Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Four Former Shelby County Jailers Plead Guilty to Attempted Possession of a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Four former Shelby County Corrections Deputies have all pled guilty to attempting to smuggle and distribute OxyContin inside a correctional facility. The pleas were announced by Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the indictments, the four defendants – Torriano Vaughn, Brian Grammer, Anthony Thomas, and Marcus Green – all participated in a scheme to smuggle what they thought were OxyContin pills inside of the Shelby County Jail on multiple occasions between May and December 2014.
After inmates informed law enforcement officers of the defendants’ illicit conduct, an undercover investigation was initiated. The investigation involved law enforcement agents posing as associates of cooperating inmates. These inmates would make arrangements with the jailers to have various amounts of OxyContin pills smuggled into jail in exchange for hundreds of dollars.
The undercover agents posing as associates of the inmates met with each jailer at various locations in the city. Three undercover transactions were conducted with each defendant. During these transactions, the agents provided the defendants with several hundred dollars and varying amounts of pills, which were presumed to be OxyContin. In actuality, the pills were "placebos," a pill or substance that has no therapeutic effect. After each transaction, the defendants would smuggle the presumed OxyContin pills into the jail and provide them to cooperating inmates. All of the placebos provided to the jailers were ultimately recovered by law enforcement agents.
All four defendants have pled guilty to attempted possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.
They each face up to 20 years imprisonment when convicted. Each defendant also faces up to a $1 million fine.
Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, October 9th at 9:30 a.m. by Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr.
Green is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, October 23rd at 11 a.m. by Judge Jon Phipps McCalla.
Grammer is scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday, November 3rd at 9:30 a.m. by Judge Jon Phipps McCalla.
Vaughn is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, November 6th, at 9:30 a.m. by Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
The case was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force. The collective is comprised of: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, and Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Millington Reserve Officer Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 66-year-old Millington reserve police officer has been indicted on multiple charges for possessing and producing child pornography. The indictment was announced by Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the indictment, between July 2013 and July 2015, Rickie Friar created various images and videos of six minor females engaging in sexually explicit conduct. At least one of the minors was under the age of 12 years old at the time.
Over the aforementioned time period, Friar also transported one of the minor females between Tennessee and Oklahoma for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Furthermore, he downloaded child pornographic images from the Internet and stored them on his Compaq computer, according to the indictment.
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office has also filed charges alleging Friar had sexual contact with minor females. He has been in state custody since his arrest in July.
Friar has been indicted federally on one count of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity; 10 counts of production of child pornography; and one count of child pornography possession.
• Friar faces a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment if convicted of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity.
• Friar faces a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment for each count of production of child pornography.
• Friar faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted of possession of child pornography.
• Friar faces up to $250,000 in fines per offense of conviction.
The case is being investigated by the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force. The collective is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Shelby County Sheriff's Department; Memphis Police Department; U.S. Postal Investigation Service; U.S. Marshals Service; and the U.S. Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Anyone who believes they may have information about this case or related activities is asked to contact the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force at 901.747.4300.
This case was brought 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 Attorneys' 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/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Memphis Pastor Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis pastor has been indicted on child pornography possession charges. The indictment was announced by Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the indictment, between August 2014 and May 2015, Demarcus Smith coerced a male under the age of 18 to photograph himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Smith, 32, asked the minor male to send him sexual images via cellphone on numerous occasions.
Smith is a pastor at Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church in South Memphis. He’s also a member of the Baptist Ministerial Association.
He has been charged with one count of coercion and solicitation of a minor; one count of production of child pornography; and one count of receipt of child pornography.
• Smith faces a minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment if convicted of coercion/solicitation of a minor.
• Smith faces a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment if convicted of production of child pornography.
• Smith faces up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted of receipt of child pornography
• Smith faces up to $250,000 in fines per offense of conviction.
The case is being investigated by the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force. The collective is comprised of Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security
Investigations; Shelby County Sheriff's Department; Memphis Police Department; U.S. Postal Investigation Service; U.S. Marshals Service; and the United States Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Anyone who believes they may have information about this case or related activities is asked to contact the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force at 901.747.4300.
This case was brought 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 Attorneys' 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/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former IRS Employee, Husband Plead to Filing More Than $160,000 in False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A married couple pled guilty this week to defrauding the government of more than $160,000 in false tax returns.
According to the indictment, Ahmed Grant and his wife, Lillian Madyun, a former Internal Revenue Services (IRS) employee, used their tax preparation business, Superfast Taxes, to file false 2010 federal income tax returns. Many citizens were victimized during the defendants’ fraudulent scheme.
The defendants had several satellite locations for Superfast Taxes throughout the inner-city at which they employed contract tax preparers. After employees prepared tax return files, the defendants would then review and adjust the files before submitting false claims to the IRS. They utilized an electronic filing identification number to process and file the tax returns.
Several refundable tax credits, such as Schedule C and the American Opportunity Credit, were fraudulently used by the defendants to inflate their clients’ tax returns. Unaware of the defendants’ illicit behavior, the IRS paid more than $160,000 in false credits to Superfast Taxes.
On Thursday, August 13th, both Grant and Madyun pled guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud against the United States.
Both defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. They also face individual fines of up to $250,000.
They will both be sentenced by Judge Sheryl H. Lipman on November 13, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon K. Griffin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Father, Sons Indicted for Defrauding Victims of More Than $18 MillionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A father and two sons were indicted on multiple charges this week for their alleged roles in a scheme that defrauded victims of more than $18 million.
Larry Bates, a former Tennessee state legislator, was CEO of First American Monetary Consultants (FAMC), Inc. A financial company, FAMC engaged in buying, selling and trading precious metals, primarily gold and silver coins. He was also the CEO of Information Radio Network, Inc. (IRN), a broadcast service that provided radio listeners with information and advice on a variety of topics including politics and world economy.
Larry’s son, Charles "Chuck" Bates, was executive vice president and news director for IRN and an economist with FAMC. Larry’s other son, Robert Bates, was an economist with FAMC.
From May 2002 to October 2013, the trio allegedly encouraged customers, many of whom were Christians and elderly individuals, to purchase copious amounts of certain types of gold and silver from FAMC. All of the individuals targeted by the Bates were seeking advice and help from a supposed trusted Christian advisor and/or an alleged reputable Christian financial company, according to the indictment.
The defendants utilized IRN as a means of advertising, promoting, and soliciting the sale or purchase of gold and silver to and from individuals nationwide, according to the indictment. To execute their scheme, the Bates’ told potential customers that they needed to purchase gold and silver to protect themselves from "Mystery Babylon," an alleged forthcoming economic, political and religious downturn.
Those who accepted the Bates’ offers provided payment via mail, wire transfers, or through private and commercial interstate carriers to purchase gold and silver from FAMC. Subsequent to submitting their payments, the customers would receive an invoice and order confirmation via mail, according to the indictment.
After the defendants received money and/or gold and silver from customers, they would partially complete the customers’ orders or fail to fill them altogether. The indictment alleges that the defendants utilized a portion of the embezzled proceeds to fund personal expenses and maintain operation of FAMC and IRN. When contacted by customers who didn’t receive their orders, the defendants would allegedly provide false promises, delay returning calls or emails, or neglect to respond altogether. According to the indictment, this activity continued from weeks up to years.
"As the indictment alleges, the defendants defrauded unsuspecting victims of more than $18 million by promising to purchase gold and silver coins on their behalf," said U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III. "Unfortunately, hundreds of these victims never received the coins they purchased. Instead, their money was used by the defendants to fund lofty salaries and exorbitant lifestyles."
More than 300 people were victimized during the Bates’ scheme. In addition to individuals in West Tennessee, the Bates’ defrauded people in Texas, Alabama, Kansas, Vermont, Oklahoma, Missouri, Florida, Massachusetts, and a multitude of other states.
All three defendants are being charged with multiple counts of mail and wire fraud. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years imprisonment and up to $1 million in fines per count.
The defendants are also being charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
If convicted, they each face up to 20 years imprisonment and up to $1 million in fines.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Larry Laurenzi and David Pritchard are representing the government in this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
11 Indicted on Federal Drug Charges in Meth Ring RoundupRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Eleven people were indicted this week on conspiracy charges for their alleged roles in a methamphetamine distribution ring.
On Wednesday, July 29th, Johnnie Wilborn, Travis Huston, Fred Wilson, Dexter White, Patrice Lee, Brittany Huston, Deontoe Huston, Larry Cassidy Jr., Robert Earl Williams Jr., Phillip Sean Mosley, and Janice White were all indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wilborn, Travis Huston, Dexter White, Brittany Huston, and Janice White were also indicted for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds.
The Memphis Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division; Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit (OCU); West Memphis Narcotics Division; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation of the defendants.
Agencies who assisted the investigating agencies with arresting the defendants on Wednesday were the 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Germantown Police Department; Bartlett Police Department; and the United States Marshals Service.
Search warrants were executed on multiple residences identified during this investigation. During the roundup, officers seized:
• 4 assault rifles
• 1 shotgun
• 4 handguns
Those charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine include: Johnnie Wilborn, Travis Huston, Fred Wilson, Dexter White, and Patrice Lee. If convicted, they each face up to life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.
Those charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine include: Brittany Huston, Carlos Lewis, Deontoe Huston, Larry Cassidy Jr., Robert Earl Williams Jr., and Phillip Sean Mosley. If convicted, they each face up to 40 years imprisonment and up to a $5 million fine.
Wilborn, Travis Huston, Dexter White, Brittany Huston, and Janice White have also been charged with conspiracy to launder drug proceeds. If convicted for the offense, they each face up to 20 years imprisonment and up to a $500,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French is representing the government in these cases.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mother, Nurses Plead Guilty to Defrauding TennCare of $400,000Read the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A mother and four nurses assigned to care for her now-deceased son have all pled guilty to conspiring to commit health care fraud.
According to the charging documents and plea agreements in the case, Josephine Coach’s son had a tracheotomy and required a ventilator for breathing assistance. The child, who was wheel-chair bound, also had gastrointestinal problems that required frequent monitoring. The child’s doctor ordered 19 hours of daily nursing care for the child. The child received health care through TennCare, the state of Tennessee’s Medicaid program, which provides health care services to qualifying indigent individuals.
Nurses employed with On Call Staffing, Inc. were supposed to provide the 19 hours of daily home health services ordered by the doctor. On Call Staffing was a subcontractor to Functional Independence Home Care, Inc., which contracted with TennCare to provide nursing services to patients who utilized the Medicaid program.
