Southern District of Alabama

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that, Jaquail Busby, a 26 year old resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 240 months of incarceration for a carjacking that occurred on January, 5 2017, a carjacking that occurred on April 13, 2017, and separate convictions for possession of a firearm in furtherance of each carjacking. He was also ordered to pay $21,000.00 in restitution to Easy Money Store located on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, Alabama.

According to the factual statement Busby signed in connection with his guilty plea, on January 5, 2017, Busby took by force and threats of death the vehicle of R.W. using a firearm.  Busby and an accomplice followed R.W. around Mobile in a vehicle as she traveled home from work in her Mazda.  At the opportune time, Busby jumped out of the vehicle he was traveling in with a handgun after his vehicle cut in front of the Mazda.  Busby beat on the window with the handgun and told R.W. to unlock the door.  When she hesitated, he fired two shots into the air.  R.W. then opened the door and Busby got into the back seat of the Mazda and told R.W. to drive.  He continued to threaten R.W. as she drove to a local cemetery.  After several hours, Busby told R.W to drive back to her place of employment - Easy Money located on Dauphin Island Parkway – because he intended to steal money from the business.  R.W. complied.  When they arrived at Easy Money, Busby stole approximately $21,000 from R.W. Busby then ordered R.W. to drive him to another location in Mobile and he then exited her vehicle and threw her keys away.  R.W. retrieved the keys and called the police.   

On April 13, 2017, Jaquail Busby and Calvin Harris devised a plan to steal money from Easy Money, a local title loan business.  The plan included using an unknowing employee of the business.  Later that day, J. P. (Easy Money employee/ victim) left Easy Money, located at 7740 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL at about 9:00pm, got into her vehicle for the drive home.  Unbeknownst to her, Harris and Busby were following her in Harris’ vehicle.  After she had been driving about 15 minutes, Harris drove his vehicle around in front of J. P’s. vehicle and positioned it to where she had to stop or hit Harris’ vehicle.  She chose to stop. 
Busby then exited the vehicle and beat on her window with a firearm, telling J. P. to open the door.  When she complied, Busby then told the victim to get out of the car, then ordered her back in the car, and Busby got in the rear driver side seat.  Harris then sped away.  As J. P. drove slowly on the city streets, Busby fired a shot out the window and told her to drive the speed limit.  Busby forced J. P. to drive into an old cemetery.  Busby told her to pull to the back and park facing out.

Busby then told J. P. to call her husband and tell him that she was staying with her mother. J. P. told Busby that if she called her husband, he would not believe her and Busby became angry and fired a second shot in the air.   Busby then told J. P. to call her husband and tell him that she had to stay with her mother.  Busby told J. P. that if she did not make the call that his associates would kill everyone there including her grandchild.  Busby communicated with Harris via cell phone and told Harris to shoot anyone who came to the house.  J. P. stated that throughout the night she kept praying that Busby would not kill her and tried to talk to him in an attempt to keep him calm. 

At approximately 6:30am the next day, J. P. and Busby left the cemetery and drove back to Easy Money.  During the drive, Busby and Harris communicated again and this time via text messages.  In the text messages, Busby sought confirmation that the coast was clear to return to the business and steal the approximately $12,000 that was in the safe.  Harris confirmed in return text messages that he would be positioned outside of Easy Money looking out to make sure no police were in sight.   When they arrived, Busby told J. P. that they were going to sit outside until 7:00am because he knew that's what time she had to be in the store and that was 30 minutes before the timer on the safe would unlock.       At 7:00am, Busby told J.P. to go inside and sit at the desk directly in front of where they parked so he could watch her.

At approximately 7:25am, J. P.’s co-worker, B. J. (the second victim) arrived at the location and was confronted by Busby who forced her inside at gunpoint and then made both of them go into the room where the safe was located.  Once inside the room, Busby realized that he did not have his cellphone to communicate with Harris so he told J. P. to go get it from her vehicle.  Busby told J. P. if she did anything funny he would blow B. J.’s brains out.  When J. P. walked outside, a police car simultaneously pulled in the parking lot so she ran over to the vehicle and began explaining to an officer what was happening.  Busby saw the police outside, and fled the scene in J. P.’s vehicle leaving the gun in his haste.  A K9 Officer was dispatched to the location to track Busby.  Busby was located a short time later hiding under a house.  He was arrested and confessed giving written permission to search his cell phone Texts on his cell phone between he and Harris discussing the robbery and kidnapping were located.  Busby pled guilty on January 25, 2018.    

Officers of the Mobile, AL Police Department along with special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
 

WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar III, announced today the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action involving 601 charged defendants across 58 federal districts, including 165 doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving more than $2 billion in false billings.  Of those charged, 162 defendants, including 76 doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics.  Thirty state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests.  In addition, HHS announced today that from July 2017 to the present, it has excluded 2,700 individuals from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs, which includes 587 providers excluded for conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse.

Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Azar were joined in the announcement by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Deputy Director David L. Bowdich of the FBI, Assistant Administrator John Martin of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Deputy Inspector General Gary Cantrell of the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), Deputy Chief Eric Hylton of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Program Integrity Alec Alexander and Director Dermot F. O’Reilly of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) partners, a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG.  In addition, the operation includes the participation of the DEA, DCIS, IRS-CI, Department of Labor, other various federal law enforcement agencies, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units. 
The charges announced today aggressively target schemes billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and private insurance companies for medically unnecessary prescription drugs and compounded medications that often were never even purchased and/or distributed to beneficiaries.  The charges also involve individuals contributing to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on medical professionals involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department.  According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.  

“Health care fraud is a betrayal of vulnerable patients, and often it is theft from the taxpayer,” said Attorney General Sessions.  “In many cases, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists take advantage of people suffering from drug addiction in order to line their pockets. These are despicable crimes. That’s why this Department of Justice has taken historic new steps to go after fraudsters, including hiring more prosecutors and leveraging the power of data analytics. Today the Department of Justice is announcing the largest health care fraud enforcement action in American history.  This is the most fraud, the most defendants, and the most doctors ever charged in a single operation—and we have evidence that our ongoing work has stopped or prevented billions of dollars’ worth of fraud. I want to thank our fabulous partners with the FBI, DEA, our Health Care Fraud task forces, HHS, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Medicare, and especially the more than 1,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers from across America who made this possible. By every measure we are more effective at finding and prosecuting medical fraud than ever.”

 “We will continue to prosecute criminal acts that contribute to the opioid abuse crisis and that undermine our healthcare system in our district,” said Richard W. Moore, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama.  “We have skilled prosecutors and diligent special agents who know how to present these cases to juries who we will ask to convict these defendants.”

 “The abuse of prescription drugs remains a significant problem in communities across the nation, to include Alabama.  For the health and safety of our citizens, DEA will continue to target the illegal diversion of these pharmaceuticals, which can destroy lives.  We hope that these indictments and arrest will serve as a reminder to anyone who might illegally divert pharmaceuticals that they will be held accountable for the harm they cause,” said Stephen G. Azzam, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Orleans Field Division.

“DEA is committed to ending the opioid crisis occurring in our communities and preventing prescription drug misuse,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Martin.  “DEA will continue to work with our partners every day to protect our citizens while ensuring that patients have adequate access to these critical medications.”

Nine defendants were arrested this week in the Southern District of Alabama for their roles in the unlawful distribution of opioids.  They were charged with the distributions of controlled substances to include, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, OxyContin, or Fentanyl.  Three of the defendants are from Selma and the remaining six are from Mobile.

