Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Memphis Police Officer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Former Memphis Police Officer, Kevin Coleman, 41, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for narcotics and extortion offenses committed while on duty. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in early 2018, FBI and MPD-OCU initiated a joint investigation into possible criminal activity by Coleman. As part of an undercover operation, on March 7, 2018, Coleman was provided with identifying information on a vehicle operated by an undercover officer (UC), who Coleman believed to be a drug dealer. Coleman, while on duty, conducted a targeted traffic stop. During the traffic stop, Coleman placed the UC in handcuffs and directed him/her to the back seat of his MPD patrol vehicle. Coleman then searched the vehicle operated by the UC and removed $5000 in undercover funds from the vehicle.
On March 15, 2018, Coleman was given identifying information on a vehicle operated by another undercover officer, who Coleman believed to be a drug dealer. Coleman, again while on duty, conducted a targeted traffic stop. During the traffic stop, Coleman searched the vehicle and removed $8,000 in undercover funds, which had been placed in the center console prior to the traffic stop.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Official misconduct and corruption by law enforcement officers strikes at the very heart of the criminal justice system, and damages the trust and confidence of citizens in proper police authority. When police officers use their badges to become drug dealers and highway robbers, it is our duty to expose their corruption, hold them accountable, and protect society from their dishonesty. This sentence will hopefully deter other corrupt police behavior, restore the public’s faith in honest officers, and send a message that nobody is above the law."
In April of 2018, Coleman agreed, together with MPD officer Terrion Bryson, 26, to escort approximately 2.5 kilograms of heroin to a storage facility in Memphis. Coleman was on duty, in his squad car at the time of the escort. Bryson, armed with a handgun, accompanied the driver, an undercover MPD officer, in the car with the heroin. Both Coleman and Bryson were arrested shortly thereafter.
"Former officer Coleman swore to be a public servant and abide by the law. He has pled to some very despicable charges. His actions are contrary to the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women of who loyally serve the citizens of this city. As Director, I will take swift action to remove anyone who fails to adhere to and uphold the high standards set forth in our law enforcement code of ethics," said Michael T. Rallings, Director, Memphis Police Department.
This sentencing sends a message that no one is above the law, especially those who have sworn an oath to uphold the law," said Jeremy N. Baker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Public corruption investigations such as this continue to be a priority for the FBI due to the immeasurable harm corruption causes in our communities and to the reputations of all law enforcement officers, the majority of which are honest, hardworking men and women who serve with honor and integrity."
On November 19, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Coleman to 120 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Bryson has entered a guilty plea and is currently awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
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Federal Grand Jury Returns Ten-Count Indictment against Driver Illegally Transporting Nine Undocumented AliensRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – An undocumented Mexican national has been charged with illegally transporting undocumented aliens. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.
In a ten-count indictment, a federal grand jury has charged an undocumented Mexican national with illegally transporting undocumented aliens through the Western District of Tennessee and with illegal reentry into the United States after deportation.
According to the information presented in the indictment, Rufino Valldovinos-Ramirez, 41, was charged with illegally transporting nine undocumented aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii). The grand jury charged that Valldovinos-Ramirez knew and disregarded the fact that his nine passengers were illegally present in the United States, and transported them in furtherance of their violation of law, for the purpose of his own financial gain.
Valldovinos-Ramirez was also charged with illegal reentry into the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, § 1326(a).
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Because the Department of Justice is the only agency that can prosecute violations of our sovereign immigration laws, it is critical that our work focus on criminal cases that deter and reduce illegality while promoting lawfulness in our immigration system. This is a high priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will aggressively prosecute any persons who engage in unlawful smuggling, transportation, or harboring of multiple undocumented aliens to illegally enter the United States."
"Criminal networks who engage in illegal cross-border smuggling pose a security vulnerability to the U.S.," said Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. "Further, these groups routinely place profit over the well-being of their human cargo, which often has tragic results for those taking this dangerous, illegal path. HSI is committed to working with its federal, state and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who flagrantly violate U.S. law."
If convicted, Valldovinos-Ramirez faces up to five years in federal prison for each 1324 count; up to two years for the 1326 count and/or a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Delery and Stephen Hall are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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A Federal Grand Jury Returns a 10-Count Indictment on Local Man who Robbed Six Mid-South BusinessesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has been indicted for six counts of Hobbs Act robbery and four counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.
On November 15, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a ten-count indictment against Brandon Albonetti, 23, for the robberies and attempted robberies of several CVS stores and one Burger King during the summer of 2018.
The robberies occurred in Memphis, between June 21, 2018 and August 14, 2018. In a majority of these robberies, Albonetti entered the respective stores armed with a pistol, taking cash and other items from the registers and safes. In two robberies, Albonetti displayed a knife, as he demanded cash. The defendant robbed the CVS located at 786 North Germantown Parkway twice and the CVS at 5055 Stage Road, three times during this time period.
On August 14, 2018, Memphis Police officers quickly responded and apprehended Albonetti as he tried to flee the scene of the CVS on Stage Road, which he had just robbed. The defendant used his vehicle to strike two patrol cars as authorities positioned their vehicles to keep the suspect from escaping.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "We must make it painfully clear that violent crimes committed with firearms have severe consequences, and this indictment does just that. For his repeated and brazen criminal conduct, this violent offender faces up to life in federal prison. We are FED UP with gun crime in Memphis."
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 20 years imprisonment on each robbery count. If convicted of the firearms charges, the defendant faces up to life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force; Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained 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 390 Months in Federal Prison for Two Armed Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – David Gatewood, 44, has been sentenced to 390 months imprisonment for two armed business robberies. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Gatewood committed two armed business robberies between April 18, 2017 and April 21, 2017. In the earlier event, Gatewood used a revolver to rob the MAPCO Express gas station at 1723 Jackson Avenue in Memphis. During that robbery, Gatewood discharged the weapon, injuring a store employee. Later, Gatewood used the same weapon to rob Seguros La Ley, an insurance company, located at 729 N. White Station in Memphis, and fled with approximately $300.
Gatewood pled guilty on July 20, 2018, to two counts of robbery affecting interstate commerce, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Robberies of businesses with a firearm are especially dangerous and violent due to the high risk of death and serious bodily injury to innocent victims. Business robberies also have a substantially negative impact on the local economy and commerce, which victimizes the entire community. As demonstrated in this case, we will not tolerate this senseless gun violence and will use all available resources to remove dangerous offenders from our communities for a very long time. Gun Crime is Max Time."
On November 13, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Gatewood to 390 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Reagan Taylor prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Two Employees of South Korean Conglomerate Charged with Defrauding U.S. Government in Army Base ConstructionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Two employees of SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (SK), a large multinational corporation based in the Republic of Korea (South Korea), were charged today with participating in a scheme to defraud the United States by submitting fraudulent subcontracts to conceal bribes and kickbacks paid to an American public official, in relation to U.S. Army construction contracts in South Korea.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge Ray Park of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (Army-CID) Pacific Fraud Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Stan Newell of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), and Assistant Director in Charge Paul D. Delacourt of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement.
Hyeong-won Lee, 58, and Dong-Guel Lee, 48, both citizens of South Korea and employees of SK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (SK), were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit wire fraud and obstruction of justice, and one count of major fraud against the United States. Hyeong-won Lee was also charged with two counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy, and Dong-Guel Lee was charged with one count of witness tampering in relation to a wide-ranging bribery and fraud scheme from 2008 to 2017. The defendants are not related.
"Hyeong-won Lee and Dong-Guel Lee allegedly submitted fraudulent construction subcontracts to disguise millions in kickback payments to a public official and then tried to cover their tracks," said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. "The Department of Justice is dedicated to protecting taxpayer dollars by safeguarding the integrity of government contracts and construction projects that support our U.S. military and civilian personnel, wherever they serve around the world."
"Protecting the U.S. Treasury and the interests of the federal government abroad is a top priority of this office, and this indictment shows our commitment to hold foreign actors accountable for major fraud committed against the United States," said U.S. Attorney Dunavant.
According to the indictment, the defendants, acting on behalf of SK, submitted fraudulent subcontracts to the U.S. Army as part of two construction contracts at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The indictment alleges that the defendants and their co-conspirators used these fraudulent subcontracts to launder millions of dollars in kickbacks for a U.S. public official who had steered two Camp Humphreys construction contracts to SK.
The indictment also alleges that the defendants obstructed investigations into the scheme. According to the indictment, Hyeong-won Lee ordered SK employees to destroy documents related to the fraudulent subcontract, and SK employees burned boxes of documents in order to prevent their use by investigators. The indictment also alleges that Dong-Guel Lee, acting on SK’s behalf, impeded federal investigations by dissuading witnesses from testifying about their knowledge of the scheme.
Army-CID, DCIS, and the FBI are investigating the case. Assistant Chief Justin Weitz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section is grateful for the assistance of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section in this case.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
McNairy County Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN. – Michael Jay Harris, 47, of McNairy County, TN was sentenced to life imprisonment for methamphetamine trafficking. D. Michael Dunavant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
Proof at trial showed that on February 13, 2017, agents with the McNairy County Narcotics Unit, including officers with the Selmer Police Department and McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, went to the residence of Michael Jay Harris, in the Northwestern corner of McNairy County, in Finger, TN, to arrest Harris on an outstanding warrant. Law enforcement found Harris in possession of a bag containing three and a half ounces of ice methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as digital scales and drug paraphernalia. When the agent found the narcotics, Harris became combative and attempted to fight the officers. A chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration found the methamphetamine was more than 97 percent pure, and an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified it could have been distributed to more than a thousand drug users, based on its purity.
Following an August 2018 trial, Harris was convicted by a jury for possession of 98 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Harris had four previous drug trafficking convictions in the State of Tennessee, and faced a mandatory life sentence as a career drug offender.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked in and through West Tennessee continues to increase in purity, which increases its potential to cause addiction, injury, and death. Harris is a career drug offender who has devoted his life to criminal activity that endangered the citizens of West Tennessee, and this life sentence is well-earned and justified to protect the public. I commend the outstanding investigative work of local law enforcement, and thank AUSA Matt Wilson for his effective prosecution of this important case."
On November 8, 2018, U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Harris to life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Former Law Office Manager Sentenced to 21 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Misty West, 41, of Olive Branch, Mississippi was sentenced to serve 21 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns for calendar years 2013-2015. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to a superseding indictment, returned by the federal grand jury in February of this year, West, the former office manager, bookkeeper and paralegal at the Fowler Law Firm, engaged in a scheme to defraud the law firm and its owner, Charles Wesley Fowler, of more than $400,000 between August 2011 and July 2016.
The superseding indictment also alleged that West filed false tax returns for calendar years 2013-2015 by substantially underreporting her total income for those years. West entered a guilty plea to the tax charges in July.
United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker, also ordered West to pay restitution to the United States in the amount of $80,974 and to the Fowler Estate and its insurer CAN Financial in the total amount of $410,000.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This defendant victimized her employer and defrauded the United States by using her position of trust to commit crimes of dishonesty. Financial fraud does not pay, and this office will aggressively prosecute these cases to hold offenders accountable and provide restitution to the victims and the government."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carroll L. Andre´ III and Lorraine Craig prosecuted the case on the government’s behalf.
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U.S. Attorney Dunavant’s Statement on the Departure of Attorney General SessionsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee thanks Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his dedicated service to our Nation and his effective leadership of the Department of Justice during his two-year tenure as Attorney General.