From January 2009 to August 2011, Coach knowingly and intentionally conspired with four of the nurses to defraud TennCare by billing the program for nursing services that were never provided to the child. Specifically, Coach and the nurses reached agreements whereby the nurses would not show up for their appointed shifts but still turn in time sheets as if they had worked. The nurses then split their pay for the shifts with Coach. As a result of the fraud, TennCare paid over $400,000 for nursing services that were never provided to the child.
"The defendants’ scheme of foregoing the medical needs of a severely disabled minor in exchange for financial gain at taxpayer expense is shocking and reprehensible," said U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III. "Each defendant, including the minor’s mother, will now be held accountable at sentencing."
The nurses involved with the scheme who pled guilty include: Falesha Wilson, Carla Surratt, Nakesha Stephens, and Nicole Douglass. Evidence obtained during the investigation indicates that the nurses who made similar arrangements with Coach may have actually worked approximately two out of every seven of their reported shifts.
According to the charging documents and plea agreements:
• Between February and August 2011, each of the four nurses received at least one paycheck in the amount of $1,462.34 for services supposed to have been provided to Coach’s son. The nurses then split the paychecks with Coach.
• Each nurse was assigned to work 9.5-hour shifts with Coach’s son.
• Douglass’ tenure caring for Coach’s son lasted from January 2009 to May 2011. TennCare paid $394 per shift for Douglass. She turned in time sheets for 721 shifts during her assignment.
• Wilson’s tenure caring for Coach’s son lasted from January to June 2011. TennCare paid $394 per shift for Wilson. She turned in time sheets for 643 shifts during her assignment.
• Surratt’s tenure caring for Coach’s son lasted from May to August 2011. TennCare paid $394 per shift for Surratt. She turned in time sheets for 103 shifts during her assignment.
• Stephens’ tenure caring for Coach’s son lasted from June to August 2011. TennCare paid $394 per shift for Stephens. She turned in time sheets for 75 shifts during her assignment.
Coach’s son passed away in April 2015 at age 12.
Douglass, Stephens, and Surratt are slated for sentencing on October 2, 2015.
Wilson is slated for sentencing on October 9, 2015.
Coach is slated for sentencing on October 23, 2015.
All defendants will be sentenced by Chief Judge J. Daniel Breen. They each face up to five years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fabian is representing the government in this case.
Man Sentenced to 80 Months for Multimillion-Dollar Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A luxury automobile salesman has been sentenced to 80 months for operating a scheme that defrauded individuals of more than $2 million.
According to the indictment, from October 2010 to September 2013, Michael Brown offered upscale automobiles for sale through his business, Valkry Corporation. However, once he received payments from customers, Brown used the funds for personal benefit and failed to fulfill vehicle orders.
For nearly three years, Brown would partially satisfy order requests, or fail to deliver the vehicle(s) at all, according to the indictment. Brown would use the funds for personal endeavors, as well as travel and business expenses. He also used the funds to purchase additional vehicles, which he advertised to new customers. As a result of his scheme, Brown fraudulently obtained $1,984,803.
One victim of Brown’s scheme over that period is M Super Car, an international luxury automobile dealership based in Macau. In October 2010, M Super Car placed an order with Brown for the purchase of multiple vehicles for $1,268,000, according to the indictment. The dealership made multiple wire transfers from its bank accounts to Valkry Corporation’s First Tennessee accounts to purchase 16 Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a customized Porsche. However, Brown failed to fulfill the company’s order or refund their money for the cars he was unable to deliver.
England-based company KIS Cars, LTD. is another victim of Brown’s scheme. In November 2012, KIS Cars placed an order with Valkry Corporation for four Mercedes-Benz sedans and four Porsche Cayennes. The company paid Valkry Corporation for the orders via two wire transfers, one in the amount of $64,886 and another for $522,404. However, Brown failed to fulfill the orders and only provided a partial refund of $20,000 to KIS Cars.
In August 2013, Leonard Wright negotiated the purchase of a 2014 BMW 650i from Brown for $102,721.57. Wright financed the purchase through Orion Federal Credit Union. Although Brown received a check satisfying his asking price for the BMW, he failed to deliver the car to Wright.
Brown pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud in February 2015. Following his plea, Brown continued his scheme. One of the people he managed to defraud was legendary basketball player Julius "Dr. J" Erving. In February 2015, the former NBA star wired Brown $251,934.13 to purchase a 2015 Rolls Royce Wraith. Nevertheless, Brown failed to fulfill Erving’s order or provide him with a refund.
On Tuesday, July 28th, Brown was sentenced to 80 months by U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard represented the government in this case.
Man Pleads Guilty to Lucrative Federal Benefit Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A man responsible for executing a federal benefit fraud scheme that cost the government an estimated $400,000 pled guilty to conspiracy charges this week.
According to the indictment, Ray Chism III defrauded the government by purchasing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from recipients for cash in amounts less than the face value of the benefits, and then redeemed the benefits at full monetary value.
From October 2011 to December 2013, Chism recruited multiple SNAP recipients willing to sell their allotted benefits for amounts less than face value. Chism subsequently redeemed the benefits through Maxi Foods, a grocery store owned by Chism’s relative, for full monetary value.
SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) is a program designed to help low- and middle-income families purchase food. A SNAP beneficiary is provided a designated amount of funding each month via a rechargeable Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Cardholders are able to use the allotted funding to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. Maxi Foods possessed a SNAP EBT card system, enabling SNAP beneficiaries to pay for eligible food items with their EBT card.
Chism also masterminded a scheme to defraud the Child Care Certificate Program, which provides federal funding to assist underprivileged families with child care costs, from October 2011 to December 2013. Chism paid cash to parents who qualified for Certificate Program benefits in exchange for use of their child care certificates. After acquiring the information, Chism would falsely report the children’s attendance to his daycare center, Helping Hands Enrichment Center, and receive reimbursement for care. Chism also provided non-qualifying parents with false employment verification, which qualified them for the Certificate Program.
On Tuesday, July 28th, Chism pled guilty to conspiracy to commit SNAP benefit fraud and conspiracy to commit child care benefit fraud. Chism faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of $500,000.
Chism is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, October 23, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. by U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General; United States Secret Service; United States Marshals Service; Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit; and the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Larry Laurenzi and Debra Ireland.
Tennessee Hospital Agrees to Pay $510,000 to Settle Allegation of Improper Medicare, Medicaid BillingRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - Regional Hospital of Jackson has agreed to pay the United States $510,000 to resolve allegations that it billed Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary cardiac procedures over an eight-year period.
The hospital agreed to the half-million dollar settlement on Friday, July 10th. According to the allegations, from January 2004 to May 2012, Regional Hospital defrauded Medicare and Medicaid in connection with the placement of unnecessary cardiac stents and other needless cardiac procedures. Stents are mesh tubes placed in coronary arteries to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease. The other related procedures included angioplasty and catheterization.
Medicare is a federally funded and administered health care program serving people aged 65 and older and others with disabilities. Furthermore, Medicaid is a federal program that provides health care services to qualifying indigent individuals. Under federal law, both Medicare and Medicaid reimburse hospitals only for procedures that are medically necessary.
"Billing Medicare for cardiac procedures that are not necessary or appropriate contributes to the soaring costs of health care and harms patients," said Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. "Settlements like this protect public funds and safeguard the beneficiaries of federal health care programs."
The allegations resolved by the settlement were raised in a lawsuit filed against the hospital under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. As part of the settlement, the whistleblower, Dr. Wood M. Deming, received a share of the settlement amount.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Man Sentenced to 78 months for Possessing, Sharing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 24-year-old man in Halls, Tennessee has been sentenced to 78 months in prison for possessing and distributing child pornography.
According to a federal indictment, on August 30, 2012, Lindell "Logan" Luck intentionally distributed computer images and video files of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Luck downloaded and shared the images using his ASUS Notebook computer.
According to statements made in court, Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force agents signed into a peer-to-peer file sharing network to identify potential program users who may have been in possession of or sharing child pornography. This file sharing network enabled users to exchange digital music, images, and videos directly without going through central servers. A program user could search for files made available by all other users, browse all files made available by a particular user, and download desired files.
While using the network, agents performed a "browse request" and received a response from an IP address associated with a computer later determined to be at Luck’s residence in Halls, Tennessee, according to court statements. Law enforcement officials discovered that the computer contained multiple files depicting minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
On October 24, 2012, police officers executed a search warrant and seized Luck’s computer. A forensic examination revealed that the device contained visual depictions of minors under the age of 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct as well as other child pornographic files.
Luck was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. This week, he was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release by Judge Samuel H. Mays.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both agencies are members of the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leetra Harris prosecuted the case on the government’s behalf.
Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Captain Charged with Illegally Possessing Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A high-ranking member of a white supremacist gang was indicted this week for possessing multiple firearms while a felon.
On April 4, 2015, Memphis Police officers responded to a domestic violence complaint. Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered a woman who came running out of an apartment in emotional distress. She informed officers that her boyfriend, 52-year-old Joseph Shields, was armed with a large firearm and had threatened to kill her. She alleged Shields refused to let her leave their apartment, placed a rifle to her forehead, and threatened to pull the trigger.
Vickers informed officers that Shields was still inside the house and armed with a firearm. Officers subsequently drew their weapons and began giving verbal commands into the apartment for Shields to exit and surrender. Shields refused to comply with the officers’ demands, motivating them to dispatch additional law enforcement personnel to the scene. Officers held the door and continued to give loud verbal commands for the suspect to come out before entering the house and searching for Shields. They discovered a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, two rifles, and numerous rounds of ammunition. But Shields was no longer inside the residence.
Customers at a nearby ice cream stand, Jerry’s Sno Cones, advised officers that they witnessed Shields running from the apartment complex. The witnesses pointed the officers in the direction Shields fled. Officers began travelling in the specified direction and located Shields shortly after. They were able to detain him after a brief struggle.
Shields admitted to law enforcement that he is a captain within the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT). An unaffiliated spin-off of the white supremacist prison gang, Aryan Brotherhood, ABT is a violent, Texas-based crime syndicate responsible for multiple murders, robberies, aggravated assaults, as well as drug trafficking.
In addition to confiscating ammunition, a loaded shotgun and two rifles — one of which had been stolen out of Tipton County — officers located a large black gun safe with an unspecified number of additional firearms in Shields’ apartment.
Shields’ case is being investigated by the Memphis Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean DeCandia is representing the government in this case.
Shields faces up to 10 years in federal prison and up to $250,000 in fines if convicted.
The charges and allegations contained in indictments are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Memphis Men Sentenced to a Total of 260 Months for Robbing Whitehaven Dollar GeneralRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Two convicted felons responsible for robbing a Dollar General in Whitehaven have been collectively sentenced to 260 months in prison.
