Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lauderdale County Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Meth and GunRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Daniel Heatherly, 39, of Ripley, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the commission of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in Court, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office was investigating Heatherly for distribution of methamphetamine. On February 11, 2019, a Lauderdale County Sheriff's deputy stopped Heatherly as he was driving. The deputy was aware that Heatherly’s license was revoked due to a prior DUI conviction. The deputy asked to search the vehicle, and Heatherly consented.
The center console compartment contained a loaded handgun, meth pipe, two clear plastic baggies with meth rocks inside, and scales. Additional methamphetamine was found behind the passenger seat, along with 176 grams of marijuana. Heatherly denied knowing anything about the items.
The methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for analysis and testing, the results of which confirmed a total weight of 9.5 grams of methamphetamine with a 100% purity level.
On August 20, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Heatherly to 120 months in federal prison followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This offender presented a double threat of serious bodily injury and death: a drug dealer in possession of a loaded firearm while distributing a highly addictive substance on the streets. Meth distribution+gun=a federal prison sentence that protects the community by incapacitating a dangerous offender, and achieves justice by providing proper punishment without the sanctuary of parole."
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession After Police ChaseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Patrick Vaughn, 35, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in Court, on January 4, 2019, detectives with the Memphis Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit were conducting surveillance on a possible carjacking suspect, Patrick Vaughn, driving a black 2006 Kia Amanti near Poplar Ave and Hollywood Street. Attempting to avoid the surveillance, Vaughn made several U-turns on Poplar; detectives then called for additional patrol officers.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Vaughn continued to flee on Poplar at a high rate of speed; he ran several red lights while striking other vehicles. Vaughn then left his vehicle and fled on foot for a short distance before being taken into custody. During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered a black Ruger .380 caliber handgun.
Vaughn later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to being a felon in possession of a handgun. As a result of his prior felony convictions, including a carjacking offense in 2008, Vaughn is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
The defendant pled guilty on August 24, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on November 18, 2020, where Vaughn faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
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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Henry County Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of Meth and GunRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Donald Blaine Ashby, 39, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in Court, on July 26, 2018, the Paris, Tennessee, Police Department stopped a vehicle of which Ashby was located in the backseat and recovered 51.6 grams of actual methamphetamine. The defendant was subsequently charged with various state law violations and released on bail.
On September 12, 2018, the Benton County Sheriff's Department received a call regarding an unconscious person in a vehicle near Highway 70 West in Camden, Tennessee. When officers arrived, they observed United States currency all over the floorboard of the vehicle, along with the defendant asleep behind the wheel. Officers were able to wake the defendant and ultimately searched the vehicle, finding 274.09 grams of actual methamphetamine and a .25 caliber pistol.
Because of his prior felony convictions, including possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and felon in possession of a weapon, Ashby is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On August 18, 2020, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Ashby to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Ashby is a dangerous recidivist drug offender who was destroying the community by his sale of highly potent and poisonous drugs, and his prior felony convictions have finally caught up with him. Thanks to the great investigative work by our federal and local law enforcement partners, he has been held accountable and his removal from the community will make citizens safer."
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Paris, Tennessee Police Department; the Benton County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary L. Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cody Davis, 28, 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, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on December 21, 2018, the victim, J.G., was asleep in his vehicle in the parking lot of a business on White Station Road, when the suspect approached him and pointed a gun. The suspect took the victim's cell phone, ordered him out of the car, told him to walk around the corner, and then drove off with the victim’s Audi A4. The armed robbery was captured on surveillance video.
The Audi A4 was recovered several days later. In the vehicle was a cell phone that did not belong to the victim. Fingerprints on the cell phone belonged to Davis.
On January 4, 2019, detectives conducted surveillance at the defendant’s residence. While there, detectives observed Davis depart the residence and enter a vehicle. Davis disregarded several traffic signals and was stopped by law enforcement. Detectives recovered a tan Century Arms 9mm pistol under the driver's seat, loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition.
The defendant later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to being a convicted felon, committing the carjacking, and possessing the firearm found in his vehicle.
Further investigation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that the Century Arms 9mm caliber pistol and the Audi A4 were manufactured outside the State of Tennessee. As a result of his prior felony convictions, including robbery and aggravated burglary, Davis is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
The defendant pled guilty on August 19, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on December 3, 2020, where Davis faces a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, we are continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution. There is a heavy price to pay for recidivist violence and lawlessness, and Davis will now pay that price with a significant sentence in federal prison. Hopefully, it will also send a strong deterrent message to others to avoid throwing their lives away by committing senseless gun crimes."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
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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Carroll County Woman Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking and DistributionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Brandi Oswalt, 32, a resident of Cedar Grove, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for her role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 156 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
In November 2018, a Title III order was obtained for the interception of wire and electronic communications for a telephone being utilized by a drug trafficking organization. Intercepted communications indicated that members of the Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) had developed a network spanning multiple counties and judicial districts in Tennessee. In December 2018, a second Title III order was acquired for the interception of wire and electronic communications on two telephones. Further, it was confirmed that members of the DTO were transporting narcotics to the Western District of Tennessee.
With multiple search warrants, interviews, and continued investigation, evidence revealed that Oswalt was a distributor for the drug trafficking organization. Oswalt would travel to members of the conspiracy’s residence, where she would purchase ½ pound of actual methamphetamine. A codefendant would also purchase methamphetamine on her behalf.
Oswalt was responsible for distributing over 4.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine. Based on two prior felony convictions for methamphetamine offenses in Henderson County in 2010 and Decatur County in 2018, Oswalt is considered to be a career drug offender under federal law.
On August 12, 202, U.S. District Court Senior Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Oswalt to 170 months in federal prison followed by five years 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 prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Lexington Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant Announce Updates on Operation LeGend at Press Conference in Kansas City,MissouriRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - At a press conference in Kansas City, MO., today, Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced updates on Operation LeGend.
Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 1,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 217 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. These numbers exclude Indianapolis, whose operation was just announced last Friday. In addition, nearly 400 firearms have been seized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Attorney General launched the operation 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.
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 much needed federal resources, we can interrupt the shooting cycle, hold dangerous offenders accountable, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives."
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, with the exception of Indianapolis, is below.
Memphis, Tenn.
Seven defendants have been charged with federal offenses, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.
- One defendant has been charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm while illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
- One defendant, who lives in Memphis, was charged in an out-of-district federal case with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
- Two defendants have been charged with being unlawful users of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and making a material false statement when acquiring a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL); and
- Two cases remain under seal, but the charges are as follows:
o One defendant has been charged with bank robbery
o Two defendants charged with theft from an FFL.
Kansas City, MO.
43 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses. In addition to the federal charges, the operation has led to the arrests of 17 state defendants on homicide charges.
- 20 defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- 17 defendants have been charged with drug trafficking;
- Four defendants have been charged with being a drug user in possession of a firearm;
- Six defendants have been charged with being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
- Four defendants have been charged with being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of violent crime;
- One defendant has been charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition;
- Three defendants have been charged with armed robbery;
- One defendant has been charged with carjacking; and
- One defendant has been charged with arson.
Chicago, Ill.
61 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.
- 34 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses;
- 26 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
- One defendant has been charged with possession of machine gun;
- One defendant has been charged with illegally dealing firearms without a license;
- One defendant has been charged with the illegal sale of firearm to prohibited person; and
- One defendant has been charged with bank fraud.
Albuquerque, NM.
16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.
- Six defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- Four defendants have been charged with distribution of controlled substances;
- Six defendants have been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance;
- Four defendants have been charged with being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
- Eight defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- One defendant has been charged with being in possession of a stolen firearm;
- Two defendants have been charged with Hobbs Act violations;
- One defendant has been charged with carjacking; and
- One defendant has been charged with re-entry of a removed alien.
Cleveland, OH.
32 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses. Two defendants remain fugitives.
- 22 defendants have been charged with federal drug trafficking charges;
- Nine defendants have been charged with federal firearms violations; and
- One defendant had been charged with carjacking.
Detroit,MI.
22 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.
- 14 defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Two defendants have been charged with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances;
- Two defendants have been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
- Three defendants have been charged with receipt of a firearm while under indictment;
- Four defendants have been charged with making false statement to a licensed firearm dealer; and
- Two defendants have been charged with carjacking.
Milwaukee, WI.
11 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses. In addition, thus far, 28 firearms have been seized.
- Eight defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;
- Five defendants have been charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics;
- Four defendants have been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;
- Two defendants have been charged with making false statements to a licensed firearm dealer;
- One defendant has been charged with possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of narcotics;
- One defendant has been charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition; and
- One defendant has been charged with distribution of narcotics.
St. Louis, MO.
15 defendants have been charged with federal crimes, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.
- One defendant has been charged with drug trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime following the USMS’s execution of a state arrest warrant;
- One defendant has been charged with robbery of an item effecting interstate commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence following an joint ATF, SLMPD-initiated undercover operation targeting a known shooter;
- One defendant has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm following ATF’s execution of a federal search warrant directed towards the residence of a suspected murderer;
- 11 defendants have been charged with drug trafficking offenses; and
- One defendant has been charged with being a drug user in possession of a firearm.
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Henry County Resident Receives 13 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - Verdell Crosser, 63, of Paris, Tennessee has been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in Court, during an undercover investigation from November 2017 until December 1, 2017, law enforcement observed Crosser distributing methamphetamine (actual) to undercover agents on four separate occasions. The four drug purchases totaled more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.
On November 7, 10, 15, and December 1, 2017, agents met with a confidential informant, to plan an undercover operation involving Crosser. The confidential information (CI) was wired with both an audio and video recording device, in order to maintain surveillance to and from the meeting with Crosser. At the conclusion of each deal, the CI met with the agents and turned over the narcotics and was again searched by agents for any remaining methamphetamine.
The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Henry County Metro Crime Unit investigated this case.
On August 12, 2020, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Crosser to 156 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "As methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee, we will continue to hold dealers accountable. Crosser has sowed addiction and destruction into the Paris community for selfish profit, and now he will reap the consequence of a long prison sentence without the sanctuary of parole."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Benton County Drug Dealer Sentenced to 13 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Kelvin Melton, 43, a Big Sandy, Tennessee resident, has been sentenced to 156 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in Court, during an undercover operation in June, 2017, Henry County Sheriff’s Deputies developed Melton as a suspect distributing methamphetamine in the Western District of Tennessee. Based on information obtained from a confidential informant, deputies made five separate drug purchases from Melton. The total methamphetamine amounted to over 10 grams of actual methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Paris, TN., Police Department.