A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Willie James Tunstall, 36, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, was sentenced this morning to 100 months’ imprisonment on gun and drug charges.  Court documents show that Tunstall was involved in the distribution of crack cocaine and cocaine powder, and that he was also a convicted felon who was caught with a gun by law enforcement officers on one occasion.  Investigators also conducted some controlled purchases of drugs from Tunstall, and when they attempted to arrest him on those charges, he led officers on a high speed chase down Highway 98 and into the Daphmont community in Daphne.  Tunstall abandoned his vehicle and attempted to hide in an adjacent wooded area, but officers located him and some cocaine and crack cocaine he attempted to conceal in the underbrush.  The investigation reflected that Tunstall was involved in the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, Xanax, Lortab, codeine syrup and methamphetamine ice.  Tunstall pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm in January of 2018.

 United States District Court Judge William Steele sentenced Tunstall to 100 months’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently, noting that Tunstall had significant criminal history.  Tunstall was also ordered to undergo drug and alcohol treatment and counseling while serving his sentence.  The judge also ordered that Tunstall serve a six-year term of supervised release when he is discharged from his custody sentence, during which he will undergo further drug and alcohol abuse treatment.  Williams was also ordered to pay $200 in mandatory special assessments, but no fine was imposed. 

 The case was investigated by the Daphne Police Department, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United Sates Attorney Gloria Bedwell. 

 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Jose Luis Alonso DeLeon has pled guilty to an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, a violation of 18 USC Section 922(g), which carries a maximum penalty of up to ten years imprisonment and three years of supervised release; and illegal reentry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment and one year of supervised release. 

 DeLeon is scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Judge William Steele on September 21, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. 

 As part of the factual resume for the guilty plea, the United States established that on March 25, 2018, officers of the Fairhope, Alabama Police Department encountered Jose Luis Alonso DeLeon at the laundromat located at 139 Baldwin Square Shopping Center in Fairhope.  Officers were in the area looking for a maroon truck that had just struck and killed a bicyclist moments before.
 
 DeLeon was still sitting behind the steering wheel in the truck.  The officer located a Mexican driver’s license in DeLeon’s pocket. 

 Corporal Rada of the FPD observed a firearm lying in plain view on the front passenger floorboard of the truck.  Corporal Rada recovered the firearm and identified it as a Glock model 26 9mm pistol.   

As part of the Court proceedings, DeLeon admitted that he is a citizen of Mexico and that he was in the United States without permission.  Investigation revealed that on March 25, 2014, he was found in the United States and was ordered removed.  He departed on March 27, 2014 from Laredo, Texas Port of Entry.  He had also been encountered in the United States by the Border Patrol on May 5, 1999; February 28, 2000; March 19, 2000; March 24, 2014; March 25, 2014; and April 24, 2014.

 After the April 24, 2014 encounter he was charged with violating Title 8 U.S.C. 1325, entry without inspection.  He pled guilty and served 30 days imprisonment.   

 Although these charges arose on the same date as DeLeon’s pending charges with District Attorney Bob Wilters in Baldwin County, they are separate from the Alabama state charges of manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.  DeLeon is charged in state court with causing the death of Amy Hawkins who was riding her bicycle in the northbound lane of County Road 13 in Fairhope, Alabama on March 25, 2018.  

 This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives; the Fairhope Police Department; and ALEA.  This case is being prosecuted by AUSA Maria E. Murphy.

 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Jason Edward Barber, 31, a resident of Thomaston and Uniontown, Alabama, to 56 months imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The judge ordered that Barber undergo three years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment.  The judge also recommended that Barber receive comprehensive substance abuse treatment while incarcerated. 

Barber is a convicted felon with prior drug convictions.  For example, on July 22, 2013 he was convicted of Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance in the Circuit Court of Perry County, Alabama.  As a convicted felon, Barber is prohibited by federal law from knowingly possessing a firearm.  
           
On March 24, 2017, a Uniontown Police Department lieutenant obtained a state warrant to search Barber’s residence in Uniontown.  The lieutenant had used a confidential informant to purchase drugs from Barber at the home, providing probable cause for the warrant.       

On March 26, 2017, law enforcement officials executed the warrant at the premises.  During the search, officials found approximately $778 in cash in Barber’s bedroom, two Smith & Wesson magazines loaded with ammunition, and one .38 caliber Rossi revolver.  Officials found the firearm beside Barber’s bed.  Moreover, agents found approximately 431.5 grams of marijuana and approximately 57.8 grams of cocaine in the trunk of a vehicle adjacent to the residence.  The vehicle was previously driven by Barber, who was at the home at the time of the search.

In December 2017, Barber was arrested on a federal criminal complaint.  On December 27, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Barber on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On February 21, 2018, a federal grand jury for the district returned a superseding indictment, adding two drug charges against Barber.  On March 8, 2018, Barber pleaded guilty before Judge Steele to the gun charge.       

Jason Barber is the brother of Gerald Barber, who was convicted on drug charges in January 2018 after a federal jury trial in Selma, Alabama and who later received a 120-month prison sentence. 

 The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Uniontown Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.                 

 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/  

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Chief United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Rassan M. Tarabein, 58, a former neurologist residing in Fairhope, Alabama, to 60 months imprisonment in a health care fraud case.  The judge ordered that Tarabein pay restitution totaling $15,010,682 to six different health care benefit programs, including Medicare and the Alabama Medicaid Agency.  The judge also ordered Tarabein to undergo one year of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment. 

Tarabein previously operated the Eastern Shore Neurology and Pain Center, a private clinic in Daphne, Alabama where he offered services relating to neurology and pain management, such as spinal injections.  He had advertised himself as a “World Leading Physician” on his clinic’s website.   

On June 28, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama returned a 22–count superseding indictment against Tarabein, charging him with health care fraud, making false statements relating to health care matters, lying to a federal agent, unlawfully distributing schedule II controlled substances, and money laundering.  He was arrested two days later at Mobile Regional Airport en route to the Middle East and taken to federal district court in Mobile, Alabama for an initial appearance.      

On August 31, 2017, Tarabein pleaded guilty before Chief Judge DuBose to one count of health care fraud and one count of unlawful distribution of a schedule II controlled substance.  As part of his guilty plea, Tarabein admitted that from around 2004 to May 2017, he ran an insurance scam in which he induced patients to visit his clinic so that he could bill health care benefit programs for medically unnecessary tests and procedures.  The purpose of Tarabein’s admitted scheme was to maximize personal financial gain by fraudulently seeking payments from health care benefit programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna HealthSpring, and other private insurers.  In pleading guilty, Tarabein acknowledged that he violated the traditional standards of medical care in numerous ways.  For example, Tarabein admitted to:

• Administering unnecessary injections and attempting to inject patients in places where they were not experiencing pain.
• Telling patients that they had to receive spinal procedures and diagnostic testing in order to receive prescriptions for controlled substances.
• Using improper medical techniques and equipment in performing procedures.
• Failing to provide informed consent to patients about procedures.
• Superimposing his patients’ electronic signatures onto forms that indicated that his patients were waiving their right to monitoring “against medical advice.”
• Failing to monitor his patients’ vital signs during and after procedures, putting them at risk for complications.
• Spending little time with patients to maximize billings.
• Discriminating against Alabama Medicaid patients in services rendered, including by singling out certain Alabama Medicaid patients to receive spinal injections in regular exam rooms – as opposed to the fluoroscope procedure room – without imaging guidance if he was behind schedule.
• Fraudulently documenting patient records, including by falsifying records to describe procedures that were at times anatomically impossible to execute and by falsely recording the use of imaging guidance.
• Submitting false claims to insurance companies and inflating billing codes.
• Failing to properly train his clinic’s employees about best medical practices, such as sterility and accurate record keeping.
• Issuing prescriptions for controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice, including by relying on pre-signing blank prescriptions when outside the United States to prescribe opioids.
• Disregarding audits and regulatory actions. 