According to facts presented in court, on the evening of November 9, 2013, Johnnie Trenell, 31, and Maurice Harris, 22, entered the Dollar General located at 3909 Elvis Presley Blvd. armed with a Taurus 9mm pistol. Trenell jumped the counter and pointed the silver and black firearm at the cashier and demanded that the employee get on the floor. While Trenell occupied the cashier, Harris demanded another Dollar General employee to open the safe. Unable to do so, the second employee was then ordered to open the cash registers, remove the money in them and place it in a Dollar General bag.
After receiving a robbery in progress call at the Dollar General, Memphis Police Department officers arrived on the scene, according to court statements. Trenell and Harris fled to the back of the store after realizing law enforcement officers were outside the establishment. Shortly after entering the store, officers arrested both defendants and recovered the 9mm pistol they used, as well as $619 in a Dollar General bag. Officers were able to locate Harris’ vehicle, and recovered Harris’ fingerprints from items on the counter. One of the robbery victims also identified Trenell as the gunman.
On May 19th, District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Harris to 120 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. Harris pled guilty to the Hobbs Act, a law that makes it a federal crime to commit a robbery that interferes with interstate commerce. Harris also pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Today, Trenell was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release by Judge Anderson. He also pled guilty to the Hobbs Act and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Memphis Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Coleman prosecuted the case on the government’s behalf.
Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding FedEx of More Than $600,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 32-year-old Canadian man who maintained a lucrative scheme that defrauded FedEx of over half-a-million dollars has pled guilty to mail fraud.
According to statements made in court, between October 2009 and August 2013, Andre Grizzle, through his Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based shipping company, LDM International, participated in a scheme to create fraudulent FedEx customer accounts in the names and addresses of legitimate businesses without their consent. FedEx, a private and commercial interstate carrier, then made shipments on these fraudulent accounts.
FedEx allows an individual or business to create a "shipper" account to ship items. The established account is assigned a unique account number, and the account is billed for the shipping services it’s provided. Aware of this, Grizzle utilized U-Ship, an online marketplace for shipping services, to solicit FedEx customers to LDM International. U-Ship provides shippers with the comfort of uploading a listing, indicating what type of freight they have, where it needs to be picked up and delivered, and the size and weight of the shipment. Shipping companies who utilize U-Ship can bid on the listed jobs. The shipper selects the bidder it’s most comfortable with.
Through LDM International, Grizzle placed bids for contracts on U-Ship, offering to ship merchandise at favorable rates. According to the indictment, after receiving the shipping contract, Grizzle would utilize FedEx accounts, which were opened under the name of a legitimate business or a nonexistent business, to ship the merchandise.
As the indictment states, Grizzle, or another party to the scheme, would call FedEx’s customer service center pretending to be a representative of an established business. He would then fraudulently create a new shipping account under the name of the business, and subsequently receive a new account number. Weekly or monthly invoice billing was set up for the account.
Grizzle would use these new shipping accounts to ship packages throughout the country on behalf of himself or customers who contracted with LDM International. He would incur large bills on these accounts and provide fraudulent bank account numbers and/or routing numbers to pay the shipping invoices, according to the indictment.
Unaware that the transaction was fraudulent, FedEx would then send the payment information to its financial institution, and within a few days the payments were charged back to FedEx as fraudulent, according to the indictment. Due to unknowingly providing shipping services under fraudulent accounts, the corporation suffered more than $600,000 in losses.
Today, Grizzle pled guilty to one count of mail fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
Grizzle is slated to be sentenced on September 24 at 9 a.m. by Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard is prosecuting the case for the government.
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Nurse Practitioner Indicted for Identity Theft, Defrauding More Than $330,000 in Health Care ServicesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A nurse practitioner has been indicted for forging the signature of a physician on nearly 150 treatment forms, causing Medicare and TennCare to disburse more than $330,000 in payments for unauthorized services.
According to the indictment, from around April 23, 2010 to about June 17, 2014, John Michael Briley unlawfully utilized the identification of a local physician to authorize home health care services for more than 40 individuals. Briley used the physician’s name to order home health care services for Medicare and TennCare recipients 146 times, without the physician’s consent.
Medicare is a federally funded and administered health care program serving people aged 65 and older and others with disabilities. Furthermore, Medicaid is a federal insurance program that provides services to qualifying indigent persons. In Tennessee, the Medicaid program is funded by the federal government and the State of Tennessee, and is referred to as TennCare.
According to the indictment, before Medicare or TennCare can fund home health care services, "Home Health Certifications and Plans of Treatment" forms must be completed. The forms require the signature of a physician as a condition of payment.
Briley is a nurse practitioner, a position not categorized as a physician under federal regulations. Therefore, he forged the signature of a local physician to access home health care services from Medicare and TennCare.
Briley is employed at a private medical practice, Primary Care Specialists-South.
"As the indictment alleges, Briley schemed to defraud the government of health care funding designated for elderly, disabled, and underprivileged citizens," said U.S.
Attorney Edward Stanton III. "We will remain steadfast in working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who seek to cheat the health care system for illegal gain."
"This indictment is part of a national health care fraud takedown which involves cases across the country," said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. "The combined effort should assure tax payers that those that steal federal health care dollars will be held accountable for their actions."
Briley has been charged with one count of aggravated identity theft and 146 counts of making false statements in a healthcare-related matter
If convicted, Briley faces a mandatory sentence of two years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine for aggravated identity theft. He also faces up to five years imprisonment for each of the 146 counts of making false statements, as well as up to a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is prosecuting the government’s case.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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9 Indicted on Federal Drug Charges in West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Nine people have been indicted for their roles in two separate drug rings responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana in West Tennessee.
On Thursday, June 11, Taquita James, Tavious Jones, Martavious Taylor, Marcus Moore, Brandon Heard, and Fredrick Burton were all indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Taylor, Moore, Heard, and Burton were also indicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana.
On the same day, in a separate indictment, Antonio Montgomery, Dylon Chambers, and Kirby Jackson were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Memphis Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU); United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit (OCU) conducted an investigation of the defendants.
Agencies who assisted with arresting the defendants on Wednesday, June 17, were the Memphis Police Department; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Bartlett Police Department; Collierville Police Department; Germantown Police Department; Tipton County Sheriff’s Office; United States Marshals Service; ATF; and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Search warrants were executed on 10 residences identified during this investigation. During the round-up, officers seized:
• Approximately $30,000
• 1 SKS rifle, 2 handguns
• 1 pound of methamphetamine
• 2 kilograms of cocaine
If convicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone, James, Jones, Moore, Burton, Heard and Taylor face up to 20 years imprisonment. They also face a fine of up to $1 million.
If convicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, Taylor, Moore, and Burton face up to five years imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine.
If convicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, Montgomery, Chambers, and Jackson face up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000.
Defendants Taquita James and Fredrick Burton have been released on bond. The remaining defendants will appear before Magistrate Judge Charmiane Claxton on Monday, June 22, for detention hearings.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reagan Taylor and Michelle Kimbril-Parks are representing the government in these cases.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Career Criminal Sentenced to 200 Months for Felony Possession of Five FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 46-year-old Millington man with multiple felony convictions has received 200 months imprisonment for threatening to kill a repossession agent with a firearm.
On December 27th, 2012, Kendall Joy placed a loaded Military-style .44 Magnum to the head of Derrick Jones as he attempted to repo Joy’s girlfriend’s vehicle. Jones, along with two colleagues, Kenneth Minor and Jerickan McCracklin, were at Millington Oaks Apartments to repossess a 2005 GMC Envoy from Jasmine Warren when the incident occurred.
According to trial testimony, Jones was in the process of loading the vehicle onto the bed of his wrecker when Joy exited his apartment with a woman, demanding Jones to release the vehicle. Joy told the accompanying woman to get his gun. When she returned with the firearm, Joy grabbed and cocked it, and pointed it at the victims. "Drop my vehicle or I’ll kill you," he reportedly stated. Concerned for their safety, Minor and McCracklin fled the area on foot, but Jones remained at the location with his wrecker. Joy pointed the firearm at Jones’ head and said, "I promise I will kill you right now, if you don’t let this truck go." Joy then ordered Jones not to move while he disconnected the vehicle himself. After the woman with Joy got inside of the vehicle and drove away, Joy retreated into his apartment and barricaded himself inside.
Officers were dispatched to Millington Oaks and, upon arrival, ordered Joy to either allow access into his home or exit the residence. Refusing to comply with their requests, officers forcefully entered Joy’s apartment and detained him at gunpoint.While inside, law enforcement discovered three small girls hiding in a bedroom. The little girls advised officers that multiple firearms were located throughout the residence. After obtaining a state search warrant, the officers were able to seize the firearm Joy used to threaten Jones, along with additional guns, including an AK-47-styled assault rifle, .25 caliber pistol, 12-gauge shotgun, as well as a stolen 9mm pistol. High-capacity magazines for the assault rifle and 9mm were also seized during the search, along with an assortment of ammunition for the 12-guage, .44 Magnum, and .25 caliber.
Joy has an extensive criminal history. Between 1987 and 2011, he was convicted of criminal offenses 34 times.
Charged with five counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, today Joy was sentenced to 200 months and five years of supervised release by Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
This case was investigated by Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Millington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Biggers and Damon Griffin represented the government in this case.
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Two Memphians Plead Guilty to Defrauding Federal Government of an Estimated $3 MillionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Two Memphians have pled guilty to partaking in a federal benefit fraud scheme that cost the government an estimated $3 million.
Remark Chism, 35, and Erica Pitchford, 36, both face prison time for their roles in defrauding two public assistance programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Child Care Certificate Program.
From October 2011 to December 2013, Chism, with occasional assistance from Pitchford, recruited multiple SNAP recipients willing to sell their allotted benefits for amounts less than face value. The two subsequently redeemed the benefits through Maxi Foods, a grocery store owned by Chism, for full monetary value. More than $1.9 million in SNAP benefits were unlawfully redeemed for cash over the two-year period.
SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) is a program designed to help low- and middle-income families purchase food. A SNAP beneficiary is provided a designated amount of funding each month via a rechargeable Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Cardholders are able to use the allotted funding to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. Maxi Foods possessed a SNAP EBT card system, enabling SNAP beneficiaries to pay for eligible food items with their EBT card.
Chism also masterminded a scheme to defraud the Certificate Program, which provides federal funding to assist underprivileged families with child care costs, from October 2011 to December 2013. Chism paid cash to parents who qualified for Certificate Program benefits in exchange for use of their child care certificates. After acquiring the information, Chism would falsely report the children’s attendance at his daycare center, K.A.R.E. 3 Enrichment Center, and receive reimbursement for care.