General Sessions’ strong leadership recommitted the Department to enforcing the rule of law, decreasing violent crime, and attacking the opioid epidemic. General Sessions is a prosecutor’s prosecutor, and was unwavering in his support of U.S. Attorneys as well as state and local law enforcement across the country. By providing us with additional prosecutors, General Sessions enhanced our ability to aggressively fight violent crime and keep our communities safe in the Western District of Tennessee.
We look forward to working under the leadership of our next Attorney General, as we continue to faithfully execute the laws of Congress and effectuate the law enforcement priorities of President Donald J. Trump.
Two McNairy County Residents Indicted Federally for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A federal grand jury has indicted two McNairy County residents on multiple federal charges. U. S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictments today.
According to the information presented in the indictments, on October 15, 2018, Randall Neilsen was charged with two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms transported in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, USC,§ 922 (g)(1). The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime. Lisa M. Stacey, 38, was indicted on October 15, 2018, with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, USC § 841 (a)(1).
Because of their significant criminal histories, if convicted on counts 1 and 2, Neilsen faces 10 years in federal prison; $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Stacey faces up to 10 years imprisonment; $10,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release.
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. These indictments demonstrate our focus on the priority areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities, and we appreciate the partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies in McNairy County."
These cases are being investigated by the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office; Selmer Police Department; the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Powell and Jerry Kitchen are prosecuting these cases on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Gangster Disciple Members Indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in Carroll CountyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Nine members of the Gangster Disciples have been indicted for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
Marlon Jazz Taylor, a known Gangster Disciple member, was the main subject of an investigation of a drug trafficking organization that shipped narcotics from California to distribute in West Tennessee.
The nine defendants currently in custody are:
Marlon Jazz Taylor, 33, McKenzie, Tennessee
Nicholas Rodgers, 37, Willows, California
Tarus Taylor, 37, McKenzie, Tennessee
Elizabeth Espey, 35, McKenzie, Tennessee
Terry Weathers, 35, McKenzie, Tennessee
Richie Henderson, 48, Paris, Tennessee
Derrick Howard, 38, McKenzie, Tennessee
Duane Smith, 46, McKenzie, Tennessee
Bobby Joe Kemp, Jr., 35, Huntington, Tennessee
If convicted, each defendant will face a possible sentence of not less than 10 years imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
In addition, Taylor was also charged with two counts of being felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release for each count.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal enterprises that distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide. We are taking the fight to the gangs in order to dismantle their drug trafficking organizations and remove them from our streets."
Carroll County Sheriff Andy Dickson said, "I would like to thank the agents with the Carroll County Sheriff's Office, the 24th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force for their successful efforts in the dismantling of an illegal drug organization operating in our county. During the operation, the agents seized and gained intelligence on multiple pounds of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine, which were being distributed in our local communities. Operations such as this are made possible through the strong working relationships being forged between the Sheriff's Office and the other agencies involved. These agents are progressively working the drug trade in our county by constantly gathering intelligence on transactions and drug organizations in an effort to rid our streets of the persons responsible for these illegal activities. "
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the 24th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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DEA achieves significant milestone during 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – With the robust participation of Americans nationwide, DEA and its law enforcement partners have now surpassed its 10 million pound goal and collected nearly 11 million pounds of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications over the course of 16 successful DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back events. During the 16th semiannual event on Oct. 27, DEA and federal, state and local partners disposed of more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medications collected at nearly 6,000 sites across the country. Together with almost 5,000 local, state and federal partners, DEA collected and destroyed more than 457 tons of potentially dangerous leftover prescription drugs.
This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to 10,878,950 pounds, or 5439.5 tons. Within DEA’s Louisville Field Division, which encompasses Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, nearly 50,000 pounds of medications were collected at sites throughout the three states. Tennessee took in the most, with residents turning in almost 29,000 pounds of medications; followed by Kentucky, which collected just over 13,000 pounds; and West Virginia, with just over 7,500 pounds collected.
"The results of our most recent Take Back Day clearly demonstrate a need for this initiative as a tool in the fight against America’s opioid crisis," said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. "The success of this event is a direct reflection of DEA’s commitment to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. Together, we are all helping to make a difference to keep our friends and families safe."
"We’re very pleased with the amount of narcotics we’re keeping off the streets with the Take-Back initiative," said D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent In Charge of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. "We’ve seen a steady increase in the amount of medications we’re collecting with each Take-Back and I am heartened by the amount of public support we receive," Evans added. "The opioid crisis is bigger than one agency and it’s going to take everyone working together to find a solution."
"Successfully defeating the prescription opioid crisis requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement," said D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. "The DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a crucial part of our collective prevention efforts, and I know that our communities are safer today because of this important and successful initiative," Dunavant added.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events continue to remove opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they could be stolen and abused by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
DEA began putting on Take Back Day events when the public had no other way to appropriately dispose of their leftover painkillers and other potentially dangerous drugs. These events have been extremely successful not only in getting unused drugs out of the house, but also in raising awareness of their link to addiction and overdose deaths. Since DEA launched this program nine years ago, doctors are prescribing fewer painkillers, and law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and others have installed permanent prescription drug drop boxes on-site, making drug disposal even more convenient.
Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce the addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country due to opioid medications.
Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#initiative-results. DEA’s next Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.
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U.S. Attorney Dunavant | How we are reducing gun crimes in Memphis Michael Dunavant, Guest Columnist Published 4:52 p.m. CT Oct. 31, 2018, Commercial AppealRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - The first Executive Order issued by President Trump in February 2017 was to reduce crime and restore public safety to communities across the nation.
Under the leadership of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the nation’s 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Department of Justice have responded and charged the largest number of violent crime and firearm defendants in its history in FY 2018.
Since taking office last September, I have made prosecution of gun crimes in the federal system a top priority. Under our violence reduction strategy, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has dramatically increased the number of firearms prosecutions filed, and seeks maximum sentences on firearms offenses because guns are a common denominator in many violent crimes, including murder, robbery, drug trafficking and aggravated assault.
During FY 2018, the Western District of Tennessee ranks No. 1 among all 25 medium districts in the country and No. 1 among all 9 districts in the 6th Circuit for number of firearms and violent crime cases and defendants filed. The office also ranks 6th among all districts in the nation in firearms prosecutions. The Department of Justice is open for business, and it shows.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a proven violent crime reduction strategy that works, and is now reinvigorated with additional resources and commitment from our partners at the ATF, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
Since October 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has increased the number of federal firearms cases filed by over 58 percent, and the number of defendants charged with firearms offenses has increased over 68 percent.
These efforts provide targeted prosecution of the worst-of-the-worst offenders in order to enhance public safety in Memphis and West Tennessee by removing guns from the hands of dangerous people and removing violent offenders from our communities. We are imposing real consequences for criminal behavior, and it shows.
Our enhanced PSN Task Force also utilizes the full range of available data, methods, and advances in technology to identify the locations with significant violent crime issues (hot spots) and the offenders that are driving violent crime there ("trigger-pullers and traffickers").
On Sep. 24, the DOJ awarded over $1.1 million in grant funding to Memphis to hire personnel to utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), to purchase technology required to operate a Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) and ammunition for ballistic tests of recovered weapons, and to provide for enhanced Justice information sharing technology for the collection, storage, sharing and analysis of criminal justice data. We are getting smarter about firearms investigations, and it shows.
While we have dramatically increased our output (number of prosecutions), we know that focus is only meaningful if it results in better outcomes -- reduction in violent crime rates. I am happy to report that, as expected and proven in the past, more firearms prosecutions actually works to lower violent crime rates.
In the first three quarters of 2018, Memphis and unincorporated parts of Shelby County reported 3,659 gun crimes, which represents a 17.3 percent decrease from the same period in 2017, when 4,422 such crimes were reported.
The reduction in reported crimes with guns is consistent with the reduction in reported violent crimes.
During the first nine months of this year, reported violent crimes in Memphis were down in the major categories of murders (down 17.6%), robberies (down 12.4%), rapes (down 18.2%), and domestic violence incidents (down 11.1). Even aggravated assaults remained flat, with only a slight increase of 1.9%. We are achieving better public safety results, and it shows.
Under PSN, we have also stepped up our prevention of additional violence by engaging in increased and consistent public awareness efforts. With the "Fed Up" campaign that communicates that Gun Crime is Max Time, we are warning people of real consequences. With our adult and juvenile Ceasefire program, we are educating young people in our communities to make wise future choices.
Partnering with the ATF, the "Don’t Lie for the Other Guy" campaign seeks to prevent straw purchases of firearms for felons. And with our increased media releases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is telling the public about federal indictments, convictions, and sentences that create general and specific deterrence. We are sending a strong message, and it shows.
These sustained decreases in reported gun crimes and major violent gun crime categories are encouraging, and shows that our return to proven enforcement policies under PSN is working. Putting the right people in prison incapacitates the most violent offenders, upholds the rule of law, deters criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and makes us all safer. We are on the right track, and it shows.
D. Michael Dunavant is United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 360 Months in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a three-day jury trial in federal court in July 2018, Antonio Hawkins, 41, was convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking. Today, he was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison on five counts related to sex trafficking, including sex trafficking of a minor victim and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence.
According to information presented in court, in April 2016, Antonio Hawkins took three women from New Orleans to Houston to put the women out on the prostitution track. While in Houston, Hawkins picked up a fifteen-year-old runaway, and put her on the track as well. Hawkins subsequently brought them to Memphis to work. All of the women, including the minor (who is now seventeen), testified at trial that Hawkins threatened to, and did, use violence to keep them from leaving him. The women testified that Hawkins struck them, pointed a gun at them and fired warning shots, and once even used a hot hair iron to intimidate the women into doing as he instructed.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Human trafficking of minors and adults for commercial sex purposes is an unconscionable crime that must be met with severe consequences. We commend the FBI for their outstanding investigation of these heinous crimes, and we are pleased to achieve justice for the victims in this disturbing case.”
On Friday, November 2, 2018, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Hawkins to 360 months imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals, federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Deb Ireland prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Knoxville Man Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Trafficking CocaineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Melvin Bullock, 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute 20 kilograms of cocaine and distribution of 20 kilograms of cocaine. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 25, 2017, Melvin Bullock was stopped for a traffic violation on I-40 by an agent with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. During that stop, the agent became suspicious of Bullock after he gave several false answers to questions and presented a fake driver’s license. The agent utilized his canine, who alerted to the presence of narcotics in the back seat of Bullock’s vehicle. Upon further search, 20 individually wrapped bundles of cocaine were found. The total weight of the cocaine was over 20 kilograms, about 50 pounds. The investigation revealed that the drugs came from over the border in Mexico to Houston, where the defendant retrieved them to transport them through Memphis en route to East Tennessee.
On October 31, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Bullock to 120 months in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Interstate 40 is a major drug trafficking corridor into and through West Tennessee. Disrupting drug trafficking organizations and interdicting the flow of poisonous drugs into our communities is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to remain vigilant in the fight against foreign and domestic drug suppliers. Drug trafficking is not a victimless crime, and this significant federal sentence sends a message that such criminal activity will not be tolerated."
