Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of over $30,000 from Memphis Housing AuthorityRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Janet Wheeler, age 48, of Cordova, Tennessee, pleaded guilty yesterday to a criminal information charging her with theft of government funds, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to facts revealed in the criminal information and recited during the plea, between February 2009 and December 2011, Wheeler was a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program operated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. An investigation revealed that Wheeler had made false representations to the Memphis Housing Authority and as a result had received over $30,000 in federal housing assistance to which she was not entitled.
Wheeler faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. before United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pritchard on behalf of the government.Memphis Pastor Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Craig Wilson, 45, of Memphis, TN, pleaded guilty yesterday to assisting others in stealing United States Department of Treasury funds through the filing of false income tax returns, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to facts revealed in the criminal information and recited during the plea, between November 1, 2011 and August 30, 2012, Craig Wilson, while in his position as pastor of New Beginnings Church, assisted other individuals in stealing approximately $168,000 in funds administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the form of federal income tax refunds. The U.S. Treasury tax refund checks were deposited into bank accounts controlled by Pastor Wilson and other individuals in connection with numerous fraudulent tax returns filed by associates of Wilson.
Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. before United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigative Division and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hall on behalf of the government.Henning Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession and Threatening A WitnessRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Darius D. Mitchell, age 26, of Henning, Tenn., was sentenced to six years in federal prison on July 25, 2014 following his March 2014 guilty plea to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of attempting to threaten a federal witness, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the sentencing hearing, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives began investigating Mitchell in April 2011. During the course of the investigation, federal agents discovered that Mitchell, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In addition, on November 28, 2013, Mitchell threatened and intimidated a federal witness to prevent the witness from testifying against him in court.
In addition to the prison sentence, Senior U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla ordered Mitchell to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the 25th District Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Parks and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Stringfellow represented the government.Memphis Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Kevin Davis, age 24, of Memphis, Tenn., was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison today following his guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
In December 2012, agents working undercover identified a computer in the Memphis area that had child pornography images available for downloading. The children depicted in the images were being sexually assaulted or otherwise engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that the computer belonged to Kevin Davis of Memphis. Davis admitted that he had been using a peer-to-peer file-sharing program to make the illicit images available to others.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays ordered Davis to serve five years of supervised release, forfeit all computers and media containing alleged child pornography, and pay $2,400 in restitution to identified victims whose images were among those Davis made available to others. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Memphis Police Department; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Secret Service; and the U.S. Postal Inspectors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland represented the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative of 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.”Memphis Man Convicted on Series of Robberies Receives 153 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ronnie Jackson, Jr., 29, of Memphis, TN, was sentenced to a prison sentence of 1846 months, or 153 years and 10 months, following his conviction on March 13, 2014, by a federal jury on 12 counts related to a series of business robberies in and around Shelby County, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According the facts presented in the indictment and revealed in open court, Jackson and his accomplices robbed three Dollar General Stores, a Family Dollar Store, and two Walgreens drug stores in April and May of 2012. During the last robbery, Jackson and a female accomplice went into the Walgreens at 824 West Poplar Street, Collierville, TN, to case the store. After Jackson and his female accomplice returned to their getaway vehicle, two male accomplices entered the store, forcing approximately 14 customers and five employees to the floor at gunpoint. They ordered the manager to open the safe and took more than $6,000.
One of the victims of the robbery managed to dial 911, and Collierville Police converged on the scene, arriving in time to witness one of the male accomplices attempting to enter the getaway vehicle. Jackson and his female accomplice were taken into custody and the male accomplices were apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
Jackson was convicted on six counts of robbing a business engaged in interstate commerce (also known as “Hobbs Act” robberies), and six counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence.
In addition to the prison sentence, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson ordered Jackson to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, specifically by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Memphis Police Department, and the Collierville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bo Summers represented the government .Former Bartlett Doctor Sentenced to 16 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Distribution of Prescription NarcoticsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN - Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; and Sheriff William Oldham, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that on July 15, 2014, Senior United States District Judge Jon Phipps McCalla sentenced Michael A. Patterson, formerly a medical doctor who had an office in Bartlett, Tennessee, to 16 years in federal prison for several violations of the Controlled Substance Act involving prescription narcotics.
In November of 2011, Patterson, who according to the indictment was a medical doctor licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee, was indicted for a number of violations of the federal Controlled Substances Act involving narcotics. The indictment noted that Patterson practiced medicine under the trade name Bartlett Psychiatric Center, PC, at an office located on Kirby-Whitten Road in Bartlett, Tennessee. According to the indictment Patterson’s medical license was revoked on March 22, 2011 by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners pursuant to the terms of an Agreed Order.
Patterson subsequently pleaded guilty to Counts 2 and 37 of the indictment. He was charged in Count 2 with illegally distributing Oxycodone, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, by issuing a prescription “outside the usual course of medical practice and for no legitimate medical purpose,” in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). This section of the Controlled Substances Act makes it a crime to illegally distribute a controlled substance. Under federal law, Schedule II Controlled Substances are drugs that have a “high potential for abuse” and for which abuse “may lead to severe psychological of physical dependence.” Oxycodone is defined as a Schedule II Controlled Substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Patterson was charged in Count 37 of the indictment with illegally distributing hydrocodone tablets by providing a person with a forged prescription in May 2011, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). Hydrocodone is defined as a Schedule III Controlled Substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule III Controlled Substances are defined as drugs that have a potential for abuse, and the abuse of which may lead to “moderate physical dependence or high psychological dependence.”
In March of 2012, Patterson was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Mississippi and charged with violating the Controlled Substances Act. That case was transferred to Memphis and Patterson pleaded guilty to knowingly using a revoked registration number in order to dispense a prescription for a Schedule IV narcotic in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(a)(2).
In addition to the prison sentence, Senior United States District Judge Jon Phipps McCalla ordered Patterson to serve eight years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Licensed professionals who nefariously hide behind their titles and white jackets to illegally distribute prescription drugs are just as much ‘drug dealers’ as those who deal crack cocaine on our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “The Court’s sentence should serve as a clear reminder that this type of conduct will not be tolerated.”
“Criminal activity of any kind will not be tolerated by those individuals who willingly choose to violate the law,” stated Sheriff Oldham. “We will continue to work closely with U.S. Attorney Stanton, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to make sure those who commit these crimes are off the streets.”
The case was investigated by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.Former University School of Jackson Employee Pleads Guilty to Wire and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jessica Nicole Pinkerton, age 33, of Humboldt, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today to a criminal information charging her with one count of wire fraud and one count of tax fraud, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; A. Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Nashville Field Office.
According to the criminal information and statements made in court, Pinkerton was employed as a financial services manager at the University School of Jackson (USJ) from 2008 to 2014. Beginning in late 2009 through early 2014, Pinkerton, in her capacity as financial services manager, initiated Automatic Clearing House (ACH) transfers of USJ funds into her personal bank account. Pinkerton also filed a 2013 IRS form 1040, stating that her earned income was $29,321 when it actually was $195,689.71. As a part of the plea agreement filed today, Pinkerton will owe restitution of $606,375.33 to the University School of Jackson and $143,168.37 to the Internal Revenue Service.
“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who steal from others and brazenly line their pockets by committing white collar crimes,” said United States Attorney Stanton. “When employees such as Jessica Pinkerton scheme to fraudulently divert funds from employers, the United States Attorney’s Office will work with law enforcement partners to ensure those individuals are held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“This plea is the result of the hard work of the FBI and our law enforcement partners in the pursuit of those who use fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money,” said Special Agent in Charge McCall. “It should send a signal that criminal behavior like this will not go undetected. We will find you, catch you, and you will be held accountable for your actions.”
“The IRS enforces the nation’s tax laws, but also takes particular interest in cases where someone, for their own personal benefit, has taken what belonged to others,” stated Special Agent in Charge Henry. “No matter what the source of income, all income is taxable. The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element of the IRS’ enforcement strategy. We are pleased with the successful resolution of this investigation due to the cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners.”
Pinkerton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. before Chief United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Jackson Resident Agency, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victor L. Ivy on behalf of the government.Horn Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Launder Bribes Received in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jerry Dennis, 68, of Horn Lake, MS, pled guilty today to a one-count information charging conspiracy to launder approximately $250,000 in bribe payments received from Afghan contractors in Afghanistan, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Edward L. Stanton III.
According to facts revealed in the criminal information and during the hearing, Jimmy Dennis, a former First Sergeant with the United States Army, was assigned to the Humanitarian Aid Yard at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. He served as a paying agent from March 2008 until his return to his home base at Fort Campbell, KY.
Together with a Project Purchasing Officer (PPO), Jimmy Dennis worked as a team to procure supplies from local Afghan contractors. These supplies were used as part of the Commander’s Emergency Response Program for urgent humanitarian relief requirements in Afghanistan.
Soon after Jimmy Dennis began working as a paying agent, an Afghan interpreter offered him a $10,000 bribe/kickback to accept certain Afghan contractors onto the list of eligible contractors. Jimmy Dennis accepted the money and later accepted bribe payments from a second interpreter to allow additional vendors onto the list of eligible contractors. Jimmy Dennis estimated that he personally received about $250,000 in bribes.