The loss to the Certificate Program through K.A.R.E. is estimated at more than $986,000 over the two-year period.
Chism pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit SNAP benefit fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit child care benefit fraud, and one count of false statements. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $750,000.
Pitchford pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit SNAP benefit fraud. She faces a maximum sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000.
Chism is scheduled to be sentenced on September 24 at 1:30 p.m. by Judge Samuel H. Mays.
Pitchford is scheduled to be sentenced September 25 at 9 a.m. by Judge Samuel H. Mays.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General; United States Secret Service; United States Marshals Service; Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit; and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Larry Laurenzi and Debra Ireland.
Former FedEx Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding CorporationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - A former government sales representative at FedEx Corporation has pled guilty to defrauding the company of nearly half-a-million dollars during a two-year scheme.
Between 2009 and 2011, Anthony Caruso, 48, used his New Jersey-based shipping and logistics company, CSA Group, to execute a re-billing fraud. Re-billing fraud occurs when a package shipped under a particular FedEx account number is transferred to a different account that may have more favorable terms and conditions, according to the indictment.
CSA Group had negotiated a discount shipping rate with FedEx — a benefit the corporation typically provided to customers that shipped large volumes of materials. Instead of using the CSA Group account rate to provide shipping services, Caruso would re-bill his customers’ packages. He was able to execute his scheme by illegally moving the packages from his account to accounts that belonged to the U.S. Department of Defense. Like CSA Group, the Department of Defense had a FedEx account. But due to it shipping at a significantly higher volume, the Department of Defense, along with the federal government sub-accounts linked to it, received a larger discount for shipments than CSA Group.
Caruso gave his customers a shipping discount through CSA Group, but then re-billed their packages to dormant Department of Defense sub-accounts to take advantage of the larger discount rates. Caruso also changed the contact information for the government accounts, so that all invoices would be sent to him instead of the Department of Defense.
By doing so, he was able to keep the financial difference between the discount he offered his customers and the government discount he unlawfully accessed. The government estimated the loss to FedEx at between $200,000 and $400,000.
Wednesday afternoon, Caruso pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of access device fraud. He faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison on each of the wire fraud counts and 10 years on the access device fraud count. Caruso also faces fines of up to $750,000 and a three-year term of supervised release.
Caruso is scheduled to be sentenced Friday, August 28, 2015, at 9:30am before Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Deb Ireland is representing the government in this case.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Downloading Child Pornography at Best BuyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for downloading child pornography at an East Memphis Best Buy.
Between September 3, 2012 and September 10, 2012, John Nesler went into the Best Buy at 5821 Poplar Ave. to download and view lewd images of female minors. He used two Asus 10-inch tablets and a Samsung Galaxy Note 10-inch tablet that were on display to acquire the images. He then took pictures of the pornographic images with his cellphone.
On September 10, 2012, a Best Buy sales associate witnessed Nesler downloading and viewing inappropriate pictures of female minors and alerted store managers. The managers subsequently contacted the Memphis Police Department and reported a suspicious person complaint. Nesler was still in the store when officers arrived to the establishment. After approaching Nesler and obtaining his identification, officers discovered he had a prior conviction in 2007 for downloading and viewing child pornography. He had been sentenced to five years imprisonment and 10 years supervised release for the offense. Nesler was on probation for the previous crime at the time.
Officers arrested Nesler and seized his cellphone as well as the Best Buy tablets he had utilized. A forensic review of Nesler’s phone revealed that he had taken approximately 114 images of female minors that were sexually suggestive between September 3, 2012 and September 10, 2012. A review of the Best Buy tablets revealed he had made Internet searches related to child pornography.
Tuesday afternoon, Nesler was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by Judge S. Thomas Anderson for his unlawful acts. He was also ordered to be on supervised release for the remainder of his life.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Larry Laurenzi represented the government in the case.
Cordova Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Attempted Murder of Four SoldiersRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Cordova man convicted of assault with intent to murder four soldiers at the Millington Army National Guard Recruiting Center has been sentenced to 50 years in federal prison.
On October 24, 2013, Amos Patton, 43, was directed by his commanders to come to the Tennessee Army National Guard Recruiting Center at 5650 Attu, Millington, TN. During the meeting, Patton was notified that he was being relieved of duty, recommended for reduction in rank, and recommended for separation from the active guard reserve because of misconduct.
Following the meeting, Patton was directed to return government equipment believed to be in his government vehicle. When he returned from the car, Patton had in his possession a "fanny pack" containing a loaded 9mm semiautomatic Glock pistol and 50 additional rounds of ammunition. When Patton attempted to pull the pistol from the pack, one of the Tennessee Army National Guardsmen yelled a warning.
At that point, Command Sergeant Major Christopher Crawford and Major William Crawford attempted to subdue Patton. Patton managed to fire his pistol six times, striking three Tennessee Army National Guard personnel in his chain of command. These individuals included Major William Crawford, Sergeant Major Ricky McKenzie, and Lieutenant Colonel Hunter Belcher. Although Patton pointed the pistol at Command Sergeant Major Christopher Crawford, no rounds struck him. Patton then ran from the building, but was later caught by several soldiers and held until Millington Police Department officers arrived and arrested him.
Today, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes sentenced Patton to a total of 50 years: 40 years for four counts of assault with intent to commit murder and 10 years for discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release post-incarceration.
"Patton’s 50-year prison sentence is a stark example of the consequences that come from committing violent crimes in the jurisdiction of the federal government," said U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III. "He will now have decades in prison to regret the unspeakable acts he perpetrated upon his fellow soldiers."
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Godwin and Mark Erskine represented the government in the case.
Memphis Woman Sentenced to 70 Months for Fraud, Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 34-year-old Memphis woman has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for access device fraud and identity theft.
At different times between December 1, 2011 and February 1, 2012, Kavecia Simon, while employed in the payroll department of Fred’s Department Store, illegally obtained the names, social security numbers and other personal information of colleagues, according to an indictment and facts discussed in court.
After obtaining the personal information of various coworkers, she would access Fred’s computer system and use the stolen information to order and route Fred’s pay cards. The pay cards were solely for reimbursing Fred’s employees for overtime and company expenses. However, Simon used them for personal benefit.
Further investigation revealed that Simon used additional victims’ information to acquire credit accounts and rent apartments. Altogether, Simon fraudulently obtained over $20,000 during her scheme.
In June 2014, Simon pled guilty, but she failed to appear for her sentencing that October. While in fugitive status, she committed additional acts of identity theft. In March 2015, she was apprehended in Desoto County, Mississippi.
Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Simon to 70 months in prison on Friday, May 22nd.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and Memphis Police Department Economic Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Former Deputy Court Clerk Pleads to Embezzling $24,000 from GovernmentRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former Deputy Court Clerk pled guilty Thursday to embezzling more than $24,000 from the City of Memphis during a year-long scheme.
According to the indictment, from December 1, 2013 to December 1, 2014, Tammy Brooks-Carpenter, a Deputy Court Clerk at the time, voided 248 payments made by customers to the City Court Clerk’s office for traffic fines. By doing so, she was able to steal $24,011.50 of the approximate $43,230.50 paid to the government over that period.
Brooks-Carpenter’s illegal actions placed her in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), which makes it a crime to embezzle money from a local government entity that receives in excess of $10,000 of federal assistance during a 12-month period.
During Brooks-Carpenter’s employment at the City Court Clerk’s Office, her duties included accepting payments from customers who were issued motor vehicle citations by the City of Memphis. Brooks-Carpenter was required to enter all transactions into the Electronic Ticket Information System (ETIMS), which recorded the payments. But instead of submitting full payments to the ETIMS System, she voided them and entered in smaller amounts. The remaining funding would then be converted for Brooks-Carpenter’s personal use.
As a result of Brooks-Carpenter not entering full payments, customers who paid their traffic tickets would receive a "Blue Letter," essentially a written message sent out by the City of Memphis to individuals who haven’t paid a fine in the designated timeframe.
Brooks-Carpenter faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when sentenced.
U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., who presided over the court, set sentencing for August 21, 2015 at 10 a.m. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman is representing the government in this case.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and the Tarnished Badge Task Force investigated this case.
Tennessee Hospital Pays $1.32 Million to Settle Allegations of Improper Medicare and Medicaid BillingRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN - Jackson-Madison County General Hospital has paid the United States $1,328,465 to resolve allegations that it billed Medicare and Medicaid in connection with the placement of unnecessary cardiac stents and other unnecessary cardiac procedures.
Cardiac stents are mesh tubes placed in coronary arteries to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease. The other related procedures include angioplasty, catheterization, and ultrasound imaging.
Under federal law, Medicare and Medicaid reimburse hospitals only for procedures that are medically necessary. The settlement with Jackson-Madison County General Hospital resolved claims that it billed Medicare and Medicaid for these unnecessary procedures performed from January 2004 through December 2011.
"Billing Medicare for cardiac procedures that are not necessary or appropriate contributes to the soaring costs of health care and harms patients," said Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. "Settlements like this protect public funds and safeguard the beneficiaries of federal health care programs."
The allegations resolved by the settlement were raised in a lawsuit filed against the hospital under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. As part of the settlement, the whistleblower, Dr. Wood D. Deming, received a share of the settlement amount.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Wood D. Deming v. Jackson-Madison County General Hosp., et al., Case No. 07-1116-SHL (W.D. Tenn.) The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Entrepreneur Sentenced, Ordered to Forfeit $650,000 for Distributing Anabolic Steroids as Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joseph De Melo, Sr., a 59-year-old resident of New Orleans, LA, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in federal prison for illicitly distributing anabolic steroids and intentionally misbranding a dietary supplement that secretly contained erectile dysfunction drugs.
De Melo owned Rezultz Distribution LLC, a supplement retail store located in Carrollton, Texas. He used the establishment to sell purported dietary supplements throughout the United States, including the Western District of Tennessee.
In September 2012, De Melo began conspiring with individuals to distribute pills of products containing anabolic steroids, which are Schedule III controlled substances. By the time De Mello’s illegal endeavors ended in September 2013, approximately 40,000 pills had been distributed nationwide.
Over the aforementioned time period, De Melo also distributed a purported dietary supplement called "Vertical," which contained unlisted erectile dysfunction drugs; false and misleading ingredients were listed on the drug’s labeling.
De Melo managed to obtain over $650,000 in proceeds from his scheme, which he deposited into various financial accounts. In addition to his sentence, De Melo has agreed to forfeit the proceeds made from his illicit pill distribution.