This case was investigated by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, an extension of the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Jackson Man Sentenced to 360 Months in Federal Prison on Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and for Being a Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Stephen Williams, 30, has been sentenced to 360 months imprisonment on federal charges of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
This is the latest sentencing in a case involving multiple defendants including Williams, Bernard Cooper, Courtney Cooper, Robert Newsome, Brandon Weddle, Morgan Bond, and Ronricus Chapman on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to information presented in court, on December 20, 2015 officers stopped Williams in a silver Chevrolet Impala. Williams stepped out of the vehicle for questioning and officers found a firearm inside. Williams attempted to flee back to his car and punched an officer in the face during a physical altercation. Williams re-entered the vehicle to flee and dragged an officer 25 yards before crashing into a ditch.
Williams tried to flee on foot after crashing. Officers pursued him for 50 yards before apprehending him. The officers continued the search of the car and found a Glock .40-caliber pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and a 12-gauge shotgun with a modified stock and barrel loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition. When transporting Williams to the Criminal Justice Complex for processing, he again assaulted an officer and threatened to kill him and his family upon release from jail.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee. This defendant’s lawlessness includes distribution of meth, possession of firearms, and violent encounters with law enforcement. This is exactly the type of armed and violent drug trafficker that deserves a 30-year sentence, and we are happy to hold him accountable. Williams has sowed addiction and violence into the Jackson community, and now he will reap the consequence of a long prison sentence."
During his guilty plea, Williams was held accountable for at least 1.5 kilograms but less than 4.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine.
On October 30, 2018, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Thomas Anderson sentenced Williams to 360 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
United States Attorney Dunavant Reminds Citizens of theWestern District of Rules and Policies Relating to November 2018 ElectionsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Reagan Taylor will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Taylor has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will 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 (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Dunavant stated that AUSA/DEO Reagan Taylor will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following 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. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 901-747-4300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’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 www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
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 Civil Rights Division."Reported Gun Crimes Continue to DeclineRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Reported gun crimes were down 17.3 percent during the first three quarters of 2018 (January – September) compared to the same time period last year in the city of Memphis and unincorporated parts of Shelby County, according to figures from the Project Safe Neighborhoods G.U.N. (Government United for Non-Violence) Unit. The latest figures build on a 15.3 percent decline during the first half of the year (January – June).
From January through September of this year, there were 3,659 reported crimes with guns compared to 4,422 during the same period in 2017.
The latest gun crime figures are consistent with preliminary violent crime figures from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for the first three quarters of 2018 released by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission and the University of Memphis Public Safety Institute last week. Those figures showed murders in Memphis down 17.6 percent compared to last year (down 14.5 percent countywide) and reported robberies in Memphis down 12.4 percent (down 11.3 percent countywide).
Reducing gun crime is a major focus of the local Operation: Safe Community plan, the development of which was spearheaded by the Crime Commission.
Bill Gibbons, president of the Crime Commission, noted that a number of objectives under the plan currently being implemented could be getting the word out to the street level about the consequences of engaging in gun crime and deterring acts of violence with guns. Specifically, he noted vigorous enforcement of tough federal gun laws, enactment of stiffer state sentences to curb illegal possession of firearms, ramped up data-driven deployment of law enforcement resources, and the FED UP Gun Crime Max Time media campaign, which has the goal of changing behavior."Word may very well be getting out that engaging in gun violence is just not worth the price. We may be changing the behavior of some," said Gibbons.
U.S Attorney Mike Dunavant stated, "Last year, the U.S. Attorney's Officeannounced the expansion and reinvigoration of the Project Safe Neighborhoods(PSN) initiative, which is a highly successful and proven violent crime reductionstrategy. Through our partnerships with federal and local law enforcement and theShelby County DA's Office to target firearms offenses and prevent additionalcrimes by public awareness of real consequences, we have seen a steady reductionin the number of reported gun crimes.
"These sustained decreases in reported gun crimes and major violent crime categories are encouraging, and shows that our return to proven enforcement policies under PSN is working. We have dramatically increased the number of firearms prosecutions over the last year, and the welcome outcome has been improved public safety. Putting the right people in prison incapacitates the most violent offenders, upholds the rule of law, deters criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and makes us all safe," said Dunavant.
The chart below reflects reported gun crimes for the first three quarters of 2016, 2017, and 2018.1 Reported gun crime incidents in city of Memphis and unincorporated parts of Shelby County. Source: Project Safe Neighborhoods G.U.N. Unit
2 A 17.3 percent decrease compared to 2017 and a 6.6 percent decrease compared to 2016.
About the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission (www.memphiscrime.org): The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission is an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that "quarterbacks" the work of the Operation: Safe Community (OSC) plan and its partners. It is funded through the generous contributions of many private sector donors. Ben Adams, CEO of Baker Donelson law firm, serves as chair of the board, and Bill Gibbons serves as president of the Commission.
About Operation: Safe Community (www.operationsafecommunity.org): Launched in 2007, Operation: Safe Community (OSC), spearheaded by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, is a community-based crime reduction initiative. Operation: Safe Community is chaired by Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich.
Justice Department's Criminal Division Creates Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force to Focus on Illegal Opioid PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division today announced the formation of the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force (ARPO Strike Force), a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (HCF Unit), the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for nine federal districts in five states, as well as law enforcement partners at the FBI, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The mission of the ARPO Strike Force is to identify and investigate health care fraud schemes in the Appalachian region and surrounding areas, and to effectively and efficiently prosecute medical professionals and others involved in the illegal prescription and distribution of opioids.
Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski was joined in the announcement by U.S. Attorney Robert M. Duncan Jr. for the Eastern District of Kentucky; U.S. Attorney Russell M. Coleman for the Western District of Kentucky; U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman for the Southern District of Ohio; U.S. Attorney William J. Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia; U.S. Attorney Michael B. Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia; U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey for the Eastern District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney Donald Q. Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town for the Northern District of Alabama; Assistant Director Robert Johnson of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Gary L. Cantrell of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Assistant Administrator John J. Martin of the DEA Diversion Control Division.
"While the opioid epidemic continues to inflict untold pain and suffering on people across the country, the devastation in the Appalachian region and adjacent areas has been particularly staggering," said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. "It is all the more reprehensible when unscrupulous physicians and pharmacies contribute to the epidemic by illegally supplying dangerous prescription painkillers. Working with our partners in U.S. Attorney’s Offices and law enforcement, the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force will combat illegal prescription opioids and health care fraud by holding accountable corrupt medical professionals who seek to profit off the crisis of opioid addiction."
"The creation of the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Strike Force will bring together critical resources from the FBI and our partners to fight health care fraud in this region and the growing opioid epidemic that faces the United States," said FBI Assistant Director Johnson. "Healthcare fraud touches every corner of the United States, and through this strike force, the FBI will continue our tireless work to combat illegal opioid prescriptions and bring to justice those medical professionals who put their greed over the health and wellbeing of their patients."
"The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on Americans across the country, including the people of the Appalachian region," said HHS-OIG Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Cantrell. "The Strike Force model is a proven mechanism to target illicit conduct and hold accountable criminals involved in illegal opioid prescription and distribution schemes. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to curb this damaging epidemic."
"Our nation’s opioid crisis requires us to work with unprecedented urgency in attacking drug diversion at every level," said DEA Assistant Administrator Martin. "These joint strike force efforts will save lives, while allowing us to better target and bring to justice those who facilitate addiction and profit at the expense of the weakest and most afflicted."
Prior to this announcement, the HCF Unit operated Medicare Fraud Strike Force’s in 12 locations across the United States including Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Brooklyn, New York; Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana; Tampa/Orlando, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Dallas, Texas, along with a Corporate Strike Force located in Washington, D.C., and the Newark/Philadelphia Regional Medicare Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Forces represent a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI, HHS-OIG and the DEA.
The ARPO Strike Force will be made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the HCF Unit, prosecutors with the nine U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the region, and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. The ARPO Strike Force will operate out of two hubs based in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, areas, supporting the nine districts that make up the ARPO Strike Force region. In addition, the APRO Strike Force will work closely with other various federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS Criminal Investigation, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
The ARPO Strike Force will target criminal conduct associated with the improper prescription and distribution of prescription opioids and other dangerous narcotics throughout the Appalachian region and surrounding areas – focusing on criminal conduct by physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. The ARPO Strike Force will also investigate and prosecute violations of health care fraud whenever such fraud is detected throughout the region.
In June, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar III noted the success of the Strike Force model while announcing the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action involving 601 charged defendants across 58 federal districts, including 165 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving more than $2 billion in false billings. Of those charged, 162 defendants, including 76 doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics. More information can be obtained at https://www.justice.gov/opa/documents-and-resources-june-28-2018.
In August, Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski announced the Newark/Philadelphia Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which focuses on health care fraud and illegal opioid prescriptions in the Newark/Philadelphia region.
The Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the prosecutors in the 12 Medicare Fraud Strike Force locations have charged over 4,000 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $14 billion. Since January 2017, the HCF Unit has charged over 85 defendants, including 33 doctors with the illegal prescription of opioids (nearly 30 million pills).
Five Men Indicted for Carjacking and Armed Robbery in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Five individuals have been indicted for carjacking and armed robbery. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has responded to a recent increase in the number of carjackings in the district by obtaining indictments against five individuals each responsible for violent carjacking incidents involving the possession and use of firearms within the past year.
The five defendants listed are currently in custody:
- Jherrick Grimes, 25, Memphis, TN
- Lorenzo Davis, 29, Memphis, TN
- Angelo Bunting, 20, Memphis, TN
- DeQuan Blackmon, 19, Memphis, TN
- Harry French, 20, Memphis, TN
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "While recent reports indicate that violent crime rates in all major categories are declining, carjacking offenses in Memphis have spiked and increased an alarming 87% in the past year. This trend cannot continue, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is coordinating with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution. These cases demonstrate 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 us all safer."
Jherrick Grimes
Count 1 charges that on August 6, 2018, Jherrick Grimes being aided and abetted by others, took a motor vehicle, a 2004 Audi A4, by force, violence and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Count 2 charges that on August 6, 2018, Jherrick Grimes brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
Count 3 charges that on August 15, 2018, Jherrick Grimes was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Lorenzo Davis
Count 1 charges that on July 26, 2018, Lorenzo Davis committed bank robbery by taking by force from a person money belonging to MetaBank, and put in jeopardy the life of another person by use of a dangerous weapon.
Count 2 charges that on July 26, 2018, Lorenzo Davis brandished a firearm during a bank robbery.
Count 3 charges that on July 27, 2018, Lorenzo Davis took a motor vehicle, a 2001 Toyota Solara, by force, violence and intimidation, resulting in serious bodily injury.
Count 4 charges that on July 27, 2018, Lorenzo Davis discharged a firearm during a carjacking.
Counts 5 and 6 charge that on July 26 and July 27, 2018, Lorenzo Davis was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Angelo Bunting
Count 1 charges that on June 28, 2018, Angelo Bunting, being aided and abetted by unknown others, took a motor vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Corolla, by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Count 2 charges that on June 28, 2018, Angelo Bunting brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
Count 3 charges that on July 6, 2018, Angelo Bunting, being aided and abetted by unknown others, took a motor vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala, by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Count 4 charges that on July 6, 2018, Angelo Bunting brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
Count 5 charges that on July 13, 2018, Angelo Bunting, being and aided by unknown others took a motor vehicle, a 2013 Volkswagen Passat, by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Count 6 charges that on July 13, 2018, Angelo Bunting brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
Dequan Blackmon and Harry French
Count 1 charges that on August 4, 2017, Dequan Blackmon and Harry French, being aided and abetted by unknown others, took a motor vehicle, a 2015 Dodge Journey, by force, violence, and intimidation with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Count 2 charges that on August 4, 2017, Dequan Blackmon and Harry French brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
Count 3 charges that on August 23, 2017, Dequan Blackmon and Harry French, being aided and abetted by unknown others, took a motor vehicle, a 1991 Jeep Cherokee, by force, violence and intimidation with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm.