During Tarabein’s health care fraud scheme, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and several health care benefit programs had repeatedly placed Tarabein on notice, both verbally and in writing, for shortcomings in his medical practice, such as performing unnecessary procedures and prescribing controlled substances for no legitimate medical purpose.  Despite receiving multiple warnings and reprimands, Tarabein persisted in his offense conduct for years and made millions of dollars in the process.     

As a result of his felony convictions, Tarabein is prohibited from practicing medicine and prescribing controlled substances in the United States.  Moreover, he has agreed to forfeit numerous properties in connection with his health care fraud scheme.  These assets include:

• $3,717,249.73 seized by law enforcement officials who executed warrants on eight financial accounts in June 2017.
• $287,983.25 in cash seized by officials while executing a search warrant at Tarabein’s home in October 2016.
• Eight real estate properties.  Six of these properties were previously sold to generate funds for restitution to financial victims, netting around $1,639,652.36. 

Upon completion of the forfeiture process, the United States will request that the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section direct that all forfeited and liquidated assets be restored to the crime victims to provide them as much restitution as possible. 

Several of Tarabein’s former patients spoke at today’s sentencing hearing.  They described to Chief Judge DuBose the lingering physical and emotional impact of the treatment they received from Tarabein at his clinic.  One patient told the judge, “Dr. Tarabein can forget me, but his name is etched in my mind the rest of my life.”  Referring to Tarabein, this patient also noted, “No matter how much time in prison he gets, I am imprisoned in this body.”  Another former patient who received spinal injections from Tarabein said in court, “He ruined my life for the rest of my life.”  The patient went on to remark, “I feel sorry he let his greed take people’s lives.”  A third patient victim portrayed Tarabein as a disgrace upon the medical profession.

Dr. Tarabein also briefly addressed the court at sentencing.  He told the judge, “My American dream came to a complete end, as did my career as a doctor.”

Tarabein has a related state case pending in Montgomery County, Alabama.  On June 16, 2017, a state grand jury returned a 2­–count indictment against Tarabein, charging him with Medicaid fraud and theft of property in the first degree, each a felony offense.  On September 19, 2017, Tarabein pleaded guilty in state court to Medicaid fraud.  His expected sentencing date in that case is June 28, 2018.              

United States Attorney Moore stated, “Medical professionals must be trustworthy.  When they mistreat their patients and break the law, they must be held to account.  In this case, the defendant stole millions of dollars from health care benefit programs and sacrificed the health of his patients for greed.  I thank all the investigators for their hard work for helping to bring this defendant to justice and protecting the public safety.  Health care fraud and opioid abuse continue to have a devastating impact on our communities, both locally and nationwide.  Our office’s prosecution of Dr. Tarabein is an example of the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to combating health care fraud and our country’s opioid epidemic.”            

“This doctor’s actions demonstrate an appalling abuse of his patients’ trust and callous exploitation of their medical conditions to cheat health care and insurance agencies out of millions of dollars,” said Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. “I am proud of the work by my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), to bring Tarabein to justice and am pleased that he has been held to account with this prison sentence and order to pay restitution for his crimes.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge, James Jewell, stated, “The FBI is dedicated to identifying and assisting in the prosecution of doctors that clearly take advantage of the medical system.  This case shows that the law enforcement community in the State of Alabama will work together to bring these corrupt caregivers to justice.”

“Rassan Tarabein took an oath to serve humanity as a medical professional and decided to violate that oath and his duty by choosing to unlawfully distribute prescription drugs and commit health care fraud for one sole purpose – greed.   His disgraceful conduct is part of the massive opioid epidemic Alabama and the entire nation is facing today.  Let this sentence be a message to all that DEA will continue to pursue, arrest, and prosecute drug traffickers of every type, including rouge medical professionals.  We will continue to work with all of our law enforcement and community partners in an effort to combat this opioid epidemic and keep our communities safe,” stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bret Hamilton.  

“Schemes such as this deprive federal health care programs of the ability to deliver quality care and ultimately cheat patients out of vital taxpayer-funded programs,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  “The OIG continues to emphasize the investigation of unscrupulous providers who put their own financial gain above that of the health of their patients.”

The FBI, DEA, OIG, and Alabama Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the federal case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the federal case.  Assistant Attorney General Bruce M. Lieberman is prosecuting the state case.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Eddie Garcia, 33, a resident of Kern County, California, to 33 months imprisonment in an identification theft case.  The judge ordered that Garcia undergo three years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, receive substance abuse treatment, and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment.  Garcia has an extensive criminal history, which includes offenses involving theft, burglary, and narcotics.      

On March 31, 2016, K.Q. tried to buy items using a payment card.  When the card was denied, K.Q. called The First, a Mississippi-based bank, to determine why the card was not working.  The bank said that someone (later determined to be Garcia) had used a card issued to K.Q. at the Cougar Oil gas station in Foley, Alabama and had also bought something from Google.  Both charges occurred on March 31, 2016 and were successful.  Moreover, the bank told K.Q. that someone had tried (unsuccessfully) to use the card at Wendy’s in Foley and had also tried (unsuccessfully) to use the card at the Magnolia Springs Speedway gas station.  K.Q. had never received the card in question in the mail and suspected it was taken from K.Q.’s mailbox and unlawfully activated.  The First issued the payment card to K.Q. on March 23.  Since the card contained a chip, whomever called to activate the card presumably knew K.Q.’s social security number.

Investigators determined that from around March 2016 through around April 2016, Garcia schemed to defraud K.Q. for his own personal gain.  Garcia fraudulently obtained and opened mail not belonging to him, including a letter sent by Capitol One to K.Q. dated March 25, 2016.  As part of his scheme, Garcia fraudulently possessed and used K.Q.’s payment card without K.Q.’s knowledge or authorization.  For example, around April 1, 2016 Garcia used the card to engage in a financial transaction for around $50.80 at Walmart in Foley, Alabama.  Video surveillance obtained from Walmart showed Garcia swiping the stolen card in an attempt to purchase a pre-paid telephone card.  The charge was eventually declined. 

On October 26, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Garcia on three counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of postal theft.  On February 15, 2018, Garcia pleaded guilty before Judge Steele to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.   

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Justin Parker of Monroeville, Alabama was sentenced today after earlier pleading guilty to a violation of 18 USC Section 922(g), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, in two separate cases.

White was sentenced to serve 71 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release in each case concurrently.

According to the facts Parker admitted in his guilty plea, this case arose when the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Parker for shooting a man on September 3, 2017.  After learning that Parker had been convicted of unlawful distribution of narcotics in 2011 and was prohibited from possessing a firearm, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was asked to assist in investigating a federal case.

In the interim, Parker was released on bond on the state charges.  On September 28, 2017, Officers of the Monroeville Police Department executed a narcotics search warrant on a residence and found Parker present at the home and in possession of another firearm. 

Chief United States District Judge Kristi Dubose determined that because of the need to protect the community and the defendant’s disrespect for the law, a sentence at the high end of the federal sentencing guidelines, or 71 months imprisonment, was required. 

 This case was investigated by the Monroeville Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by AUSA Maria E. Murphy.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that William Coleman, a 31 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 164 months of incarceration and ordered to pay $582.00 in restitution followed by five years of supervised release for the armed robbery of a local retail business.

According to the facts Coleman admitted as part of his guilty plea, on August 8, 2017, Coleman entered the Advance America, located at 28841 Hwy 98, Unit-D, Daphne, Alabama 36526, which was a payday loan business engaged in interstate commerce, and was conducting business in an industry that affects interstate commerce.  He was wearing a blue plaid shirt, blue pants and a blue ball cap.  Coleman asked an employee for a title loan for his car.  The employee told him they did not do those kinds of loans.  Next, Coleman pulled out a pistol and demanded the money from the counter drawer.  The employee complied and gave Coleman the approximately $480.00 in the drawer.  Coleman then asked the employee where the safe was located.  The employee took Coleman to the safe that was located in the rear area of the store, opened the safe and gave Coleman the approximately $100.00 from the safe.  Coleman then ordered the employee into the bathroom and told her to close the door, which she did.  Coleman fled the scene.  After approximately five minutes, the employee left the bathroom and called the police.  Coleman pled guilty on February 22, 2018.