Jimmy Dennis smuggled the money home through the U.S. Mail through a variety of means including sending home a “jingle truck” (colorfully decorated trucks or buses in Afghanistan and Pakistan) to his father, Jerry Dennis. Jimmy Dennis hid the money in the rear compartment of the toy truck. Jimmy Dennis also shipped a hope chest containing approximately $100,000 in cash in a concealed compartment to Jerry Dennis. Jerry Dennis would then deposit the funds received from Jimmy Dennis into his personal bank account. Jerry Dennis stopped depositing the money into his bank account after being questioned by bank authorities regarding his cash deposits.
Jimmy Dennis then met with James Pittman while on leave and asked if he could send the money to Pittman to launder through his landscaping company. Pittman agreed and began sending “salary” checks to Jimmy Dennis after Jimmy Dennis provided Pittman with jingle trucks containing hidden cash and Jerry Dennis provided $20,000 remaining from the money he had received. Jerry and Jimmy Dennis used the money for a number of personal expenses including paying vehicle loans and buying motorcycles.
James Pittman and Jimmy Dennis pled guilty to the same charge, Pittman on May 15, 2014 before U.S. Magistrate Judge William B. Carter of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Jimmy Dennis on May 28, 2014 before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr.
Jerry Dennis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, restitution, forfeiture, and five years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr.
This case was investigated by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, the FBI, the Army Criminal Investigative Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorney Daniel Butler of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frederick Godwin of the Western District of Tennessee and James Brooks of the Eastern District of Tennessee.Memphis Woman Sentenced in Tax Fraud Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, announced today that Nakita Brooks, 31, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. to serve 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $690,767.84 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
On April 11, 2014, Brooks pled guilty to one count of a three-count indictment charging her and co-conspirator, Cheryl Wright, 30, with conspiracy to file false tax returns, theft of public money and identity theft. According to the facts presented in the indictment and revealed during sentencing hearings, beginning as early as February 2010 through at least November 2011, Brooks and Wright filed hundreds of false tax returns using the personal identifying information of deceased individuals, including social security numbers.
In addition to filing false returns, Wright and Brooks also set up tax return services using stolen identities as the preparers of the returns. In 2010, the name of the company used to prepare the returns was Rattler’s Tax Pals. In 2011, the name of the company used to prepare the returns was Taxes Express. Three individuals, including a nine-year old girl from Indiana, had their tax information fraudulently listed as the preparers for these companies.
Wright is scheduled to be sentenced July 24, 2014, before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr.
This investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard represented the government.Mason Man Sentenced to 120 MonthsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Fred Masters, Jr., age 48, of Mason, Tenn., was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to one count of possessing equipment, chemicals, products, and materials that may be used to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the sentencing hearing, on March 3, 2012, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and a canine officer went to Masters’s home to execute a search warrant. When the officers arrived, Masters released his pit bull to attack the officers as Masters fled into the woods. The officers searched Masters’s home and found several chemical components consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Officers also found methamphetamine on a table in the bedroom next to Masters’s Tennessee ID. Masters was apprehended a week later by law enforcement officials.
In addition to the prison sentence, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla ordered Masters to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and the 25th District Attorney General’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Stringfellow represented the government.Mason Man Sentenced to 120 MonthsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Fred Masters, Jr., age 48, of Mason, Tenn., was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to one count of possessing equipment, chemicals, products, and materials that may be used to manufacture methamphetamine, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the sentencing hearing, on March 3, 2012, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and a canine officer went to Masters’s home to execute a search warrant. When the officers arrived, Masters released his pit bull to attack the officers as Masters fled into the woods. The officers searched Masters’s home and found several chemical components consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Officers also found methamphetamine on a table in the bedroom next to Masters’s Tennessee ID. Masters was apprehended a week later by law enforcement officials.
In addition to the prison sentence, United States District Judge Jon P. McCalla ordered Masters to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and the 25th District Attorney General’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Stringfellow represented the government.U.S. Government Contractor Sentenced to 24 Months for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Darrin Albert Searle, 44, of Loudon, TN, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to one-count of filing a false tax return, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the facts alleged in the information and revealed during the sentencing hearing, while working as a government contractor in Iraq in 2007, Searle failed to disclose $618,186 of income he received through kickbacks. Searle is required to file amended returns and pay all relevant taxes, interest, and penalties.
In addition to the prison sentence, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. ordered Searle to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $58,422 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Special Investigator General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), the Department of the Army’s Criminal Investigative Division, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Godwin represented the government.Ripley Man Sentenced to 121 MonthsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – William David Maness, age 39, of Ripley, Tenn., was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison following his guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute less than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the sentencing hearing, on February 25, 2013, Maness possessed and distributed under 50 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover source who was working for the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department. This is Maness’s fourth methamphetamine-related conviction.
“Illegal drug trafficking, and the violence that often accompanies it, is a plague upon our communities. My office will vigorously pursue any and all involved in these illegal activities” said US Attorney Stanton.
“Methamphetamine has had a devastating impact on rural communities in Tennessee,” said District Attorney General Dunavant. “This defendant, in particular, has been distributing methamphetamine in Lauderdale County for the last eight years. This prison sentence will prevent Maness from further destroying our community and sends a message to other meth dealers.”
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays ordered Maness to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the 25th District Attorney General’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Stringfellow represented the government.Eads Man Sentenced to 92 MonthsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Larry Caleb Fish, age 21, of Ripley, Tenn., was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison on Thursday following his guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the sentencing hearing, Fish, who was a previously convicted felon, was arrested on January 27, 2013, for possessing a stolen Smith & Wesson 9mm firearm. Fish traded a friend $80 and some Xanax and Marijuana for the stolen firearm. Fish’s criminal history is extensive and he has multiple felony convictions.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson ordered Fish to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and the 25th District Attorney General’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Stringfellow represented the government.Two Tipton County Men Indicted for Manufacturing and Distributing "Spice"Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Travis Fox, age 36, and Jason Forbess, age 36, both of Atoka, TN, have been charged in a two count indictment with manufacturing and distributing synthetic drugs and employing minors to distribute synthetic drugs, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant.
The indictment alleges that beginning in April of 2009, Fox and Forbess manufactured and distributed synthetic drugs often known by the street names “Spice” or “K2.” These drugs mimic the hallucinogenic effects of marijuana with the added side effects of hallucinations, seizures, and dependency/addiction not usually associated with marijuana users. Fox and Forbess marketed and sold their products across the United States on their various internet websites. Beginning in 2013, the Fox and Forbess employed minors to help distribute the synthetic drugs.
“This indictment sends a clear message to those who would shamelessly peddle these dangerous substances that were never intended for human use: this behavior will not be tolerated and you will face stiff and serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton.
“Synthetic drugs and other designer drugs are devastating communities across the United States. Synthetic drugs have been especially harmful to high school kids because the products are marketed as ‘legal’ marijuana, when, in fact, these substances are extremely dangerous and illegal,” said District Attorney General Dunavant. “We will continue working to protect these young adults, and to shut down and hold accountable individuals who manufacture and distribute synthetic drugs without regard for the law or public safety.”
Fox and Forbess have been charged with one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute and one count of conspiring to employ a person under the age of 18 years of age to possess and distribute. If convicted they face up to 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
This investigation was conducted by the DEA and Tipton County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Special Assistant United States Attorney Samuel R. Stringfellow.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Savannah Man Sentenced for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Kenneth Wayne Johnson, age 48, of Savannah, Tenn., was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison Tuesday following his guilty plea to one count of distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the sentencing hearing, from November of 2011 to July of 2012, Johnson used a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program on a computer connected to the internet to seek out images of child pornography and download them to his computer. Once the images were downloaded to Johnson’s computer, they became available for download by others using similar programs. On several occasions, undercover law enforcement agents in Virginia, Oklahoma, and Tennessee were able to use such a program to download illicit images from Johnson’s computer. Johnson was downloading the images at his place of employment, copying the images to a thumb drive, and then transferring them to his home computer.
In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson ordered Johnson to serve five years of supervised release, forfeit all computers and media containing alleged child pornography, and pay $2,668 in restitution to identified victims depicted in the pornographic images. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland represented the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative of 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.”Additional Charges Filed Against Former Jackson Attorney Clay Mccormack for Bank Fraud, Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A superseding indictment was returned today by a federal grand jury against Clay McCormack, 49, of Jackson, TN, for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain loan proceeds from federally insured mortgage lenders, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
McCormack was initially charged in March, 2013 with two counts each of bank fraud and making false statements. The superseding indictment adds additional bank fraud and making false statements charges and alleges that as early as October 2007, McCormack entered into a criminal conspiracy with James Lee Bishop, a local real estate investor. Bishop would recruit individuals or limited liability companies to purchase real property for the purpose of investment. While acting as the closing attorney for Teel, McCormack and Maroney, a law firm in Jackson, TN, McCormack would indicate on the HUD-1 reporting documentation that certain lenders were paid off via check as a result of the closing. He would then void those checks, or have others void the checks, within days and reissue the checks to Bishop.
This money was then used by Bishop to provide the funds at closing on behalf of the borrowers, who would not have otherwise qualified for the loan. The paperwork would fraudulently reflect that the funds had actually been provided by the borrowers.
The superseding indictment charges McCormack with seven counts of bank fraud and six counts of making false statements. The bank fraud charges allege that McCormack defrauded the First State Bank, First South Bank, and Community Bank by conducting real estate closings and failing to pay off the original mortgages, while the false statement charges allege that he created false documentation and submitted it to the banks in furtherance of his crime.