Count 4 charges that on August 23, 2017, Dequan Blackmon and Harry French brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
Count 5 charges that on August 23, 2017, Dequan Blackmon and Harry French being aided and abetted by unknown others, took a motor vehicle, a 2013 Chevrolet Suburban, by force, violence, and intimidation, with the intent to cause death and serious bodily harm
Count 6 charges that on August 23, 2017, Dequan Blackmon and Harry French brandished a firearm during a carjacking.
If convicted of all counts, the defendants face possible sentences of not less than seven years, and up to life imprisonment, $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Sentencing for each defendant is individual, and is based upon a number of statutory factors under the federal sentencing guidelines, including but not limited to prior conviction history, which may enhance or mitigate the ultimate sentence imposed by the Court.
These cases were investigated by ATF and Memphis Police Department Violent Crime Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Rogers and Marques Young are prosecuting these cases on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
District Court Orders Tennessee Personal Care ProductsManufacturer to Comply with Drug Safety RequirementsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal court permanently enjoined a Memphis, Tennessee company from distributing misbranded drugs and drugs manufactured under insanitary conditions, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed September 25, 2018, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the United States alleged that Keystone Laboratories, Inc., the company’s owner, Melinda Menke, and its operator, Elizabeth Jumet, violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by distributing hair care and skin care products that were not manufactured, processed, packaged, or held subject to current good manufacturing practices for drugs. The complaint alleged that FDA inspections of Keystone’s facilities and products revealed numerous problems, including an instance in which the company released a batch of hair products despite test results that suggested contamination by the potentially harmful bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The defendants agreed to be bound by a consent decree filed with the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.
"The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that manufacturers and sellers of over-the-counter drugs follow safety laws that protect consumers," said Assistant Attorney General Joseph H. Hunt for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. "We will continue to work with the FDA to ensure that over-the-counter drugs are manufactured under safe conditions and are properly labeled."
"Ensuring that consumers are protected from adulterated and contaminated over-the-counter drugs and products is a concern in this district. We will continue to partner with the Department of Justice Civil Division and the FDA to pursue these cases in an effort to protect consumers," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.
The consent decree entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. As part of the settlement, the defendants may not manufacture or distribute their over-the-counter drug products from any facility owned or operated by the defendants unless they comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction. The order also provides safeguards in the event that the defendants contract with third parties to manufacture similar products.
Trial attorney Claude Scott of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Canale of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee represented the United States, along with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Litigation Rosselle Oberstein of the FDA’s Office of the General Counsel.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
District Court Orders Tennessee Personal Care Products Manufacturer to Comply with Drug Safety RequirementsRead the Press Release
A federal court permanently enjoined a Memphis, Tennessee company from distributing misbranded drugs and drugs manufactured under insanitary conditions, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed September 25, 2018, at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the United States alleged that Keystone Laboratories, Inc., the company’s owner, Melinda Menke, and its operator, Elizabeth Jumet, violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by distributing hair care and skin care products that were not manufactured, processed, packaged, or held subject to current good manufacturing practices for drugs. The complaint alleged that FDA inspections of Keystone’s facilities and products revealed numerous problems, including an instance in which the company released a batch of hair product despite test results that suggested contamination by the potentially harmful bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The defendants agreed to be bound by a consent decree filed with the complaint in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that manufacturers and sellers of over-the-counter drugs follow safety laws that protect consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Joseph H. Hunt for the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the FDA to ensure that over-the-counter drugs are manufactured under safe conditions and are properly labeled.”
“Ensuring that consumers are protected from adulterated and contaminated over-the-counter drugs and products is a concern in this district. We will continue to partner with the Department of Justice Civil Division and the FDA to pursue these cases in an effort to protect consumers,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.
The consent decree entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. As part of the settlement, the defendants may not manufacture or distribute their over-the-counter drug products from any facility owned or operated by the defendants unless they comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction. The order also provides safeguards in the event that the defendants contract with third parties to manufacture similar products.
Trial attorney Claude Scott of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart J. Canale of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee represented the United States, along with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Litigation Rosselle Oberstein of the FDA’s Office of the General Counsel.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, visit its website at https: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn.
Two Men Indicted for Theft of 366 Firearms from UPS FacilityRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On October 11, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted two men for firearms theft from a UPS facility. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.
According to the charging instrument, on September 30, 2018, Roland Jackson, 18, of Chicago, Illinois and Taveyan Turnbo did knowingly transport and ship stolen firearms from Tennessee to Illinois, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (i).
On September 26, Roland Jackson and a person unknown in Illinois purchased a U-Haul van with stolen identification. On September 29, 2018, Roland Jackson and Taveyan Turnbo traveled to Tennessee from Illinois. The next day, September 30, 2018, the defendants stole 366 firearms from a shipping facility in Tennessee and transported the stolen firearms in the rented U-Haul van to Illinois.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Cargo theft from shipping facilities that interrupts and threatens interstate commerce must be dealt with swiftly and certainly. Cargo theft of hundreds of firearms is especially dangerous, and threatens the lives of countless citizens. We are thankful that all of the stolen firearms were recovered due to the quick action and outstanding investigation by local and federal law enforcement, and we appreciate the coordination and partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois in this disturbing case. Interstate trafficking of stolen firearms will be met with aggressive prosecution in order to protect public safety."
Count 1 charges Roland Jackson and Taveyan Turnbo knowingly conspired and agreed with each other and with other unknown individuals to transport and ship stolen firearms from Tennessee to Illinois, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
Count 2 charges Roland Jackson and Taveyan Turnbo knowingly transported and shipped interstate commerce from Tennessee to Illinois, specifically, 322 different Ruger .380
caliber pistols and 44 different Ruger .22 LR caliber pistols, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922 (i) and 2.
Count 3 charges Roland Jackson and Taveyan Turnbo knowingly possessed stolen firearms, specifically, 322 different Ruger .380 caliber pistols and 44 different Ruger .22 LR caliber pistols, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
Count 4 charges Roland Jackson as a convicted felon knowingly possessed stolen firearms affecting interstate commerce, specifically, 322 different Ruger .380 caliber pistols and 44 different Ruger .22 LR caliber pistols, violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g)(1).
If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. Both defendants have been taken into custody, and are being detained pending trial.
This case was investigated by the ATF; FBI Cargo Theft Task Force; Midlothian, Illinois Police Department and the Memphis Police Department, during which all of the stolen firearms were safely and successfully recovered.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon who Fled from Police Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joseph Hamilton, 30, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on October 27, 2017, Memphis Police observed Hamilton driving a silver Infiniti G35 eastbound on East Shelby Drive with a license plate registered to a different vehicle. The license plate also had a 2018 decal that belonged to a different plate. A traffic stop was then initiated. The defendant did not have a driver’s license, but provided his social security number to the officer. After the officer determined that the defendant’s license was suspended, the defendant was instructed to exit the vehicle. The defendant slammed the door to his car, made a "U-turn," and sped away. The officer had to move to avoid being struck by the vehicle. Hamilton then disregarded a traffic signal and crashed his vehicle with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital in non-critical condition.
After the crash, Hamilton ran into a wooded area with a red and white backpack. While the officer was chasing the defendant, the defendant tripped and fell. The officer caught up with the defendant and arrested him. The defendant spontaneously stated that he ran because he "did not want to go to jail for the weed and gun".
While searching the backpack, officers recovered a large bag of marijuana and two mason jars containing small baggies ofmarijuana, totaling approximately 100 grams. An opened box of sandwich baggies and a marijuana grinder were also recovered. Officers recovered $306.73 on Hamilton and a Ruger .45 caliber pistol from the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle. Hamilton was also a convicted felon at the time of this offense.
On October 11, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Hamilton to 20 years in federal prison followed by 4 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms in connection with drug distribution are inherently dangerous individuals. This conviction and sentence will remove a violent offender from the streets, and will protect public safety. 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."
The defendant still has an unrelated murder charge pending in Division 7 of Shelby County’s Criminal Court stemming from his alleged shooting at a Whitehaven McDonald’s, resulting in the murder of one individual and the serious injury to another.
The Multi-Agency Gang Unit investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Federal Prosecutors Charge 18 Criminal Aliens as Part of Enforcement Operation with ICERead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Between September 19 and October 4, 2018, federal prosecutors brought charges against 18 individuals as criminal aliens and immigration fugitives for violations of U.S. immigration laws. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments and criminal complaints today.
On September 19 and September 27, 2018, federal grand juries returned eleven indictments that remained under seal until the completion of the four-day enforcement operation, and on October 4, 2018, prosecutors brought criminal complaints against seven more foreign nationals. According to the charging instruments, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement & Removal Operations officers arrested 18 unlawfully present foreign nationals on federal firearms charges and charges of illegal reentry after deportation. Another 13 unlawfully present foreign nationals were collaterally arrested during the operation on administrative immigration charges, and will be processed administratively for removal from the United States by ERO.
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 operation has focused on those violent and dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after deportation. We will aggressively enforce U.S. immigration laws and seek stiff penalties against those who violate them."
"ICE continues to focus its limited resources first and foremost on those who pose the greatest threat to public safety. ICE only conducts targeted enforcement and does not conduct any type of indiscriminate raids or sweeps that target aliens indiscriminately. This operation, and the agency’s overall arrest stats, clearly reflect this reality. Nationally, approximately 90 percent of all persons arrested by ICE this year either had a criminal conviction, a pending criminal charge, or were already subject to a removal order issued by a federal immigration judge," said ICE Assistant Field Office Director Ronald E. Johnson.
Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual who is unlawfully in the United States to possess a firearm. This is a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 922(g)(5). A violation of this section is punishable by a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
It is also illegal under federal law for an individual who has been previously deported from the United States to reenter the United States without permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. This is a violation of Title 8, United States Code, § 1326. A violation of this section is punishable by a term of up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to two years. Several of the defendants charged with illegal reentry are alleged to be convicted felons or aggravated felons. Convicted felons who violate this section face a term of imprisonment of up to ten years; aggravated felons who violate this section face a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years.
The suspects charged are:
- Juan Carlos Arvizu-Velazquez, charged with illegal reentry after a felony
- Romy Gonzalez-Lopez, charged with illegal reentry
- Aldo Gutierrez-Castillo, charged with illegal reentry
- Arnold Jeronimo Hernandez-Lopez, charged with illegal reentry after a felony
- Lorenzo Antonio Luna-Bolanos, charged with illegal reentry
- Marvin Joel Murillo-Montoya, charged with illegal reentry
- Gerson Adalberto Najera-Ochoa, charged with illegal reentry
- Miguel Perpual-Us, charged with illegal reentry
- Oscar Ramirez-Del La Fuente, charged with illegal possession of a firearm
- Marvin Donaldo Rivera-Caceres, charged with illegal reentry
- Alexandro Rodriguez-Aguirres, charged with illegal reentry
- Victor Rosales-Ramirez, charged with illegal reentry
- Virgilio Rosales-Ramirez, charged with illegal reentry after a felony
- Manuel Roberto Tobar-Ramirez, charged with illegal reentry after an aggravated felony
- Homero Tonche-Chavez, charged with illegal reentry
- Jorge Urquia-Perdomo, charged with illegal reentry
- Oseas Vasques_Ramos, charged with illegal reentry
- Jose Zamora-Hernandez, charged with illegal possession of a firearm
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Immigrations & Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO), assisted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Delery and Stephen Hall are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Grape Street Crip Gang Member Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Firearm during RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - A Memphis man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm during robberies. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on December 9, 2016, three men armed with handguns and a shotgun entered Village Mart located at 1169 S. Bellevue. The employees were held at gunpoint after being ordered to the ground by one of the males. The males smashed display cases and took merchandise and cash from the register. One of the suspects jumped on a glass counter causing a cut to his right hand, leaving his DNA. The DNA belonged to James Moss, a member of the Grape Street Crip gang. The robbers fled the scene in a Nissan Maxima that was stolen by Moss and the robbery crew earlier in the day.