Officers of the Daphne, Alabama Police Department along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutors assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Gerald Johnson, a 25 year old, resident of Demopolis, Alabama was sentenced to 42 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of ammunition after being convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony, on July 16, 2012.

On October 25, 2017, a Demopolis Police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Johnson was driving for a traffic infraction. Johnson refused to stop and instead attempted to flee and avoid the stop. Johnson drove recklessly through the city for a few minutes then stopped the vehicle jumped out and fled into a nearby house. The officer followed Johnson into the house and apprehended him. Johnson was searched incident to arrest and ammunition was seized from his pocket. Johnson pled guilty on January 25, 2018.

The Demopolis, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The prosecutors assigned to the case were Assistant United States Attorneys Gina S. Vann and Lawrence Bullard.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Chief United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Marcus Dooms, 32, a resident of Mobile, Alabama and Houston, Texas, to 120 months imprisonment for trafficking cocaine.  The judge ordered that Dooms undergo four years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, receive substance abuse testing and treatment, and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment. 

On November 22, 2016, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Marcus Dooms, his mother Ann Dooms, and co-defendant Ashley Newton for conspiring to distribute cocaine.  On August 23, 2017, Marcus Dooms pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.  Earlier, Ann Dooms and Ashley Newton pleaded guilty and were sentenced to jail for the offense.    

Around 12:52am on January 6, 2016, Louisiana State Police Senior Trooper Ryan Zimmerman stopped a 2004 Toyota Camry at mile marker 38 eastbound on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish for a traffic violation.  The driver and registered owner of the vehicle, Ashley Newton, said she was traveling from Houston, Texas to Mobile, Alabama.  A consensual search of the vehicle revealed a total of approximately 2.96 kilograms of cocaine inside a blue Swiss Gear backpack behind the right front seat. 

On January 6, 2016, Newton was questioned by Louisiana State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration agents about drug trafficking.  Newton said she would get a call from Ann Dooms, meet her at a location away from her house in Mobile, and retrieve a bag of money.  Newton said she would then take the money to Marcus Dooms in Houston.  Newton said she would meet Marcus Dooms at a predetermined location -- usually a gas station in Houston -- to give him the money.  Marcus Dooms would then take the money and call Newton later that day to pick up the cocaine for her to transport back to Mobile.  Newton said she delivered the cocaine to Ann Dooms’s house in Mobile and other locations in Mobile. 
 
On January 6, 2016, law enforcement officials interviewed Ann Dooms.  She said she would contact her son in Houston, Marcus Dooms, once she had the cocaine.  Ann Dooms said that Marcus Dooms would call local dealers in Mobile, who would then come to her house and retrieve the cocaine.  Ann Dooms said she had distributed cocaine at least three or four times over the past few months.  Ann Dooms said she collected money from drug dealers.  Once she had the money, she would then contact Ashley Newton, who would then meet Ann Dooms and take the money to Marcus Dooms in Houston. 

On January 6, 2016, law enforcement officials contacted Marcus Dooms.  He gave the name of his drug dealer contact in Mobile.  Marcus Dooms said Newton brought him approximately $85,000 and that he, in turn, gave the money to his supplier.

Currently, Marcus Dooms faces state charges in an unrelated criminal case in Mobile County for allegedly trafficking heroin, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking cocaine, possession / receiving a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in the first degree, receiving stolen property in the third degree, and use / possession of drug paraphernalia.    

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the federal case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Chief United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose sentenced Gerald Barber, 40, a resident of Marengo County, Alabama, to 120 months imprisonment in a crack cocaine case.  The judge ordered that Barber undergo eight years of supervised release after finishing his term of imprisonment, receive substance abuse testing and treatment, and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment.  He has five prior felony drug convictions.           

On August 31, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Barber on one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  On November 28, 2017, a federal grand jury for the district returned a superseding indictment against Barber, charging him with two counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  On January 24, 2018, a federal jury in Selma, Alabama found Barber guilty on both counts.  Chief Judge DuBose presided over the jury trial, which started on January 23, 2018.

At trial, the jury heard evidence that in the early morning of March 11, 2017, Barber, aka “G-Money,” was driving a white 2002 Chevrolet Blazer in Camden, Alabama when Camden Police Officer John Ferguson pulled the vehicle over for speeding and having no tag light.  Barber had no identification, proof of insurance, license, or registration.  He lied to the officer about his identity.  Officer Ferguson noticed that Barber was visibly nervous and saw traces of a green leafy substance in the vehicle.  Officer Ferguson called for backup, patted down Barber outside the Chevrolet Blazer for officer safety and possible narcotics, and found an “eight-ball” of crack cocaine concealed underneath Barber’s shorts.  Officer Ferguson arrested Barber and transported him to the Prince Arnold Detention Center in Wilcox County.  At the jail, the defendant falsely identified himself and signed a waiver of counsel form in his brother’s name.  

The jury also heard evidence that in the afternoon of April 12, 2017, Uniontown Chief of Police Willie Walton was on routine patrol in Uniontown, Alabama when he saw an individual standing by the driver’s side window of a white Chevrolet Blazer on Johnson Street.  Chief Walton testified that he recognized the individual as a crack cocaine addict and was suspicious of a drug sale between the individual and the vehicle’s driver.  Barber was driving the same Chevrolet Blazer.  A passenger was also inside.  As Chief Walton approached, the individual ran away and the Chevrolet Blazer sped off.  Chief Walton activated his lights and sirens and tried to stop the vehicle, which had an expired tag.
 
A high-speed chase ensued, which at times reached 70 - 80 miles per hour.  During the chase, Chief Walton saw an unidentified object (never recovered) thrown out the vehicle’s driver’s side window on Washington Street.  Barber tried to evade Chief Walton by racing up Martin Luther King Drive in a residential area where children were playing.  As Chief Walton pursued, Barber made a left turn onto Lucian Street and threw approximately $8,000 worth of crack cocaine out the driver’s side window.  The narcotics landed on the front lawn of a home on Lucian Street.  Chief Walton continued to pursue the fleeing vehicle and radioed dispatch.  Uniontown Police Department Sergeant Nash Gipson responded and set up a roadblock.  Barber almost collided with Sgt. Gipson.  The chase ended shortly thereafter on Franklin Street. 

Chief Walton and Sgt. Gipson arrested Barber outside his vehicle.  Chief Walton testified that he saw a “crack rock” in the driver’s seat where Barber had been sitting and that Barber shouted an expletive upon his arrest, yelling, “I’ve got more money than all y’all m*****f****** out there!”  Chief Walton also told the jury that Barber appeared high, his mouth was foaming, and pieces of crack cocaine appeared to be in his mouth. 

The passenger, whom the police had detained for officer safety, said that Barber threw a black bag out of the vehicle during the chase.  With the passenger’s help, police found the bag at Lucian Street.  Chief Walton examined it and found sixteen plastic baggies containing roughly 80.8 grams of crack cocaine in varying quantities.  When Chief Walton later searched Barber’s Chevrolet Blazer, he found two digital scales, two Pyrex measuring glasses, one Toastmaster hand mixer, and two mixer attachments, all containing cocaine residue.      

 The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Uniontown Police Department, and the Camden Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sinan Kalayoglu and George F. May prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Alan Eric Grime, a 27 year old resident of Loxley, Alabama was sentenced to 30 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a .45 caliber pistol after being convicted of Theft of Property, 1st Degree, a felony, on June 6, 2014.