On August 11, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Melton to 156 months in federal prison followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Meth distribution creates havoc and jeopardizes public safety, especially in small rural communities. Drug dealers can no longer hide in any part of the Western District of Tennessee, and this sentence demonstrates our commitment to remove poison peddlers from our streets."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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McNairy County Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Peyton McCray Roberts, 21, 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 August 12, 2019, officers with the Selmer Police Department responded to an apartment complex in Selmer, TN., with regard to a shooting incident. Officers spoke with the defendant, Peyton Roberts, who admitted to being intoxicated and firing a gun into the floor of his apartment after having an argument with friends.
Roberts gave consent to law enforcement to enter his apartment and recover his gun which he had placed under a mattress. Officers recovered an H & R, Model Topper Jr., .410 gauge shotgun containing a fired shell. Roberts informed law enforcement that he shot the gun into the floor after he tried to coerce his friends to leave his residence. He said the gun went off while he was trying to unload it.
After taking Roberts into custody, law enforcement verified that he was previously convicted of the felony offenses of Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution and Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver in McNairy County on December 3, 2018. As a result of those prior felony convictions, Roberts is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On August 7, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Roberts to 60 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: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large, as seen by this convicted felon who recklessly endangered individuals with an illegal gun. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets. This sentence does just that, and will make McNairy County and West Tennessee a safer place."
This case was investigated by the Selmer Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Gibson County Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Michael Taylor, 37, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on May 20, 2019, agents with the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a Milan, Tennessee, residence and seized approximately five grams of methamphetamine. The occupants of the home agreed to cooperate with law enforcement and consented to call their supplier, the defendant, Michael Taylor, and order .5 ounces (or approximately 15 grams) of methamphetamine. Taylor agreed to bring .5 ounces of methamphetamine to that residence in Milan.
Agents subsequently observed Taylor pull into the driveway at that residence, in a Pontiac 4-door car. He then exited the driver’s side door and walked up to the front door. Agents ordered Taylor to the ground, but he refused to comply with the officers’ directives and was physically restrained. He was ultimately taken into custody and advised of his Miranda rights. A search of Taylor’s person revealed approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine, 69 grams of cutting agent, and $2,244.00 in U.S. currency. The $2,244.00 was in the same pocket as the methamphetamine Taylor was delivering to that residence.
A search of Taylor’s vehicle revealed a tin can in the driver’s side door containing approximately nine grams of methamphetamine in three different baggies, as well as some Xanax pills. The agents also located and seized a black bag containing several baggies commonly used for packaging methamphetamine and other drugs, scales with methamphetamine residue on them, and another 57 grams of methamphetamine. Taylor confirmed to law enforcement how he distributed the methamphetamine and that he owned the methamphetamine seized from his person and from his vehicle.
On August 13, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Agency issued a Chemical Analysis Report confirming the methamphetamine seized from Taylor tested positive for d- Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with a net weight of 79.10 grams and a substance purity of 100%.
On July 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Taylor to 87 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, "Drug distribution is NOT a victimless crime. Methamphetamine causes significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Individuals who distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide, and those who choose to engage in such lawlessness will pay the price with a long prison sentence."
This case was investigated by the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Humboldt Man Receives Maximum Sentence of 10 Years for Felon in Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Taylor Cunningham, 25, has been sentenced to 120 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 June 7, 2019, agents with the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force utilized a confidential source to arrange the purchase of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine (ICE) from Cunningham, who agreed to meet the confidential source at the Humboldt Lake parking lot. Once the defendant pulled into the parking lot, agents activated the blue lights on their vehicles and attempted to stop the vehicle. Cunningham immediately tried to evade the agents in his truck. He then jumped from the driver’s door of the vehicle while it was still moving.
Agents pursued Cunningham on foot, giving him verbal commands to stop. They observed a brown hand bag in his hands while running. Law enforcement then utilized a less lethal weapon known as the Taser; Cunningham stopped and started turning towards the agents. As he arrived partially turned towards the agents, they observed Cunningham pull a black firearm from his waist band. At this time, an agent deployed his Taser at Cunningham, striking him in the right arm, causing him to drop his firearm and fall to the ground. Cunningham was then taken into custody. One agent sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Agents located and seized a loaded Glock Model 19 9 mm pistol with a magazine that held 15 9 mm bullets; the firearm was found beside Cunningham on the ground. Agents also located and seized an extra fully-loaded 30 round magazine, a bag of methamphetamine weighing approximately 21 grams, and a set of digital scales. A search of the brown bag Cunningham was carrying revealed another three bags of methamphetamine weighing approximately 39.5 grams. Also seized were approximately 407 Xanax pills, 46 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine pills (approximate total weight of 16.5 grams), one ecstasy pill, two morphine pills, seven unidentifiable pills and $3,301 on Cunningham’s person.
After taking Cunningham into custody, agents verified that he was previously convicted of felony burglary in Humboldt, TN on September 15, 2017, and was therefore prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On August 4, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Cunningham to the maximum statutory sentence available, 120 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: "As a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and drugs, Cunningham presented a danger to public safety and to law enforcement in multiple ways. The statutory maximum sentence imposed in this case removes him from the community, and makes West Tennessee a safer place. Felon+gun+drugs=a maximum federal prison sentence that achieves justice by providing proper punishment without the sanctuary of parole."
This case was investigated by the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Getaway Driver Sentenced to 5 years for Role in Armed Business RobberyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On February 7, 2020, Arkiest Young, 38, pleaded guilty to attempted Hobbs Act business robbery. Young has now been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in the violent crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 3, 2018, two men entered the Circle K at 6565 Mt. Moriah, brandishing firearms and demanding money, one wearing blue latex gloves. One suspect also pointed a handgun at a customer who was already inside the business. The customer was armed, and fired at the suspects. As the suspects fled the business, they returned fire at the customer. A witness reported that the two suspects were driven away in a red or maroon cube-like vehicle.
Shortly thereafter, a shooting victim was dropped off at Delta Medical Hospital, who claimed he was shot in a drive-by shooting. Memphis Police Officers responded to both scenes, compared surveillance video from the Circle K with clothing from the individual at Delta Medical, and identified Davonte Gary, 21, as one of the robbery suspects.
As officers were executing a search warrant at suspect Cortez Young’s apartment, a red Chevrolet HHR, which could be described as a cube-like vehicle, arrived on the scene, occupied by Arkiest Young. The HHR had been reported stolen. Officers found a handgun and a box of blue latex gloves inside the HHR. Arkiest Young was taken into custody, waived his Miranda rights, and admitted to driving the HHR and dropping off Gary at Delta Medical Hospital on January 3.
Charges against Devonte Gary are still pending. Cortez Young, 23, has already pleaded guilty to this business robbery and other robbery and firearms offenses, and will be sentenced later this year.
On August 6, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Arkiest Young 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, "Armed business robbery that harms store owners and threatens customers must be dealt with swiftly and certainly. That means holding all parties to the crime accountable, including getaway drivers and others who aid and abet such brazen violence. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force has dramatically increased the clearance rate of armed business robbery cases, and because of their quick response and outstanding investigation in this case, these violent offenders will be rightly incapacitated and punished."
The Memphis Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force investigated this case.
U.S. Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joshua Brogdon, 33, has been sentenced to 64 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on August 20, 2019, detectives with the Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit (OCU) were conducting surveillance to execute a search warrant at a local motel on Sycamore View. A female under surveillance exited a room and went downstairs to talk with a male. Officers observed a pistol protruding from the male’s back pocket. He was detained and later identified as the defendant Joshua Brogdon. The pistol was a SCCY CPX-2 9mm caliber pistol with approximately 10 rounds in the magazine. Officers found Brogdon did not have a valid handgun permit. Brodgon also had an eyeglass case in his pocket which contained a small plastic baggie with suspected methamphetamine, as well as needles and a straw.
Further investigation revealed that Brogdon had an active warrant for his arrest from Arkansas; he was on supervised release from the Western District of Tennessee; and had been previously convicted of several felony offenses. As a result of his prior felony conviction record, Brogdon is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On August 4, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Brogdon to a total of 64 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for the supervised release violation and the new firearms offense. 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 the community. By bringing them to justice, we reduce the level of
violence on the street and the threat of crime in our neighborhoods. If you illegally carry a gun, we will certainly carry you to federal prison."
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.
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 Pleads Guilty to Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Carrington Coleman, 33, has pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to the information presented in court, on July 18, 2018, Memphis Police Department Officers stopped a 2000 GMC Yukon with a Mississippi license plate after the vehicle ran a stop sign. The tags of the vehicle were not on file as being registered to a 2000 GMC Yukon. The driver, Coleman, had a revoked driver’s license. He was asked to step out of the vehicle.
Officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana, conducted a search of the vehicle and located a clear bag with a green leafy substance in the center console, as well as a small black handgun and almost $3000 in currency. The substance was later determined to be marijuana, with a gross weight of 10.5 grams. Coleman admitted to the officers that he knew he had a suspended license, and had just smoked marijuana. The gun found was a Taurus TCP .380 caliber handgun with 4 live rounds.
Further investigation revealed Coleman was convicted of a felony drug offense in Shelby County Criminal Court on December 9, 2011.
Sentencing will be held before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker on November 10, 2020, where Coleman faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons and unlawful users of controlled substances present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the 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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U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announces Operation LeGend in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that 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, will be expanding into the City of Memphis.
Operation LeGend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City. The Operation was first launched on July 8 in Kansas City, MO., and expanded on July 22, 2020, to Chicago and Albuquerque, and then to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020. Today, the expansion of Operation LeGend was announced in the cities of Memphis and St. Louis.
"The most basic responsibility of government is to protect the safety of our citizens," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Today, we have extended Operation Legend to Memphis and St. Louis, two cities experiencing increases in violent crime that no resident of those cities should have to accept as part of everyday life. For decades, the Department of Justice has achieved significant success when utilizing our anti-violent crime task forces and federal law enforcement agents to enforce federal law and assist American cities that are experiencing upticks in violent crime. The Department of Justice’s assets will supplement local law enforcement efforts, as we work together to take the shooters and chronic violent criminals off of our streets."
As part of Operation LeGend, Attorney General Barr directed the ATF, FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to significantly increase resources into Memphis and St. Louis in the coming weeks to help state and local officials fight high levels of violent crime, particularly gun violence.