On December 30, 2016, two men armed with handguns entered Dollar General located at 3433 Jackson, in Memphis. The men forced the clerk to open the cash register and the safe. The suspects took the cash drawers from the store. A tracking device attached to the stolen cash led law enforcement to Moss’ residence.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "As part of our violent crime reduction strategy, we are taking the fight to the gangs to dismantle their organizations and remove them from our communities. Violent crimes committed by and in furtherance of gangs will be met with severe consequences, and this sentence shows our resolve."
On October 3, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Moss to 25 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
Lavunte Evans, a co-defendant to the Village Mart robbery was previously sentenced to 125 months.
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and theMulti Agency Gang Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces Progress in Making our Communities Safer through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Under the leadership and direction of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Department of Justice has stepped up prosecutions of weapons offenses, bringing 8,403 such cases in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2018, a 22.5 percent increase from the previous year.
Since in office, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant has made prosecution of gun crimes in the federal system a top priority. Under its violence reduction strategy, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has dramatically increased the number of firearms prosecutions filed, and seeks significant sentences on firearms offenses because guns are a common denominator in many violent crimes, including murder, robbery, drug trafficking and aggravated assault.
"Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs. I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the
unique violent crime problems they face. Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a proven violent crime reduction strategy that works, and is now reinvigorated with additional resources and commitment from our partners at the ATF, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. Since October 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has increased the number of federal firearms cases filed by over 47 percent, and the number of defendants charged with firearms offenses has increased over 61 percent. These efforts provide targeted prosecution of the worst-of-the-worst offenders to enhance public safety in Memphis and West Tennessee by removing guns from the hands of dangerous people and removing violent offenders from our communities."
Enforcement Actions
Currently, the 13-member PSN Task Force, which is the investigative component of the local PSN initiative, is comprised of personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. The success of this collaborative law enforcement effort is recognized nationally, with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies from Alabama, Mississippi, the District of Columbia and Tennessee frequently visiting the task force to adopt its practices.
The Task Force not only investigates firearm possession by prohibited persons; it also investigates individuals buying and selling firearms to/from convicted felons. The Task Force engages in proactive and reactive investigations of convicted felons suspected of possessing firearms, as well as firearm suppliers that are conducting illegal transactions.
Here are some highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:
- Ladarius Porter, 27 of Memphis, was sentenced in July 2018, to 15 years imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
- Tommy Earl Champion Jr, a/k/a/ "Duct Tape"29 of Jackson, Tennessee, was sentenced in September 2018, to 30 years’ incarceration for participating in racketeering conspiracy and for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
- Robert Hutchinson, Jr., 45 was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Community Partnerships
Reentry education and assistance is an important part of the PSN initiative and vital to ensuring communities are safer when those incarcerated return home. Since 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of U.S. Probation continues to participate in monthly Reentry Court sessions. In addition, staff also meets monthly to discuss issues with clients at a halfway house prior who will be transitioning back into the Western District of Tennessee. Through these reentry services, we further our commitment to providing individuals with the necessary tools to make a permanent lifestyle change that will benefit themselves and the community.
Improvements to Community Safety
The FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that after two consecutive historic increases in violent crime, in the first year of the Trump Administration the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline. The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.
The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.
In the first six months of 2018, Memphis and unincorporated parts of Shelby County reported 2,405 gun crimes, which represents a 15.3 percent decrease from the same period in 2017, when 2,840 such crimes were reported.
The reduction in reported crimes with guns is consistent with the reduction in reported violent crimes. During the first eight months of this year, reported violent crimes involving firearms were down 17.6 percent in the City of Memphis and countywide, compared to last year. The reduction occurred in all major categories of violent crimes committed with firearms – murders (down 6.4%), business robberies (down 35.1%) and aggravated assaults (down 20.8%).
"These sustained decreases in reported gun crimes and all major violent gun crime categories are encouraging, and shows that our return to proven enforcement policies under PSN is working. Putting the right people in prison incapacitates the most violent offenders, upholds the rule of law, deters criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and makes us all safer," said U.S. Attorney Dunavant.
Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods https://www.justice.gov/psn
- Ladarius Porter, 27 of Memphis, was sentenced in July 2018, to 15 years imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Madison County Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Robbery of a Local StoreRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A Madison County man has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for robbing a local business with a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on September 9, 2017, deputies with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a robbery call at the Five Points Country Store at 844 Ozier Road in Pinson, TN. During the investigation, deputies learned that Dakota Allen Vann approached the counter, ordered a slice of pizza, and then left the store. Vann returned to the store fifteen minutes later and handed the clerk a note stating "Empty the register all the cash I have a gun!" At the same time, Vann displayed a black semi-automatic pistol located at his waistband.
Deputies collected evidence including surveillance footage of the robbery. Vann was taken into custody on September 12, 2017. He admitted his involvement in the robbery and told deputy jailers "if I’d of known all of this I’d robbed an [expletive] bank instead."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Violent crime affects and endangers all communities in West Tennessee, both urban and rural. This violent offender has no remorse for his brazen armed robbery of a small country store, and has no understanding of the harm that his violence inflicted on the victim store owner. Now he will have plenty of time in federal prison to suffer with the consequences of his criminal conduct, and the citizens of Madison County will be safer for it."
On October 4, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Porter to a total of 100 months in federal prison for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The period of incarceration will be followed by a 3-year period of supervised release. Vann will also be required to pay restitution.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Eskridge prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 188 Months Imprisonment for Possession of over 100 Grams of Heroin with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for possession of over 100 grams of heroin with intent to distribute. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 10, 2017, Shelby County Sheriff Narcotics Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence at 832 Annie to look for heroin, drug paraphernalia, drug proceeds and documents belonging to Robert Spencer, 44. Officers also witnessed hand-to-hand transactions with Spencer outside the home.
Later the same day, officers observed Spencer depart 832 Annie in a gold Volvo and drive to 3662 Vivia. Upon arrival back to the location at 832 Annie, officers converged on Spencer’s vehicle and detained him. Approaching the vehicle, officers saw a clear plastic bag containing 7 smaller bags of heroin totaling 14.4 grams and 1 gram of marijuana. The drugs were located in the pocket of the driver’s side door.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "We are on a mission to reduce overdose injuries and deaths caused by heroin in West Tennessee, and we will aggressively prosecute any cases that involve suppliers of deadly narcotics in our communities. If you are a drug dealer selling poison to our children, your days are numbered."
The officers obtained a search warrant at 3662 Vivia, the residence of Christie Spencer; Robert Spencer’s sister. Law enforcement recovered 271.8 grams heroin; 101.7 grams in the attic and 170.1 grams in a large box. When officers executed the search warrant, Christie who was at the address, fled the home upon seeing officers, despite being ordered to stop. That night, officers set up surveillance at several residences where they thought she might be and saw her arrive at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Officers advised her of the heroin found at her house and obtained a signed consent to search the residence. The narcotics detective K-9 alerted to the odor of drugs in the home, inside a black umbrella sleeve, which contained $7,600.
On August 30, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Spencer to 188 months imprisonment and 4 years supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison after a Child Found Sitting on Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for being a convicted a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, on February 7, 2017, Memphis Police Department officers arrived at the 3700 block of Walsingham Drive to arrest Antonio White, 38, on an unrelated warrant. While in the front room of the home, officers noticed a young child sitting on a couch. Under the couch cushion on which the child was seated, officers discovered a loaded Glock .4o caliber pistol and approximately 7.4 grams of cocaine.
On October 1, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced White to 120 months in federal prison on each of the cocaine and firearms charges. These two sentences are to be served concurrently. Antonio White was a convicted felon at the time of the offense.
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. Clearly, this prior felon has no hesitation in illegally possessing a firearm and cocaine in the presence of a child, and he will now be removed from our community for 10 years. We are FED UP. Gun Crime is Max Time."
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017. 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.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
McNairy County Man Found Guilty of Drug Conspiracy, Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms, and Possessing Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A federal jury has convicted a McNairy county man for conspiring to distribute, and distributing actual methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty verdict today.
According to the information presented in court, Joshua Tucker, 28, of Selmer, TN was a member of a drug conspiracy operating throughout West Tennessee from October 2016 to April 2017. The investigation led to the federal prosecution of Tucker, along with eleven other co-conspirators, who sold large amounts of methamphetamine throughout West Tennessee including Bath Springs, Lexington, Parsons, Selmer, Reagan, Lutts, and Milledgeville and Iuka, MS.
Tucker’s conviction results from an extensive investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement officials into a drug trafficking organization involving Kevin Smith and his associates including Joshua Tucker. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), West Tennessee 24th Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) conducted a yearlong investigation and utilized various investigation strategies to determine that Tucker had sold over two kilograms of actual methamphetamine (ICE) to co-conspirators who resold the ICE between December 2016 and April 2017.
The investigation further revealed that Tucker, a convicted felon, possessed firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking. On April 27, 2017, investigators with McNairy County Counter-Drug Unit and Selmer Police Department executed a probation search at Tuckers home. During the search, officers located an AR-15 style rifle along with a 9 mm pistol in Tuckers bedroom. Officers located approximately 20 grams of ICE packaged for resale in a safe containing two digital scales and $5,677.75. In the same room, officers located drug
paraphernalia including boxes of plastic baggies and pipes as well as .223 and 9mm ammunition. Investigators also seized five vehicles. After searching the vehicles, officers located over 400 grams of methamphetamine inside a container under the driver seat of one of the cars.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Armed Drug Trafficking Organizations will NOT continue to endanger our communities in West Tennessee with impunity. We use all available law enforcement and prosecutorial resources to pursue, disrupt and dismantle groups and conspiracies that are most responsible for the illegal sale of this position to our citizens, and to remove dangerous offenders with firearms from our streets. This defendant and his co-conspirators have sowed addiction, pain, and destruction into our communities, and now they will reap a long prison sentence as a consequence."
"It takes a collaborative effort to dismantle complex drug organizations," said D. Christopher Evans, DEA Special Agent In Charge. "These types of investigations show that DEA remains committed to working with our state and local partners, and our ATF counterparts to target violent drug traffickers and make our communities safer," Evans added.
Tucker was charged with several offenses including:
• conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine;
• aiding and abetting each other to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine;
• knowingly possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine;
• being a felon in possession of an AR-15 style rifle;
• being a felon in possession of a 9 mm pistol;
• possessing the AR-15 style rifle in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense; and
• possessing the 9 mm pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
After a four-day trial, the defendant was found guilty as to each count.
