reason that federal law prohibits and punishes such illegal gun possession, and this conviction resulting in prison with no parole will help to reduce violent crime in Memphis."
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. Project Guardian is a new DOJ initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country by focusing on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
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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Attorney GeneralWilliamP. Barr Announces Updates on Operation LeGend at Press Conference in ChicagoRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – At a press conference in Chicago today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation LeGend.
Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 588 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin, and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms, and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and the United States Marshals Service have recovered 169 firearms and made 1810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.
In Chicago, there has been a 49% decrease in homicides in the first four weeks of the operation, when compared to the four weeks prior to the operation’s launch. In fact, between April 2020 and the end of July 2020, Chicago was experiencing a steady and distressing increase in fatal shootings, which precipitously declined in August.
The Attorney General launched Operation LeGend on July 8, 2020, 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. The initiative 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.
Launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, the operation was expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.
Kansas City, MO.
113 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 34 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 68 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 11 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Chicago, Ill.
120 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 31 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 85 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Albuquerque, NM.
45 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 17 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Cleveland, OH.
66 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 41 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Detroit, MI.
58 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.
- 29 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 26 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Milwaukee, WI.
16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 2 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 12 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 2 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.
St. Louis, MO.
123 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.
- 54 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 53 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 16 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Memphis, Tenn.
16 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.
- 4 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 9 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
Indianapolis, Indiana
31 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.
- 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- 17 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.
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Operation Legend: Case of the DayRead the Press Release
Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the Western District of Tennessee. Operation Legend launched in Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.
United States vs. DeQuan Johnson
"Prohibited persons in possession of firearms or ammunition, such as convicted felons, persons with histories of domestic violence, and unlawful users of illegal narcotics present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Operation Legend is leveraging our collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, and is already making a difference in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis by interrupting the shooting cycle and holding trigger-pullers accountable. As long as this indiscriminate and senseless violence rules the streets, we will use the resources of Operation Legend and the authority of federal charges to incapacitate these community predators, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives."
DeQuan Johnson, of Memphis, was charged on Aug. 25, 2020, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a drug user.
According to the charging document, in January 2020, the ATF assisted the U.S. Marshals Service(USMS) with the arrest of Johnson, who was wanted by police for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on Nov. 24, 2019.
It is alleged that on Nov. 24, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers responded to a shooting in which victims reported that two men approached the back porch of their residence and began firing shots into their home, which was filled with 12 people. One of the victims reported hearing approximately 15 gunshots coming from the back of the residence, and local police subsequently collected 15 spent cartridge casings from the scene. The investigation led to Johnson, who was positively identified by one of the victims.
On Jan. 22, 2020, members of the USMS Fugitive Task Force made contact with Johnson at his residence in Memphis. During a protective search of Johnson’s home, law enforcement located a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol; an extended magazine containing 20 .40 caliber rounds of ammunition; and marijuana. Because Johnson had active warrants out for his arrest, he was taken into custody.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Background on Operation Legend
President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.
Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime. The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis. Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 2000 local, state, and federal arrests, with approximately 476 defendants charged with federal crimes.
johnson_daquan_memphis_complaint_.pdf
Convicted Felon with Prior Domestic Violence History Given 5 Year Sentence for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Clinton Towles, 39, 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 April 28, 2019, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Memphis Police Officers responded to an aggravated assault call in the 600 block of Pearce Street. A victim advised that an unknown male was intoxicated and beating on her mother's vehicle parked on the street and when she confronted the suspect, he threatened to shoot her and pointed a revolver at her and other family members.
When officers arrived on the scene, a person matching the suspect's description was walking nearby the house. Officers searched him and found a revolver in his waistband along with 6 spent shell casings. The victims immediately recognized the person as the suspect who pointed the gun at them. The defendant initially gave the police his name as Curtis Gilchrease. When the officers discovered Towles gave false identification, he advised law enforcement that he used his uncle’s name because he was a convicted felon.
As a result of his prior felony convictions including reckless aggravated assault, and several misdemeanor convictions for domestic assault involving bodily injury, Towles is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On February 21, 2020, Towles pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
On September 3, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Towles to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Towles is also charged with aggravated assault in state court, and that case is still pending.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Based upon his prior criminal history, Towles has demonstrated his propensity for violence. Under our PSN and Project Guardian initiatives, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. Clearly, this recidivist had no hesitation in committing another violent crime with a firearm, and he will now be rightly punished and removed from the community for 5 years."