Memphis is currently experiencing a significant increase in violent crime, with homicides spiking up more than 49%, reported gun crime up 23%, and aggravated assault shootings up over 19% compared to 2019.
In the City of Memphis, the Department of Justice will supplement state and local law enforcement agencies by deploying a total of 40 federal investigators, including 16 federal investigators to Memphis on temporary assignment for 90 days, followed by 24 permanent agent assignments from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Under the leadership of Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, these investigators will complement the work already underway by existing joint federal, state and local task forces within the framework of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), focused on combatting violent gangs, gun crime, and drug trafficking organizations.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will make available $200,000 to support Operation LeGend’s violent crime reduction efforts in Memphis, in addition to the prior BJA grant funding award of $1.4 million to Shelby County to provide manpower, technology, equipment, and support for the sustained efforts of the Operation LeGend Task Force, including overtime funding for the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU) and partner agency officers; a prosecutor for the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to handle operation arrests vertically through the state criminal justice system to ensure that arrests are followed by strategic prosecution; vehicles for MGU operations; and technological solutions to enhance investigation and prosecution of violent offenders. The COPS Office has also previously made approximately $9.8 million available to the Memphis Police Department to fund the hiring of 50 officers.
The Department has also provided assistance to Memphis through the Joint Law Enforcement Operations (JLEO) fund to assist with overtime reimbursement of local law enforcement serving as federal task force officers with FBI, ATF, DEA, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Each Operation LeGend city will receive $100,000 from ATF to help local agencies defray costs associated with installing or maintaining shot detection technology.
During the press conference on Thursday to announce the expansion of Operation LeGend to Memphis, the following additional announcements were made:
• United States Marshal Tyreece Miller announced the results from Phase 1 of Operation Relentless Pursuit fugitive apprehension effort led by the USMS from January 13 through April 3, 2020, which included the arrests of 434 individuals on outstanding warrants, including 24 wanted for homicide, 151 for assault or robbery, 75 wanted for sexual offenses, and 61 identified gang members. Seized during this time period were ninety (90) firearms; 20.71 kilograms of narcotics; and approximately $51,000 in U.S. currency.
• Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich and U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant announced that the BJA has awarded a grant to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in the total amount of $400,000 to fund two (2) Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) for a period of up to 3 years to reduce violent crime as part of the Project Guardian Initiative. The Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) hired under this grant will be full-time, cross-designated prosecutors assigned to the local United States Attorney’s Office (USAO). These cross-designated prosecutors will maintain an active violent crimes reduction caseload in federal court, while also helping to promote higher quality investigations, improved training, and better communication with state and local law enforcement agencies regarding the investigation and prosecution of firearms offenses under the Project Guardian Initiative.
• FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Korneski, along with Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings announced that as part of the initiative, a reward of up to $25,000 will be made available for information leading to the successful identification and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the unsolved shooting deaths of Ashlynn Luckett, age 6, and her uncle, Lequan Boyd, age 16, in a drive-by shooting incident on January 20 of this year while they were inside a home in the 6800 block of Kirby Mills Cove in the Hickory Hill neighborhood of Memphis. On April 28, 2020, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a $20,000 award in the same case. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI Memphis Field Office at (901)747-4300, the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or the Memphis Police Department CrimeStoppers Tip Hotline at 901-528-CASH (2274). You can also report information online at tips.fbi.gov, or contact your local FBI office.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Operation LeGend builds on the collaborative success of Operation Relentless Pursuit, and provides even more federal agency resources and grant funding to help us in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis. As violent gun crime and homicide spike up, we must meet that threat with a significant surge of law enforcement resources, and Operation LeGend comes at a critical time in our city. I am appreciative to Attorney General Barr for deploying these temporary and permanent federal agent assignments to Memphis, and I look forward to working with all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to attack the real violent crime drivers in in our community: gangs, guns, and drugs."
"FBI Memphis is eager to continue our ongoing collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods as a part of Operation LeGend," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Korneski of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement along with our community partners are one team in this sustained, systematic and coordinated initiative to target the violence in our communities."
"Operation LeGend is an operation that is consistent with our mission of apprehending dangerous individuals. The United States Marshals Service stands with the citizens of Memphis and their desire for safer neighborhoods for them and their children, said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller.
"We appreciate the continued efforts of our federal partners in this expansion of Operation LeGend," said Mike Rallings, Director, Memphis Police Department.
Amy Weirich, Shelby County District Attorney General said: "In the midst of a public health crisis, we are dealing with a public safety crisis. This help from our federal partners
will mean justice for more families devastated by all of this violence. For that I am grateful. But for lasting change, we need the community to do more. We need a coordinated community reaction to the disturbing number of murders---to the number of children we have buried. We need everyone to do their part to combat the growing number among us who embrace violent behavior."
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegally Possessing a Firearmin Furtherance of Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jason Smith, 36, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug distribution. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on November 5, 2017, homicide officers followed up on a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a Memphis Police Department homicide investigation involving Jason Smith. Officers went to a residence on Douglas Avenue where they saw Smith standing by and bending down near the rear passenger side of a silver Volvo. Smith then walked away from the officers who saw him toss something small behind a nearby house. Officers detained Smith and recovered a gun from under the vehicle where they had observed him bend down. A bag with 5.6 grams of crack was located which Smith had thrown and large amounts of cash from his pockets. Smith told officers that the gun belonged to his girlfriend but she was not there, and that he threw marijuana, not crack.
Later, homicide officers interviewed Smith’s girlfriend who said the gun was hers, but struggled to describe the weapon. The girlfriend could not tell officers the type or caliber of gun. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an interstate nexus search on the multi-caliber Diamondback pistol and verified that the firearm was manufactured outside of the State of Tennessee.
Prior to the November 5, 2017 arrest, the defendant had been convicted of felony drug and gun offenses. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted Smith for possession for a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony; and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.
On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Smith 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, "This offender presented a triple threat of serious bodily injury and death: a prior convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm while distributing a highly addictive substance on the streets. Felon+gun+drugs=a federal prison sentence that protects the community by incapacitating a repeat dangerous offender, and achieves justice by providing proper punishment without the sanctuary of parole."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Arizona Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Isaac Taylor, of Tempe, Arizona, 62, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, during an investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained a court-ordered wiretap on a phone used by a local drug dealer, John Wright. Based on the wiretap surveillance, investigators learned the source of Wright's supply for methamphetamine was the defendant, Isaac Taylor, a resident of Arizona. Agents intercepted several calls between Wright and Taylor discussing methamphetamine sales.
After reviewing the evidence, the government determined Taylor was responsible for supplying Wright with approximately three pounds of methamphetamine. Undercover agents also purchased approximately ten ounces of methamphetamine from Wright. According to lab testing, the methamphetamine from Wright was found to be 100% in purity.
On August 3, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Wright to 188 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, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked into and throughout West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. This out-of-state drug dealer sent multiple pounds of pure poison into Memphis, thinking that he was untouchable. He was wrong, and this sentence shows that we have the ability and resolve to catch and punish anyone who victimizes our citizens with dangerous addictive substances."
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Memphis Police Department investigated this case.
This case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), which seeks to investigate and prosecute large-scale drug trafficking and violence involving multiple districts across the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Four Arrested in Jackson and Indicted for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Four individuals have been indicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
On July 30, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment which remained sealed until the defendants’ arrest. This investigation was conducted in conjunction with federal prosecutors in Jackson as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which seeks to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises.
The four defendants listed are currently in custody:
• Jason Kennedy, 43, of Puryear, Tennessee
• Justin Barker, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia
• Derick Barker, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia
• Colby Criswell, 29, of Greenfield, Tennessee
During this investigation, agents seized large amounts of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), money, digital scales, a firearm, and other various paraphernalia from the defendants at a hotel in Jackson, TN. The defendants were arrested on July 25, 2020 and charged in a federal criminal complaint.
Criswell has also previously been charged among seventeen individuals with operating a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in West Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi in "Operation Clear Cut". https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/seventeen-charged-multi-state-drug-trafficking-ring-operation-clear-cut.
If convicted in this case, the defendants each face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "West Tennessee is a major logistics hub for the country, and drug trafficking organizations transport large quantities into and through our communities. We must use every available resource to disrupt and dismantle these conspiracies, and hold them accountable for distributing poisonous illegal drugs that cause addiction, injury, and death. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this important case involving significant seizures of dangerous narcotics."
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Jackson, Houston, and Chattanooga offices; Madison County Sheriff’s Department; Weakley County Sheriff’s Department; Jackson-Madison County Narcotics Unit; 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Puryear Police Department, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 6 Years for Unlawful Possession of Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Darius Washington, 24, has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after having been previously been convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on December 9, 2017, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Watkins Avenue in the Family Dollar parking lot. When the car pulled into the parking lot, the front right passenger, later identified as Darius Washington, jumped out of the vehicle and ran inside the store. Detectives observed Washington casually walk back towards the front of the store. After reviewing the in-store video footage, law enforcement observed Washington hide a Beretta .40 caliber pistol in one of the food aisles. The gun was loaded with 13 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber.
On June 5, 2019, during a physical altercation with a man, Washington pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot the man in the ear. Visibly injured, the victim fled the scene. Washington then reached inside the victim's car and stole a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol he had been carrying.
Washington's prior criminal history consisted of four misdemeanor convictions, including two convictions for domestic violence with bodily harm. Based upon his domestic violence convictions, Washington was unlawfully in possession of all three firearms pursuant to federal law. Washington had no felony convictions, until today.
On July 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Washington to 72 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: "Under the new Project Guardian initiative announced by Attorney General Barr inMemphis in November, 2019, we have intensified our focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. We have no better partner in this fight against gun crime than the ATF, and under Project Guardian, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute the trigger-pullers and prohibited persons who violate federal firearms laws in West Tennessee. Persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. Clearly, this recidivist had no hesitation in committing a violent crime with a firearm, and he will now be removed from the community for 6 years."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 17 Years for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Davien Stokes, 39, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on January 22, 2018, Memphis Police responded to a request for a welfare check at a local business complex on Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. Officers arrived to find a 2013 red Ford Focus obstructing the entrance way of the business with keys in the ignition and the engine was idle.
The driver, later identified as Davien Stokes, appeared to be unconscious. Eventually, Stokes began to move around in the seat. As he did so, officers observed an open container of alcohol on the front passenger seat. Stokes attempted to grab something and told officers he was reaching for his mouthwash. Officers were able to see a Ruger 9mm pistol in the cup holder. Also, 23 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one spent shell casing were found in the vehicle. The gun was loaded with two live rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Officers learned that Stokes' drivers’ license had been revoked since 2015.