Sentencing is set for January 8, 2019 at 1:30 p.m., before U.S. Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson. Tucker faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), West Tennessee 24th Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), along with McNairy County Counter-Drug Unit and Selmer Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor Eskridge and Hillary Parham prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
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Lake County Man Sentenced to Nine years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A Tiptonville man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, Christopher Chadwick, 41, used his cellular phone to look for websites containing child pornography. Chadwick admitted being responsible for downloading images from those sites including pictures depicting prepubescent girls. Some of the images contained girls as young as 3 or 4 years old.
During the course of the investigation, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Chadwick’s home in Tiptonville and located 895 images containing files depicting minor females engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, 15 videos depicting similar acts were found.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Possession of child pornography is a disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims. Under our Project Safe Childhood initiative, we work with the FBI to investigate and federally prosecute computer and internet crimes against children, including possession and distribution of child pornography. We will always seek significant and mandatory minimum sentences for such despicable and predatory behavior, and this successful prosecution has incapacitated a real threat to our children and our community in West Tennessee."
On September 28, 2018, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Chadwick to 108 months imprisonment; 5 years supervised release and a $5,000 special assessment as required under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Upon his release, Chadwick will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force along with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Eskridge prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Heroin with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in February 2016, the Organized Crime Unit of the Memphis Police Department initiated an investigation into the illegal drug trafficking of Jerrico Long, 31, a/k/a "Lil Rico." The investigation revealed that Long was selling heroin in various areas of Memphis. In June 2016, detectives on the case orchestrated three controlled drug purchases from Long using a confidential source during which they recovered heroin.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office has development a district-specific strategy to address the opioid abuse and overdose epidemic by prioritizing cases involving the distribution of heroin. Drug dealers who sell this deadly poison in West Tennessee will be held accountable. We gave ‘Lil Rico’ a big sentence that will remove him from our streets and make Memphis a safer place."
On September 27, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Long to 120 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The Organized Crime Unit of the Memphis Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
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Department of Justice will Award more than $10 Million to Support Crime Reduction Efforts in Jurisdictions across the United States, including over $1.1 Million to MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced grant awards to Public Safety Partnership member sites as part of $10 million in funding to support state, local, tribal law enforcement departments, agencies, and their partners who are fighting violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
The Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance, in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, is awarding $5 million under the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative to encourage local jurisdictions to use intelligence, technology and community engagement to identify unlawfully used firearms and to prosecute those who commit violent crimes.
Grant recipients include the PSP cities of Indianapolis, Indiana, $798, 866; Memphis, Tennessee, $714,055; Tulsa, Oklahoma, $800,000 and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, $634,971. Other locations include Detroit, Michigan, $800,000; the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Police Department, $452,108, and the City/County of San Francisco, California, $800,000. The jurisdictions will use these awards to hire personnel to utilize the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), to purchase technology required to operate a Crime Gun Intelligence Center and ammunition for ballistic tests of recovered weapons.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The Department of Justice is committed to providing meaningful resources to strategically combat violent crime and firearms offenses. We are pleased that Memphis has been selected as a Public Safety Partnership site and we appreciate the commitment of Attorney General Sessions, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and ATF in providing over $1.1 million in grant funding to equip law enforcement and prosecutors to more effectively deal with violent crime committed with firearms. PSP’s technical and strategic support has already contributed to the reduced violent crime rates that we have experienced. The enhanced financial support from this grant announcement is greatly needed to efficiently combat violent crime in the Memphis community, which will impact the entire Western District of Tennessee as a whole. We applaud our local law enforcement partners at the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby County District Attorney General, for their commitment to this partnership and continued utilization of these resources. We look forward to using the NIBIN technology and the Crime Gun Intelligence Center to respond to and solve shooting incidents, and to remove violent offenders from the streets of Memphis."
The Attorney General also announced awards for BJA’s Technology Innovation for Public Safety (TIPS): Addressing Precipitous Increases in Crime program.
This program supports the Department’s priorities of reducing violent crime and supporting law enforcement officers, including prosecutors. While many jurisdictions are making significant progress implementing justice information sharing solutions to address critical gaps in crime prevention and response activities across organizations and jurisdictions, there remain challenges for the criminal justice system to respond to threats to public safety. This is especially true for efforts addressing significant increases in crime.
Justice information sharing technology refers to any hardware and software, hosted residentially or remotely, that plays a role in the collection, storage, sharing and analysis of criminal justice data. Funding under this program is provided to help state, local, territorial, and tribal jurisdictions use innovative technological solutions to enhance their justice information-sharing capacity.
Grant recipients include the PSP cities of Memphis, Tennessee, $417,224; Toledo, Ohio, $492,553; Flint, Michigan, $499,694 and Houston, Texas, $500,000. Other locations include Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, $317,834; City of Boynton Beach, Florida, $465,860; Clark County Social Service, Nevada, $500,000; New Mexico Second Judicial District Attorney, $500,000; State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection; $419,804; Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey, $500,000; and Georgia Bureau of Investigation, $499,339. Additional information on the grant awards can be found at www.bja.gov.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement during today’s National Public Safety Partnership Symposium on Violent Crime in Birmingham, Alabama. The National Public Safety Partnership is a DOJ-wide initiative that enables cities to consult with and receive a coordinated array of resources from DOJ’s programmatic and law enforcement components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; United States Attorneys’ Offices; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Office on Violence Against Women; the Office of Justice Programs; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; and other federal agencies in order to improve local violence reduction strategies.
Convicted Felon Found Guilty of Possessing a Firearm after Opening Fire on Family MembersRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal jury has convicted a local man for illegally possessing a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty verdict today.
According to the information presented in court, on May 27, 2017, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Leon Ward, 33, of Memphis, drove his blue Chevrolet Impala to the 1900 block of Clovia Lane, where he displayed a .40 caliber pistol fromthe window of the vehicle. Ward then got out of the car and began firing shots in the area of several of his cousins, his brother, and three-year-old nephew.
On Friday, September 21, 2018, a federal jury convicted Ward on one count of possessing a firearm after being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., § 922(g).
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This is precisely the type of violent gun offender that threatens lives and public safety in Memphis. This brazen and recidivist violent behavior must be met with swift and significant punishment. As a result of this conviction and continued prosecution, the citizens of Memphis and West Tennessee are safer. Gun Crime is Max Time."
Leon Ward is currently serving a 42-month sentence for violating the terms of his supervised release. Ward is also facing additional federal charges involving an unrelated robbery attempt and use of a firearm in June of 2017. That indictment was returned by a federal grand jury earlier this year.
Sentencing is set for December 14, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. Ward faces up to 10 years imprisonment on this offense.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force; Memphis Police Department and Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bayonle Osundare are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Southern Meat Market Owner Sentenced to 51 Months Imprisonment for Major Fraud against the United StatesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN– A local man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for major fraud against the United States. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, Guy Randal Stockard, a/k/a Randy, 59, defrauded the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, of more than $1.2 million over an approximately 28-month period.
As part of the scheme, Stockard owned and operated Southern MeatMarket, a small retail market in Memphis, Tennessee. Southern Meat Market was authorized to accept SNAP benefits from customers as payment for eligible food items.
Beginning in January 2015 and continuing through April 2017, Stockard used Southern Meat Market to conduct fraudulent SNAP transactions totaling $1,206,958.00. To carry out the fraud, Stockard bought customers’ SNAP benefits at a discount in exchange for cash. Stockard then redeemed those benefits at their full dollar value, receiving electronic funds transfers of SNAP funds to his business bank account.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of the U.S. Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for this office. This long term fraudulent scheme caused significant loss to the SNAP Program, and the defendant will now serve a substantial sentence for his crimes of dishonesty."
On September 13, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Stockard to 51 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release, and ordered Stockard to pay $1,206,958.00 in criminal forfeiture and restitution.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of the Inspector General and the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Murre Foster prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Memphis Campaign Targets Illegal Gun PurchasesRead the Press Release
NSSF, ATF, U.S. Attorney, Area Law Enforcement Emphasize ‘Don't Lie for the Other Guy’
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As part of an ongoing national effort to help prevent illegal "straw" purchases of firearms, the National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Tennessee, are reminding the public in the Memphis area that stiff penalties are in place for individuals convicted of such purchases.
Billboard advertisements for the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" program have been purchased by NSSF in key locations throughout the region with the message: "Buy a gun for someone who can't and buy yourself 10 years in jail. Don't Lie for the Other Guy."
The month-long public awareness campaign was officially launched September 18, 2018, with a short program at the Bass Pro Shops, 1 Bass Pro Dr., Memphis, Tenn. Present at the event were representatives of the ATF Nashville Field Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, Shelby County Attorney’s Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Memphis, Memphis Police Department and NSSF.
More than 22.5 million impressions will be delivered via billboards, digital and social media advertising around Memphis along with more than a half a million impressions through 30-second radio spots airing on local stations. Memphis was chosen for this special campaign by ATF. No taxpayer dollars are used. The program is funded in full by the firearms industry.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "As part of our violent crime reduction strategy, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeks to keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited and dangerous persons, and to remove violent offenders from our streets. We thank and commend the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the ATF for their shared crime prevention efforts to warn people about the consequences of providing firearms to prohibited persons such as convicted felons. Don’t Lie for the Other Guy, or you will be facing up to 10 years in federal prison."
"As evidenced, the firearms industry is proud of its longstanding cooperative relationship with the ATF and the entire law enforcement community by assisting them in their efforts to combat the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms," said NSSF Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel.
"Don't Lie" is a cooperative programbetween ATF and NSSF, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry. The effort was developed more than a decade ago to raise public awareness about the seriousness of the crime of purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so. The program also helps ATF educate firearms dealers so they can be better prepared to deter potential straw purchases. The public campaign drives home the message that anyone attempting an illegal firearm purchase faces a stiff federal felony penalty of up to 10 years in jail or up to $250,000 in fines.
To legally purchase a firearm, a person must be able to pass an FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check and fully comply with state and local laws. When a criminal knows he cannot pass this check, he may try to induce a friend or other person to make the purchase on his behalf, which is known as a straw purchase and is a felony.
This public awareness campaign constitutes only part of the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" outreach effort. The full "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" program, which also involves educating firearms retailers to better detect and prevent straw purchases, has been rolled out in major cities throughout the country. In the retailer segment, federal firearms licensees are provided a "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" retailer kit containing a training video and informational brochure for storeowners and staff, as well as point-of-purchase displays aimed to deter illegal straw purchases.
Some of the Memphis area billboard locations and radio stations airing public service announcements are provided below:
Billboards:
• Several locations along I-240
• Several locations along I-40
• Several locations along I-55
Radio Stations:
• KJMS (V101)
• KWNW (101.9 KISS FM)
• WHRK (K97.1)
• WMC 790 AM
• WREC 600 AM.
Learn more about Don't Lie for the Other Guy at www.dontlie.org.
About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 12,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.
McNairy County Men Indicted Federally for Being Felons in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against two McNairy county men for being felons in possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
According to the indictment, Chaderick McClain, 27, of Selmer, was charged with two counts of possessing a firearm transported in interstate commerce after being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922 (g) (1). The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime.
Corey Mayfield, 43, of Ramer, Tennessee, was also charged with two counts possessing a firearm transported in interstate commerce after being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922 (g)(1). The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Felons with multiple prior convictions present a public safety risk in West Tennessee, and will be held accountable for illegal possession of firearms."