McCormack’s co-conspirator, James Lee Bishop, pled guilty to bank fraud in February 2014. His sentencing hearing is set for August 29, 2014 before District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
McCormack faces up to 30 years in prison and a one million dollar fine for each of the seven bank fraud counts; and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the six counts of making false statements.
This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis – Jackson Resident Agency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Victor L. Ivy and Matthew J. Wilson 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.
Additional Charges Filed Against Former Jackson Attorney Clay Mccormack for Bank Fraud, Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A superseding indictment was returned today by a federal grand jury against Clay McCormack, 49, of Jackson, TN, for his role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain loan proceeds from federally insured mortgage lenders, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
McCormack was initially charged in March, 2013 with two counts each of bank fraud and making false statements. The superseding indictment adds additional bank fraud and making false statements charges and alleges that as early as October 2007, McCormack entered into a criminal conspiracy with James Lee Bishop, a local real estate investor. Bishop would recruit individuals or limited liability companies to purchase real property for the purpose of investment. While acting as the closing attorney for Teel, McCormack and Maroney, a law firm in Jackson, TN, McCormack would indicate on the HUD-1 reporting documentation that certain lenders were paid off via check as a result of the closing. He would then void those checks, or have others void the checks, within days and reissue the checks to Bishop.
This money was then used by Bishop to provide the funds at closing on behalf of the borrowers, who would not have otherwise qualified for the loan. The paperwork would fraudulently reflect that the funds had actually been provided by the borrowers.
The superseding indictment charges McCormack with seven counts of bank fraud and six counts of making false statements. The bank fraud charges allege that McCormack defrauded the First State Bank, First South Bank, and Community Bank by conducting real estate closings and failing to pay off the original mortgages, while the false statement charges allege that he created false documentation and submitted it to the banks in furtherance of his crime.
McCormack’s co-conspirator, James Lee Bishop, pled guilty to bank fraud in February 2014. His sentencing hearing is set for August 29, 2014 before District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
McCormack faces up to 30 years in prison and a one million dollar fine for each of the seven bank fraud counts; and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the six counts of making false statements.
This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis – Jackson Resident Agency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Victor L. Ivy and Matthew J. Wilson 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.
Department of Navy Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $22,000 from United States NavyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Donna L. Brown, age 45, of Millington, Tennessee, pleaded guilty yesterday to a criminal information charging her with theft of government funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
According to the criminal information and statements made in court, Brown was an employee of the United States Department of Navy assigned to the Navy Personnel Command Onboard Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee. Her primary duties included coordinating travel and processing travel reimbursement claims for Navy families of deceased active duty sailors.
Between June 2012 and March 2013, Brown filed approximately 19 false claims for travel reimbursement with the United States Navy using the personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers) of family members of deceased Navy sailors. She then deposited the money that she received from these false claims into banking accounts controlled by her and her family members. The Navy’s investigation revealed that Brown unlawfully collected $22,500.19 from the Navy as a result of the false claims that she filed.
Brown faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
This case was investigated by the United States Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leetra J. Harris on behalf of the government.U.S. Attorney's Office to Co-Host CLE Program Celebrating 50Th Anniversary of Title VIIRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, a Continuing Legal Education program entitled, “Remaking America: 50 Years of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act” will be held at the University of Memphis Cecil Humphreys School of Law on Friday, June 13, 2014, from 11 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
The program, hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Cecil Humphreys School of Law and the National Bar Association, will feature Paulette Brown, President-Elect of the American Bar Association (ABA) as the luncheon speaker and panelist. Ms. Brown is an attorney with Edwards Wildman in Morristown, N.J. If elected, she will be the first woman of color to lead the ABA. Also in attendance will be P. David Lopez, General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Washington, D.C. Other panelists will include federal district judges William J. Haynes, Jr., Brian S. Miller and S. Thomas Anderson, and Tennessee attorneys Donald Donati, Michael Cody, Waverly Crenshaw and Walter Bailey. Attorneys attending the program can receive 4.5 hours of CLE.
As late as the 1960s, it was not uncommon in America to see classified advertisements that openly stated, “White Only,” “Men Only,” “Negroes need not apply,” “No Irish,” “No Jews,” and other equally discriminatory statements. Blacks, women, religious and other minorities were often relegated to the lowest paying and most undesirable jobs.
On July 2, 1964, President Johnson signed Title VII into law. It prohibits discrimination in employment decisions “because of an individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” The bill created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
“America has come a long way since the days of the ‘No Colored’ and ‘No Women’ want-ads. While impermissible discrimination still exists, it does not exist in the open and notorious way that it did prior to 1964. African Americans, women and other minorities have made great strides in obtaining employment opportunities once thought unimaginable,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Title VII’s role in opening opportunities for all of America’s citizens cannot be overstated.”
For information about attending this event, contact Brenda Webber at 901-544-0122.Twelve Indicted in Weakley and Carroll Counties for Charges Related to MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – A federal grand jury returned indictments last month on a dozen individuals alleged to have been involved in the production or distribution of methamphetamine in Weakley and Carroll counties, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
A total of seven indictments were returned charging the following:
Joey Darling, 40, of Martin, TN, with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine manufacturing purposes;
Clayborne Tate, 36, and Amanda Box, 34, both of Greenfield, TN, with one count each of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count each of possession of pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine manufacturing purposes;
Charles Dunning, 30, of Gleason, TN, with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine manufacturing purposes;
Robert Hopgood, 41, of Martin, TN, and Tiffany Prichard, 32, of Greenfield, TN, with one count each of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and one count each of possession of pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine manufacturing purposes;
Joshua Hearn, 29, Brandy Oliver, 27, Carl Davidson, 30, and Brianna Vermillion, 23, all of McKenzie, TN, with two counts each of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine;
Michael Davidson, 44, of Martin, TN, with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and
Vaughn Yarbrough, 44, of Greenfield, TN, with one count of possession of pseudoephedrine for methamphetamine manufacturing purposes.
The potential penalties for each defendant are listed on the attached chart. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is representing the government.# # # #
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Launder Bribes Received in AfghanistanRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jimmy W. Dennis, 44, formerly of Clarksville, TN, and James C. Pittman, 45 of Rossville, GA, have each pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging conspiracy to launder approximately $250,000 in bribe payments received from Afghan contractors in Afghanistan, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Edward L. Stanton III; and United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee William C. Killian.
According to facts revealed in each criminal information and during the respective plea hearings, Dennis, a former First Sergeant with the United States Army, was assigned to the Humanitarian Aid Yard at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. He served as a paying agent from March 2008 until his return to his home base at Fort Campbell, KY.
Together with a Project Purchasing Officer (PPO), Dennis worked as a team to procure supplies from local Afghan contractors. These supplies were used as part of the Commander’s Emergency Response Program for urgent humanitarian relief requirements in Afghanistan.
Soon after he began working as a paying agent, an Afghan interpreter offered Dennis a $10,000 bribe/kickback to accept certain Afghan contractors onto the list of eligible contractors. Dennis accepted the money and later accepted bribe payments from a second interpreter to allow additional vendors onto the list of eligible contractors. Dennis estimated that he personally received about $250,000 in bribes.
Dennis smuggled the money home through the U.S. Mail through a variety of means including sending home “jingle trucks” (colorfully decorated trucks or buses in Afghanistan and Pakistan). Dennis hid the money in the rear compartment of the toy trucks. Dennis also shipped a hope chest containing approximately $100,000 in cash in a concealed compartment.
While on leave, Dennis met with Pittman and asked if he could send the money to Pittman to launder through his landscaping company. Pittman agreed and began sending “salary” checks to Dennis.
Dennis pleaded guilty to the information today in Memphis before U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr and his sentencing is set for September 4, 2014. Pittman pleaded guilty on May 15, 2014 before U.S. Magistrate Judge William B. Carter of the Eastern District of Tennessee for his role in this conspiracy. Both men face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up $500,000, restitution and forfeiture
.
These matters are being investigated by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, the FBI, the Army Criminal Investigative Division, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Trial Attorney Daniel Butler of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frederick Godwin of the Western District of Tennessee and James Brooks of the Eastern District of Tennessee.Chastain Montgomery, Sr. Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Murder of Henning Postal WorkersRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Chastain Montgomery, Sr., 50, of Lavergne, TN, pleaded guilty today to seven federal crimes committed during a six-month spree that included the murders of United States Postal Service employees Paula Robinson and Judy Spray, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; Keith Fixel, Inspector in Charge of the Charlotte Division, United States Postal Inspection Service; and Mark Gwyn, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Montgomery’s sentencing has been set for August 12, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. before Senior U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla. He is facing consecutive life sentences in federal prison without the possibility of parole.
Montgomery’s guilty plea means he will not face the death penalty for his crimes. Had the case gone to trial and Montgomery been found guilty, a second unanimous vote of the jury on the issue of capital punishment would have resulted in a death sentence.
“For the Spray and the Robinson/Croom families, today represents one more step on the road to finding justice for their loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “The callous and unconscionable nature of the murders of these two innocent women and dedicated federal employees illustrates the depravity of these senseless crimes and underscores the importance of ensuring that the defendant can never inflict this type of mayhem again.”