De Melo was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson. There is no parole offered in the federal prison system.
The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony R. Arvin, Christopher E. Cotten, and Damon K. Griffin represented the government in this case.
Germantown Man Indicted for Failing to Pay $550,000 in TaxesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 46-year-old Germantown man was indicted this week on tax evasion charges for failing to file and pay more than $500,000 in income tax returns.
According to the indictment, John Ballard, a former securities/investment broker, failed to file and pay income tax returns from 2000 to 2008. Ballard’s delinquency caused him to owe $553,627.28 in back taxes. This amount, however, doesn’t include penalty charges and accrued interest.
Ballard was able to avoid satisfying his tax obligations by falsely claiming to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that he was unemployed and unable to find employment.
Despite owing the government, the indictment alleges Ballard was paid approximately $522,140.79 in 2009 alone from his then employer NFP Securities.
Ballard faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fabian.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former U.S. Marine Corps Reservist Indicted for Stealing, Selling Ammunition, Body Armor, and Training RiflesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 21-year-old former U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) reservist was indicted by a federal grand jury this week on theft of government property charges for stealing and selling assault-style training rifles, ammunition, and body armor. The indictment also alleges that the defendant used two government vehicles in an unauthorized manner.
According to the indictment, in January 2014, Armando Jaime Vazquez, Jr., of Memphis, removed an $89,000 Military-issued Hummer and $150,000 Tractor, Rubber Tired, Articulated Steering, Multipurpose Vehicle (also known as a "TRAM") from the USMC Reserve Center in Memphis.
The following month, Vazquez sold more than $4,000 worth of stolen USMC equipment to an individual. The items he unlawfully sold in February include: a Marine Corps issued Improved Load Bearing Equipment (ILBE) pack; desert tan body armor; ammunition magazines for M-16 style rifles; a Quiet Pro communications headset; and a ballistic helmet with camouflage cover.
Vazquez sold additional stolen equipment to an individual in early March, which valued at over $20,000. The stolen items included: body armor; 2 Beretta M9 inert training aids; ammunition magazines for M-16 style rifles; a Bushmaster Blue Fire M4; and a Bushmaster Blue Fire M-16 A4 with an accompanying magazine.
Vazquez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison if convicted. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by Naval Criminal Investigative Services and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
16 Members and Associates of 7th Street Murda Squad Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Sixteen members and associates of a violent, drug trafficking street gang were recently indicted on federal drug charges.
This morning members of the Memphis Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force arrested nine of the defendants named in the indictment. Assisting the task force in making the arrests were officers from the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, the Narcotics Unit from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartlett Police Department, the Collierville Police Department, the Germantown Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The indictment and arrests are the result of an extensive investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement officials on the 7th Street Murda Squad, a criminal organization comprised of various gangs, including members of the Gangster Disciples and Vice Lords.
According to the indictment, the investigation of the 7th Street Murda Squad began in late 2012. During the investigation, officials were able to determine that members and associates of the gang were distributing large quantities of narcotics, primarily cocaine and methamphetamine, throughout the Western District of Tennessee.
Nine Defendants Arrested:
David Lenard Matlock, 32, Memphis
Joe Jones, 36, Memphis
Alvin Lewis, 41, Memphis
Carbin Junior Bullard, 55, Memphis
Albert Demarcus Calhoun, 23, Memphis
Marquice Bell, 28, Blytheville, AR
Christopher Adas Nelson III, 42, (In State Custody)
Roderick McNary, 38, Memphis
Charles Eugene Seaborn, 38, Memphis7 At-Large Defendants:
Tavious Swift, 35, Memphis
Ronnie Kenneth Malone, 45, Memphis
Larry Hill, 45, Memphis
Antonio Anderson, 29, Memphis
Cal Griffin, 39, Memphis
Eric Grove, 38, Memphis
Markeith DeWayne McDaniel, 35, MemphisFive firearms were also seized during the early morning round-up: an AK-47; two 12-guage shotguns; .44 caliber revolver; and 9mm Ruger.
Nine of the defendants face a sentence of up to life in federal prison if convicted: Matlock, Jones, Jackson, Swift, Malone, Hill, Anderson, and Bullard. Another five defendants face a sentence of up to 40 years if convicted: Bell, Grove, Calhoun, McDaniel, and Nelson.
The case was investigated by the Memphis DEA Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French is representing the government in this case.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Egyptian Citizen Charged with Helping Collierville Company Defraud Government of over $500,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – An Egyptian citizen was arrested Thursday evening for his alleged role in defrauding a U.S. foreign aid program, which resulted in the distribution of defective water pumps by a Collierville establishment to the Egyptian Water Authority. The illegal acts accounted for more than $500,000 in fraudulent sales.
Mustafa El Shehaly, 55, of Cairo, Egypt, was apprehended outside Chicago O’Hare International Airport for his alleged role in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In December 2011, an indictment was filed in the Western District of Tennessee, alleging that El Shehaly conspired with American Marsh Pumps, Inc. (AMP), a Tennessee corporation headquartered in Collierville, to make false statements to a government agency, costing U.S. taxpayers $536,750.
According to the indictment, the conspirators violated several regulations established by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its Commodity Import Program (CIP), an initiative that was designed to provide economic stimulus in the U.S. and Egypt. The program was responsible for financing the purchase of the water pumps.
To utilize the program, companies were required to select industrial water pumps that were tested and solely manufactured in the United States. However, the water pumps distributed by AMP were not only defective, they were manufactured in China. The defendants made the fraudulent misrepresentation that the water pumps were of U.S. source and origin.
Under the USAID CIP guidelines, potential beneficiaries also had to consider offers from three different companies before making a selection. El Shehaly, however, presented
USAID with an actual bid from AMP, along with fraudulent bids from two additional companies. The pre-arranging of the bidding process guaranteed that AMP would be selected to provide industrial water pumps to the Egyptian Water Authority.
After arriving in Chicago, IL, from Cairo Thursday, El Shehaly was apprehended by agents from USAID’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the arrest.
El Shehaly faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. His arrest culminates more than six years of investigation, planning, and coordination by the USAID OIG, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Cotten is representing the government in this case.
Cordova Man Receives 57 Months for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A 26-year-old Cordova man was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison yesterday for filing false income tax returns that garnered over $161,000 in refunds.
Between August 2011 and April 2013, Jeremy Tate obtained the names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers of numerous individuals without their knowledge or consent, and then used the information to file over 120 false tax returns. This resulted in Tate claiming over $161,000 in refunds.
According to the indictment and facts discussed in court, Tate recruited others to open bank accounts and directed the false tax return refunds to be electronically deposited into those accounts.
"Tate’s actions were an affront to the tens of millions of honest citizens who play by the rules and file their taxes in a timely and accurate manner," said U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III. "Anyone who participates in such a scheme should understand there is a price to be paid and that we and our law enforcement partners will collect in full."
In addition to serving 57 months in prison, Tate will be required to pay $161,021.48 in restitution.
"Investigating refund fraud and identity theft is a priority for IRS-Criminal Investigation," said Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge for the IRS-Criminal Investigative Division. "Stealing identities and filing false tax returns is a serious crime that hurts innocent taxpayers. Today’s sentencing should serve as a strong warning to those who are considering similar conduct. Law enforcement is serious about
investigating these crimes and holding those who would defraud the government accountable."
The sentencing was conducted by U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and IRS-Criminal Investigative Division. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Appoints New Community Outreach SpecialistRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III has appointed Louis Goggans as the Community Outreach Specialist and Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Tennessee.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Goggans was an award-winning reporter for an alternative weekly newspaper, The Memphis Flyer. While at the publication, he covered an array of topics including crime, health, education, nonprofit agencies, paternity fraud, poverty, and music.
Goggans won awards in the investigative reporting category at the 64th Annual Green Eyeshade Awards (the nation's oldest regional journalism contest) for his feature articles on the unsolved murder of former NBA star Lorenzen Wright and human trafficking in the Mid-South.
Goggans is a native of Chattanooga, TN, and graduate of the University of Memphis (U of M). He received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. While enrolled, he wrote for the university’s student newspaper, The Daily Helmsman. He is also the former president of the U of M’s Association for Black Journalists.
In making the appointment, U.S. Attorney Stanton said: "We are very pleased to have Louis join the U.S. Attorney's Office. He is a highly talented and well-respected journalist who has a distinguished record of community engagement through innovative media outreach efforts."
Law Enforcement Officials Receive Awards for Role in Dismantling Drug Ring Led by Kingpin Craig PettiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Law enforcement officials responsible for the apprehension, prosecution and conviction of former drug kingpin Craig Petties were recognized with awards during the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s (OCDETF) Southeast Region recent annual meeting.
The award presentation took place at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Building.
U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III, along with OCDETF Deputy Director Thomas Padden of Washington, D.C., presented the officials with individual awards for their time-intensive contributions to Operation Petticoat, an extensive investigation that resulted in the conviction of Petties and 40-plus members of his lucrative and violent drug trafficking organization.
Representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and U.S. Attorney’s Office were among those receiving awards during the ceremony.
On August 22, 2013, Petties received nine concurrent life sentences in federal prison for charges including murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder for hire, and money laundering.
At the height of his reign, Petties, a native of South Memphis, was responsible for the distribution of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine throughout the southern United States. He was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee. To date, it’s the largest drug trafficking prosecution in the state.
OCDETF is a Department of Justice Program that seeks to diminish the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.
Individuals pictured in photo (L to R): Mike Smith - OCDETF; Abe Collins – (Retired) DEA; Scott Leary - U.S. Attorney’s Office; Stephanie Creasy – U.S. Marshals Service; Bob Reich – (Retired) FBI; Lasundra Price – MPD; Therman Richardson – MPD; Frederic Winston – Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; Chris Henry – Internal Revenue Service; Thomas Padden – OCDETF; Edward Stanton – U.S. Attorney’s Office; Jerry Kitchen – U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Seven Suspects Arrested in West Tennessee on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A task force made up of special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Customs and Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and state and law enforcement officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, West Tennessee Drug Task Force, Jackson Madison-County Metro-Narcotics, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Jackson Police Department arrested seven people in an early morning round-up today on federal drug trafficking charges.
This morning’s arrests are the result of a year-long investigation in which law enforcement officials have seized kilograms of cocaine and/or crack cocaine.