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. Project Guardian is a new DOJ initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country by focusing on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
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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Convicted Felon with Prior Domestic Violence Conviction Sentenced to Federal Prison for Being in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Daniel Moore, 33, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 28, 2019, at approximately 10:58 PM, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call at a McDonald’s restaurant on Houston Levee road.
The restaurant manager observed a male, later identified as the defendant Daniel Moore, exiting a light blue Toyota Camry appear to have a seizure. According to the manager, Moore left the doors to the vehicle open and there appeared to be a child in the backseat with no coat, socks or shoes. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed the Toyota Camry occupied by a crying four-year-old female child in the rear-driver seat. The child was later released to the custody of her grandmother.
Officers also observed a non-responsive adult female, 31, in the front driver’s seat. Law enforcement extracted her from the vehicle and administered CPR and Narcan, at which time she started to breathe.When paramedics arrived on the scene, she was transported to Regional One for medical treatment. She was later arrested for the felony offense of child abuse and neglect; however, that charge was dismissed in state court.
Shortly thereafter Moore entered the McDonald’s restaurant and inquired about his daughter and wife. He admitted to law enforcement on body worn camera footage that he and the adult female had just ingested heroin. Officers asked if he had any more heroin in the vehicle. Moore answered "no." Officers also asked Moore for oral consent to search his vehicle, and he gave consent.
Deputies recovered five boxes (100 rounds) of 5.56 ammunition in the glove compartment, which he was attempting to sell. Officers also recovered a used syringe, a spoon containing a small-dirty cotton ball, an electronic scale and a kit containing cotton, alcohol swabs, and tourniquets.
Moore is a prohibited person with eight prior felony convictions and a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On June 1, 2020, Moore pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. On September 3, 2020, Judge Lipman sentenced Moore to 30 Months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms or ammunition, such as convicted felons, persons with histories of domestic violence, and unlawful users of illegal narcotics present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. This is exactly the type of dangerous offender that needs to be held accountable for the safety of the community."
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. 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. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Local Man Pleads Guilty to Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Courtney Freeman, 31, has pleaded guilty in federal court to armed carjacking and brandishing 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 25, 2018, J.P. was fueling his 2011 GMC Acadia at the Jubilee Express gas station on North Watkins Drive.A young male that J.P. did not know, later identified as the defendant Courtney Freeman, approached J.P.’s vehicle and tapped on the glass. J.P. rolled the window down. Freeman then pointed a handgun at him and said, "get out the car or I’ll blow you away." J.P. immediately exited the car. Freeman entered the vehicle and drove away. Police later recovered security camera footage from the store, which confirmed the victim’s description.
J.P. ran to his home a few blocks away, called law enforcement, and reported his car stolen. Police responded and he informed them that his cell phone, wallet with credit cards, social security card, $260 in cash and a Ruger .380 pistol were all in the car at the time. Officers put out a stolen vehicle report.
The next day, September 26, 2018, Memphis Police found the stolen car on St. Charles Street. The vehicle was then towed and processed by a crime scene officer. Investigators found 7 pieces of paper with ridge detail, which were then forwarded to latent print examiners, who determined some of the prints belonged to Courtney Freeman.
The victim then identified Courtney Freeman to law enforcement as the person who carjacked him.
Agents with the National Insurance Crime Bureau examined the VIN of the 2011 GMC Acadia and concluded the vehicle was manufactured outside the state of Tennessee.
The defendant pled guilty on September 1, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on December 9, 2020, where Freeman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Forcibly taking an automobile by brandishing a firearm violently victimizes vulnerable citizens, and is only millimeters away from a homicide. This is another instance where brazen behavior yields brutal consequences for both victims and offenders. As long as this indiscriminate and senseless violence rules the streets, we will use federal prison to punish and control these community predators, one by one."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Given 5 Year Sentence for Being in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Christopher Tomlinson, 32, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 16, 2018, Memphis Police Department officers were on routine patrol at Rayburn Street and East Waldorf Avenue, when they observed a red Honda Accord parked more than twelve inches from the curb facing southbound with the driver’s side door fully open on to traffic. Tomlinson quickly exited the vehicle, and officers exited their squad car and told Tomlinson to stop while identifying themselves as police officers. Tomlinson did not stop; he fled on foot.
Officers observed Tomlinson holding a black and green gun in his right hand as they continued to give verbal commands to drop the gun and to stop. Officers located and detained Tomlinson behind a house on Patton Street. While searching Tomlinson, he attempted to pull away and run from the officers.