“Millions of Americans see postal workers serving their families as a comforting thought. That makes the senseless murder of two innocent postal employees resonate with our country as a whole and our employees on a deeply personal level,” said Inspector in Charge Fixel. “The safety and security of postal employees is our highest priority and we are thankful for the hard work and dedication of our Inspectors along with the other law enforcement agencies that helped to bring this case to a conclusion.”
“We are grateful for the multi-agency effort that led to Montgomery’s capture and today’s admission of guilt,” said TBI Director Gwyn. “Though it can never fully comfort the families of the two women who died because of his actions, I hope it brings a small sense of comfort and closure to know the man responsible will never go free.”
According to the facts alleged in the superseding indictment and revealed during subsequent hearings, on October 18, 2010, Montgomery, Sr. and his son Chastain Montgomery, Jr. drove from Nashville, TN to Henning, robbed the United States Post Office, and then murdered Sales and Service Associate Robinson and Rural Carrier Associate Spray.
Following their crimes, they returned to Nashville. Eight days later, Montgomery, Jr. stole a Nissan Frontier pick-up truck in Smyrna, TN and used it as the getaway vehicle following their robbery at gunpoint of Southeast Financial Credit Union in Lavergne, TN on October 29, 2010.
One month later on November 29, 2010, the pair stole a Chevy Venture minivan and used it as a getaway vehicle following the robbery at gunpoint of Mid-South Bank in Smyrna, TN.
On February 14, 2011, the pair made plans to leave the Middle Tennessee area. Montgomery, Jr. carjacked a man and stole his Chevrolet pick-up truck, driving it from Nashville to Mason, TN. During the journey he was observed by Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Smothers of the Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, who began a vehicular pursuit.
Chief Deputy Smothers reported that Montgomery, Jr. began driving at an excessive rate of speed and veered into other lanes in what appeared to be an attempt to cause an auto accident. Chief Deputy Smothers was joined in his pursuit by Mason Police Chief J. C. Paris.
When Montgomery, Jr. entered the town of Mason, he exited his vehicle and began shooting at members of law enforcement and innocent civilians outside a nearby market. Chief Deputy Smothers returned fire and struck Montgomery, Jr. who died at the scene.
Law enforcement immediately cordoned off the crime scene and began processing evidence. While doing so, officials noticed Montgomery, Sr. cross the crime scene barrier and begin moving toward the Chevy truck driven by his son. He was taken into custody and transported to the Tipton County Sheriff’s Department. While there, Montgomery, Sr. was interviewed by United States Postal Inspectors and made a full confession to all of his crimes.
Law enforcement confiscated a number of weapons and other items from the Mason crime scene, including the Ruger 9mm pistol and the Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol used to kill Robinson and Spray; a .45 caliber Glock pistol; a .380 pistol; two Mossburg 12 gauge shotguns; a Remington 12 gauge shotgun; a Springfield 9mm pistol; a Rossi .357 Magnum revolver; large amounts of ammunition; ski masks and latex gloves.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Tennessee Highway Patrol; 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant’s Office; the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department; the Tipton County Sheriff’s Department; the Haywood County Sheriff’s Department; the Mason Police Department; the Henning Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Secret Service; the Tennessee Department of Correction; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Lavergne Police Department; the Smyrna Police Department; and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin; Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine Craig; Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Canale; and Capital Case Section Attorney Michael Warbel.Deputy Jailer Pamela Beard Pleads to Providing Information to Felon to Assist Him in Avoiding Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Pamela Beard, a/k/a “Princess,” 43, of Memphis, TN, pleaded guilty today in a one count information to providing information regarding the detention and arrest of individuals in order to assist her husband, John L. Thomas III, in his effort to avoid law enforcement, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham.
According to the facts of the information and details provided during her plea hearing, on or about March 8, 2013 while working as a Shelby County Deputy Jailer One, Beard was asked by Thomas to access law enforcement databases to determine if his co-conspirator Andre Adams, a/k/a Andre Wrister, had been detained by law enforcement officials. At that time, Thomas and Adams were actively involved in the possession and distribution of as much as 500 grams of heroin into the Memphis area on a bi-weekly basis.
“When members of law enforcement violate the laws they have sworn to uphold, it undermines the public’s trust in the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Our office will continue to work at all levels to vigorously root out and pursue anyone who abuses their position of trust.”
“The actions of Ms. Beard are indefensible by any standard and will not be tolerated by this office,” said Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham. “I believe the public will look at this case as an example of one misguided individual and will in no way assume that her behavior is indicative of the responsible, hard-working professionals who make up the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.”
Beard is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson on August 21, 2014 for sentencing. She could receive up to three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French is representing the government.Social Security Claims Representative Sentenced to Twelve Months and One Day for Extortion and BriberyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III announced today that Montrell Levelle Arnold, age 42, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced by United States District Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr., to twelve months and one day in federal prison for bribery and extortion under color of official right. Arnold was also ordered to pay $3,473.54 in restitution to the United States Social Security Administration and to serve two years of supervised release.
According to the Indictment and to information presented in court, on at least five occasions while Arnold was working as a Claims Representative for the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) in Memphis, he offered to “process” purported one-time Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for beneficiaries in exchange for a fee. Several SSI beneficiaries agreed to pay Arnold a fee to process this purported one-time benefit payment, and at least one beneficiary paid Arnold $1,500 in cash.
Once the purported benefit payment had been electronically deposited into a beneficiary’s account, Arnold would then contact the beneficiary by telephone and by text message to confirm receipt of payment and to make arrangements to obtain his “processing fee.”
“Because of his brazen criminal scheme, Arnold now faces a prison sentence and must pay back the money he stole. We will continue to work closely with the SSA to pursue, prosecute, and bring to justice those who use their position of authority to steal from honest American taxpayers,” stated United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
“While employee fraud is rare in SSA’s dedicated work force, the Office of the Inspector General has no higher priority than the investigation and prosecution of those who violate the public trust. I’m grateful that the U.S. Attorney’s office shares our determination to ensure the integrity of SSA’s programs,” said Wayne Warren, Special Agent in Charge, United States Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.
The case was investigated by the United States Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leetra Harris represented the government.Local Attorney Sentenced for Theft from ClientsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Attorney Sharon Anderson, 51, of Oakland, Tennessee, was sentenced to twenty months in federal prison yesterday after pleading guilty in September 2013 to theft from her clients’ trust accounts, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Edward L. Stanton III.
From August 2010 to September 2011, Anderson stole nearly $200,000 from two clients, soliciting them to make what they believed were four separate short-term “hard money” loans for investors purchasing properties and awaiting conventional financing from banks. Anderson provided the victims with fraudulent documents, including settlement statements, notes, and deeds of trust, creating the impression that the victims had issued valid loans for true sales of properties by actual buyers, and that the victims had secured interests in the properties. In one instance, Anderson used the identity of another client as the supposed “buyer” for these nonexistent loans and victimized this additional client by apparently forging the client’s name on the loan documents. In reality, Anderson herself already owned each of the properties for which the victims believed they had made loans. There were no actual loans, no sales, and no buyers. Instead, Anderson used the victims’ money to purchase a $499,500 condominium at the Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama and, apparently, a $725,000 waterfront home in Orange Beach as well as a second condominium at the Caribe Resort.
Over the course of the following three years, Anderson engaged in an ongoing series of communications lying to the victims to lead them to believe that the “buyers” to whom they issued loans were finally going to obtain conventional financing and pay the victims. Anderson told the victims at various times that refinances were “in process,” that she had learned that “a couple of credit glitches” were “being addressed,” and that the property “was sold and is being refinanced.” All of these statements were lies because there were no sales, no buyers, and no loans to be refinanced. Anderson made sporadic interest payments to the victims during this time. As the victims followed up to obtain the payments, Anderson responded with such statements as “Take a breath!!” and made explanations for late payments or nonpayments such as, “I’m out of town and recovering from the flu,” “I didn’t listen to my voicemail at the office on Friday,” “our computers have been on the blink all morning,” I have been tied up all day in closings,” and “[m]y husband . . . is 200 miles out at sea.”
Each of the victims independently caught on to Anderson’s fraud when they checked the website for the register of deeds and realized they had no secured interests in the properties for which they had made loans. After the first victim threatened litigation and a report to the board of professional responsibility, Anderson paid the victim off by stealing additional money from the client trust account for the payoff. After the second victim caught Anderson, they reached an agreement that Anderson would give the victim a second mortgage on her residence at Anderson Farms in Fayette County and that Anderson would sell assets to pay off the loans. Even after the agreement, Anderson continued lying to the victim, concealing her $435,000 sale of one of the Caribe Resort condominiums in July 2013. Finally, after Anderson gave the victim a $26,744 check in November 2013 that bounced, Anderson agreed to satisfy the debt to avoid reporting of the bounced check. The victim accepted a reduced settlement from Anderson to avoid being left at a total loss.
At the sentencing hearing, Anderson asked United States District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays to consider, among other things, her role in her family, her business success, and her role in the Fayette County community, hosting and paying for events such as a Wounded Warriors event at Anderson Farms. The government noted that Anderson’s thefts were not based on any emergency need, but rather for greed. Anderson owns numerous properties, and used the money she stole to buy more. In addition, her failure to repay the victims was not apparently the result of an inability to make repayment but simply because the defendant did not want to. She had the means to host charitable events and owned multiple properties and a yacht.