A federal grand jury in Jackson, TN returned the indictments on March 23, 2015, but they remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
The suspects arrested during the operation were:
•Omar Ramirez,45, of Madison County
•Lee Patterson, 43, of Madison County
•Patrick Williamson, 40, of Madison County
•Santayan Deon Mayberry, 38, of Madison County
•Sharn Milan, 35, of Madison County (already in federal custody)
•Charles Miller, 40, of Gibson County
•Armondo Orta, 47, of Madison County
The charges in the indictment stem from the defendants’ participation in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
Law enforcement officials seized over three kilos of cocaine, six ounces of crack cocaine, over $180,000 in cash and 10 vehicles in this morning’s round-up.
The case was investigated by members of the DEA Jackson Post of Duty, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Police Department and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell.
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The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal Jury Convicts Covington Man for Illegal Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Covington man was found guilty today for being a felon in possession of a .40 caliber Ruger and 50 rounds of ammunition.
Albert Dajaun White, 37, of Covington, TN, was convicted this morning by a federal jury on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
The evidence presented during a three-day trial showed that on October 7, 2013, investigators with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at White’s residence. During the search, the officers recovered a .40 caliber Ruger, 50 rounds of ammunition, a pound of marijuana, 23 pit bulls and $32,240 dollars. The officers also recovered a $100 bill that was used in an undercover drug purchase two days prior to the search. White was arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury on January 30, 2014.
"The jury’s verdict underscores our commitment to work with our law enforcement partners in combating violent crime in Western Tennessee," said United States Attorney Edward Stanton III. "We will continue to utilize every available resource to make our communities a safer place to live."
"This is yet another example of the continued partnership between my office and the United States Attorney’s Office fight to combat gun and drug crimes in the Western District of Tennessee," said District Attorney General Mike Dunavant.
As a result of today’s guilty verdict, White faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. White is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes on July 9, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French.
Former Chickasaw Country Club Payroll Clerk Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing $736,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for defrauding Chickasaw Country Club of approximately $736,000. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Sue M. Winfrey, 58, of Memphis, TN was sentenced this morning by United States District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes. Winfrey pled guilty on January 7, 2015 to one count of wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud Chickasaw Country Club.
According to the indictment returned in October 2014, beginning in 2003, Winfrey, a former payroll clerk for Chickasaw County Country Club, would submit fraudulent payroll data to Chickasaw’s payroll processor, Paychex of New York. As a result of these falsified submissions, Winfrey received approximately $736,000, which was deposited electronically into Winfrey’s bank accounts at Bank of America.
In addition to the prison sentence, Winfrey was ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay restitution to Chickasaw Country Club in the amount of $486,000 and to Traveler’s Indemnity Company in the amount of $250,000.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. Andre III.
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Former U.S. Postal Contractor and Wife Charged by Federal Grand Jury with Stealing Meds from VeteransRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former U.S. Postal Service contractor and his wife have been charged in a federal indictment that accuses them of conspiring to steal packages of prescription pharmaceuticals intended for military veterans.
Kevin Cochrane, 34, of Verbena, Alabama, and Carmen Cochrane, 36, also of Verbena, Alabama, were named in a four-count indictment charging the couple with conspiracy to possess stolen U.S. Mail; two counts of theft of Veteran’s Administration U.S. Mail packages; and one count of conspiracy to possess hydrocodone with the intent to distribute it. Carmen Cochrane was arrested last Thursday and Kevin Cochrane was taken into custody this morning by U.S. Postal Inspectors.
The thefts occurred at a U.S. Postal Service loading facility in Memphis in November 2013. The packages contained prescription medications intended for veterans. The Cochranes are also charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute hydrocodone stolen from the packages.
“The defendants’ alleged scheme of stealing medicine intended for veterans from a U.S. Postal facility is a shameful betrayal of our dedicated service members,” stated U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III. “This husband and wife will now be held accountable in a court of law for their alleged criminal actions.”
“The U.S. Postal Service has hardworking, honest employees. The arrest of these individuals is a priority to the Postal Inspection Service to ensure the nation’s mail system is protected and those who violate the public trust will be aggressively prosecuted,” said Tom Noyes, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division – Memphis Field Office.
If they are convicted, the couple would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Seven Suspects Arrested in West Tennessee on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A task force made up of agents from the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service, and law enforcement officials with the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, Dyersburg Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, arrested seven people on federal drug trafficking charges in an early morning round-up today.
This morning’s arrests are the result of a year-long investigation in which law enforcement officials have seized illicit narcotics, U.S. currency, firearms, and drug paraphernalia.
A federal grand jury in Jackson, TN returned the indictments on February 23, 2015, but they remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
The suspects arrested during the operation were:
•Miracle Pounds, 36, of Dyer County (already in state custody)
•Brian Whitt, 37, of Dyer County
•Robert Troy Anderson, 48, of Dyer County
•Christopher Dean, 40, of Dyer County (already in state custody)
•Amy Junior, 42, of Dyer County
•Nicholas Patterson, 42, of Dyer County
•Jonathan Murphy, 37, of Dyer County (already in state custody)The charges in the indictments stem from the defendants' participation in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess ice and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
“Over the last several years, we have seen an increase in the number of cases involving ice, a highly toxic and dangerous substance,” said U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III. “Ingestion of ice, which is methamphetamine with at least 80% purity, and crystal meth causes profound and almost immediate physical, mental and emotional consequences, while the production process can also be deadly. This case demonstrates our commitment to riddingWest Tennessee of this menace.”
Brian K. Chambers, the Resident Agent in Charge of the DEA Memphis Resident Office, said of the case, “Methamphetamine continues to ravage many communities in our nation. Because of the positive results yielded in this case, other methamphetamine manufacturers in the affected region are being put on notice that DEA and its law enforcement partners will not tolerate their continued efforts to distribute this insidious drug.”
“I would like to thank our state and federal partners for their assistance in this investigation, which resulted in the arrests of those alleged to have been involved in criminal drug activity. I am proud of my officers’ efforts, and the Dyersburg Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate drug use and sales in our community,” stated Chief of Police Steven Isbell.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box, said, “The success of this operation is attributed to the combined effort and hard work of all agencies involved in this task force partnership. I want to commend our Task Force Agents, DEA, TBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for being partners in the detection, investigation and prosecution of those who seek to advance criminal activity. This combined effort will continue to advance our highest priority of protecting the citizens in our community by investigating and prosecuting those who violate state and federal laws regarding drug trafficking and other criminal activity.”
The case was investigated by members of the DEA Jackson Post of Duty, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department and Dyersburg Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jackson Tax Preparer Indicted for Preparing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – The operator of Carol’s Income Tax Service was charged today with 123 counts of fraud for preparing false and fictitious income tax returns.
Carol Munoz, 42, of Jackson, TN was indicted for preparing false and fraudulent tax returns, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and money laundering.
According to the indictment, between April 15, 2010 and April 16, 2013, Munoz prepared 123 fraudulent tax returns, nearly all of which claimed false dependents. The returns prepared by Munoz also claimed tax credits to increase the amount of income tax refund, including the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit and Child Care Credit, for which the taxpayers did not qualify.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is prosecuting the case for the government.
California Man Indicted for Attempted Armed Robbery of Humboldt BancorpSouth and Assaulting A Bank EmployeeRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A former California resident has been charged in a federal indictment that accuses him of attempted armed robbery of BancorpSouth in Humboldt, TN, and use of a dangerous weapon.
Dominic Williams, 39, recently of Humboldt, TN, was named today in a three-count indictment charging one count of using a dangerous weapon; one count attempted bank robbery; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 18, 2015, Williams, who had recently relocated to Humboldt, TN from California, hid in the carport of a bank employee’s residence. Williams approached the bank employee at gunpoint when she was about to get into her car and drive to work. He then forced the victim to drive to BancorpSouth and open the exterior doors of the bank.
Once inside the bank, Williams attempted to force the victim at gunpoint to open the bank safe, but she was unable to do so. He then shot the victim and fled through a back window of the bank.
Williams is scheduled for a detention hearing at 10:00 a.m. today. If Williams is convicted, he will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Humboldt Police Department; Gibson County Sheriff’s Office; West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (28th, 29th, 30th Judicial Districts; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Memphis Jackson Resident Agency. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Wilson.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four Shelby County Jailers Indicted for Attempting to Smuggle Narcotics into the Shelby County JailRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Four Shelby County jailers were arrested late yesterday and early this morning on federal charges of attempting to smuggle OxyContin into the Shelby County Jail to provide to inmates.
The four defendants are named in federal indictments returned yesterday. The indictments allege attempted possession with the intent to distribute OxyContin, a schedule II controlled substance.
“As the indictments allege, these defendants participated in a scheme to accept bribes from inmates in exchange for violating the very laws they swore to uphold,” stated United States Attorney Edward Stanton III. “These individuals falsely believed that they were above the law, and now they are facing prison time behind the bars they once were responsible for guarding.”
Those named in the indictments are:
Anthony Thomas, 27, of Memphis, TN;
Marcus Green, 33, of Covington, TN;
Brian Grammer, 35, of Memphis, TN; and
Torriano Vaughn, 28, of Cordova, TN.The indictments allege that the defendants devised a scheme to smuggle OxyContin, a schedule II controlled substance, into the Shelby County Jail located at 201 Poplar, Memphis, TN. The defendants would allegedly contact inmates and offer to smuggle illegal drugs into the Shelby County Jail for a predetermined amount of money. The defendants would then meet a third party affiliated with the inmate at a location within the Memphis metropolitan area. The third party would give the defendants what they believed was OxyContin and the defendants would accept the money in return. The contraband would then be smuggled into the Shelby County Jail and given to inmates.
“Over a year ago we began a long term investigation regarding drugs being smuggled into our jail,” said Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham. “I want to thank the Tarnished Badge Task Force for their hard work. Special Agent Todd McCall for his support, U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton and in particular Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Coleman for his guidance and counsel with this investigation. Also, Attorney General Amy Weirich for her assistance in this investigation as well. This activity will not be tolerated. The Sheriff’s Office will attack this with all of the resources available to us. Finally, to the other employees willing to violate their oath and put jailers at risk we will get you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Public corruption is the number one criminal priority of the FBI, and we will always work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to root out those in a position of public trust who violate the law to line their own pockets,” said A. Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “These indictments send the message that the bad acts of a small few will not be allowed to continue and impugn the reputation of those who honorably serve the public day-in and day-out.”
The four defendants’ initial appearances will be held today. If they are convicted, they each would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman.
The charges and allegations contained in indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty to Preparing Falsified Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman pleaded guilty this afternoon in federal court to preparing falsified federal income tax returns.
Telska Pollard, 41, of Memphis, TN pled guilty to a three-count information charging her with aiding and assisting with the preparation of false federal income tax returns.