Due to three prior violent felony convictions for robberies in 1999, 2005, and 2010, Stokes is prohibited by federal law from possession of a firearm or ammunition. At sentencing, Stokes was determined to be an armed career criminal, which carries a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence.
On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Stokes to 210 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: "Our PSN efforts continue to provide targeted prosecution of the worst of the worst violent offenders in order to enhance public safety
in Memphis. This significant sentence removes an armed career criminal from the community, and sends a strong message that we will no longer tolerate this lawless behavior. We are FED UP with gun crime in Memphis, and will continue to aggressively prosecute prohibited and dangerous offenders with firearms. Gun Crime is Max Time."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). 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 Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Tipton County Probationer Arrested During “Operation Crime Driver” Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Danny Muex, 32, of Tipton County has been sentenced to 40 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 February 20, 2019, as law enforcement patrolled near the area of Covington, Tennessee where several gunshots had been reported, Officers saw a white 1999 Ford Mustang traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was later identified as Muex. Corporal Bradley Williams with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle, but Muex continued driving, eventually losing control of the vehicle.
As Muex got out of the vehicle, the deputy observed Muex carrying a firearm in his right hand while attempting to flee on foot. The deputy was able to stop Muex and placed him in custody. Corporal Jeremy Finney located a loaded Bersa .380 caliber firearm underneath Corporal Williams’s vehicle. A search of the suspect vehicle was conducted. Deputies located a straw with a white residue which tested positive for cocaine. Deputies also located a box containing 38 rounds of .380 ammunition, one round of 300 blackout ammunition, $186.00 cash, five cellular telephones, and a digital scale.
At the time of the offense, Muex was on probation from a Florida felony conviction for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Muex’ arrest was part of "Operation Crime Driver", a joint federal, state and local law enforcement anti-violence initiative led by the District Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District, and conducted between February and May 2019, where law enforcement targeted offenders wanted on arrest warrants for violent criminal offenses in Tipton County, Tennessee. Muex was among 6 defendants from the first phase of "Operation Crime Driver" to be indicted in federal court in October, 2019 for various drug and gun offenses. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/operation-crime-driver-targets-violent-criminals-tipton-county.
On July 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Muex to 40 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, "We are pleased to join with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to focus on the priority areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities, and we are glad to support this successful joint operation by adopting these cases for aggressive federal prosecution. We are tired of the trigger-pullers and traffickers that terrorize Tipton County, and we will continue our laser focus on the real drivers of violent crime: guns, gangs, and drugs."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 8 Years for Possession of Multiple Firearms, Including in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – James Wilkins, 30, has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 8, 2017, a Memphis Police Department Officer executed a traffic stop on a gray Nissan Sentra. As the officer approached the vehicle, Wilkins was asked to lower his window; the officer could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Wilkins, the driver and sole occupant, was asked to exit the vehicle. When he did so, officers saw a single loose pill on the driver’s seat, later identified as a 15mg Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.
While searching the vehicle, officers noticed a loose panel on the center console and found two firearms and magazines; a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds; a Smith & Wesson 9mm loaded with ten rounds and an extended .380 caliber magazine with several rounds of ammunition. The 9mm pistol was reported stolen during a 2017 car burglary in Memphis.
While out of jail on a bond for $100,000 for the December 8, 2017, arrest, Wilkins was again arrested on December 10, 2018. On that date, Memphis Police Officers were patrolling the high drug sales area of Maplewood/Chelsea, and they noticed a white Mazda 6 sedan in front of a residence on Maplewood St. Officers checked the vehicle’s registration and it came back expired as of July, 2017.
As officers approached the car they noticed a male, later identified as Wilkins, in the front passenger seat who kept reaching towards the center console and floorboard area. Law enforcement ordered Wilkins to put his hands up and exit the vehicle; instead he kept reaching towards the floorboard area. Wilkins finally complied and as he stepped out, Officers could see the chrome barrel of a Ruger .380 caliber pistol from the passenger side of the center console compartment. During transport, Wilkins told the Officers that he also had some marijuana on his person. Officers found 7 individually wrapped baggies containing marijuana.
Wilkins has two previous criminal convictions for felony drug offenses. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On September 23, 2019, Wilkins pled guilty to being a convicted felon of firearms, and on September 27, 2019, Wilkins pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wilkins to 102 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, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and this defendant continued to possess firearms and illegal narcotics despite his prior felony conviction history. There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this is one more gun toter that will be removed from our streets. Gun Crime is Max Time."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and Michelle Kimbril-Parks and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 46 Months for Being in Possession of Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tra Lott, 27, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2018, Lott was served with an arrest warrant for solicitation of a minor-rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. When officers entered the residence, they discovered Lott and his girlfriend were the only occupants; Lott was immediately arrested.
Officers further observed a magazine in plain view, and they obtained a search warrant for Lott’s residence. Officers recovered two Taurus 9mm caliber pistols and one Romarm Cugir 7.62x39mm caliber pistol. On December 19, 2019, Lott pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Lott has previous criminal convictions for a felony drug offense and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. As a result, Lott is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
On July 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Lott to 46 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons and persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous offenders from our streets. This sentence does just that."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson for Theft and Embezzlement Involving Government Programs and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson, 39, has now been indicted for theft and embezzlement involving government programs and wire fraud. Robinson was previously charged in this matter by a federal criminal complaint that was unsealed on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. On Thursday, July 30, 2020, a federal grand jury in Memphis returned a 48-count indictment against Robinson, charging her with 24 counts of theft and embezzlement involving government programs, and 24 counts of wire fraud. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, Katrina Robinson is the Director of The Healthcare Institute (THI), a provider of educational and training programs for jobs in the healthcare field. She is also a Tennessee State Senator, having been elected to represent the 33rd District in Shelby County in 2018.
Between 2015 and 2019, The Healthcare Institute received over $2.2 million in federal grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. During that same time period, Robinson stole in excess of $600,000 from THI by compensating herself in excess of what was allowed under the terms of the HRSA grant and by using Institute funds for payments and purchases for her own personal benefit and that of her immediate family.
Payments and purchases included a vehicle for her daughter; clothing, accessories, and hair and beauty products; expenses related to her wedding and honeymoon, and later, legal fees for her divorce; payments on her personal debts, including credit cards, store charge cards, student loans, and other personal loans; travel and entertainment for herself and her family; improvements to her personal residence; expenses related to a body aesthetics business she owned and a snow cone business operated by her children; and an event for her State Senate campaign.
If convicted, Robinson faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and federal grant programs against theft, fraud, waste, and abuse is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. We commend the FBI and the HHS-OIG for their diligent and thorough investigation in this case."
"Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI, regardless of who they are or any position they hold," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher E. Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and DrugsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Levester Grayer, 42, has been sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on October 3, 2016, Memphis Police Department dispatch received a call that Grayer, an individual wanted for outstanding warrants, was at the Corner Grocery in Memphis. Officers found him at that location and arrested him as he got into his car. As law enforcement searched the car they found 4 plastic bags containing crack cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and a loaded Tanfoglio 10mm caliber pistol. Grayer waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the drugs and the firearm.
The United States charged Grayer with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. On February 21, 2017, Grayer pleaded not guilty. On May 21, 2019, the case proceeded to trial, where he was convicted by a federal jury. His behavior at trial was so disruptive in the courtroom that the judge admonished the defendant numerous times, and he was ultimately ordered removed from the courtroom in handcuffs.
Grayer had 14 prior felony convictions, 11 of which were violent felonies, including kidnapping, aggravated assault and robbery. He also had two prior felony convictions for selling drugs and had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence at the time of his possession of the drugs and the possession of the firearm.
On July 23, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Grayer to 235 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. At sentencing, Grayer was deemed to be an armed career criminal, which carries a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and in this case, the defendant was an armed career criminal who continued to possess a firearm despite his prior violent felony conviction history. Grayer has devoted his adult life to a career of criminal conduct, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This sentence rightly removing him from our streets for 19 years will improve public safety for the citizens of Memphis."
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney J.William Crow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson Charged in Criminal Complaint for Theft and Embezzlement Involving Government Programs and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson, 39, has been federally charged with theft and embezzlement involving government programs and wire fraud. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the criminal complaint today.
According to the information presented in the complaint, Katrina Robinson is the Director of The Healthcare Institute (THI), a provider of educational and training programs for jobs in the healthcare field. She is also a Tennessee State Senator, having been elected to represent the 33rd District in Shelby County in 2018.
Between 2015 and 2019, The Healthcare Institute received over $2.2 million in federal grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. During that same time period, Robinson stole in excess of $600,000 from THI by compensating herself in excess of what was allowed under the terms of the HRSA grant and by using Institute funds for payments and purchases for her own personal benefit and that of her immediate family.
Payments and purchases included a vehicle for her daughter; clothing, accessories, and hair and beauty products; expenses related to her wedding and honeymoon, and later, legal fees for her divorce; payments on her personal debts, including credit cards, store charge cards, student loans, and other personal loans; travel and entertainment for herself and her family; improvements to her personal residence; expenses related to a body aesthetics business she owned and a snow cone business operated by her children; and an event for her State Senate campaign.
If convicted, Robinson faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendant.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and federal grant programs against theft, fraud, waste, and abuse is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. We commend the FBI and the HHS-OIG for their diligent and thorough investigation in this case."
"Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI, regardless of who they are or any position they hold," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher E. Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Seventeen Charged in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Ring in “Operation Clear Cut”Read the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Seventeen individuals have been charged in federal court with operating a multi-state drug trafficking organization in West Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the unsealing of the federal complaint today.
The following individuals were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and were arrested during a law enforcement takedown operation this week:
• David Bone, 54, of Dyer County
• Stacey Caksackkar, 52, of Crockett County
• Troy Chew, 45, of Blytheville, Arkansas
• Colby Criswell, 28, of Gibson County
• Thomas Dacus, 43, of Crockett County
• Stacy Edwards, 31, of Dyer County
• Jason Glisson, 42, of Dyer County
• Frederick Johnson, 36, of Meridian, Mississippi
• Crystal Lee, 37, of Crockett County
• Draper Lee, 39, of Crockett County
• Nicholas Grant Mealer, 21, of Crockett County
• Tammy Mealer, 50, of Crockett County
• Madison Middlebrook, 21, of Blytheville, Ark.
• Michael Newson, 35, of Senatobia, Miss.