One victim made a statement at the hearing reflecting the stress Anderson imposed on her. Fifty thousand dollars of the money Anderson stole from the victim came from the victim’s mother, who had gone into a nursing home while the victim was seeking repayment. Even after the victim told Anderson that fifty thousand dollars of the money was her mother’s, and that her mother had entered a nursing home, Anderson did not repay the loss until more than fifteen months later and after the victim threatened to report the bounced check. The victim stated she agreed to a partial repayment because she did not want to risk getting no payment at all. The victim added that she did not believe Anderson ever intended to repay her and that if Anderson wanted to do the right thing, she would have paid the loan in full. The victim expressed the hope that Anderson never be allowed to use her position to harm anyone else in the future.
Anderson’s attorney stated at the sentencing hearing that Anderson has agreed with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility to be disbarred from the practice of law.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fabian represented the government.United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III Names Brian K. Coleman as Civil Rights Unit ChiefRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, has named Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman to lead the district’s Civil Rights Unit.
U.S. Attorney Stanton created the dedicated Civil Rights Unit in February 2011, in order to enhance the ability of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to enforce federal civil rights laws in the Western District of Tennessee. The Civil Rights Unit prosecutes the full spectrum of federal civil rights crimes, including official misconduct, law enforcement corruption, human trafficking, and hate crimes. In addition, fair housing, fair lending, Americans with Disability Act, and Uniform Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act cases continue to remain a priority of the district. The Civil Rights Unit has received national acclaim for its dedicated efforts, including prominent recognition from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice for its distinguished work in combatting human and sex trafficking.
Mr. Coleman has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee since 2008, specializing in public corruption and civil rights cases, including cases involving interstate stalking and criminal activities by members of law enforcement. As Unit Chief, Mr. Coleman will lead the implementation of the Unit’s strategic priorities and manage relationships with key federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and community stakeholders.
“As a state and federal prosecutor for over 11 years, Brian Coleman brings absolute professionalism and a tenacious desire for justice to every case he handles,” said United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III. “I am confident that under his capable leadership, this District’s Civil Rights Unit will continue to work diligently to ensure that all Americans enjoy the rights and freedoms the Constitution guarantees them.”
Former Unit Chief Larry Laurenzi has been appointed to serve as First Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee.Man Convicted of Two Attempted Armed Robberies Faces Minimum of 47 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Robert Drew, 57, of Oakland, TN, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury on two counts of robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and ATF Nashville Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey L. Fulton.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during the four-day trial, on December 7, 2012 Drew used a Rossi .38 caliber revolver in an attempt to rob the KFC restaurant located at 8995 Highway 64, Memphis, TN. He was wearing a blue ski mask and a blue flannel-style jacket. When the cashier ran to the back of the store, Drew left the restaurant empty-handed.
Later that evening, Drew walked into the Hickory Center Market located at 3305 Highway 64, Eads, TN. Wearing the same blue ski mask and blue flannel-style jacket, he pointed the Rossi .38 caliber revolver at the clerk and demanded money. The frightened clerk ran to the back of the store and locked himself in an office. Drew left empty-handed and was apprehended minutes later by officers with the Oakland Police Department hiding in a wooded area within 2000 feet of the store, wearing the same blue mask and jacket.
During a search of the area where the defendant was found, Oakland police recovered the Rossi .38 caliber revolver used during the attempted robberies. Both the clerk at the Hickory Center Market and the cashier from KFC testified that Drew was wearing the same clothing as the robber, and video surveillance footage from both stores confirmed that to be the case.
The jury deliberated approximately two hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. Drew is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes. He faces a minimum of 47 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Any individual brazen enough to enter a business and threaten the lives of innocent people with a firearm is a clear and present danger to our community,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Today, a jury of Mr. Drew’s peers sent an unequivocal message that this conduct will not be tolerated.”
“The success of this investigation is a result of the collaborative efforts of ATF and our local partners,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fulton. “This investigation is more evidence that ATF’s commitment to combating violent crime is unwavering. ATF’s Frontline strategy utilizes every available resource to make our communities a safer place to live.”
This case was investigated by the ATF, the Oakland Police Department, and the Memphis Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Biggers and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow represented the government.Nashville Man Indicted for Mailing Threats to Employee at Covington Area FactoryRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Daniel Puckett, 58, of Nashville, TN, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Memphis on one count of sending threatening interstate communications via the U.S. Postal Service, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the facts of the indictment, on August 9, 2013, Puckett knowingly and willfully mailed an envelope addressed to an employee of Unilever, 2000 U.S. Highway 51, Covington, TN 38019. The letter was mailed from the State of Kentucky. Inside the envelope was a publication of the “Torch,” “Summer 2013, Issue 208.” This publication was circulated by Thomas Robb, national director of the “Knights Party.”
The said publication contained a threat to harm and injure the named employee at Unilever and his family. Specifically, on the front of the publication was hand printed, “we have space for you and your family under a big oak tree!”
On another page of the publication, it was represented that the employee of Unilever was not a member of the “Knights,” but wanted to attend the “National Klan Congress.” If convicted on the sole count of the indictment, Puckett faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000; however, if the incident is judged to be a hate crime, federal sentencing guidelines allow the penalties to be enhanced.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi is representing the government.
U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III established a dedicated Civil Rights Unit in February 2011 to ensure that every individual in the Western District of Tennessee enjoys the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States. The Civil Rights Unit assigns dedicated prosecutors to pursue the full spectrum of federal civil rights crimes, including official misconduct, human trafficking, and hate crimes, as well as law enforcement public corruption cases.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Memphis Women Plead Guilty to Tax Fraud Scheme Using Identities of Deceased PersonsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A tax fraud scheme that featured returns filed on behalf of deceased individuals resulted in a pair of guilty pleas, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
Nakita Brooks, 31, and Cheryl Wright, 30, both of Memphis, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government through the filing of false income tax returns.
According to the facts presented in the indictment and revealed during sentencing hearings, beginning as early as February 2010 through at least November 2011, Brooks and Wright filed hundreds of false returns using the personal identifying information of deceased individuals, including social security numbers.
In addition to filing false returns, Wright and Brooks also set up tax return services using stolen identities as the preparers of the returns. In 2010, the name of the company used to prepare the returns was Rattler’s Tax Pals. In 2011, the name of the company used to prepare the returns was Taxes Express. Three individuals, including a nine-year old girl from Indiana, had their tax information fraudulently listed as the preparers for these companies.
At least $462,619.31 was deposited into accounts under the control of Brooks and Wright. The total loss is estimated to be $1 million to $2.5 million. The conspiracy count carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Brooks will be sentenced on July 11, 2014, and Wright will be sentenced on July 24, 2014. Both will appear before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard represented the government.Memphis Pair Indicted for Half-Million Dollar Mortgage and I.D. Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Marcus Payne, 44, of Memphis, TN, and Booker Smith, 30, of Memphis, TN, were indicted by a federal grand jury on April 16, 2014 on seven counts related to a mortgage fraud and identity theft scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
Payne and Smith were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and bank fraud; two counts of wire fraud; two counts of bank fraud; one count of mail fraud; and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment, between December 2008 and May 2009, Payne and Smith committed multiple acts of bank, wire and mail fraud as part of a scheme to fraudulently enrich themselves, by applying for mortgage loans to purchase residential properties using someone else’s personal identifying information, including social security numbers. As a result of the conspiracy and scheme, more than $500,000 was fraudulently obtained from Fifth Third Bank and CitiBank.
The aggravated identity theft charge carries a penalty of two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence. Each of the other charges carries a penalty of up to 30 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations and the FBI. Assistant U.S Attorney Brian Coleman is representing the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.April 15Th Brings Indictment for Six Women in Identity Theft and Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Six Memphis women were charged today with a total of 41 counts of fraud related to filing false income tax returns and identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and Christopher A. Henry, Special Agent in Charge, Nashville Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigations.
Melissa Harris, age 35; Erin Crutcher, age 27; Angela Jacocks, age 40; Breunca Sutton, age 28; Jennifer Freeman, age 38; and Vivian Sholar, age 34; were indicted for conspiracy to steal government funds, stealing government funds through the filing of false income tax returns, and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, between August 6, 2010 and July 27, 2011, the women unlawfully obtained personal identifying information of victims, including high school students, and used this information to electronically file false federal income tax returns claiming refund amounts. They filed over 800 false returns, and directed over $1,300,000 of the generated refunds into the bank accounts of Crutcher, Jacocks, Sutton, Freeman and Sholar. Each of the conspirators received part of the refunds for their personal benefit and use.
Harris is charged with one count of conspiracy, 20 counts of theft of government funds and 20 counts of aggravated identity theft.
Crutcher, Jacocks, Sutton, Freeman, and Sholar are each charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of theft of government funds and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
The conspiracy charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. The theft of government funds charges carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory two year sentence to be served consecutively.
“The facts as outlined in the indictment insult 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 Stanton. “Anyone who participates in such a scheme should understand there is be a price to be paid and that our office will seek to collect in full.”
“Individuals who commit refund fraud and identity theft of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. IRS Criminal Investigation, along with our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office, remain vigilant in identifying, investigating and prosecuting those individuals who seek to willfully defraud the United States Treasury and show blatant disregard to the harm caused to the victims of their schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Henry.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigative Division. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hall is prosecuting the case for the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Federal State, and, Local Teamwork Nets 38 Indictments for Illegal Prescription Drug Sales, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – At least 28 individuals were arrested today as part of an illegal prescription drug distribution ring, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich.