According to the court documents, during April 2009, Pollard aided and assisted taxpayers in preparing and filing fraudulent 2008 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns. The false returns prepared by Pollard contained certain deductions and expenses on Forms Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, that she knew the tax payers were not entitled to claim in order to generate a larger income tax refund.
Pollard pleaded guilty before United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson, who is scheduled to sentence Pollard on June 25.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard.
Memphis Tax Preparer Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Filing Falsified Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The operator of Tara’s Tax Preparation Service has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by filing false and fictitious income tax returns. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Tara L. Mitchell, 42, of Cordova, TN was sentenced this afternoon by United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson. Mitchell pled guilty on October 8, 2014 to conspiring to defraud the United States by receiving money for filing false income tax returns.
According to court documents, Mitchell owned and operated a tax return preparation business in Memphis in 2009. Mitchell prepared federal income tax returns that contained a combination of false, misleading and inaccurate statements in order to generate a larger income tax refund.
A number of the false returns prepared by Mitchell would contain two tax credits to increase the amount of income tax refund: the Earned Income Credit and the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. In order to be eligible for the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit a tax payer had to meet certain requirements, one of them being that the home must be purchased after April 8, 2008 and before December 1, 2009. In several instances, the income tax returns prepared by Mitchell included the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit when the tax payer had not purchased a home during the required period.
Other false items contained in Mitchell’s prepared tax returns included Schedule C Income and Loss statements containing false information; the listing of dependents that the tax payer was not entitled to claim; false claims of Head of Household status; and false wage information.
Mitchell, who did not have an Electronic Filing Identification Number (“EFIN”) to file the income tax returns electronically, paid a fee to use the EFIN of another tax preparer.
Co-defendant Derrick M. Evans, 43, of Marion, Arkansas, who was sentenced in January 2015, would recruit tax payers for Mitchell, and on two separate occasions provided identity information that was used by Mitchell to prepare false income tax returns.
Once the tax return was completed and filed by Mitchell, a check for a Refund Anticipation Loan would be printed. Evans would then transport the tax payer to Memphis to sign the Refund Anticipation Loan check and Mitchell would pay that individual a portion of the proceeds in cash and deposit the remainder of the tax refund in a bank account she controlled.
Mitchell prepared approximately 13 false tax returns for the 2009 tax year. The IRS has determined that the tax loss attributable to the 2009 tax returns totals nearly $113,227, which Mitchell was ordered to repay as restitution to the IRS.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson order Mitchell to serve three years of supervised release and barred her from participating in the business of preparing tax returns while she is serving her sentence.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Murphy, Jr.
Contador Sentenciado A 18 Meses En Una Prision Federal Por El Robo De $541,500 De Un Club De Caza Y Pesca LocalRead the Press Release
Memphis, Tenn. - Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee, ha anunciado hoy que Hazel Cathy Wadley, de Memphis, Tennessee, fue condenada esta mañana por el Juez Federal de Distrito John T. Fowlkes, Jr. para servir 18 meses en una prisión federal en relación a un esquema de fraude electrónico para defraudar al Club de Caza y Pesca Menasha por aproximadamente $541,500. No hay libertad condicional en las prisiones del sistema federal.Wadley se declaró culpable en noviembre de 2014, de un cargo de información criminal acusàndola de fraude electrónico. Según la información criminal, Wadley estaba empleada en Jim Keras Nissan y también realizaba tareas de contabilidad para el Club de Caza y Pesca Menasha. En su audiencia de declaración de culpabilidad Wadley admitió que entre octubre de 2007 y agosto de 2013, robó fondos de Menasha mediante el uso de los fondos de la cuenta bancaria de Menasha con el banco SunTrust para hacer pagos en línea de sus deudas y gastos personales.
Ademàs de la sentencia a prisión, el Juez de Distrito Fowlkes le ordenó a Wadley a cumplir tres años de libertad supervisada y pagar una indemnización por un monto de $301,000 al Club de Caza y Pesca Menasha y $237,000 dólares a Zurich Insurance Group (compañía de seguros de Menasha), para un total de $538,000.
Esta investigación fue realizada por el Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos. El Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Carroll L. Andre III quien representó al gobierno.
Version en Inglés
Bookkeeper Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Theft of $541,500 from Local Hunting and Fishing ClubRead the Press Release
Memphis, Tenn. – Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Hazel Cathy Wadley, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. to serve 18 months in federal prison in connection with a wire fraud scheme to defraud Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club of approximately $541,500. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
Wadley pled guilty in November, 2014, to a one-count criminal information charging her with wire fraud. According to the criminal information, Wadley was employed at Jim Keras Nissan and also performed bookkeeping duties for the Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club. At her guilty plea hearing Wadley admitted that between October 2007 and August 2013, she stole funds from Menasha by using funds in Menasha’s bank account at Suntrust Bank to make online payments of her personal debts and expenses.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Fowlkes ordered Wadley to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $301,000 to Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club and $237,000 to Zurich Insurance Group (Menasha’s insurance company), for a total of $538,000.
This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. Andre III represented the government.
Spanish Version
Las Acusaciones Federales Retornaron Contra Residentes Del Area De Jackson - En Esquema De Fraude A Los Servicios De Atencion Medica A Titulares Del MedicareRead the Press Release
Jackson, Tennessee - Calvin Bailey, de 64 años, de Jackson, Tennessee.; Sandra Bailey, de 64 años, de Jackson, Tennessee; y Cindy Mallard, de 49 años, de Bradford, Tennessee; han sido acusados en una acusación que alega una conspiración para cometer fraude a los servicios de atención médica y al pago de comisiones ilegales en relación con los servicios de salud, anunció el fiscal federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee, Edward L. Stanton III. Sandra Bailey también fue acusado de ocho cargos de fraude de atención médica y nueve cargos de pago de comisiones ilegales a proveedores de salud y fuentes paciente-referencia.
Las comparecencias iniciales para los tres acusados se celebraron hoy en el Palacio de Justicia de Estados Unidos en Jackson, Tennessee, y todos fueron puestos en libertad bajo fianza. Sandra Bailey y Mallard cada una trabajó durante varios años en negocios dedicados al cuidado de la salud en el àrea de Jackson, Tennessee. Calvin Bailey ha sido empleado como el director de la escuela secundaria Medina en Medina, Tennessee, y también ha sido empleado para empresas de suministro de equipos médicos.
Según la acusación, Sandra Bailey y Calvin Bailey pagaron sobornos ilegales a fuentes de referencia para identificar los titulares de la tarjeta de Medicare. Sandra Bailey y, al menos en una ocasión, Calvin Bailey, le vendían sillas de ruedas eléctricas comercializadas y soportes de la espalda a los titulares de la tarjeta de Medicare. Sandra Bailey le dijo a titulares del Medicare que el equipo sería gratis y que necesitaban conseguir las sillas de ruedas aunque las necesitan o no porque Medicare podría dejar de pagar por ellos. Aunque Medicare paga sólo el 80% de los costes para las sillas de ruedas, algunos de los titulares de la tarjeta tenían seguros secundarios con otras compañías, incluyendo TennCare y TriCare, que pagan el 20% restante. Para los pacientes sin seguro secundario, los acusados ayudaron a los pacientes a llenar los formularios que los dispensen a cualquier pago por la tarjeta de titular.
Ademàs de las comisiones ilegales a las fuentes de referencia, Sandra Bailey también hizo pagos de soborno ilegales a algunos médicos que realizaron - o que se supone que han realizado evaluaciones - cara a cara con los titulares de la tarjeta para calificarlos a obtener las sillas de ruedas eléctricas. Cindy Mallard, quien era la directora de la oficina en la Clínica de Medicina Familiar Medina en Medina, Tennessee, asistida por Sandra Bailey para visitar titulares con Sandra Bailey y llenarle los formularios que debían ser llenado durante una evaluación cara a cara de un paciente por un médico u otro proveedor de salud calificado. Mallard entonces asistió a Sandra Bailey en conseguir los formularios firmados por los proveedores que se supone que tengan evaluaciones realizadas cara a cara de los titulares de la tarjeta. Mallard también recibió pagos de soborno en nombre de uno de los proveedores de atención médica que firmaron los formularios.
Después que los acusados identificaban a los titulares de las tarjetas y arreglaban los documentos de evaluación que iban a presentar a Medicare para pagar el equipo médico, recibían comisiones de las ventas que eran pagadas a Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, Mallard, u otros miembros de la familia de Bailey y Mallard.
Esta investigación està siendo realizada por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos, Oficina del Inspector General, la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Tennessee. El fiscal federal adjunto John Fabian representa al gobierno.
Los cargos y alegaciones contenidos en las acusaciones son meras acusaciones y los acusados son considerados inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.
Version en Inglés
Federal Indictments Returned Against Jackson-Area Residents in Health Care Fraud Scheme Targeting Medicare Card-HoldersRead the Press Release
Jackson, Tenn. – Calvin Bailey, 64, of Jackson, Tennessee; Sandra Bailey, 64, of Jackson, Tennessee; and Cindy Mallard, 49, of Bradford, Tennessee; have been charged in an indictment alleging a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to pay illegal kickbacks in connection with health care services, announced United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Edward L. Stanton III. Sandra Bailey was also indicted for eight counts of health care fraud and nine counts of paying illegal kickbacks to health care providers and patient-referral sources.
Initial appearances for all three defendants were held today at the United States Courthouse in Jackson, Tennessee, and all were released on bond. Sandra Bailey and Mallard each worked for several years in health care businesses in the Jackson, Tennessee area. Calvin Bailey has been employed as the principal at Medina Middle School in Medina, Tennessee, and has also been employed by medical equipment supply companies.
According to the indictment, Sandra Bailey and Calvin Bailey paid illegal kickbacks to referral sources to identify Medicare card-holders. Sandra Bailey and, on at least one occasion, Calvin Bailey, marketed power wheelchairs and back braces to the Medicare card-holders. Sandra Bailey told targeted Medicare card-holders that the equipment would be free and told card-holders that they needed to get the wheelchairs whether they were needed or not because Medicare might stop paying for them. Although Medicare paid only 80% of the costs for wheelchairs, some of the card-holders had secondary insurance carriers, including TennCare and TriCare, who paid the remaining 20%. For patients without secondary insurance, the defendants helped the patients fill out forms that would waive the requirement for any payment by the card-holder.