On September 25, 2017, Fairhope, Alabama police officers responded to a bus stop after someone complained of a suspicious person at that location. The complainant gave a description of the person he/she was concerned about. When officers arrived at the bus stop, they saw a man fitting that description and they approached him to investigate. It was Grime. He was nervous and told the officers he was a felon recently released from prison. One officer then looked at the bus stop sitting area and saw a .45 caliber pistol. Grime was then handcuffed. Next, officers received consent from Grime to take items from his pocket. Approximately 16 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition was seized from his pocket. Grime was then read his Miranda Rights which he waived. Grime then told the officers that he borrowed the firearm from a friend who lives in Foley because he was afraid. Grime pled guilty on January 17, 2018.

Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with officers of the Fairhope, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Court Senior Judge Callie V. S. Granade sentenced Joseph W. Rohe, Jr. to 117 months (defendant given 3 months credit for the time served in jail since his trial) in prison on April 4, 2018, for the crime of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (a felon), a violation of Title 18 U.S.C. section 922(g)(1). Rohe’s sentence was the maximum permitted by law.

On August 8, 2017, the Baldwin County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Rohe’s residence in Foley, Alabama, in search of narcotics. Members of the Task Force located nine firearms, in addition to controlled substances and other drug paraphernalia, inside the residence with Rohe. The guns ranged from handguns to shotguns and assault-style rifles. Police were able to determine that all of the firearms had been reported stolen.

Rohe was on probation at the time of his arrest, and had previously been convicted for the felony offense of Manufacturing a Controlled Substance in Baldwin County in 2013.

The Baldwin County Task Force, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay Minette Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mobile Field Office all contributed in the investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the Southern District of Alabama.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Gregory Owens, a 55 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 121 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release for a bank robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, bank robbery.

On September 14, 2017, Owens entered the Hancock Bank located at 2110 Demetropolis Road, Mobile, Alabama with a green handgun. He approached a teller, gave her a note that demanded money. When she hesitated, he pointed the firearm at her. In fear, the teller then gave Owens approximately $5,645.00 that included a dye pack. Owens took the money then fled the bank. Almost immediately, the dye pack exploded and Owens dropped the money and continued to flee. The note he provided to the teller had his address affixed to it. Officers then went to Owens’ residence. He was not there. Officers spoke to his mother. His mother provided his cell number and Owens was located at an area hotel by tracking his cell phone. Owens was arrested still wearing the clothes he wore during the robbery. He was Mirandized and then gave consent to search his vehicle and the green firearm was located inside the vehicle. Owens pled guilty on December 29, 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Mobile Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Joshua Roberts, a 38 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to six months for a wire fraud conviction followed by consecutive two year sentences for two aggravated identity theft convictions, totaling 54 months of incarceration.  Roberts was ordered to repay defrauded businesses $2,108.62 in restitution.

Starting in January 2015 and continuing for 35 days, Roberts and co-defendant, Marcella Watkins stole large amounts of mail from area apartment complexes, pillaged through it and found credit cards and personal checks of several citizens.  They then victimized those citizens by using their financial information to fraudulently buy goods online totaling approximately $2108.62.  Roberts also used the identities of the victims and their checking account to purchase additional items for his personal use and enjoyment.  Roberts pled guilty to the three charges on December 14, 2017.
 
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Donald W. Bruggeman, a 49 year old, resident of Robertsdale, Alabama was sentenced to 29 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony.

On July 22, 2017, Baldwin County, Alabama deputies went to Bruggeman’s residence to arrest him for outstanding felony warrants that included one for domestic abuse of his wife.  He was not home, but his wife was and she said Bruggeman might be armed.  Deputies located Bruggeman by tracking his cell phone.  As they approached the area where his cell phone indicated he was, deputies saw Bruggeman headed in the direction of his residence.  Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop by activating the blue lights.  Bruggeman did not stop and instead sped up, pulled into his driveway, stopped the vehicle, jumped out and fled on foot into the woods by his residence.  Officers did not give chase because they believed he might be armed.  Instead, they secured the area and the vehicle.  Inside the vehicle deputies saw and seized a Savage, model Stevens 15A, .22 caliber rifle.  Deputies seized the firearm based on his wife’s complaint.

Two days later, Bruggeman was arrested and after Miranda warnings, confessed to possession of the firearm.  At that time, Bruggeman had been convicted of one felony, namely, Forgery, Making or Altering a Writing, on February 16, 1999, in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Missouri.  Bruggeman pled guilty on December 20, 2017.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Cory Marquise Williams, 24, of Bay Minette, Alabama, was sentenced to 76 months imprisonment on gun and drug charges.  Court documents show that Williams was arrested in August of 2016 in Bay Minette following a report to Bay Minette police that individuals at a particular location were using illegal drugs.  Officers responded to investigate and they observed Williams and another person in the vehicle at the reported location.  Williams attempted to enter the residence but was detained and questioned.  The officers found a stolen gun and scales in the vehicle he had just left, and Williams was found to be in possession of  13 baggies of marijuana.  Williams attempted to destroy the drug evidence by diving over the hood of the police car, where police had left the drugs, and attempting to swallow the drugs and the plastic bags containing them.  Officers recovered some of the drugs, which tested positive for marijuana.  Williams pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and using, carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of and in relation to a drug trafficking offense in November of 2017. 

United States District Court Judge William Steele sentenced Williams to 76 months’ imprisonment, noting that he had significant criminal history for a young man which included three prior felony drug convictions.  The judge also mentioned Williams’ daily use of drugs and alcohol, and ordered that Williams undergo drug and alcohol treatment and counseling while serving his sentence.  The sentence consisted of 18 months imprisonment on the drug count, and 60 months mandatory minimum consecutive imprisonment on the gun count.  The judge adjusted the 18 month sentence by two months, to give Williams credit for time spent in state custody on the federal charges, for a total sentence of imprisonment of 76 months.  The judge also ordered that Williams serve a three-year term of supervised release when he is discharged from his custody sentence, during which he will undergo further drug and alcohol abuse treatment.  Williams was also ordered to pay $200 in mandatory special assessments, but no fine was imposed. 

The case was investigated by the Bay Minette Police Department, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United Sates Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that David Tyler Nelson, a 23 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 33 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, namely, Unlawful Possession or Receipt of a Controlled Substance.

The charge arose from a traffic stop, on May 13, 2017, during which the arresting officer witnessed Nelson, the passenger in the vehicle, sleeping with a firearm in his waistband.  After retrieving the firearm, the officer woke Nelson and asked him his name and date of birth.  Nelson provided a false name and date of birth to the officer.  During an inventory of the vehicle, officers retrieved Nelson’s work identification, revealing his true identity.  When questioned about his possession of the firearm on the scene, Nelson replied, “I just bought it for a couple bills.  I took it to a party across the bay.”  A few weeks later, on June 6, 2017, federal agents questioned Nelson about possession of the firearm and he stated that he “did not remember” why he had the firearm and that he “might have been worried about getting robbed”.  Several months later, on September 9, 2017, during his post-arrest interview Nelson stated, he “did not know why he would have” a firearm.  On November 14, 2017, Nelson went to trial and was found guilty of possession of a firearm after being previously convicted of a felony in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Mobile Police Department, and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutors assigned to the case were Assistant United States Attorneys Gina Vann, Erica Hilliard, and Lawrence Bullard.

United States Attorney Richard Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Sylvester Horn, 46, of Mobile, was sentenced in federal court on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  At the time the gun was discovered in Horn’s possession, he was on federal supervision for a previous federal conviction for attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  He was convicted on that charge in 2009, and served a sentence of 96 months in prison.  When Horn was released from prison, he was placed on supervision by the United States Probation office in Mobile, Alabama.  He had served two years of a five-year term of supervision when his possession of the gun was discovered.  Horn pled guilty to the felon in possession charge in November of 2017.  He was also charged with a violation of the terms of his supervised release.