Later, an anonymous citizen advised law enforcement that Tomlinson threw something in the window of an abandoned house on Patton Street. Officers looked through the window of the house and observed a black and green gun, covered in mud, laying on the floor. Officers recovered a Springfield Armory 9mm caliber pistol. The gun was loaded with one live round in the chamber. Also recovered from the Honda Accord was a clear plastic baggy containing a green leafy substance and two scales from the front passenger seat. The green leafy substance tested positive for 0.8 grams of a total gross weight for marijuana.
On the morning of March 2, 2020, the day his jury trial was to begin, the defendant pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated robbery and felon in possession of a firearm, Tomlinson is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. Further, Tomlinson was on supervised release status at the time of this new federal firearms offense.
On August 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Tomlinson to 63 months imprisonment followed by two 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 this defendant continued to possess a firearm despite his prior violent felony conviction history and supervised release status. This gun-toter has clearly not learned his lesson, and will now be rightly punished and removed from our streets for 5 years."
The Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. 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. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Armed Career Criminal Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Devin Baker, 31, an armed career criminal, has pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in Court, on June 4, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers responded to an overdose death call on Shelby Oaks Drive. Upon their arrival, law enforcement determined that the Narcan used on K.P., was unsuccessful, and she died of an overdose of several drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine.
From June 5-11, 2019, detectives conducted surveillance and witnessed Baker selling drugs from a room at a local motel and conducted multiple hand to hand transactions. On June 11, 2019, Baker was stopped and searched, and had methamphetamine and marijuana in his pocket. After Baker was detained, detectives executed a search warrant on the motel room and recovered several guns, including a stolen gun, 22 pills, digital scales, and another bag of methamphetamine. Personal property belonging to Baker was also recovered, indicating he was living in the motel room.
After being taken into custody, Baker waived his Miranda rights and provided a written statement to detectives. Baker admitted to lodging at the local motel, confirming that the guns were in the room, that he sold drugs out of the room, and admitted to the hand to hand drug transactions.
As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun, Baker is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
The defendant pled guilty on August 26, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on December 2, 2020, where Baker faces a sentence of up to 20 years for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 5 years and up to a possibility of a life sentence for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "This defendant’s prior conviction history demonstrates his disrespect for the law and his imminent danger to the public. Baker presented a triple threat of serious bodily injury and death: a prior violent convicted felon in possession of multiple firearms while distributing highly addictive and deadly substances on the streets. Career offender+guns+drugs=a federal conviction that will remove him from our community and save lives."
The Memphis Police Department’s Heroin Overdose Response Team (HORT) and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting 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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Ghanaian Citizen Extradited in Connection with Prosecution of Africa-Based Cybercrime and Business Email Compromise ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Ghanaian citizen residing in Tamale, Ghana, has been extradited to stand trial for an indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
On Aug. 23, 2017, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee indicted Maxwell Peter, 27, whose given name is Maxwell Atugba Abayeta, and others with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Following his extradition, Peter’s initial appearance was made Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton for the Western District of Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that various Africa-based co-conspirators committed, or caused to be committed, a series of intrusions into the servers and email systems of a Memphis-based real estate company in June and July 2016. Using sophisticated anonymization techniques, including the use of spoofed email addresses and Virtual Private Networks, the co-conspirators identified large financial transactions, initiated fraudulent email correspondence with relevant business parties and then redirected closing funds through a network of U.S.-based money mules to final destinations in Africa. Commonly referred to as business-email compromise, or BEC, this aspect of the scheme caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to companies and individuals in Memphis. The defendant is specifically alleged to have directed the transfer of funds from a June 2016 BEC to a co-conspirator in Africa.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Frauds perpetrated through the Internet cause significant financial harm to businesses and individuals in our District and throughout the United States. Because those committing Internet fraud often involve foreign nationals and others who hide behind technology, the cases are difficult – but not impossible – to investigate. With this extradition, this foreign defendant will now face justice in an American courtroom here in Memphis."
In addition to BEC, the defendant is also charged with perpetrating romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams and credit card scams. The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams. The defendant is specifically alleged to have created and used the alias "Sandra Lin" in furtherance of these crimes. From May through June of 2017, Peter is alleged to have communicated with an FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity to receive the proceeds of fraud. Along with his coconspirators over the life of the conspiracy, the defendant is believed to have caused millions of dollars in losses to victims across the globe.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Seven other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in these schemes. Benard E. Okorhi, 41, was extradited in March 2020 from Canada, and is detained pending trial. Two others, Olufalojimi Abegunde, 33, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 30, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Abegunde received a 78-month sentence and Ramos-Alonso received a 31-month sentence for their roles in the scheme. Several individuals remain at large.