In addition to the illegal kickbacks to referral sources, Sandra Bailey also made illegal kickback payments to some health care providers who performed – or who were supposed to have performed – face-to-face evaluations of card-holders to qualify the card-holders for power wheelchairs. Cindy Mallard, who was the office manager at the Medina Family Medical Clinic in Medina, Tennessee, assisted Sandra Bailey by visiting card-holders with Sandra Bailey and filling out forms that were supposed to be filled out during a face-to-face evaluation of a patient by a physician or other qualified health care provider. Mallard then assisted Sandra Bailey in getting those forms signed by providers who were supposed to have conducted face-to-face evaluations of the card-holders. Mallard also received kickback payments on behalf of one of the health care providers who signed the forms.
After the defendants identified card-holders and arranged for evaluation paperwork to be submitted to Medicare for payment for medical equipment, sales commissions were then paid to Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, Mallard, or other members of the Baileys’ and Mallard’s families.
This investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fabian represents the government.
The charges and allegations contained in indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Spanish Version
15 Suspects Indicted in West Tennessee on Federal Distribution of Illegal Prescription Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
Jackson, Tenn. –Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 15 suspects with federal drug trafficking violations. The suspects were arrested early today during a round-up conducted by federal (the DEA and U.S. Marshals Service), state (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Tennessee Highway Patrol), and local law enforcement agencies (Tipton County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Police Department Gang Unit).
The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson February 24, 2015, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
The suspects arrested during the operation were:
• Bryon Stevens, age 39, (already in state custody) • Anita Stevens, age 60, of Haywood County • Sandy Stevens, age 37, (already in state custody) • Helen Jackson, age 48, of Haywood County • Debra Harris, age 49, of Haywood County • Martha Taylor, age 53, of Haywood County • Edward Lynn Martin, age 47, of Haywood County • Helen Cole, age 67, of Haywood County • Bobby Joe Tyus, age 60, of Haywood County • Alice Marie Martin, age 45, of Haywood County • Cheryl Austin, age 56, (already in state custody) • Bobby Joe Perry, age 51, of Haywood County • Grant Hendrix, age 28, of Haywood County • Lauren Turner, age 34, of Haywood County • William “Baldy” Taylor, age 59, of Lauderdale County
The charges in the indictments stem from an illegal conspiracy to sell and distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax and buprenorphine. Several of the defendants were also charged with intentionally acquiring or obtaining possession of the same controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.
The case was investigated by members of the DEA, Nashville District Office, Tactical Diversion Squad; Tipton County Sheriff’s Department; 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Jackson Madison County Narcotics Task Force; Lauderdale County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department; Lauderdale County, Alabama Drug Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Spanish Version
15 Sospechosos Acusados En El Oeste De Tennessee En Violaciones Federales Por Distribucion Ilegal De Medicamentos RecetadosRead the Press Release
Jackson, Tennessee. - Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee anunció hoy la revelación de una acusación formal contra 15 sospechosos en violaciones federales por narcotràfico. Los sospechosos fueron detenidos la madrugada de hoy durante una redada llevada a cabo por el gobierno federal (el Servicio de Alguaciles de Estados Unidos y la DEA), estatal (Oficina de Investigaciones de Tennessee, el Grupo Especializado Antidroga del 25to Distrito Judicial y la Patrulla de Caminos de Tennessee) y las agencias policiales locales (Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Tipton, Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Madison, Metro Narcóticos del Condado de Madison, Departamento de la Policía de Jackson y la Unidad de Pandillas del Departamento de la Policía de Jackson).Las acusaciones fueron devueltas por un gran jurado federal en Jackson el 24 de febrero 2015, pero se mantuvo en secreto hasta los arrestos de hoy. Cada acusación contenía recuentos alegando violaciones de las Ley de Sustancias Controladas.
Los sospechosos arrestados durante la operación fueron:
• Bryon Stevens, de 39 años de edad, (ya en custodia del Estado)
• Anita Stevens, de 60 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Sandy Stevens, de 37 años de edad, (ya en custodia del Estado)
• Helen Jackson, de 48 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Debra Harris, de 49 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Martha Taylor, de 53 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Edward Lynn Martin, de 47 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Helen Cole, de 67 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Bobby Joe Tyus, de 60 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Alice Marie Martin, de 45 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Cheryl Austin, de 56 años de edad, (ya en custodia del Estado)
• Bobby Joe Perry, de 51 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Grant Hendrix, de 28 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Lauren Turner, de 34 años, del Condado de Haywood
• William "Baldy" Taylor, de 59 años de edad, del Condado de LauderdaleLos cargos en las acusaciones se derivan de una conspiración ilegal para vender y distribuir oxicodona, hidrocodona, Xanax y la buprenorfina. Varios de los acusados también fueron acusados de intencionalmente adquirir u obtentar las mismas sustancias controladas por falsa, fraudulenta, falsificada, engañosa o subterfugio.
El caso fue investigado por los miembros de la DEA, la Oficina del Distrito de Nashville, el Escuadrón de Desviación Tàctica; Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Tipton; el Grupo Especializado Antidroga del 25to Distrito Judicial; Grupo Especializado de Estupefacientes del Condado de Madison; el Departamento del Sheriff de Tennessee del Condado de Lauderdale; el Grupo Especializado Antidroga de Alabama del Condado de Lauderdale. Este caso està siendo procesado por el Fiscal Federal adjunto Beth Boswell en nombre del gobierno.
Los cargos y alegaciones contenidos en la acusación son meras acusaciones y los acusados son considerados inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.
Version en Inglés
Jury Finds Former Soldier Guilty of Attempted Murder of Four Soldiers at the Millington National Guard ArmoryRead the Press Release
Memphis, Tenn. – A Cordova man was found guilty in federal district court of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, A. Todd McCall; and Naval Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Michael C. Cote.
Amos Patton, 43, of Cordova, TN, was found guilty after a six-day trial by a federal jury in the Western District of Tennessee of 4 counts of assault with intent to commit murder in the special territorial jurisdiction of the United States, 4 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily injury in the special territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and one count of discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence.
“The jury’s verdict holds Amos Patton accountable for his acts of violence committed upon his fellow soldiers,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Patton’s actions were destructive enough, but they had the real potential to result in an even greater tragedy.”
According to the government’s evidence, on October 24, 2013, Patton, a full-time member of the Tennessee Army National Guard, had been directed by his commanders to come to the National Guard Armory, located at 5650 Attu, Millington, TN. During this meeting, Patton was notified that he was being relieved of duty, recommended for reduction in rank, and recommended for separation from the active guard reserve because of misconduct.
Following the meeting, Patton was directed to return government equipment believed to be in his government vehicle. When he returned from the car, Patton had in his possession a “fanny pack.” The fanny pack contained a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fifty extra rounds of ammunition. When Patton attempted to pull the handgun from the pack, one of the Tennessee Army National Guardsmen yelled a warning.
At that point, a Command Sergeant Major and a Major attempted to subdue Patton. Patton was able to fire his weapon six times, and rounds wounded three Tennessee Army National Guard personnel in the room. Patton ran from the building, followed by the Command Sergeant Major, who caught Patton, and subdued him with assistance of other soldiers. They held him until the Millington Police Department arrived and took Patton into custody.
U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, who presided over the trial, set sentencing for May 28, 2015.
In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Stanton, Special Agent in Charge McCall, and Special Agent Cote commended the work of the FBI and the NCIS. Finally, they commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Godwin and Mark Erskine and FBI Special Agent Matthew Ross, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
Spanish Version
Jurado Encuentra Ex Soldado Culpable De Intento De Asesinato De Cuatro Soldados En La Armeria De La Guardia Nacional De MillingtonRead the Press Release
Memphis, Tenn. - Un hombre de Córdoba fue declarado culpable en un tribunal federal de distrito de asalto con intento de cometer asesinato, asalto con un arma peligrosa con la intención de hacer daño corporal, y disparar un arma de fuego que està considerado como un acto de violencia la cual es un delito federal, anunció el Fiscal Federal Edward L. Stanton III; Agente Especial a Cargo de la División de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones, A. Todd McCall Memphis; y el Agente Especial Naval del Servicio de Investigaciones Criminales Michael C. Cote.
Amos Patton, de 43 años, de Córdoba, TN, fue declarado culpable después de un juicio de seis días por un jurado federal en el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee de 4 cargos de asalto con intención de cometer homicidio en la jurisdicción territorial especial de los Estados Unidos, 4 cargos de asalto con un arma peligrosa con la intención de hacer daño corporal en la jurisdicción territorial especial de los Estados Unidos, y un cargo de disparar un arma de fuego que es un delito federal por violencia.
"El veredicto del jurado sostiene que Amos Patton es responsable de sus actos de violencia cometidos contra sus compañeros soldados", dijo el Fiscal Federal Stanton. "Las acciones de Patton fueron lo suficientemente destructiva, pero tenían el verdadero potencial de resultar en una tragedia aún mayor."
De acuerdo con la evidencia del gobierno, el 24 de octubre de 2013, Patton, un miembro de tiempo completo de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Tennessee, había sido convocado por sus comandantes para venir a la Armería de la Guardia Nacional, ubicado en 5650 Attu, Millington, TN. Durante esa reunión, Patton fue notificado de que estaba siendo relevado de su cargo, se recomendó para una degradación de rango, y se recomendó para la separación de la reserva activa de la guardia nacional por mala conducta.
Tras la reunión, Patton fue dirigido a devolver los equipos del gobierno que se creía que estaban en su vehículo del gobierno. Cuando regresó del coche, Patton tenía en su poder un "bolso de cintura". El bolso de su cintura contenía una pistola semiautomàtica de 9 mm cargada y cincuenta municiones adicionales. Cuando Patton intentó sacar la pistola del bolso de su cintura, uno de los miembros de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Tennessee gritó en advertencia.
En ese momento, un Sargento Mayor de Comando y un Mayor intentaron someter a Patton. Patton fue capaz de disparar su arma en seis ocasiones, y los disparos hirieron a tres miembros de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Tennessee en la habitación. Patton salió corriendo del edificio, seguido por el Sargento Mayor de Comando, quien atrapó a Patton, y lo sometió con asistencia de otros soldados. Lo retuvieron hasta que el Departamento de Policía de Millington llegó y tomó a Patton en custodia.
El juez de distrito John T. Fowlkes, quien presidió el juicio, establece la sentencia para el 28 de mayo 2015.
Al anunciar el veredicto, el Fiscal Federal Stanton, Agente Especial a Cargo McCall y Agente Especial Cote elogiaron el trabajo del FBI y el NCIS. Por último, elogiaron los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Fred Godwin y Mark Erskine y al Agente Especial del FBI Matthew Ross, quien investigó y procesó el caso.
Version en Inglés