• Shawn Sherry Overton, 45, of Dyer County
• Shawn Riley, 41, of Dyer County
• Ronald Solomon, 40, of Dyer CountyAdditionally, Draper Lee, Middlebrook, and Solomon were charged with being felons in possession of a firearm. The takedown was part of "Operation Clear Cut," a multi-agency federal task force responsible for curtailing organized crime and narcotics in West Tennessee. According to information from the criminal complaint, the organization was responsible for distributing more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine in West Tennessee and elsewhere. In addition to the seizure of narcotics, law enforcement seized more than $31,000 in U.S. currency and 8 firearms during the course of the investigation.
For count one, the defendants face possible sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 6 years supervised release and a fine of $2 million. For those defendants charged with being felons in possession of a firearm, the additional possible sentence is up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the suspects.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "West Tennessee is a major logistics hub for the country, and drug trafficking organizations transport and distribute large quantities of drugs into and throughout our communities. We must use every available resource to disrupt and dismantle these conspiracies, and hold them accountable for distributing poisonous illegal drugs that cause addiction, injury, and death. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this important case involving significant seizures of dangerous narcotics."
"The charges and arrests today were only possible due to the cooperation of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to identify and target drug traffickers in our ongoing mission to ensure the safety of our communities in the tri-state area," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The FBI, with our fellow law enforcement partners, are committed to ensuring that there is no safe haven for criminal activity and that those who seek to sell drugs and engage in violence know that we are coming for them."
This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis Safe Streets Task Force, Jackson Resident Agency, Dyersburg Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office. The Lexington Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jackson Police Department, Selmer Police Department, Bolivar Police Department, Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office, Milan Police Department, and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force also participated in the arrest operation.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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McNairy County Man Sentenced to 38 Years for Two Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – After a three-day jury trial in October 2019, a federal jury convicted Gene Allen Howell, 39, of Selmer, Tennessee of two counts of aggravated bank robbery, two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 20, 2020, Howell was sentenced to 466 months in federal prison. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 25, 2017, Howell robbed the Home Banking Company located in Finger, Tennessee using a handgun. He pointed the handgun at all three female employees and threatened to kill them if they did not comply with his commands. Howell had stolen a utility vehicle from Selmer, which he rode to the bank and used thereafter to evade capture. The utility vehicle was later found abandoned in a wooded area.
On October 14, 2017 Howell attempted to rob The Peoples Bank located in Reagan, Tennessee using a .45 caliber pistol. He hid nearby, and attempted to accost two bank employees as they arrived for work, but they had just entered the secure tellers' area in the bank. Unable to gain access to the teller area, Howell fired the pistol at the head of one of the employees, but she was protected by bullet resistant glass.
Howell and his co-defendant, who served as the getaway driver, were arrested 10 days later in Alcorn County, Mississippi on drug charges. Law enforcement found in Howell's possession two pistols, including one used in the Reagan shooting; ammunition; and clothing worn during the robberies. The co-defendant testified against Howell at trial, and entered a guilty plea.
Howell has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for aggravated assault, theft, and drug charges. Chief Judge Anderson took special note of the danger Howell posed to the public as well as his extensive criminal history as aggravating circumstances when imposing the lengthy sentence.
On July 20, 2020, Howell was sentenced before Chief U.S. District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson to 466 months in federal prison followed by 8 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Violent crime affects and endangers all communities in West Tennessee, both urban and rural. Howell’s brazen and disturbing armed robbery of two small community banks terrorized the rural community and inflicted fear and harm on multiple victims. This lengthy sentence is just punishment for his violent and recidivist criminal conduct, and the citizens of McNairy and Henderson Counties are safer because he has been removed from the community."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Henderson County Sheriff's Department, McNairy County Sheriff's Department, Chester County Sheriff's Department and Alcorn County, Mississippi Sheriff's Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Wilson and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Reginald McFarland, 38, has pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.
According to the information presented in court, on August 7, 2018, the Shelby County Shelby’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT) had an arrest warrant for McFarland, who was residing at the Villa Inn hotel in Memphis. Law enforcement verified that McFarland had a state arrest warrant for criminal attempt: murder first degree.
Upon entering the hotel room, officers observed McFarland standing in the bathroom and noticed a bullet in the toilet bowl. A gun was recovered from the toilet tank. Further investigation from Memphis Police revealed this gun was purchased by D.H., who had reported it stolen from him by McFarland on August 1, 2018. McFarland was previously convicted of a felony drug offense. The state prosecution against McFarland for attempted murder is still pending in the Shelby County Criminal Court.
Sentencing is set for November 4, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris. If convicted, McFarland faces up to 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our PSN initiative, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous felons from our streets. This federal conviction will remove this gun-toter from the community while he awaits trial on violent state charges, and will make Memphis and West Tennessee a safer place."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) 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.
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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Obion County Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Nakeia Shakiece Smith, 27, has been sentenced to federal prison for 18 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base and cocaine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 17, 2019, the Fulton County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop for a window tint violation on the defendant’s vehicle and discovered a large amount of money and five cell phones. Smith admitted that she was delivering narcotics for her boyfriend Jamal Rollins, in Union City, Tennessee.
When law enforcement from Kentucky and Obion County arrived at her residence in Obion County, the defendant was advised of her Miranda rights, and agreed to speak with law enforcement. While searching the residence, deputies found a Sentry safe in Smith’s bedroom which contained cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, digital scales, seven amphetamine pills, and a Smith & Wesson .45 caliber handgun.
Again, Smith admitted to distributing narcotics for her boyfriend Rollins while he was in jail during the past several weeks. Rollins would tell her where to pick up bottles filled with narcotics; Smith would then deliver the drugs to several individuals in the Union City, Tennessee area.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation forensic laboratory tested the narcotics confiscated from Smith and determined that she possessed 44.19 grams of cocaine, 6.21 grams of crack cocaine, and 1.45 grams of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is a full-service federal prosecution office, and we have the ability and intention to charge any violations of federal law, no matter where they occur in the Western District of Tennessee. This case demonstrates our focus on the priority area of interstate narcotics distribution that impacts public safety in our rural communities, and we appreciate the partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies in Obion County."
On December 11, 2019, the defendant pled guilty to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine.
On June 16, 2020, U.S. Senior District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced the defendant to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Obion County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department and the Fulton County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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U.S. Attorney Announces Appointment of District Election Officer to Monitor Elections in West 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 Election Day Program for the upcoming August 6, 2020, primary 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 monitoring elections in West Tennessee to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act and other federal election statutes, and overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference, intimidation, or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively 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 on 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.
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 abuses on August 6, 2020 or during the early voting period from July 17 through August 1, 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 office telephone number: (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 and during the early voting period. The local FBI Memphis 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’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at (800)-253- 3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/
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 immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the DOJ Civil Rights Division."
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Obion County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Edwin Joseph Hogg Jr., 55, has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on January 23, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle for a stop sign violation. Officers observed a Ruger 10-22 semi-automatic rifle in plain view and were aware of Hogg as being a convicted felon.
During the search of Hogg’s person and vehicle, officers seized the firearm and approximately 1.3 grams of methamphetamine from his left coat pocket. Also, further investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) confirmed that on September 5, 2008, Hogg was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, and on December 5, 2016 he was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Obion County.
Hogg was arrested and later charged in federal court with one count of being a convicted felon-in-possession of a firearm. He pled guilty on January 10, 2020.
On June 19, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Hogg to 14 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Clearly, Hogg did not learn a lesson from his prior state convictions. Now, he will be rightly punished for his recidivism and incapacitated in federal prison, where there is no sentence discount or sanctuary of parole. We thank and commend the Obion County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding work in this important case."
This case was investigated by the Obion County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Weakley County Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Keith Norris, 32, has been sentenced to 280 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 Weakly County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) in Dresden, Tennessee, began an investigation into an ongoing drug trafficking organization led by Keith Norris. The investigation included search warrants, traffic stops, statements of cooperators, and phone records. Weakley County investigators received information about Norris distributing methamphetamine to five other co-defendants. During a search of Norris’s residence on April 26, 2018, investigators recovered methamphetamine and over $1,300 in currency.
On June 14, 2018, investigators again executed a search warrant on Norris’s residence. Norris was seen attempting to destroy the drug evidence; however, 4.5 ounces of methamphetamine was recovered during the search. Norris was arrested, claimed ownership of all the narcotics recovered, and allowed agents to search his cell phone. Based on his statement, Norris was held accountable for distributing 296 ounces of actual methamphetamine, which equates to over 4.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine.
On July 13, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Thomas Anderson sentenced Norris to 280 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, "Drug distribution conspiracies are NOT victimless crimes. Methamphetamine causes significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Individuals who distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide, and those who choose to engage in such lawlessness will pay the price with a long prison sentence."
This is the second sentencing in a case involving multiple defendants, including Keith Norris, Robert Thomas, Charles Settles, Justin Tyler Bynum and Solomon Clay on charges of conspiracy to distribute actual methamphetamine. On August 6, 2019, Robert Thomas was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release for his role in the conspiracy. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/martin-tennessee-man-sentenced-108months-imprisonment-conspiracy-distribute
This case was investigated by the Weakly County Sheriff’s Department and Martin Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Two Separate Armed Carjackings in 2018Read the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Devonell Montgomery, 23, has been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for two separate armed carjacking incidents and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on September 16, 2018 at 8:00 pm a woman was placing items into her 2008 Pontiac G6 when three men approached demanding her keys and telling her that they had handguns. One of the men pushed her against the vehicle and demanded that she get inside. The woman screamed and ran. The men got into the vehicle and drove away.
On September 23, 2018, around 7:00 pm in the Water Tree Apartments, a woman and her 10 year old child were searching for a cellphone charger in her 2005 GMC Envoy when three men approached the vehicle and said "give us everything and you won’t get hurt." Montgomery removed the child from the car and threw her to the ground. Another man put a pistol against the woman's head and threatened her life. The woman got out of the car and the men drove away.
The next day Memphis Police Department Officers recovered the abandoned GMC Envoy in another apartment complex after it had been used in an unrelated shooting. Officers from the Violent Crimes Unit of the Memphis Police Department determined that Montgomery was a suspect in this carjacking. The woman identified Montgomery as the man who threw her child from the car.
A Memphis Police Officer later found the Pontiac G6 at Montgomery's mother's home. The officers also recovered Montgomery's finger print from that vehicle.