United States District Court Judge Kristi Dubose sentenced Horn to 24 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by another three-year term of supervised release.  The judge ordered that sentences on the revocation and on the new case will be served concurrently.  Horn will undergo treatment for drug abuse and receive mental health counseling while in prison and as a condition of his supervised release.  No fine was imposed, however the judge ordered that Horn pay the $100 special mandatory assessment. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

United States Attorney Richard Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Richard Allen Canterbury, of Valley Grande, entered a guilty plea in federal court   to three charges involving weapons stolen from the evidence room at the Selma Police Department.  Court documents reflect that Canterbury was implicated in an investigation initiated by the Selma Police Department when officers received information that some items from the evidence room were found at a middle school.  Responding officers interviewed Canterbury’s wife, who was employed at the police department as an evidence technician.  Because she had access to the evidence room, police concluded that she had taken some property from the evidence room without permission.  Subsequently, police received information that  Canterbury was selling numerous firearms at a job site near Selma.  Police were concerned that the firearms may have come from the evidence room, so they contacted Canterbury.   Canterbury was interviewed and admitted his participation in selling numerous firearms provided to him by his wife.  He also admitted using social media to advertise firearms for sale.  He took some money from the firearm sales back to his wife.  Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Alabama Attorney General’ Office were called in to assist in the investigation.  Agents recovered approximately 239 guns stolen from a storage unit inside the police evidence.    Many  firearms have been recovered so far in the investigation.  Agents also determined that Canterbury had been convicted of a felony, discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, in 1996.

United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose accepted Canterbury’s guilty plea to the charges of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, possession of firearms with an obliterated serial number and selling firearms without a federal license.  He faces a penalty of up to 10 years on the first charge, and up to 5 years on each of the next two; a fine of up to $250,000; a three-year term of supervised release following any sentence of imprisonment; and a special mandatory assessment of $300.  Canterbury’s sentencing is set for July 27, 2018.  He remains under conditions of release pending the imposition of sentence.   

The federal case was investigated by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell prosecuted the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Bobby Amos, a 39 year old, resident of Foley, Alabama was sentenced to 36 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after four felony convictions for robberies committed when he was a juvenile. 

On May 4, 2017, Foley, Alabama police officers arrested Amos for disorderly conduct and public intoxication.  The charges resulted from Amos causing a disturbance at a local church.  Amos told officers responding to the church that he wanted the officers to shoot him.  Almost simultaneously to this Amos’ common law wife arrived at the church and reported to the police that she witnessed Amos hold a gun to his head earlier that day in their home and that he was suicidal.  She said that she managed to get the firearm from him and told the officers she hid the firearm inside the church because he followed her to the church hoping to retrieve the firearm.  The firearm was retrieved by responding officers.  The firearm was a Bersa, .380 caliber pistol.  On November 7, 2017, Amos pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.

The Foley Police Department along with local task force officers assigned to the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Craig Miller, a 34 year old, resident of Foley, Alabama was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.  During the first six months of his probationary term, Miller will be on home confinement.

On September 24, 2016, a Baldwin County, Alabama sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle driven by Miller.  The vehicle was stopped for speeding.  The deputy obtained Miller’s license and learned that it was suspended.  When the deputy told Miller of the suspension, he observed Miller speaking with slightly slurred speech and Miller had the strong odor of a fermented beverage on or about his person.  Next, the deputy asked Miller if there were weapons in the vehicle.  Miller responded by looking in the back seat.  He did not respond verbally.  The deputy then asked Miller if he had been drinking that night.  Miller responded with, “yes, a few drinks.”  The deputy asked Miller to step out of the vehicle so they could talk about Miller’s license and talk about how much Miller had drank that night.  When Miller stepped out of the vehicle, the deputy asked Miller if he had anything on him or in the vehicle that the deputy needed to know about.  Miller replied that there was a gun in the vehicle.  The deputy then asked if he could search the vehicle and Miller consented to the search.  The search yielded two bottles of alcohol, an open container with alcohol inside and a crown royal bag with a Sig Sauer, .40 caliber pistol.  A records check revealed that the firearm had been stolen.  Miller was then read his Miranda Rights and he confessed to possessing a firearm knowing that he was prohibited from doing so due to his felony conviction.  On November 13, 2017, Miller entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony assault in 2011. 

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office along with the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Eric Davis, 39, of Monroeville, Alabama, to 108 months imprisonment for coercion and enticement of a minor.  As part of the sentence, the judge ordered that Davis pay a $100 special assessment and receive a life term of supervised release upon release from custody.  The judge also ordered Davis to undergo mental health and sex offender treatment as directed by the United States Probation Office. 

On August 31, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama charged Davis with one count of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of transfer of obscene material to a minor.  On November 7, 2017, Davis pleaded guilty before Judge Steele to the coercion charge. 

As part of his plea deal, Davis signed a factual resume that summarized his offense conduct.  That document states that from around June 2016 to around July 2016, Davis used a facility of interstate commerce -- a cell phone -- to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who had not attained the age of eighteen years to engage in sexual activity.  The victim was fifteen years old at the time of the offense, which occurred in Monroe County, Alabama.  Davis knew that the victim was less than eighteen years of age when he committed the offense.  On July 11, 2016, he was interviewed at the Excel Police Department.  There, Davis admitted to exchanging explicit pictures with the victim via cell phone.  When Davis was shown a penis picture found in the victim’s phone, he wrote and signed a statement saying, “This is the picture of my penis I sent to [the victim] from my old phone.”  Davis said that he and the victim frequently texted about kissing and sex.  In text messages, Davis and the victim texted explicit photos to one another and discussed sexual activity.  Davis and the victim texted to coordinate a rendezvous, which they had on July 5, 2016.  That evening, Davis had sex with the victim.     

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Excel Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Terry White, age 22, of Pine Hill, Alabama was sentenced today after earlier pleading guilty to a violation of 18 USC Section 2252A(a)(2), Receipt of Child Pornography. White was sentenced to serve 84 months imprisonment followed by a life time term of supervised release.

This case arose when the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that files containing child pornography were uploaded from the Facebook account of a juvenile from North Carolina to the Facebook account of Terry White.

The investigation revealed that White made a “friend request” to the victim and they began communicating via Facebook Messenger.  The conversation turned sexual and White requested that the juvenile send him images of child pornography.

Further investigation revealed that White had previously requested another child to send him obscene images.  That child’s mother had contacted law enforcement which resulted in the defendant being prosecuted for Electronic Solicitation of a Child in Clarke County, Alabama.

This case was investigated by the Clarke County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Bureau of Investigation.  This case was prosecuted by AUSA Maria E. Murphy.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Tamara Wallace, a 43 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced today to five (5) years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $31,308.00 to the Social Security Administration and $13,812.07 the State of Alabama Medicaid Agency.  

From January 2012 through September 2016, Wallace received Title XVI Supplemental Disability Income and Title XIX Medicaid Insurance Benefits that she was no longer entitled to due to her marriage and work activity.  Wallace was required to report her marriage and work income to the Social Security Administration so her benefits could be reevaluated and she failed to do so as required by law.  Wallace pled guilty to theft of public money on October 25, 2017.

Special Agents of the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General along with special agents of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that a federal jury in Selma, Alabama found Gerald Barber, 40, a resident of Marengo County, Alabama, guilty of two counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Chief United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose presided over the trial, which started on January 23, 2018 and ended the following day.  The judge scheduled Barber’s sentencing for April 12, 2018.  Barber, aka “G-Money,” faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.  He has five prior felony drug convictions.  