This case was investigated by the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office; Selmer Police Department; and Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force; along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
"We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in addressing these career criminals and helping us keep them off the streets," said McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck.
"We hope this sends a message to criminals who have guns," said Assistant Chief Kim Holley of the Selmer Police Department.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised released and $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Eskridge is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Black Out Squad Member of the Gangster Disciples Sentenced to 30 Years Imprisonment for Racketeering Conspiracy and Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Gangster Disciples gang member was sentenced today to 360 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and for using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U. S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers of the FBI’s Memphis Division and Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Memphis Field Division, made the announcement.
Tommy Earl Champion, Jr., aka "Duct Tape," 29, of Jackson Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. Champion previously pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Dismantlement of criminal gangs is a top priority of the Department of Justice, and this case represents the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to target and remove a significant violent participant in the Gangster Disciples organization. "Duct Tape" is now stuck with a 30-year sentence for his violent crimes. We are taking the fight to the gangs in West Tennessee, and we are relentless in our resolve."
According to the indictment, the Gangster Disciples is a highly organized national gang active in more than 35 states. The scope of the Gangster Disciples’ crimes is wide-ranging and consistent throughout its national operation. The gang protects its power through threats, intimidation and violence, including murder, attempted murder, assault and obstruction of justice. The Gangster Disciples promotes its enterprise through member-
only activities and provides financial and other support to members charged with or incarcerated for gang-related offenses.
According to court documents, Champion was a member of the Gangster Disciples and served on the gang’s "blackout squads" and "security teams." Champion was responsible for carrying out violent acts, including attempted murder, witness and victim intimidation, and assault, at the direction of senior Gangster Disciples leaders. Champion also participated in the other criminal activities of the Gangster Disciples enterprise, including narcotics distribution and weapons possession.
In addition to the racketeering conspiracy count, Champion was sentenced for using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, which, according to the indictment, occurred on June 12, 2014 in Jackson. The indictment states that the crime of violence was attempted murder, and that Champion and other gang members committed the crime for the purpose of gaining entrance to and maintaining and increasing their position in the Gangster Disciple enterprise. There were seven victims of this attempted murder noted in the indictment. Champion had previously pleaded guilty on April 2.
The FBI; ATF; the Memphis Multi-Agency Gang Unit; the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson Police Department Gang Enforcement Team; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Madison County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department; the 28th District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; the Tipton County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office; the 26th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office; the 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office; the Atascosa County, Tennessee District Attorney’s Office and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Boswell of the Western District of Tennessee and Samuel Stringfellow of the Northern District of Mississippi prosecuted this case.
U.S. Attorney Announces the Indictment of 11 Former FedEx Express Employees and Two Former Contractors for the U.S. Postal Service on Federal Mail Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – On September 11, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted 11 former FedEx Express employees and two former contractors for the U.S. Postal Service on federal mail theft charges. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictments today.
According to the indictments, the defendants targeted mail such as gift and greeting cards since there was a strong likelihood that they contained U.S. currency. The employees would search through the mail, remove some of the contents, and smuggle items off the premises.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the sanctity and security of the United States Postal Service and the U.S. Mail. We work very closely with the United States Postal Inspection Service to defend the nation’s mail system from illegal or dangerous use by mail theft, mail fraud and prohibited mailings; and to ensure public trust in the mail. These indictments show our collective commitment to hold accountable any persons who violate that sanctity and victimize innocent citizens for their own selfish gains. The citizens of the Western District of Tennessee are counting on us to maintain law and order, and uphold the rule of law in all cases."
"One of the primary duties of this office is also to protect interstate commerce. FedEx Express is a National and Global leader in logistics and shipping, and supports government, business, and commerce across the United States and all over the world. We thank FedEx Express for their responsible corporate citizenship and for their good working relationship with all federal law enforcement agencies, including the United States Postal Inspection Service."
The following defendants have been indicted on obstruction of correspondence or theft and receipt of stolen mail matter. The defendants face up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
- Braylon DeShaun Butler, 25, of Memphis, TN
- Posely Renard Jones, 25, of Memphis, TN
- Florence Lucinda Guy, 23, of Memphis, TN
- Shamika Shunta Coleman, 39, of Memphis, TN
- Jamal LaDarius Johnson, 39, of Memphis, TN
- Ronald Bernard Carter Jr., 32, of Memphis, TN
- Katrina Lasha Dunlap, 27, of Memphis, TN
- Yukelia Denise Brown, 31, of Memphis, TN
- Tekesha Brushay Henderson, 26, of Memphis, TN
- Craig Darnell Johnson, 26, of Memphis, TN
- Yolanda Matrice Barbee, 22, of Memphis, TN
- Jerome Timothy Pope, 26, of Memphis, TN
- Cortez B. Spencer, 28, of Memphis, TN
"Theft of mail by employees or outside contractors strikes at the very heart of the public’s confidence in the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail. These indictments are the result of collaborative efforts between U.S. Postal Inspectors and FedEx Express Security personnel to investigate and apprehend individuals who violate the public’s trust while handling the mail," said David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service in conjunction with FedEx Express security.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Fayette County Horse Farm Manager Pleads Guilty in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has pleaded guilty plea to a one count criminal information charging him with wire fraud in connection with the theft of approximately $810,000 from his former employer, Masterson Farms and Kenneth Masterson. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea announced today.
According to the information presented in court, Zachary M. Baker, 32, was hired to manage Masterson Farms a horse-breeding farm located in Somerville, Tennessee. Beginning in January 2013, Baker began stealing from Masterson Farms by writing checks payable to himself, Zigadoo Money clips, a band he managed, and another individual identified as "E.L.M." Baker also stole funds by making online payments on his personal credit card accounts with funds transferred from the Masterson Farms bank accounts. Between January 2013, and April 9, 2018, the information alleged that Baker stole over $810,000.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Financial fraud can happen anywhere, and can be devastating to local businesses. The defendant used his position of trust and authority to steal proceeds for his personal benefit, and his dishonesty has been exposed. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable."
Baker faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release on the wire fraud charge.
Baker is scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman on December 20, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 65 Months Imprisonment for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for possession of access devices with intent to defraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western Division of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, between June 2011 and July 2016, Melvin Gene Griggs Jr., 32, used the identifying information of multiple victims to access victims’ credit card and bank accounts.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Aggravated identity theft and schemes to defraud or compromise the personal and financial security of countless vulnerable victims will not be tolerated. This case demonstrates our commitment to protect the personal and financial information of citizens and institutions, and to hold offenders accountable for these disturbing crimes of dishonesty. We are pleased to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to achieve justice for the victims in this case."
During the course of the investigation, the Government found that the personal identifying information of over 400 victims had been compromised. The information included credit card numbers, CVV2 numbers, ATM pin numbers, bank names, routing and bank account numbers, phone numbers, social security numbers, birth dates, mothers’ maiden names, AOL IDs, email address and physical addresses.
The scheme to defraud included opening new accounts in the victim’s name and/or adding himself as an authorized user to a victim’s account. Griggs would then have credit cards and financial statements from the accounts mailed to him. The credit cards were used to make purchases at local retailers and online. He also obtained money from victims’ bank accounts by wire transfers and cashing checks.
"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is pleased with Mr. Griggs’ sentence. A large part of the Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure the public’s trust in the U.S. Mail. These types of crimes against postal customers compromise that trust. This sentence reflects the serious nature of the offense and will hopefully be a deterrent to others," said David M. McGinnis, Postal Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.
On September 6, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Griggs to 65 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $237,801.97. Additional reimbursements are possible pending a restitution hearing on November 30, 2018.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine Craig prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Government Contractor Sentenced to 24 Months Imprisonment forMajor Fraud against the United StatesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for major fraud against the United States. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, M. Cleve Collins, aka Milton Cleve Collins aka Cleve Collins, 54, executed a scheme to defraud the United States on a construction contract valued at approximately one and one-half million dollars administered by the General Services Administration for the replacement of the roof and the air conditioning system at the Ed Jones Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Jackson, TN.
As part of the scheme to defraud, Collins caused the roofing subcontractor, a small Memphis-area business, to perform work for which it was never fully paid. Additionally, Collins filed false and fraudulent certifications with the US Government indicating he had, in fact, paid the subcontractor. The value of the funds obtained because of this scheme was over $580,000.
"As the legal representative of the United States of America, it is the priority and duty of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to safeguard taxpayer funds, and to promote the responsible use and stewardship of such government resources for the benefit of our nation and our citizens. The major fraud 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 GSA and the FBI 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 accountable under the law," said D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
On September 4, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Collins to 24 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay $517,750 in restitution.
"Federal contractors are obligated to follow through on their promises to make payments to their subcontractors," said GSA Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa. "When contractors fail to meet their obligations, we will hold them accountable."
"The FBI takes particular interest in cases where individuals, for their own personal benefit, use deceit and fraud to line their pockets," said Michael T. Gavin, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Fraud has a negative and long lasting impact on the community, and the honest and law abiding citizens who are fed up with the likes of those who, motivated merely by greed, violate the law, should be assured by this conviction that the FBI is committed to work closely with its law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue anyone who commits such crimes."
This case was investigated by the General Services Administration, Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Two Illegal Aliens Indicted on Federal Drug Charges and Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Two illegal aliens in West Tennessee have been indicted for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine or ICE in the Union City, Tennessee area. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.
On August 20, 2018, a federal grand jury in Jackson, Tennessee returned a three-count indictment that remained under seal until their arrests. The indictment contained counts against each defendant alleging violations under the Controlled Substances Act and illegal reentry after deportation. The charges stem from the defendants’ participation in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute ICE and illegal reentry into the United States after having been previously deported.
According to the charging instrument, a task force made up of special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Union City Police Department arrested the two subjects in an early morning raid on August 30, 2018, on federal drug trafficking charges and illegal reentry after deportation.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This case combines two of the top priorities of the Department of Justice: illegal drug trafficking and criminal immigration enforcement. We work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute any and all suppliers that distribute illegal drugs in West Tennessee. At the same time, we work to identify, prosecute, and remove persons who violate our sovereign immigration laws, and our work focuses on criminal re-entry cases that will further deter and reduce illegality by criminal aliens. Clearly, these offenders pose a significant danger to public safety in Obion county and West Tennessee by their distribution of pure methamphetamine into the community."
The suspects arrested are:
Christino Alcazar-Ortiz, 42, Union City, Tennessee
Armando Alcazar-Ortiz, 37, Union City, Tennessee
Their arrests are the result of a yearlong investigation into a crystal methamphetamine (ICE) drug operation at Mi Tierra Caliente restaurant, owned by the defendants in Union City, Tennessee in which law enforcement officials have seized large amounts of methamphetamine, which was 95% pure.
Perry Barfield, Union City Police Chief said, "Our department would like to thank all the federal agencies involved in this operation, and especially for the working relations with our local drug enforcement officers. We are always grateful for any and all efforts that help rid our community of illegal drug activity."