A federal indictment was unsealed today accusing 15 individuals of money laundering and distribution of Dilaudid and Oxycodone. In addition to those charged federally, General Weirich’s office announced the indictments of 23 individuals on state charges.
The following individuals were charged by a federal grand jury. The potential penalties each one is facing can be found on the chart attached to this release.
Larry Bailey, aka, “Rock”, 30, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Michael Gholson, 45, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid, one count of distribution of Oxycodone, and one count of money laundering.
Melody Hurtault, 37, of Corona, CA, was charged with one count of money laundering.
Willie Jamerson, 52, of Los Angeles, CA, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Corey Jeffries, 40, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Eliado Jimenez, 46, of Los Angeles, CA, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Marissa Lewis, 45, of Las Vegas, NV, was charged with one count of money laundering.
Terrence Moore, aka, “Head”, 36, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Milton Murray, 67, of Los Angeles, CA, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid, one count of distribution of Oxycodone, and one count of money laundering.
Shira Nickerson, 46, of Terrell, TX, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Shelby Robinson, age unknown, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Frederick Scott, 40, of Corona, CA, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid, one count of distribution of Oxycodone, and one count of money laundering.
Marlin White, 32, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Alton Williams, 41, of Memphis, TN, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
Victor Wright, 55, of Atlanta, GA, was charged with one count of distribution of Dilaudid and one count of distribution of Oxycodone.
More than 200 individuals from law enforcement agencies assisted in the early morning takedown, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
This investigation was conducted in conjunction with prosecutors in Memphis as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program, which seeks to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations and related criminal enterprises.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, and the Memphis Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks is representing the government.# # # #
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Bells Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Angel Hernandez, 30, of Bells, TN, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to 188 months in prison following his conviction on one count of possession with intent to distribute 351 grams of ice methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to facts revealed during trial, on March 12, 2013, agents with the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force for the 28th Judicial District, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Jackson Police Department executed a search warrant at the Deerfield Inn in Humboldt, Tennessee.
Hernandez was found in possession of 351 grams of ice methamphetamine. Agents also found a large amount of U.S. currency and other evidence that he intended to distribute the drugs. Agents with the task force testified that due to the purity of the methamphetamine, it had a potential street value of up to $50,000 and could have been distributed to more than one thousand individuals.
In addition to the prison sentence, Hernandez will be required to serve four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA, West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force for the 28th Judicial District, the Milan Police Department, the Humboldt Police Department, and the Jackson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson represented the government.Unanimous Supreme Court Rules for the United States in Criminal Firearms Case from West TennesseeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Today, the United States Supreme Court handed the United States a unanimous victory in United States v. Castleman, a federal criminal case originating in the Western District of Tennessee, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
U.S. Attorney Stanton said, “We are extremely pleased with the Court’s decision. Castleman clarifies the law nationally and restores an important tool in the government’s toolbox. In particular, this decision means that federal prosecutors can continue to seek justice against – and protect victims from – those domestic abusers who arm themselves with firearms, not just in Tennessee but across the nation.”
Procedural history
In 2001, James Castleman was convicted of misdemeanor domestic assault in state court in Carroll County, Tennessee. The state indictment alleged that Castleman intentionally or knowingly caused bodily injury to the mother of his child.
In 2008, law enforcement agents discovered that Castleman and his wife were buying firearms from dealers and selling them on the black market. In August 2009, a federal grand jury in Memphis charged Castleman with two counts of possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence,” in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9).
The district court granted the defendant’s motion to dismiss these federal charges in April 2010, on the basis that defendant’s prior Tennessee domestic assault conviction was not a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence,” as that term is defined in federal law.
The United States appealed, and in September 2012 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling, with each Judge of the divided three-member panel writing separately. The government sought rehearing by the en banc Court of Appeals, but the court declined to reconsider its decision.
In May 2013, the United States filed a petition for a writ of certiorari from the Supreme Court. The Court granted that petition on October 1, 2013. The question presented before the Supreme Court was whether Castleman’s Tennessee conviction for misdemeanor domestic assault by intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to the mother of his child qualifies as a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” under federal law.
The Court’s decision
All nine Justices agreed that a Tennessee conviction for intentionally causing bodily injury to a family member constitutes a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” that triggers the firearms prohibition in § 922(g)(9). Thus, all Justices agreed that the Sixth Circuit’s opinion holding otherwise should be reversed.
In the lead opinion, written by Justice Sotomayor and joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Kennedy, Ginsburg, Breyer, and Kagan, the Court held that the firearms prohibition for those convicted of a “misdemeanor crime of domestic violence” applies to those previously convicted of intentional domestic assault in Tennessee, as well as those convicted nationwide of similar statutes involving “the degree of force that supports a common-law battery conviction.” In part, this is because “‘[d]omestic violence’ is not merely a type of ‘violence’; it is a term of art encompassing acts that one might not characterize as ‘violent’ in a nondomestic context.”
The Court also noted that domestic abuse escalates in severity over time and that many perpetrators of domestic violence are convicted only of misdemeanors, not felonies.
Justice Scalia wrote an opinion concurring in part and concurring in the judgment. Justices Alito and Thomas concurred in the judgment.
The Court remanded Castleman’s case for further proceedings. The government’s prosecution of Castleman in the Western District of Tennessee can now proceed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel French and Criminal Appellate Chief Kevin G. Ritz represented the United States during the proceedings in the lower courts, and they, along with U.S. Attorney Stanton, attended the oral argument at the Supreme Court in January. The Office of the Solicitor General represented the government in the Supreme Court. Assistant to the Solicitor General Melissa Arbus Sherry argued the case for the United States.Federal, State, and Local Effort Yields 41 Indictments for Drugs, Firearms, and Counterfeiting in Obion and Weakley CountiesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – At least 36 individuals were arrested today in Obion and Weakley Counties as part of a combined federal, state, and local investigation of criminal activity in the area, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeff Fulton; and 27th District Attorney General Thomas A. Thomas.
Twelve federal indictments were unsealed today accusing 18 individuals of a variety of charges, including illegal firearm possession, illegal drug trafficking, and counterfeiting. In addition to those charged federally, General Thomas’s office announced 22 indictments were returned naming 23 individuals on state charges.
The following individuals were charged by a federal grand jury. The potential penalties each one is facing can be found on the chart attached to this release.
John Barnett III, 27, of Martin, TN, is charged with three counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine), one count of distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Edwynn Taylor, 28, of Martin, TN, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Charles Macklin, 41, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine), one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (crack cocaine), and one count of distribution of cocaine.
Peter Graves, 36, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Eric West, 24, of Martin, TN, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine and two counts of distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana.
Terrence Carter, 24, of Martin, TN is charged with one count of distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana.
Johnson Davis, 30, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine.
Tony Darnell Edwards, a/k/a Tony Darnell Scott, 41, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and one count of distribution of cocaine.
Emanuel Ray Harris, 36, of Martin, TN, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
James Courtney Shane, 31, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Dante Brock, 33, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Laquinte Ingram, 36, of Union City, TN, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Cedric Jones, 34, of Bradford, TN is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine and one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Cory Gentry, 40, of Union City, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and one count of distribution of cocaine.
Robbin Jones, 34, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and one count of distribution of cocaine.
Ricky Booker, 24, of Martin, TN, is charged with one count of distribution of cocaine.
Anthony Brown, 29, of Martin, TN, is charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine base (crack cocaine).
Christopher Mitchell, 24, and Laura Petty 27, of Union City, TN, are each charged with one count of counterfeiting Federal Reserve Notes.
More than 100 individuals from law enforcement agencies across West Tennessee assisted in the early morning takedown, including FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. Secret Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol, 27th Judicial Drug Task Force, Martin Police Department, Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, Union City Police Department, Obion County Sheriff’s Department, Milan Police Department, Dyersburg Police Department, Jackson Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office SWAT.
This case is being investigated by the ATF, the FBI, the TBI, the Martin Police Department, the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the Union City Police Department, and the Obion County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Vic Ivy, James Powell, and Matt Wilson are representing the government.# # # #
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Group Indicted for Possession of Prescription and Illegal DrugsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Eighteen individuals were named today in an indictment on a variety of charges involving illegal possession of prescription drugs and possession of illegal drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton.