On August 31, 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Barber on one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  On November 28, 2017, a federal grand jury for the district returned a superseding indictment against Barber, charging him with two counts of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

At trial, the jury heard evidence that in the early morning of March 11, 2017, Barber was driving a white 2002 Chevrolet Blazer in Camden, Alabama when Camden Police Officer John Ferguson pulled the vehicle over for speeding and having no tag light.  Barber had no identification, proof of insurance, license, or registration.  He lied to the officer about his identity.  Officer Ferguson noticed that Barber was visibly nervous and saw traces of a green leafy substance in the vehicle.  Officer Ferguson called for backup, patted down Barber outside the Chevrolet Blazer for officer safety and possible narcotics, and found an “eight-ball” of crack cocaine concealed underneath Barber’s shorts.  Officer Ferguson arrested Barber and transported him to the Prince Arnold Detention Center in Wilcox County.  At the jail, the defendant falsely identified himself and signed a waiver of counsel form in his brother’s name.  

The jury also heard evidence that in the afternoon of April 12, 2017, Uniontown Chief of Police Willie Walton was on routine patrol in Uniontown, Alabama when he saw an individual standing by the driver’s side window of a white Chevrolet Blazer on Johnson Street.  Chief Walton testified that he recognized the individual as a crack cocaine addict and was suspicious of a drug sale between the individual and the vehicle’s driver.  Barber was driving the same Chevrolet Blazer.  A passenger was also inside.  As Chief Walton approached, the individual ran away and the Chevrolet Blazer sped off.  Chief Walton activated his lights and sirens and tried to stop the vehicle, which had an expired tag.
 
A high-speed chase ensued, which at times reached 70 - 80 miles per hour.  During the chase, Chief Walton saw an unidentified object (never recovered) thrown out the vehicle’s driver’s side window on Washington Street.  Barber tried to evade Chief Walton by racing up Martin Luther King Drive in a residential area where children were playing.  As Chief Walton pursued, Barber made a left turn onto Lucian Street and threw approximately $8,000 worth of crack cocaine out the driver’s side window.  The narcotics landed on the front lawn of a home on Lucian Street.  Chief Walton continued to pursue the fleeing vehicle and radioed dispatch.  Uniontown Police Department Sergeant Nash Gipson responded and set up a roadblock.  Barber almost collided with Sgt. Gipson.  The chase ended shortly thereafter on Franklin Street. 

Chief Walton and Sgt. Gipson arrested Barber outside his vehicle.  Chief Walton testified that he saw a “crack rock” in the driver’s seat where Barber had been sitting and that Barber shouted an expletive upon his arrest, yelling, “I’ve got more money than all y’all m*****f****** out there!”  Chief Walton also told the jury that Barber appeared high, his mouth was foaming, and pieces of crack cocaine appeared to be in his mouth. 

The passenger, whom the police had detained for officer safety, said that Barber threw a black bag out of the vehicle during the chase.  With the passenger’s help, police found the bag at Lucian Street.  Chief Walton examined it and found sixteen plastic baggies containing roughly 80.8 grams of crack cocaine in varying quantities.  When Chief Walton later searched Barber’s Chevrolet Blazer, he found two digital scales, two Pyrex measuring glasses, one Toastmaster hand mixer, and two mixer attachments, all containing cocaine residue.      

After the jury’s verdict, United States Attorney Richard W. Moore said, “We will continue to aggressively prosecute drug dealers who threaten the safety of our citizens in this district.  The illegal drug trade in the northern part of our district is an affront to the residents of the communities where defendant Gerald Barber plied his trade.  The actions taken by our law enforcement partners in this case demonstrate the professionalism and vigor with which we intend to address drug trafficking in our district.  Our prosecutors, Sinan Kalayoglu and George F. May, were pleased to assist our law enforcement partners in this prosecution and particularly to have had the opportunity to present our case to a local jury in the historic Selma courthouse.  We are very proud of their representation of the United States in this case.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Uniontown Police Department, and the Camden Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sinan Kalayoglu and George F. May are prosecuting the case.

     The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Brandon Pettaway, a 24 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced to 70 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of two felonies, namely, Burglary Third Degree and Robbery First Degree.
     On January 9, 2017, Mobile, Alabama police officers conducted an undercover drug (UC) operation that targeted Pettaway.  An UC officer called Pettaway and asked for $40.00 worth of cocaine.  They agreed upon a place to make the transaction.  Officers waited for Pettaway to arrive with the cocaine.  Pettaway arrived in a Jeep and was immediately arrested.  Pettaway possessed approximately 20 grams of cocaine and approximately 14.5 grams of marijuana.  Located inside the Jeep was a Smith & Wesson, model M&P, 9mm pistol.  After Miranda warnings, Pettaway stated that he knew this was a “setup” and that he purchases “1.5 cookies of crack at a time.”  Pettaway further stated the he purchased the firearm from a 16 year old male and he knew the firearm was stolen when he purchased it.  Pettaway pled guilty on October 16, 2017.
     Mobile, Alabama police officers along with special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
 

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Sam Nang Chhom, a 31 year old, resident of Irvington, Alabama was sentenced to 57 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a stolen firearm.
On June 24, 2013, a Glock, 9mm pistol, serial number xxxx85 was stolen from a vehicle in Mobile County, Alabama.
On June 4, 2017, Mobile County deputies responded to a location after it was reported that shots had been fired there. When they arrived, Chhom was changing the tire on a vehicle that belonged to another person on the scene.  The deputies were familiar with Chhom due to past arrests with weapons involved.  Deputies drew there service weapons and detained Chhom and the vehicle owner.  The vehicle owner then told the officers that Chhom was driving her vehicle and the driver’s side front tire came off so they stopped and Chhom was trying to fix it.  In plain view under the driver’s seat, was the stolen Glock pistol and it was loaded. 
 On June 7, 2017, Chhom gave a recorded statement saying that the Glock was his and that he bought it for $250.00 from someone named, “Haley” at the Pilot Truck Stop in Theodore, Alabama.  Chhom pled guilty on October 16, 2017.
Mobile County, Alabama Sheriff’s deputies along with special agents of the FBI investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
 

     The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Tarell Lamar Taylor, a 29 year old, resident of Prichard, Alabama was sentenced to 21 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of  two felonies, namely, Burglary Third Degree and Receiving Stolen Property.
     On March 22, 2017, Taylor was behind the wheel of a stalled vehicle at an intersection in Mobile County, Alabama.  Troopers responded to the scene and as they approached the vehicle, they smelled marijuana. Troopers asked Taylor to tell them what he had in a bag at his feet because they could see live rounds of federal brand 9mm ammunition at his feet.  Taylor complied and the troopers seized pellets and a pellet gun from the bag along with an assortment of illegal drugs.  Taylor was then read his Miranda rights.  After being advised of his rights, Taylor admitted to having an Omega, .22 caliber revolver secreted in the pocket behind his seat.  Taylor pled guilty on October 17, 2017.
     The Alabama State Troopers along with FBI agents investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.
 

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Adam Edgar Stagner on January 18, 2018 to serve a term of imprisonment of 42 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for illegally possessing a Browning, 12 gauge, Gold Star Shotgun, serial Number 113MX13529.  The defendant who had several prior misdemeanor domestic violence convictions was prohibited from possessing a firearm.  The defendant possessed the weapon in Chunchula, Alabama on July 19, 2017 in violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(9). 

The defendant entered a guilty plea before the Court on October 19, 2017.  According to court records, during the guilty plea hearing the defendant admitted in open court that on the date of incident he not only possessed the firearm, but he pointed it at the victim’s head and stated “You know I am going to kill you”.  The victim was a family member.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence J. Bullard for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Lamarcus Moore, 32, of Mobile, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for emailing threats to kidnap and kill a woman in Mobile. United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose imposed the sentence.

Moore pled guilty to the charge in September. Court documents filed in connection with his plea indicate that Moore sent at least nine separate emails over a period of a month to the victim. The emails contained explicit threats to kill the woman. At the time, Moore was in federal prison in Yazoo City, Mississippi, serving a sentence on an unrelated charge. Following his release from prison, Judge DuBose ordered that Moore be supervised by the United States Probation Office for three years.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Costello.