The FBI led the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture, and Bank Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice, and Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office.
Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
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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Ghanaian Citizen Extradited in Connection with Prosecution of Africa-Based Cybercrime and Business Email Compromise ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Ghanaian citizen residing in Tamale, Ghana, has been extradited to stand trial for an indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.
On Aug. 23, 2017, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee indicted Maxwell Peter, 27, whose given name is Maxwell Atugba Abayeta, and others with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Following his extradition, Peter’s initial appearance was made Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton for the Western District of Tennessee.
The indictment alleges that various Africa-based co-conspirators committed, or caused to be committed, a series of intrusions into the servers and email systems of a Memphis-based real estate company in June and July 2016. Using sophisticated anonymization techniques, including the use of spoofed email addresses and Virtual Private Networks, the co-conspirators identified large financial transactions, initiated fraudulent email correspondence with relevant business parties and then redirected closing funds through a network of U.S.-based money mules to final destinations in Africa. Commonly referred to as business-email compromise, or BEC, this aspect of the scheme caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to companies and individuals in Memphis. The defendant is specifically alleged to have directed the transfer of funds from a June 2016 BEC to a co-conspirator in Africa.
In addition to BEC, the defendant is also charged with perpetrating romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams and credit card scams. The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams. The defendant is specifically alleged to have created and used the alias “Sandra Lin” in furtherance of these crimes. From May through June of 2017, Peter is alleged to have communicated with an FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity to receive the proceeds of fraud. Along with his coconspirators over the life of the conspiracy, the defendant is believed to have caused millions of dollars in losses to victims across the globe.
An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Seven other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in these schemes. Benard E. Okorhi, 41, was extradited in March 2020 from Canada, and is detained pending trial. Two others, Olufalojimi Abegunde, 33, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 30, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Abegunde received a 78-month sentence and Ramos-Alonso received a 31-month sentence for their roles in the scheme. Several individuals remain at large.
The FBI led the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture, and Bank Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice, and Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office.
Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
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.
Union City Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Distribution and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Daniel Nunez, 31, of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 248 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 1, 2018, law enforcement began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) involving members distributing methamphetamine in the Northwest Tennessee region. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a member’s residence which resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of methamphetamine. This led to the arrest of a total of six members of the DTO in August 2018.
Law enforcement arrested Nunez after several recorded phone calls from cooperating sources to purchase a kilogram of methamphetamine. When Nunez arrived at the location in Dyersburg, Tennessee, a camera system inside the residence captured the actions of Nunez. Nunez was seen in possession of a backpack and walking up the driveway of the residence carrying a handgun, which was visible in his waistband. The firearm was a fully loaded Sig Sauer .22 caliber pistol. Investigators recovered approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from the cooperator’s mailbox. After taking Nunez into custody, he waived his Miranda rights and admitted to distributing approximately 20 kilograms of actual methamphetamine (ice).
On June 17, 2019, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern Division returned a four-count superseding indictment against Nunez and other members of the DTO: Ryan Decker, John Paul Henry, Kwantrez Pitts, Nelson Urias and Jimmy Goodman. Count 1 charged Nunez with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. Count 4 charged Nunez with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). On January 21, 2020, Nunez pled guilty to counts 1 and 4 of the four-count superseding indictment.
On August 24, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Thomas Anderson found that Nunez was responsible for the distribution of a total of 15.2 kilograms of actual methamphetamine in furtherance of the conspiracy, and sentenced Nunez to 248 months imprisonment in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee. This defendant’s selfish and reckless criminal behavior includes distribution of large quantities of meth, possession of a firearm, and participation in a drug trafficking organization. This is exactly the type of armed drug dealer that deserves a 20-year sentence, and we are happy to hold him accountable. Nunez has sowed addiction and pain into the rural Northwest Tennessee community, and now he will reap the consequence of a long prison sentence."
The Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the 27th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Union City Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty in $2 million Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Princess Terry, 27, has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in Court, Princess 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.
The defendant pled guilty on August 25, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on November 6, 2020, where Terry faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years and up to ten years.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "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. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is willing and able to go to any lengths in our pursuit of justice in healthcare fraud cases, and we commend the great investigative work of the FBI in this significant fraud case."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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