On February 14, 2020, Montgomery plead guilty to all three counts as charged. On July 15, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Montgomery to 156 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, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution, where there is no sanctuary of parole. There is a heavy price to pay for sowing lawlessness and violence in our communities, and Montgomery will now reap a long prison sentence for his brazen and dangerous behavior that victimized innocent citizens."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Police Department Violent Crimes Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Antonio Buntyn, 45, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on April 6, 2019, at approximately 2:05 a.m. Memphis Police responded to a car crash. Buntyn’s car was inoperable, and ultimately had to be towed away. He then walked to the house of his girlfriend, who had an order of protection against him. At her house, he physically assaulted her and as they got into her car he continued the assault. She was able to escape from the car at a local gas station where she contacted law enforcement. Buntyn fled the scene.
Later, still in the early morning hours of April 6, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Memphis Police responded to yet another call involving Buntyn. Buntyn had returned to the girlfriend’s house, and was being chased off the property by her son. Law enforcement placed him in custody. The girlfriend told law enforcement that Buntyn was in possession of a firearm, which she was able to take away from him and placed in a storm drain. Assisted by the Memphis Fire Department, law enforcement was able to open the storm drain and recover the weapon.
Buntyn has one prior felony conviction for Aggravated Assault and one prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic assault. As a result of his prior conviction history, Buntyn is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On July 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Buntyn to 37 months in federal prison followed by 2 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons and persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. In order to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and achieve justice for victims, must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets. This sentence does just that.”
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department.
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 Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm During Domestic Violence IncidentRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Jeremy Nicks, 35, has been sentenced to 46 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 April 26, 2018, Jeremy Nicks picked up his girlfriend from work. As she got into the car, Nicks pointed a gun at the victim and threatened to kill her while driving throughout various locations in Memphis. The victim reported the incident to the Memphis Police Department the next day.
On April 27, 2018, the victim notified law enforcement that Nicks was at her residence. When law enforcement responded to the domestic disturbance call, the victim informed officers that the defendant kept the gun under the hood of the Ford Escape. Nicks was immediately placed under arrest. The victim gave a signed statement, and the police obtained a search warrant for Nicks's vehicle. A Harrington and Richardson .32 caliber revolver, loaded with four live rounds, was recovered under the hood of the car.
Nicks has one prior 2007 federal felony robbery conviction and three prior domestic violence misdemeanor convictions. As a result of his prior felony conviction history, Nicks is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On December 18, 2019, Nicks pled guilty to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Nicks to 46 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Reducing violent crimes committed with firearms is the top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. Prohibited persons in possession of firearms, such as convicted felons and persons with histories of domestic violence 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 the PSN Task Force is designed to target, and I commend their work in holding Nicks responsible and removing him from our streets."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 7 Years for Possession of Firearm During Domestic Violence Incident and Possession of Ammunition After Threatening and Evading Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
JACKSON, TN - Shannon Pettigrew, 35, has been sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition on two separate occasions. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on December 22, 2017, officers with the Benton County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call indicating a man was going to kill his girlfriend. At the house they found the defendant, his girlfriend and two children. Pettigrew had his girlfriend by the neck and refused commands. Just before the woman and children were released, the girlfriend yelled to officers to back up, because Pettigrew had a gun.
After the standoff, law enforcement recovered a 20 gauge sawed-off shotgun in the residence with a shell casing. The victim confirmed to law enforcement that she noticed the firearm in the house earlier that day and assumed the defendant went to get it because he was going to call the cops and "commit suicide by cop." A neighbor also told law enforcement that she heard a shot at Pettigrew’s house and saw him with an object believed to be a shotgun.
On October 5, 2018, officers with the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Benton County Sheriff's Office were conducting an undercover operation when Pettigrew drove by their unmarked car in a parking lot. One officer gestured and Pettigrew pulled out a black pistol and pointed it at the officers. Being familiar with the defendant’s previous felony convictions, the officers attempted to apprehend the defendant.
A car chase ensued with the defendant crashing his vehicle; officers saw something thrown from the vehicle. Officers recovered a box from a Phoenix Arms Black pistol with two rounds of .22 LR ammunition. They further searched the area along the roadway traveled during the chase, but were unable to locate the firearm. Officers did execute a search warrant for Pettigrew's phone and discovered a photo of a black .22 LR pistol matching the description of the firearm pointed at the officers.
Pettigrew has prior felony convictions for Grand Theft Auto, False Imprisonment, Escape, and Evading Arrest, and was on state probation and bond release status for new criminal offenses at the time of these federal firearms offenses. As a result of his prior felony conviction history, Pettigrew is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On July 8, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Pettigrew to 92 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, "Violent crime committed by felons with firearms affects and endangers all communities in West Tennessee, both urban and rural. Pettigrew’s brazen and disturbing conduct terrorized his domestic violence victims and endangered law enforcement officers. Now he will have plenty of time in federal prison to suffer with the consequences of his recidivist criminal conduct, and the citizens of Benton County and West Tennessee will be safer for it."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Benton County Sheriff’s Department; and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Violent Convicted Felon Given 7 Year Sentence for Repeatedly Possessing a Firearm and Shooting at an Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN –Kerrell Jackson, 33, has been sentenced to 84 months imprisonment for being a convicted felon illegally possessing a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on April 16, 2018, a Memphis Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. Jackson, the driver of the vehicle, was driving 84 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour zone. The Officer asked Jackson to produce his driver’s license. When Jackson reached for his wallet in his back pocket, the Officer saw a Taurus .40 caliber pistol on his person.
On September 9, 2018, at approximately 8:00 p.m., Jackson and an unknown female went to a residence on Neely Road in Memphis, Tennessee, in search of an individual who owed him money from a prior drug debt. A 73 year-old woman answered the door and informed Jackson that the person he was looking for was not there. Jackson became upset and began to wave and point a black firearm at the elderly woman and another man present. Upon leaving the residence Jackson fired three to four shots towards the house and in the direction of both victims.
Jackson has prior violent felony convictions for aggravated assault and facilitation of second degree murder, and was on state probation at the time of these new firearms offenses. As a result of his prior felony conviction history, Jackson is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On November 1, 2019, Jackson pled guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 1, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark. S. Norris sentenced Jackson to 84 months imprisonment followed by 2 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 the community, and in this case, Jackson was a violent offender who repeatedly possessed and violently discharged a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history and probation status. There is a consequence for such brazen criminal behavior, and we will aggressively use and enforce federal law to incapacitate violent offenders, protect victims, and uphold the rule of law."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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3 Men Indicted for Carjacking and Using a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN– Elden Collins, 25, KolonjiWarren, 24, and Kristopher Harris, 23, have been indicted for the federal offenses of carjacking and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, on July 17, 2019, the victim was seated inside his vehicle at the Pump and Munch gas station on East Shelby Drive in Memphis, TN. Collins and his two accomplices drove a tan Jeep SUV to the gas station, and pulled alongside the victim's vehicle.
Harris, pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the victim, firing one shot into the front passenger-side window of the vehicle. After the victim fled, Warren entered the victim's vehicle and drove away. One shell casing left at the scene was collected as evidence.
Part of the carjacking incident was captured on video surveillance, which confirmed the suspect’s vehicle in the area and showed Warren enter the gas station prior to the carjacking. During the course of the investigation the defendants were all positively identified.
If convicted of the carjacking offense, the defendants each face sentences of up to 15 years imprisonment; a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. If convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence offense, the defendants each face an additional mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years imprisonment; a $250,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution. This indictment demonstrates our resolve to incapacitate the most violent offenders, uphold the rule of law, deter criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and make our community safer."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Dwayne Tullous, 57, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in death. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 30, 2018, victim Larry House was found deceased in his Lakeland, Tennessee residence from a heroin and fentanyl overdose. Investigators from the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service responded to the scene and conducted an investigation which revealed that the victim had been visited by a drug dealer, Tullous, earlier that evening. Tullous sold the victim various amounts of black tar heroin and fentanyl. A few hours later, the victim died from using the heroin and fentanyl distributed to him by the defendant, Tullous.
Investigators with the Postal Inspection Service determined that Tullous received packages from the Los Angeles, California area to a house in Cordova. Upon further investigation and after execution of a search warrant, investigators recovered black tar heroin, fentanyl, a firearm, and oxycodone pills from Tullous' residence. The heroin and fentanyl found at Tullous' residence was wrapped in the same packaging as the substances found at the residence of the victim. An autopsy revealed that the cause of victim's death was a heroin and fentanyl overdose.
On March 12, 2020, Tullous pled guilty, admitting he caused the death of Larry House by distributing heroin and fentanyl to him in July 2018.
On June 25, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Tullous to 20 years imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Distribution of illegal narcotics is NOT a victimless crime, and poses an immense threat to public safety. The drug seller, at every level of distribution, is at the root of the pervasive cycle of drug abuse. Measured thus by the harm it inflicts upon the addict, and, through him, upon society as a whole, drug dealing of heroin and fentanyl in its present epidemic proportions is a grave offense of high rank. In order to prevent needless addiction, injury, violence, and death in our communities, we must act with urgency to stop and punish drug dealers that deliver this deadly poison to citizens in West Tennessee. This case demonstrates the significant penalty that we will use to hold dealers accountable, deter others from dealing death to our citizens, and save lives. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal and local law enforcement partners, and we hope this sentence will achieve some measure of justice for the House family."
Heroin and fentanyl are extremely dangerous substances that have caused the deaths and non-fatal overdoses of thousands of people every year. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and a dosage less than a grain of table salt is enough to cause death. This year in Shelby County, over 200 people have died and over 2,000 people have suffered a non-fatal overdose as a result of the continued availability and distribution of heroin and fentanyl in our community. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please call the Tennessee Redline for help at 1-800-889-9789, or visit the Memphis Area Prevention Coalition at https://memphisprevention.org for information and resources.
This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. This case was part of the Heroin Initiative in collaboration with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.
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Memphis Man Indicted for Fraud Scheme Targeting Nonprofit OrganizationsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN– Jaime Walsh, 53, has been charged in an eight-count federal indictment for multiple forms of fraud, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and fraudulent claims against the government. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, between June of 2013 and March of 2019, Walsh carried out a scheme to defraud various organizations including charities, nonprofit entities, and the Peace Corps. Walsh’s scheme was to make an online donation to an organization, contact the organization claiming the donation amount was in error, and ask for a refund to correct the error.