Members of law enforcement from the ATF and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit executed a series of take-downs across Shelby County to apprehend the suspects.The following individuals are alleged to have conspired to distribute prescription drugs:
Marlon Deshone Quarles, a/k/a “Marlon Patterson,” 41, address unknown;
Saul Williams, a/k/a “Jabo,” 37, address unknown;
Victor Quarles, a/k/a “Vic,” 29, Cordova, TN;
Brandon Powell, 26, address unknown;
Zack Patterson, 63, Memphis, TN;
Walter Echols, 31, address unknown;
Maurice Woodard, 26, Memphis, TN;
Christopher Munn, 28, address unknown;
Troy Stephenson, 29, Bartlett, TN;
Antonio Humphries, 32, address unknown;
Bobby Griffin, a/k/a/ “Unc,” 45, address unknown;
Michelle Carlson, 31, Horn Lake, MS;
Jasmine King, 21, address unknown;
Kiara Wright, 22, Memphis, TN;
Latisha Bobo, 26, address unknown; and
Manika Shelby, 22, address unknown.The group is specifically charged with conspiring to do the following:
The following individuals are alleged to have conspired to distribute illegal drugs:
• Possession with intent to distribute oxycodone (Oxycontin), which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 30 years and a fine of up to $2,000,000;
• Possession with intent to distribute morphine, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 30 years and a fine of up to $2,000,000;
• Possession with intent to distribute Meperidine which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 30 years and a fine of up to $2,000,000;
• Possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone (a/k/a “Lortab”, “Lorcet,” “Tussionex.” “Hydromet,” and “Vicodin”), which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000;
• Possession with intent to distribute alprazolam (a/k/a “Xanax,” “Xanax bars,” and “bars”), which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000;
• Possession with intent to distribute lorazepam (a/k/a “Ativan”), which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000; and
• Possession with the intent to distribute Carisoprodol (a/k/a Soma), which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 10 years and a fine of up to $500,0000.
Marlon Deshone Quarles, a/k/a “Marlon Patterson,” 41, address unknown;
Saul Williams, a/k/a “Jabo,” 37, address unknown;
Victor Quarles, a/k/a “Vic,” 29, Cordova, TN;
Tyrone Williams, a/k/a “Ty,” age unknown, address unknown;
Brandon Powell, 26, address unknown;
Maurice Woodard, 26, Memphis, TN;
Christopher Munn, 28, address unknown; and
Jacqueline Chambers, a/k/a “Jackie,” age unknown, address unknown.The group is specifically charged with conspiring to do the following:
• Possession with intent to distribute up to 500 grams of cocaine, which carries a penalty of at least 5 years in prison up to a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be at least 10 years in prison up to life and a fine of up to $8,000,000 and;
• Possession with intent to distribute up to 100 kilograms of marijuana, which carries a penalty of at least 5 years in prison up to a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of
up to $5,000,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be at least 10 years in prison up to life and a fine of up to $8,000,000.
Victor Quarles is also charged with three counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and Christopher Munn is also charged with two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Each charge carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, unless the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, in which case the penalty would be up to 10 years and a fine of up to $500,000.
This case was investigated by the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, which is comprised of members of federal, state, and local law enforcement including the United States Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; the Memphis Police Department; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Whitmore is representing the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Ronnie Jackson Faces up to Life in Prison After Leading Robbery Spree Through Shelby CountyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ronnie Jackson, Jr., 29, of Memphis, TN, faces up to life in prison following his conviction on March 13, 2014, by a federal jury on 12 counts related to a series of robberies in and around Shelby County, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the indictment and facts presented in open court, Jackson and his accomplices robbed three Dollar General Stores, a Family Dollar Store, and two Walgreens drug stores in April and May of 2012. During the last robbery, Jackson and a female accomplice went into the Walgreens at 824 West Poplar Street, Collierville, TN, to case the store. After Jackson and his female accomplice returned to their getaway vehicle, two male accomplices entered the store, forcing approximately 14 customers and five employees to the floor at gunpoint. They ordered the manager to open the safe and took more than $6,000.
One of the victims of the robbery managed to dial 911, and Collierville Police converged on the scene, arriving in time to witness one of the male accomplices attempting to enter the getaway vehicle. Jackson and his female accomplice were taken into custody and the male accomplices were apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
Jackson was convicted on six counts of robbing a business engaged in interstate commerce (also known as “Hobbs Act” robberies), and six counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence. Each robbery carries a penalty of up to 20 years. The first firearms charge carries a penalty of seven years to life in prison and each of the other firearm charges carries a penalty of 25 years to life in prison. All firearms charges must be served consecutively and there is no parole in the federal system. He will be sentenced on June 19, 2014, at 2:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.
This case was investigated by the Safe Streets Task Force, specifically by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Memphis Police Department, and the Collierville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bo Summers represented the government.Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Charge of Desecrating Religious ParaphernaliaRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Justin Shawn Baker, 25, of Jackson, TN, was sentenced to 12 months in prison following his guilty plea of violating the civil rights of students and faculty of the Margolin Hebrew Academy by defacing a Torah and religious prayer books, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to information contained in the indictment and facts revealed during today’s sentencing hearing, on or about January 12, 2013, students and faculty of the Margolin Hebrew Academy were staying overnight at the Doubletree Hotel in Jackson en route to Gatlinburg, TN. While there, they used a meeting room at the hotel to conduct a Sabbath worship service. A Torah, religious books, and musical instruments were left in the meeting room overnight with the intention of continuing worship services on the following morning.
The facts presented today further revealed Baker admitted that while employed as a security guard at the hotel, he discovered the items in the room, and defaced the Torah, the prayer books, and the musical instruments with profanity, anti-Semitic phrases, and Satanic writing. He also admitted to spitting on the Torah. Photographic evidence presented during the hearing confirmed that the Torah was defaced with profanity and phrases including “Hail Satan.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen ordered Baker to pay $9,999.99 in restitution to Margolin Hebrew Academy and to serve one year of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Laurenzi and Trial Attorney Douglas Kern of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.# # # #
James Lee Bishop Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud in One-Count Criminal InformationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – James Lee Bishop, 47, of Memphis, TN, pleaded guilty today to a one-count criminal information charging him with bank fraud against Community Bank in Jackson, TN, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the facts revealed during the plea hearing and alleged in the criminal information, from October 2007 through July 2010, Bishop conspired with Clay McCormack, a closing attorney in Jackson, to produce fraudulent documents as part of a scheme to defraud Community Bank and First South Bank.
Bishop admitted that on or about July 17, 2009, as part of the scheme to defraud Community Bank, a residential loan was closed on a piece of property located at 319 Fairmont, Jackson, TN by McCormack. To further their scheme, McCormack created or directed the creation of a fraudulent HUD-1 showing that the first mortgage to the Bank of Jackson, in the amount of $36,000, was being paid in full.
McCormack ordered a check to be written to the Bank of Jackson in the amount of $36,000, and then on July 20, 2009, McCormack ordered an employee to void the check and instead to write a $36,000 check payable to Bishop, who deposited the check.
On December 8, 2009, McCormack created or directed the creation of a letter to Community Bank. This letter fraudulently advised Community Bank that the bank was now in “a first (1st) mortgage lien against the tract.”
McCormack then allowed Bishop to provide “cash from borrower” in the amount of $8,613.83 through his company, Premier Funding Group LLC. On the HUD-1, McCormack indicated that Cash from Borrower payment had originated from H&H Properties. In this document, McCormack indicated that the payoff of the first mortgage loan to the Bank of Jackson had occurred.
This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis, Jackson Resident Office and by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Henry on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.James Lee Bishop Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud in One-Count Criminal InformationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – James Lee Bishop, 47, of Memphis, TN, pleaded guilty today to a one-count criminal information charging him with bank fraud against Community Bank in Jackson, TN, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the facts revealed during the plea hearing and alleged in the criminal information, from October 2007 through July 2010, Bishop conspired with Clay McCormack, a closing attorney in Jackson, to produce fraudulent documents as part of a scheme to defraud Community Bank and First South Bank.
Bishop admitted that on or about July 17, 2009, as part of the scheme to defraud Community Bank, a residential loan was closed on a piece of property located at 319 Fairmont, Jackson, TN by McCormack. To further their scheme, McCormack created or directed the creation of a fraudulent HUD-1 showing that the first mortgage to the Bank of Jackson, in the amount of $36,000, was being paid in full.
McCormack ordered a check to be written to the Bank of Jackson in the amount of $36,000, and then on July 20, 2009, McCormack ordered an employee to void the check and instead to write a $36,000 check payable to Bishop, who deposited the check.
On December 8, 2009, McCormack created or directed the creation of a letter to Community Bank. This letter fraudulently advised Community Bank that the bank was now in “a first (1st) mortgage lien against the tract.”
McCormack then allowed Bishop to provide “cash from borrower” in the amount of $8,613.83 through his company, Premier Funding Group LLC. On the HUD-1, McCormack indicated that Cash from Borrower payment had originated from H&H Properties. In this document, McCormack indicated that the payoff of the first mortgage loan to the Bank of Jackson had occurred.
This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis, Jackson Resident Office and by the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Henry on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the information are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.Project Safe Neighborhood Program Secures Lengthy Sentences for CarjackersRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joseph Banks, 31, and Lareginald Strong, 31, both of Memphis, TN, were sentenced recently to more than 30 years each in federal prison for their roles in an October 2012 carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to facts revealed during their trials and at sentencing, on October 23, 2012, Banks and Strong approached a man at the carport door to his residence. Banks pointed a firearm at the victim’s head as he walked towards him. After Banks attempted to use an electroshock weapon on the victim while Strong served as a lookout, Banks chased the victim and shot at him. Banks grabbed the keys to the victim’s Lexus GS300, and he and his accomplice Strong fled the scene in the car.
Approximately ten minutes after the carjacking was reported, officers with the Memphis Police Department observed the Lexus GS300 driving on Summer Avenue occupied by Banks and Strong. The defendants refused to stop when ordered to do so and a high speed chase began. After wrecking the vehicle, Banks and Strong were taken into custody. Officers removed clothing matching the description of the robbers and two guns from the car.