If convicted, the defendants face not less than 10 years, up to life imprisonment; $1,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release for the controlled substance violations; and not more than 20 years imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000 for the illegal reentry charges.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Union City Police Department.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Lauren Delery are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Bulgarian National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding FedExRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Bulgarian national has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for mail fraud. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Dimitar Petlechkov, 35, engaged in a scheme to defraud FedEx by fraudulently linking his FedEx shipping account to a national shipping account that had significant shipping discounts. Petlechkov was not entitled to receive these discounts. He then offered reduced shipping rates to third party shippers to use his FedEx account for their own shipping needs. Petlechkov offered them a better shipping rate than they could get on their own, but not the full discount he fraudulently received. The scheme ran for almost five years, from January 2009 to April 2014. Petlechkov made over $300,000 in profits during that time.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This long-term fraudulent scheme had significant financial consequences to the corporate interests of the victim, FedEx Corporation, and created unfair business advantages in interstate commerce and the shipping industry. This office is committed to the protection of business and corporate interests in interstate commerce, and this sentence, restitution, and subsequent removal will hold the defendant accountable while providing justice for the victim."
On August 31, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Petlechkov to 37 months imprisonment; Petlechkov was also ordered to pay restitution of $801,000 to FedEx and faces deportation to Bulgaria at the conclusion of his sentence. Petlechkov has been in the United States illegally as a visa overstay since 2000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.
Former Local Bank Manager Pleads Guilty to EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A local man pleaded guilty to conspiracy and embezzlement, while being employed as a branch manager at Tri-State Bank ("Tri-State") in Memphis. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.
According to the charging instrument, from calendar years 2015 to 2016, Michael B. Gaines, branch manager of Tri-State, developed a scheme to activate many dormant accounts and withdraw funds from said accounts with the help of another employee. Gaines and the employee used their Tri-State computer and user I.D. to activate and enter the accounts to fraudulently withdraw funds. He gave some of the proceeds to another employee and deposited cash into his personal bank account. During the time of the conspiracy and embezzlement, Tri-State suffered a loss of over $214,000.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The financial fraud and embezzlement committed by the defendant in this case is disturbing and far-reaching. The abuse of his position of trust and authority as a bank manager for his own personal gain had a significant negative impact on the employees and customers of Tri-State Bank. The U.S. Attorney’s Office places a high priority on protecting the security, deposits and assets of financial institutions, and this conviction demonstrates that commitment."
Sentencing is set for December 6, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes. Gaines pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and another count of embezzlement. The maximum penalty for conspiracy is 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine and for embezzlement, 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Keith Griffin is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Making False Statements on a Federal Background Check Form while Attempting to Purchase a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against convicted felon Everette Alexander, 47, for making a false statement on ATF Background Check Form 4473 when attempting to purchase a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment in this "lie-and-try" case today.
Count 1 charges Alexander did willfully and knowingly make and use a false writing on a federal form during the purchase of a firearmat Flash Pawn in Memphis, on December 2, 2017, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3).
Count 2 charges that Alexander did knowingly make false and fictitious written statements on December 2, 2017, to deceive Flash Pawn that the defendant had not previously been convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6).
Count 3 charges that Alexander, having previously been convicted of a crime, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce on December 16, 2017, a Cobra .380 caliber pistol; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
Count 4 charges that Alexander, having previously been convicted of a crime, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce on February 12, 2018, a Cobra .380 caliber pistol; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g)(1).
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Prosecutions of violent crimes must be paired with proactive prevention efforts to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited persons. A valuable tool in this prevention effort is the ATF Background Check Form 4473, which must be completed before a federally licensed firearms dealer sells or transfers a firearm. Criminals and other prohibited persons who attempt to thwart the background check process by lying on the required forms threaten to undermine this important crime prevention tool, and such conduct cannot be tolerated. As part of our violence reduction strategy and reinvigorated PSN efforts, we want to take guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and take violent offenders off our streets. Let this serve as a warning: This office will vigorously prosecute any prohibited persons who attempt to illegally obtain a firearm in these "lie-and-try" cases.
If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison; three years supervised release and $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Memphis Man has Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin Resulting in Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – David Mitchell Murray of Memphis has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in death. Also indicted as a co-defendant in this case is Glenda Aldape, 48, of Cordova. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea and indictment today.
According to information presented in court, on the evening of March 28, 2016, the victim, Sean Heywood agreed over the phone to buy half a gram of heroin from Aldape for $75. Aldape texted Sean that she was sending "Mitch" (later identified as 38-year-old David Mitchell Murray) to deliver the heroin. Sean lived with his father, mother and grandmother at the time.
At 10 p.m., Sean told his father he was going to a nearby Huey’s location to have a beer. Surveillance tape showed Sean entering the bar area of the restaurant a few minutes after 10 p.m. and having one beer. During this period, he spoke on the phone with Mitch at least twice. The tape then shows him leaving the restaurant. After a few minutes, he left the bar and got into a car with Mitch, who then sold the heroin to Sean. Mitch then drove Sean home.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Sean’s father found Sean unresponsive on the bathroom floor. Memphis emergency personnel arrived at the house and pronounced Sean dead at 1:02 a.m. Law enforcement also responded and tagged all of the items as evidence – a plastic bag of heroin in his pocket, syringe, spoon and 0.19 grams of heroin, and Sean’s cell phone. The autopsy results concluded the cause of Sean’s death was a lethal dose of heroin.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our district-specific opioid strategy, heroin distribution cases resulting in death receive top priority for investigation and federal prosecution, regardless of quantity of heroin involved or the prior criminal record
of the offender. Our Heroin Initiative also provides time-sensitive case coordination between law enforcement agencies and medical examiners, to ensure that opioid overdose death cases are investigated quickly and thoroughly to identify the nature and source of the drug distribution. Finally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute and seek the maximum guidelines sentences in these cases in order to disrupt trafficking organizations, hold the distributor accountable for the death of the victim, and to deter others from selling poison to our citizens."
Sentencing is set for November 2, 2018, before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. Mitchell faces a minimum of 20 years up to life imprisonment.
This case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit (OCU).
Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Former Memphis attorney Charged in Scheme to Defraud ClientsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against former Memphis attorney George E. Skouteris, Jr. 56. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.
The seven-count indictment alleges that between 2007 and March 2013, Skouteris engaged in a scheme to defraud his clients by settling cases without notifying his clients and forging their endorsements on the settlement checks made jointly payable to him and the client. The indictment alleges that Skouteris then deposited the checks to bank accounts he maintained at TrustOne Bank. According to the indictment, Skouteris fraudulently obtained in excess of $250,000 during the course of the scheme.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Licensed attorneys who steal from their clients betray the trust of that fiduciary relationship, and are a threat to the public. This indictment exposes that breach of trust, and will hopefully achieve justice by recovering restitution for the victims and reminding the legal community of the high standards of their profession."
Skouteris faces a mandatory maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 and five years supervised release as to each count.
This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
Attorney General Sessions Announces New National Public Safety Partnership Sites to Combat Violent Crime, Citing Success in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - As the Department of Justice continues its efforts to fulfill President Trump’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America, Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the selection of five cities to the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP). PSP provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking, and gang violence.
PSP provides cities the opportunity to consult with, receive coordinated training and technical assistance from, and have access to an array of resources from the Justice Department and its law enforcement components.
PSP offers two separate approaches to the assistance provided by the Justice Department, the Diagnostic Approach and the Operations Approach:
• PSP Diagnostic teams help participating cities develop tools to diagnose and address violent crime issues.
• PSP Operations teams partner directly with federal, state, local, and tribal officials to strategically address violent crime issues.
Five sites have been selected to receive this significant assistance:
2018 PSP Diagnostic Sites:
• Saginaw, Michigan
• Salisbury, North Carolina
2018 PSP Operations Sites:
• Kansas City, Missouri (participated as a PSP Diagnostic Site in 2017)
• Miami, Florida
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
"Reversing the recent troubling increase in violent crime in our country is a top priority of the Department of Justice as we work to fulfill the President’s promise to make America safer," said Attorney General Sessions. "Cooperation with our fabulous state and local partners is the single most important aspect of our strategy to reduce crime. The National Public Safety Partnership program will help five American cities to build up their own capacity to fight crime by using DOJ expertise and resources as well as evidence-based strategies customized to meet their needs. We want to be a force multiplier for them, and under PSP, we will."
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee is proud to participate in the National Public Safety Partnership Initiative here in Memphis. PSP has allowed us to receive federal resources in law enforcement training and technical assistance in an innovative framework to enhance data-driven, evidence-based local strategies for violence reduction. The good work of the PSP Team Stakeholders, including commitment from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to targeted enforcement has resulted in a significant reduction in the violent crime rate. We are thankful for all of these resources from the Department of Justice, and we are committed to the continued effective use of these tools to reduce violent crime in the future."
In June 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the PSP program during remarks at the National Summit on Crime Reduction and Public Safety. The twelve sites announced in 2017 continue to participate in 2018, and have resulted in a number of success including, but not limited to:
• Birmingham, Alabama: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama established a public safety task force of local, state, and federal partners to improve data and intelligence sharing, complement community outreach, and improve prevention efforts. As a result of coordinated efforts among local and federal law enforcement, homicides in Birmingham are down 12 percent year to date in June.
• Indianapolis, Indiana: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have enhanced coordination with each Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department patrol district to help identify and prioritize drug and gun crime cases appropriate for federal prosecution. ATF has also assigned a crime analyst to focus solely on National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) cases. NIBIN is a national program that assists law enforcement agencies in making connections among crimes involving firearms. As of July 2018, Indianapolis reports an increased homicide clearance rate from 40 percent to 70 percent year to date, which it attributes to increased collaboration among local and federal partners.
• Memphis, Tennessee: Identified one precinct and geographical area in South Memphis for PSP engagement—the Raines Street Station—to focus increased local and federal enforcement efforts. The Raines Street Station experienced approximately 22 percent of the city’s homicides in 2016. As a result of PSP involvement in the Raines Street Station area, homicides are down approximately 27 percent and aggravated assaults are down 11 percent, as of July 31, 2018.
Partner sites are selected through a process that considers both quantitative and qualitative measures, including sustained levels of violent crime that far exceed the national average. PSP sites must demonstrate a commitment to reducing violent crime, and in August 2017 that commitment was extended to include reducing violent crime stemming from illegal immigration.
The Justice Department agencies involved in PSP are: the United States Attorneys’ Offices; the Office of Justice Programs; the FBI; the ATF; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Office on Violence Against Women; and the Office of Community Oriented Policing.
For more information about additional PSP sites, their designations and DOJ’s work to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety, visit https://www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant Announces AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks as OCDETF ChiefRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Dunavant is pleased to announce the appointment of AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Chief for theWestern District of Tennessee.
Michelle Kimbril-Parks is a graduate of the University of Memphis and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Kimbril-Parks served as Assistant District Attorney with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for 7 years. During her service there, she managed and supervised Assistant District Attorneys in a broad litigation practice including driving offenses, theft of property, narcotics, domestic violence, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and murder.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "I am pleased to announce that I have appointed AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks as the new OCDETF Chief AUSA in the Unit. Michelle has been an AUSA in our office since 2007, and has been assigned to the OCDETF Unit since 2013. Michelle is a very experienced prosecutor and dedicated public servant, and I am confident that she will lead the unit with effectiveness and success. I look forward to working with her to pursue the priorities of our office in the crucial areas of organized and gang crime and drug enforcement."
In October 2007, Kimbril-Parks joined the Department of Justice as Assistant United States Attorney. Her current responsibilities include making charging decisions based on relevant federal statutes; drafting indictments, search warrants, and other legal documents; researching and drafting briefs for matters appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and presenting oral arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In addition, her litigation practice has included cases involving possession of firearms, child exploitation, identity theft, escape, firearms trafficking, Hobbs Act Robbery, carjacking, narcotics and interstate stalking.