For example, Walsh would make an online donation of $4500 to an organization. He would then contact the organization, claiming he intended to donate only $45, and ask for a refund of $4455. The organization would issue the requested refund and Walsh would immediately withdraw the money from his account. Meanwhile, the original donation made by Walsh would be rejected due to insufficient funds and the targeted organization would suffer a complete loss of the refunded amount.
If convicted, Walsh faces up to 20 years imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Fraudulent schemes that steal precious resources from nonprofit victims represent the very worst acts of dishonesty and betrayals of trust. We commend our federal and state law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigation in this disturbing case."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), U.S. Secret Service, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Peace Corps Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Tipton County Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN -Maurice Nash, A/K/A "Monster," 47, of Atoka, TN has been sentenced to 210 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 May 3, 2019, members of the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Board of Probation and Parole and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted a parole check at the residence of Maurice Nash and his brother Henry Nash in Atoka, Tennessee. Maurice was home. The parole check was part of "Operation Crime Driver", a joint federal, state and local law enforcement anti-violence initiative led by the District Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District, and conducted between February and May 2019, where law enforcement targeted offenders wanted on arrest warrants for violent criminal offenses in Tipton County, Tennessee.
Officers found a loaded .40 caliber handgun in a shoebox in the closet of the master bedroom. They also found $10,500 in $100 bills in a black pouch in a sleeve of a black jacket that hung beneath the firearm; and 90 suspected MDMA pills (that were ultimately determined by TBI drug chemistry lab testing to be methamphetamine), along with $180. Nash told police that everything in the house belonged to him. Officers also found 8 small marijuana plants in a planter behind the house that were between 1 and 3 inches tall.
A K-9 unit on scene indicated a positive alert on two vehicles at the residence. One of the vehicles was a Tahoe registered to Nash’s mother; however, it contained Nash’s ID and other documents confirming the Tahoe belonged to Nash. Police found 3 bags of compressed marijuana, each weighing about one pound, on the floor by the front passenger seat of the Tahoe. Police also found an unloaded rifle similar to a SKS on the floor behind the passenger seat in the Tahoe. Nash exercised his right to remain silent concerning the drugs and rifle found in the Tahoe.
Nash’s mother told police that she did not know anything about the gun or drugs in the vehicle. She also acknowledged that her son Maurice had insurance for the Tahoe in his name. Nash was ultimately among 6 defendants from the first phase of Operation Crime Driver to be indicted in federal court in October, 2019 for various drug and gun offenses. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/operation-crime-driver-targets-violent-criminals-tipton-county
On February 12, 2020, Nash pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Due to his extensive criminal history which included prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and possession of MDMA, cocaine, and marijuana with intent to deliver, Nash was classified as an armed career criminal under federal law and was therefore subject to an enhanced, mandatory minimum sentence.
On June 25, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Nash to 210 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. Because Nash was on state parole release status at the time of this new arrest, this federal sentence will be served consecutively to the remainder of his state custodial sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction as a result of parole revocation. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This defendant has a long criminal history of felony convictions, and was on parole when he was found in possession of firearms and illegal narcotics. Nash has devoted his adult life to a career of repeated criminal conduct, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. ‘Monster’ was a real crime driver, but will no longer terrorize Tipton County. This sentence removing him from the community for more than 17 years is well-deserved, and will make Tipton County and West Tennessee a safer place."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Tipton County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Department of Justice Announces $42 Million to Combat Illegal Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamine and OpioidsRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) will receive a total of over $3 million in funding to support investigations into trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids, as well as to combat the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine across the State of Tennessee.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The Department of Justice is committed to providing meaningful resources to our state and local law enforcement partners, and this announcement of crucial public safety grant funding from the COPS Office will allow TBI to focus on the priority areas of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine trafficking that continues to destroy lives and contribute to our violent crime rates. The TBI is an outstanding partner with our office in the fight against dangerous drug distribution, and we look forward to working with them as they put these new tools and resources to use."
"I am proud to announce the 2020 COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) and the Anti-Heroin Task Force (AHTF) Program awards to the TBI," said U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey. "Our nation continues to face the constant insurgence of substance abuse and addiction, which threatens our communities daily. This epidemic is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities, and this funding will allow the TBI to continue to provide coordination and training and maintain the critical relationships among our law enforcement partners and the communities they serve."
"The TBI/Tennessee Dangerous Drugs Task Force has been a driving force in Tennessee’s efforts to combat meth and heroin abuse," said U. S. Attorney Don Cochran of the Middle District of Tennessee. "As dangerous substances like fentanyl continue to cause alarming overdoses and deaths in our communities, these additional funds will allow the task force to increase prevention and enforcement efforts at a most critical time."
"One of our top priorities is addressing the drug epidemic impacting families across the state," said TBI Director David Rausch. "This funding will go a long way in helping us track down those distributing dangerous drugs in our communities. We are grateful to the Department of Justice and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for their continued support and investment in TBI."
"The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities," said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. "By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis."
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids. Under the AHTF Program, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been awarded $2,133,216.00 in grant funding.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking. Under the CAMP Program, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been awarded $1,000,000.00 in grant funding.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF
grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/ahtf/Award_List.pdf.
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/camp/Award_List.pdf.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.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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25 Year Sentence for Local Man Involved in Multiple Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Isaiah Miller, 19, has been sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for participating in multiple carjackings and brandishing a firearm during crimes of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court:
• On October 10, 2018, at about 9:45 p.m., two victims were walking to their vehicle on South Cooper Street in Memphis, Tennessee, when four males approached them. One suspect pointed a small black handgun and demanded their property. The suspect told them to "lie on the ground facedown." As one of the victims attempted to get down, one of the suspects punched him twice in the left jaw. The suspects took the victims’ wallets, cell phones, and the keys to the victims’ vehicle. They left in the 2013 Mazda headed northbound on Cooper. After notifying law enforcement about the crime, one of the victims positively identified Miller as one of the individuals who carjacked him. The victim said "Miller was the man who hit him in the face and told another man to shoot him."
• On October 11, 2018, at around 10:19 p.m., a victim was sitting in her silver Honda Civic charging her phone. She saw a group of five males approach her, point a gun at her, and demand that she get out of the vehicle. The victim exited the vehicle and one of the men snatched her cell phone from her hand. She asked if she could keep her purse from the car, and one man responded, "Hell naw." The males got into the Honda Civic and were last seen going west on Mynders Avenue. The victim positively identified Miller as the person responsible for the carjacking who brandished the weapon. Fingerprints belonging to Miller were found on the hood and passenger side rear door glass of the recovered vehicle.
• On October 13, 2018, a victim was pulling into the driveway of his girlfriend’s house on Venable Avenue when another vehicle blocked in their vehicle. Three males approached and demanded he exit the vehicle. The two men on the driver’s side of the vehicle both had firearms, one black and one silver. One of the suspects then pistol whipped the victim and pulled him out of the vehicle. The armed male then pointed the gun at the victim’s girlfriend and told her to get out of the vehicle. They took a phone and a gold ring from the victims. They then drove away from the scene in the victim’s Honda Accord. The victim positively identified Miller as the person who pulled her out of the vehicle.
• On October 17, 2018, at approximately 5:45 p.m., a victim was walking at Walker Avenue and Tanglewood toward his car after visiting friends. The victim was approached by three males armed with firearms who demanded that he give them his car keys, wallet, and cash. The victim initially did not comply, so one of the suspects hit him in the face and head with the firearm. The victim then gave the suspects his wallet and ran. The suspects were unable to find victim’s keys in his wallet so they fled from the scene. The victim positively identified Miller from a photo lineup as the suspect who demanded his keys and struck him in the face with the pistol.
• On Friday, October 19, 2018, Mt. Moriah task force officers were on enhanced patrol looking for a silver Honda Civic that had been seen driving recklessly through the area of South Perkins and Cottonwood. Law enforcement observed a silver Honda matching the description in the area and attempted to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop. Officers chased the vehicle to the Cedar Mills apartment complex, when all four males jumped out of the car and ran in different directions. Miller was apprehended after jumping from a balcony. Ultimately, Miller gave a statement to the police, admitting to at least one of the carjackings.
On June 18, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Miller to 300 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "In the short period of just one week, this young offender not only injured and terrorized multiple victims, but he also senselessly wasted his own life by committing successive violent gun crimes. There is a heavy price to pay for such violence and lawlessness, and Miller will now pay that price with 25 years in a federal prison. This case demonstrates our ability and intention to aggressively prosecute violent carjackings, no matter the age of the offender. Hopefully, it will also send a strong deterrent message to others to avoid throwing their lives away by senseless gun violence."
The Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Convicted Felon Indicted for Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault of a Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – A federal grand jury has indicted Bernard M. Jones, 35, for attempted murder and aggravated assault of a federal employee with a deadly weapon. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to information presented in court, on September 4, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Jones was in the process of committing the crime of burglary of a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, the victim, a U.S. Postal Service employee, was preparing to take First Class mail from the Jet Cove Annex to the Memphis Processing & Distribution Center located in downtown Memphis. While loading the mail into his USPS staff vehicle, the victim observed someone moving around inside his personal vehicle which was parked approximately 50 yards away in the employee parking lot at the Memphis Priority Mail Annex located at 3300 Jet Cove in Memphis. The victim drove the staff vehicle near his pickup truck and saw the defendant exit his pickup truck.
The defendant shot multiple times at the victim as he escaped in his postal vehicle. As the victim drove away, the defendant followed him in a Nissan Sentra and continued to shoot. During the course of the investigation, United States Postal Inspectors determined two bullets struck the hood and several other locations on the postal vehicle. Law enforcement also located two 9MM Luger shell casings from the shooting scene. The suspect, along with a female accomplice, fled the scene in a blue Nissan Sentra. Postal Inspectors later identified Bernard M. Jones as the shooter. As a result of his prior felony conviction history, Jones is prohibited by federal law from possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Jones has been indicted for the offenses of Assault of a federal employee with a deadly weapon; Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; Use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence; and Attempted murder of a federal employee.
If convicted on counts 1, 4, and 5 Jones faces sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment on each; a $250,000 fine; and 3 years supervised release. On count 2, he faces a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment; a fine of $250,000 and 3 years supervised release. On count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment; a $ 250,000 fine and 5 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the safety of United States Postal Service employees and the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail. This indictment reflects our commitment to hold offenders accountable for brazen and disturbing acts of violence that endanger and victimize federal employees. We commend the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS in this case."