Both men were convicted by a federal jury on August 1, 2013 and sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla. Banks was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison for one count of carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Strong was sentenced to 372 months in federal prison for one count of carjacking, one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) Task Force. PSN is composed of representatives from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff ’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives. The PSN task force meets weekly to examine every gun crime committed in Shelby County as well as gun crimes from other counties submitted by the ATF.Memphis Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Sylvia Denise Cathey, 46, of Memphis, TN, was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison following her guilty plea to one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed in open court, Cathey was engaged in a mortgage fraud scheme that utilized third parties as “straw” buyers. As part of her plea agreement, Cathey admitted that on March 22, 2007, she knowingly sent a package of fraudulent documents to Chase Bank USA. She further admitted that on July 12, 2007, $11,517.48 was transferred to her company, Preferred Title and Escrow, as part of another fraudulent transaction.
In addition to the prison sentence, Senior U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla ordered Cathey to serve three years of supervised release, 300 hours of community service, and to either pay a $5,000 dollar fine or make at least $5,000 in restitution to the victims of her scheme.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten represented the government.Former Tennessee Police Officer Sentenced for Assaulting an ArresteeRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Christopher Eugene Reynolds, 39, a former police officer of the Selmer, Tenn., Police Department, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to serve one year and one day in prison following his conviction for violating the civil rights of an arrestee, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
Reynolds pleaded guilty on November 6, 2013. Judge Breen also sentenced Reynolds to a period of two years supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Reynolds admitted that on April 28, 2011, while using his authority as a SPD officer, he slammed a handcuffed arrestee to the floor of the McNairy Regional Hospital and struck him once in the face. According to information presented in court, Reynolds acknowledged that this assault was unreasonable, did not serve a legitimate law enforcement purpose and was not made by accident, mistake or inadvertence.
“Law enforcement officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to enforce,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer used physical force to violate the civil rights of an individual and will now serve prison time, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law.”
This case was investigated by FBI Special Agent Christopher Miller with the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ryan J. Murguía for the Civil Rights Division and Special Litigation Counsel Gerard V. Hogan, with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor L. Ivy for the Western District of Tennessee.Federal-State Partnership Yields Two More Convictions, Three Indictments in Tipton CountyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – The teamwork between the offices of District Attorney General Mike Dunavant and United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III continues to pay dividends to the citizens of the 25th Judicial District.
Recently, Richard Dewalt, 30, of Gates, TN, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays following his guilty plea of possession with intent to distribute dihydrocodinone, a Schedule III controlled substance. Following his prison term, Dewalt must also serve three years of supervised release.
John McPeak, 34, of Drummonds, TN, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays following his guilty plea of possession of precursor materials with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Following his prison term, McPeak must also serve three years of supervised release.
“Because General Dunavant has generously loaned us a prosecutor from his office to work as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, we can more effectively target significant drug dealers and other worst-of-the-worst criminals for prosecution in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “These successful prosecutions demonstrate the benefits of our federal-state partnership.”
“Citizens have a right to be safe in their homes and on the streets of our communities,” said General Dunavant. “I promise that we will use every means at our disposal to get criminals off the streets and behind bars in federal prison where there is no parole.”
In addition, four other individuals were indicted yesterday on the following charges:
Mark Anthony Stephens, 41, of Brighton, TN, was indicted for one count of possession and distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than five years in prison, or not more than 10 years in prison if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses; one count of using a firearm during a drug crime, which carries a penalty of at least five years in prison to be served consecutively to other prison terms; and one count of distributing marijuana within 1000 feet of a public elementary school, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, or if previously convicted, up to 20 years.
Albert Dajaun White, 36, of Covington, TN, was indicted for one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses; one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses; one count of possession and distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than five years in prison, or not more than 10 years in prison if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction; and one count of using a firearm during a drug crime, which carries a penalty of at least five years in prison to be served consecutively to other prison terms.
Freddy Reynolds, Jr., 50, and Pamela Diane Carter, 43, both of Millington, TN, were indicted for one count of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, or up to 30 years in prison if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction; one count of possession of materials to manufacture methamphetamine with intent to do so, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, or up to 20 years in prison if previously convicted; maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison; and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office; and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow represents the government.The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida Man Sentenced to 140Months for Brownsville, Tennessee Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jeffrey Mack Traywick, 48, of Ocala, FL, was sentenced on Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to 140 months in federal prison for the robbery of the First South Bank in Brownsville, TN, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to facts revealed in the indictment and during court hearings, Traywick entered First South Bank on June 28, 2013 and passed a note to a teller demanding money. He also acted in a manner to indicate that he had a gun. He was arrested by members of the Brownsville Police on July 3, 2013.
Traywick pleaded guilty on October 25, 2013. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Breen ordered Traywick to pay $1,450 in restitution to First South Bank and serve two years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by FBI and the Brownsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor L. Ivy represented the government.Cordova Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Identity Theft and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Bryan Gardner, 31, of Cordova, TN, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson to 78 months in federal prison for stealing government funds through the filing of false income tax returns and identity theft, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the Indictment and facts discussed in court, at different times between August 19, 2010 and November 15, 2011, Gardner and other individuals obtained the names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of individuals without their knowledge or consent. He then provided this information to his brother, Jeremy Lasane, and other associates who filed taxes claiming refunds using this information. Gardner and Lasane opened bank accounts and directed the U.S. Department of Treasury Tax refunds associated with the false tax returns to be electronically deposited into these accounts. Over $135,000 of refunds were deposited into Gardner’s accounts.
Lasane was sentenced last year to serve 12 years in prison for a related tax fraud scheme. In addition to the prison sentence, Lasane was ordered to pay over $791,000 in restitution, and his vehicles, including a Maserati and Mercedes-Benz, were forfeited to the United States Government.
In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Anderson ordered Gardner to pay restitution in the amount of $135,595.26.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and IRS-Criminal Investigative Division. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hall on behalf of the government.West Tennessee Round-Up Nets 14 Suspects on Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Law enforcement officials from at least 10 federal, state, and local agencies participated in today’s round-up of individuals indicted for federal drug trafficking violations, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III and Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the FBI A. Todd McCall.
The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson on January 21, 2014, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. The charges in the indictments stem from the illegal activity of selling, manufacturing, and distributing methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The suspects arrested during the operation were:
• Richard Alley, 40, of Hardin County
• Scotty Alley, 41, of Wayne County
• Sherill Douglas, 43, of Henderson County
• Steven Flowers, 41, of Henderson County
• Brandon Frazier, 35, of Wayne County
• Sherry Gilbert, 36, of Henderson County
• Bryant Hart, 43, of Decatur County
• Carol Ann Lee, 38, of Wayne County
• Jamie Pearson, 34, of Henderson County
• Kelvin Pettigrew, 38, of Henderson County
• Bartee Rich, 36, of Hardin County
• Diana Williams, 42, of Hardin County
• Emanuel Lopez, 24, of Tarrant County (Texas)
• Francisco Lopez, 28, (Already In Federal Custody)
During the course of this investigation, law enforcement officials have seized illicit narcotics, including at least 550 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. currency, drug paraphernalia, and at least 70 firearms, which included both handguns and long guns.
Law enforcement agencies participating in today’s round-up include the FBI, the United States Marshals Service, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, Dyersburg Police Department, Henderson County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department.
The case was investigated by members of the FBI’s Memphis Safe Streets Task Force (ME SSTF), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force. The ME SSTF is a FBI sponsored task force comprised of agents from the FBI Memphis Division’s Jackson Resident Agency, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, the Dyersburg Police Department, the Jackson Police Department, and the Lexington Police Department. The ME SSTF focuses on bringing together the combined resources of the FBI and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address violent criminal threats. This investigation is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Beth Hall 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.Former Memphis Patrolman Sean Mcwhirter Sentenced for Transporting Prostitutes to TunicaRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Sean McWhirter, 30, of Memphis, TN, was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison following his guilty plea to one count of transportation of individuals in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution (Mann Act), announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III, and A. Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed during plea and sentencing hearings, on September 13, 2012, while on duty and in his patrol car, McWhirter agreed to transport three women to a location in Tunica, MS for the purpose of prostitution. Subsequently, on September 16, 2012, while off duty, McWhirter delivered two women from Memphis to a hotel in Tunica. Upon entering the room with the women, McWhirter was arrested by Special Agents and Task Force Officers of the FBI. McWhirter was a five-year veteran of the Memphis Police Department who was serving as a patrolman at the time of his arrest.
McWhirter pleaded guilty to the charge on October 7, 2013. In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson ordered McWhirter to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This crime was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Coleman on behalf of the government.Obion County Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Involvement in Large Marijuana GrowoperationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ignacio Lazcano-Acosta, 52, of Obion County, Tennessee was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison for his role in one of the largest marijuana grow operations ever discovered in the state of Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III.
According to the facts alleged in the indictment and revealed in court, on October 11, 2011, deputies with the Obion County Sheriff’s Department discovered a large outdoor marijuana grow encompassing 15 acres of plants that were being grown, harvested and processed for distribution. With the assistance of agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the plants were identified as marijuana, and DEA agents were able to identify Lazcano-Acosta as one of the persons involved with the operation.
Lazcano-Acosta pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 on October 7, 2013 before Chief U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen. There is no parole in the federal prison system.
This crime was investigated by the Obion County Sheriff’s Office, the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Union City Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victor L. Ivy on behalf of the government.