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to 5 Years for Firearm and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – After a three-day trial in February 2020, and jurors having deliberated for less than 40 minutes, a federal jury found Carlos Landeros-Salcedo, 26, guilty of being a prohibited person (alien) in possession of a firearm, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Carlos Landeros-Salcedo has now been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on March 29, 2016, Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit detectives were called to a residence regarding a drug complaint. The homeowner and the defendant were informed of the complaint. The homeowner gave verbal and written consent for law enforcement to search the residence.
The defendant informed officers that he had a gun and powder in his bedroom. He then showed officers his room, where a gray Tanfoglio 10mm caliber pistol on the defendant’s bed was in plain view. The firearm was loaded with approximately 10 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, detectives recovered 21 small bags containing powder cocaine inside a jar in a dresser drawer, an assortment of baggies, and a black digital scale. The defendant provided a written statement admitting to possession of the drugs.
In May of 2016, when federal agents interviewed the defendant, he admitted to being a citizen of Mexico and illegally present in the United States. After being indicted in September 2016 on federal charges, the defendant avoided capture until August 2019. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was in possession of fake immigration documents.
On June 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Carlos Landeros-Salcedo to 60 months in federal prison. The defendant will be subject to deportation and removal upon completion of his federal custodial sentence.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation, but also threaten the safety of our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prioritized and renewed our commitment to immigration enforcement, and this case demonstrates our focus on those violent and dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after illegal entry. We commend the outstanding investigative work of HSI and ICE in this case."
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations – Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Department of Justice Observes the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – Today, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "It is a top priority for this office to protect our senior population across the district. To halt the scourge of abuse, exploitation and financial fraud against older citizens, we are pleased to join with the Attorney General in our firm commitment to investigate, prosecute, punish and deter crimes against our vulnerable seniors. Those who target or victimize the elderly will receive the full attention of our office and law enforcement officials in West Tennessee."
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared "Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud" to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities.
Two cases from the Western District of Tennessee were included as part of the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history earlier this year:
• Keith L. Dobbs, 39, disbarred Memphis attorney, has been charged with sixty-seven counts federal felony violations. Dobbs misappropriated funds from 26 victims who received veteran’s benefits and nine Social Security recipients. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/federal-grand-jury-returns-two-indictments-charging-disbarred-memphis-attorney-total
• Stephen Douglas Fry, 72, a financial advisor who stole and embezzled approximately $1.3 million from a client who had given him power of attorney to prepare tax returns and manage and invest monies following the death of her husband. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/financial-advisor-pleads-guilty-fraud-charges
Additionally, major strides have already been made to support this Department of Justice Agency Priority Goal:
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
• Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
• Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/department-justice-charges-unprecedented-number-elder-fraud-defendants-nationwide-and
• Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
• Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Convicted Felon Indicted for Firearms Business without a License, Possession of Firearms, Distribution of Methamphetamine and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN – On June 9, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Bruce Matthews, 27, on several charges, including engaging in a firearms business without a license. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.
According to information presented in court, between November of 2019 and January of 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted a criminal investigation of Matthews for engaging in the business of firearms dealing without a license; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user; use or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense, and distribution of methamphetamine.
During the course of this investigation, ATF special agents while undercover conducted several controlled purchases of firearms and methamphetamine from Matthews, recording each transaction.
If convicted on counts 1, 2, 3, Matthews faces sentences on each of up to 5 years imprisonment; a $ 250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. On counts 4, 5, 6, and 7, he faces sentences of each of up to 10 years imprisonment; a fine of $ 250,000 and 3 years supervised release. On count 8, he faces an additional sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment; a $ 250,000 fine and 5 years supervised release. On counts 9 and 10, he faces sentences on each of up to 40 years imprisonment; a $5,000,000 fine and 4 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Under the new Project Guardian initiative announced by Attorney General Barr in Memphis in November, 2019 https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/attorney-general-announces-launch-project-guardian-nationwide-strategic-plan-reduce-gun, we have intensified our focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. We have no better partner in this fight against gun crime than the ATF, and under Project Guardian, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute the trigger-pullers, traffickers, straw purchasers, and prohibited persons who violate federal firearms laws in West Tennessee."
This case was being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to over 10 Years for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TN –Marcus Christian, 33, has been sentenced to 130 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentencing today.
According to information presented in court, law enforcement received and developed information about a subject who works for a local Pizza Hut and sells marijuana and Percocet in Cordova. On December 3, 2018, law enforcement arranged an undercover buy at which time they observed Christian selling drugs to both the undercover law enforcement and several other individuals.
On December 5, 2018, Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies executed and served a search warrant at Christian’s residence and found a loaded stolen Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol along with 9mm cartridges, marijuana, Suboxone strips and 98 Percocet pills. A small amount of marijuana was found in a satchel in the bedroom, for a total of 41 grams of marijuana and $6,672 in U.S. currency seized. The defendant gave a recorded statement to law enforcement admitting to being a drug dealer and owning the evidence collected from the house, including the firearm, ammunition, and controlled substances.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted an interstate nexus search on the .40 caliber Sig Sauer pistol and verified that the firearm was manufactured outside of the State of Tennessee, and therefore traveled in and affected interstate commerce. Prior to the December 5, 2018 arrest, the defendant had been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was therefore prohibited by federal law from possession of a firearm or ammunition.
On June 11, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Christian to 130 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D, Michael Dunavant said, "This defendant has a long criminal history of felony drug convictions, and was on felony probation when he was found in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Mr. Christian 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 10 years is well-deserved, and will make Memphis and West Tennessee a safer place."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) 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 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 Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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South Korean Engineering Company Pleads Guilty to Defrauding U.S. Army, Agrees to Pay $68.4 MillionRead the Press Release
SK Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (SK), one of the largest engineering firms in the Republic of Korea, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud, in connection with a fraudulent scheme to obtain U.S. Army contracts through payments to a U.S. Department of Defense contracting official and the submission of false claims to the U.S. government.
SK entered the plea, pursuant to a plea agreement with the United States, before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker in the Western District of Tennessee, who sentenced SK to pay $60,578,847.08 in criminal fines, the largest fine ever imposed against a criminal defendant in the Western District of Tennessee, pay $2,601,883.86 in restitution to the U.S. Army, and serve three years of probation, during which time SK agreed not to pursue U.S. federal government contracts. The U.S. Army previously suspended SK by order dated Nov. 17, 2017, from future contracting throughout the executive branch of the U.S. Government.
As part of SK’s plea agreement, SK agreed to, among other things, cooperate fully with the United States in all matters relating to the conduct covered by the plea agreement and other conduct under investigation by the United States, to report violations of U.S. federal law, and to continue to implement a compliance and ethics program designed to effectively detect and deter violations of U.S. federal law throughout its operations. Separately, SK has entered into a False Claims Act settlement with the United States, under which it is obligated to pay $5,200,000 in civil penalties to the United States, which the department credited against SK’s criminal fine.
“SK paid millions of dollars to secure contracts with the Army and submitted false claims to conceal those illicit payments,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty plea and substantial criminal penalty sends a clear message: companies who voluntarily self-disclose misconduct, cooperate, and remediate will receive appropriate credit for their efforts. But companies like SK – which withheld and destroyed documents, attempted to persuade a witness not to cooperate, and failed to discipline any responsible employees – will pay a price.”
“This settlement demonstrates our commitment to root out corrupt practices that harm our military and American taxpayers, and to hold contractors accountable for their corruption,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
“Protecting the U.S. Treasury and the interests of the federal government abroad is a top priority of this office, and this guilty plea and sentence shows our commitment to hold foreign actors accountable for major fraud committed against the United States,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. “The scheme committed by the defendant in this case is a serious crime of dishonesty and deceit that strikes at the very heart of those national interests and will not be tolerated. The Army-CID, the FBI, and DCIS are to be commended for their diligent investigative work in uncovering and exposing this fraud, and I am pleased that we have achieved justice by holding the defendant legally and financially accountable.”
“American contracts are not for sale in the United States, nor abroad,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “This case should send a message to companies and officials domestically and overseas that the FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who threaten the integrity of our military operations and who abuse their position to profit personally at the expense of American taxpayers.”
“This plea demonstrates the great cooperation among our federal investigators and prosecutors,” said Director Frank Robey of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command's (CID) Major Procurement Fraud Unit. “It also holds SK responsible for their actions and sends a strong message that this type of conduct will not be tolerated.”
“This sort of abhorrent behavior is a serious threat to the integrity of the DoD acquisition process and a gross betrayal of the public trust” said Special Agent in Charge Stan Newell of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Transnational Operations Field Office. “The special agents of the DCIS, along with our partner agencies, will vigorously investigate and bring to justice those who pilfer taxpayer dollars and shamelessly enrich themselves through corruption and deceit.”
According to plea documents, SK obtained a large U.S. Army construction contract at Camp Humphreys, South Korea in 2008 worth hundreds of millions of dollars. SK paid millions of dollars to a fake Korean construction company named S&Teoul, which subsequently paid that money to a contracting official with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In order to cover approximately $2.6 million in payments to S&Teoul, and ultimately to the contracting official, SK submitted false documents to the U.S. Army.
SK also admitted that its employees obstructed and attempted to obstruct federal criminal investigations of the fraud and bribery scheme. SK admitted that, in April 2015, its employees burned large numbers of documents related to U.S. Army contracts, in order to hamper U.S. and Korean investigators. Further, SK admitted that, in the fall of 2017, its employees obstructed a federal criminal proceeding by attempting to persuade an individual not to cooperate with U.S. authorities.
A number of relevant considerations contributed to the United States’ criminal resolution with SK, including that SK frustrated the United States’ investigation by withholding requested documents and information, destroying documents relevant to a pending federal investigation, and attempting to persuade a potential witness not to cooperate with the investigation. In addition, SK did not discipline any employees responsible for the misconduct, either through direct participation or failure in oversight, or those with supervisory authority over the area in which the criminal activity occurred, and failed to retain business records and otherwise failed to prohibit the improper destruction and deletion of business records.
In November 2018, two SK employees, Hyeong-won Lee and Dong-Guel Lee, were indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee on charges of conspiracy, major fraud against the United States, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and obstruction of justice for their alleged roles in the scheme.
The indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by a court of law. The case is U.S. v. Lee (2:18-cr-20378-TLP). Hyeong-won Lee and Dong-Guel Lee are currently fugitives of justice.
Army-CID, DCIS, and the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office investigated this case. Assistant Chief Justin Weitz and Trial Attorney Danny Nguyen of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin of the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Andrew Steinberg of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section represented the government in the civil case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and Public Integrity Section and the Korean National Police Agency provided assistance in connection with the case.
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.