United States Attorney Richard Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Robbie Lyn Pierce, 49, of Mobile, was sentenced in federal court on charges involving his illegal possession of firearms and his possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Court documents reflect that Pierce sold meth ice to a confidential informant working with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office at his west Mobile residence.  When sheriff’s deputies returned to the property with a search warrant, they found additional meth ice and a gun in the shed where the drug deals took place.  Pierce pled guilty to both federal charges in June of 2017. 

United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose sentenced Pierce to 15 years imprisonment, consisting of the statutory mandatory penalty of 10 years on the drug count and the statutory mandatory consecutive penalty of 5 years on the gun count.  Pierce’s prison sentence will be followed by an eight-year term of supervised release.   Pierce will undergo treatment for drug abuse while in prison and as a condition of his supervised release.  No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Pierce pay $200 special mandatory assessments. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Willie Howard Ferguson on December 28, 2017 to 33 months in prison, for violation of 18 USC § 922(g)(1), Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. 

On May 25, 2017, deputies from the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Edmond Marchand Road in Grand Bay, Alabama, because of reports of an armed individual at that location.  When deputies arrived, witnesses informed them that Willie Howard Ferguson had been there, arguing and threatening people.  Witnesses stated to deputies that Ferguson was armed with a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun, and that he pointed it at the chest of one of the witnesses.  Ferguson then discharged the shotgun into the air in an attempt to scare or intimidate others before fleeing.

While deputies gathered the statements of witnesses, Ferguson returned to the location.  When witnesses recognized him, they yelled, “That’s him!  That’s the one that fired the shotgun!” 

Ferguson initially denied he was the one with the gun. The deputies showed him a video taken by one of the witnesses that captured his tirade.  Then he admitted that he was, in fact, the one who had the shotgun and he fired it.  Ferguson had previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, AL of the felony of Receiving Stolen Property in 2009.

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mobile Field Office investigated this incident.  Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Montrell Pettaway, a 29 year old, resident of Mobile, Alabama was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted of  felony possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. 

On November 29, 2016, a Mobile County deputy was told by an informant that he/she has just seen Pettaway packaging, processing and storing illegal drugs at his residence in Mobile, Alabama.  The informant provided the deputy with a photograph to support his/her information.  Several experienced narcotics investigators (deputies) of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office immediately began surveilling Pettaway at his residence because they sought to confirm that he was illegally distributing narcotics from that location. 

Over a 30 minute period, deputies observed a high volume of vehicle traffic pull up to the residence and stay for very short periods of time.  During this time, Pettaway was in and out of his residence.  On occasions when Pettaway was outside, he approached the vehicles or the occupants of the vehicle exited and approached him.  Each time, the contact between him and the vehicle occupants was de minimis.  After the contact, the occupants reentered their vehicles and left the area.  Sometimes Pettaway was inside the residence and the occupants exited their vehicles and went inside for a few minutes then returned to their vehicles and left the area.  On several occasions, Pettaway was observed going to and from his parked Chevrolet Malibu before and after the vehicles arrived at his residence.  Deputies concluded that Pettaway was storing and also selling illegal drugs at his residence.

Based, in part, on their observations at Pettaway’s residence, deputies sought a warrant to search the residence.  While deputies were waiting on the search warrant to be approved, Pettaway got into his Chevrolet Malibu and drove away from the residence.  Deputies followed Pettaway and saw him stop the vehicle behind a house a couple of miles away.   Deputies also saw another vehicle approaching and believed its occupant(s) might be attempting to buy illegal drugs from Pettaway.  Deputies approached Pettaway to investigate their belief that he was in possession of illegal narcotics.  Lighting was limited so the deputies asked Pettaway to exit the vehicle.  He complied.  As Pettaway exited the vehicle and the vehicle’s dome light came on, deputies saw a hand gun on the floorboard of the front seat and a small amount of cocaine on the ground just outside the driver’s side door after Pettaway stepped out of the vehicle.  Pettaway was arrested and $795.00 in U. S. currency was seized from his person incident to his arrest. 

Pettaway entered a guilty plea on September 29, 2017, after his motion to suppress the evidence was denied. 

The U. S. Department of Homeland Security/ICE special agents investigated the case along with Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputies who presented the case to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Jesse Redmon, a 65-year-old resident of Brewton, Alabama, was sentenced today to a probationary term of one year and received a $500.00 fine for failing to report income after claiming disability retirement from the railroad.

Mr. Redmon began receiving disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board in November 2003 and continued receiving benefits until sometime in 2017. Prior to receiving benefits, Redmon agreed to and understood that he was required to report any work related activity.  However, the defendant obtained an electrician’s license, started a business called Redmon Enterprises Inc. and began working as an electrician while receiving disability benefits.  During the recertification process, Redmon stated that he had not returned to the work force during the time he received disability benefits.  The defendant provided the following signed statement:

“I learned that the moneys that I made on a sideline business should have been reported to the RR Board.  I didn’t work a regular job a forty hour week.  This was part-time work here and there.  I am not sure how much money was made at the time.  The work was here and there. .This is my fault for not reading my paperwork in detail.  I take full responsibility for my short sight.  I will do my best to try and figure out how much money was made during the time and if I have to pay back to the RR Board, I am willing to pay back as I can.  I apologize to the board for my oversight.  I didn’t think those small amount[s] made a difference.  Now I know . . .  I realize that I started a business and didn’t notify the RR board.”

This case was the result of investigation conducted by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board/Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann, from the United States Attorney’s Office – Southern District of Alabama led the prosecution.
 

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that James Derrick Robertson, age 53, of Demopolis, Alabama was sentenced today after earlier pleading guilty to receiving child pornography and obstruction of justice. 

According to information presented at the sentencing hearing, Robertson taught students at Demopolis High School to operate the sound system at the school.   On February 18, 2017, the principal of the high school contacted the Demopolis Police Department regarding a complaint about Robertson.  Pursuant to this investigation, a search warrant was executed at Robertson’s home and his computers were seized. 

In court documents filed in connection with his guilty plea, Robertson admitted that an examination of his hard drive revealed that he had possessed four videos of underage girls performing fellatio on adult males.  Two of the girls appeared unconconscious.  A forensic search of his telephone revealed two images of toddlers who were being raped.

Robertson also admitted that he became aware of the investigation on February 19, 2017, and that he searched the internet for methods to destroy data to prevent recovery by forensic tools and then downloaded a wiping program and deleted searches for child pornography, images of child pornography and incriminating chats with minors. 

At sentencing, the United States argued that the defendant had downloaded images that with titles suggesting they were of violent acts against young girls including rape.   Judge Callie V. S. Granade found that Robertson was a danger to the community and ordered that he be imprisoned for 235 months, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.    Robertson will be required to register as a sex offender.

This case was investigated by the Demopolis Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Germaine Williams, a 41 year old, resident of Bay Minette, Alabama was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents filed in connection with Williams’s guilty plea, on November 11, 2016, Baldwin County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office deputies were in a patrol car waiting in an area on the shoulder of River Road in Bromley.  Deputies were looking for a white Honda that was being driven by Williams who had five outstanding arrest warrants. Deputies spotted a white Honda that was approaching them from the opposite direction. They confirmed that the driver looked like Williams.  The deputies pulled in behind the Honda and watched Williams drive recklessly by failing to give the right of way.  The deputies activated their blue lights and siren in an effort to stop Williams. Williams failed to stop and instead sped up. Deputies pursued Williams and observed as he continued to drive recklessly almost hitting a parked car and continuing to drive fast in an area that was populated with pedestrians.  Finally, Williams reached a dead end.  Williams then stopped the vehicle, exited the vehicle and ran.  As he ran, he dropped a pistol and a cell phone.  The firearm was a Taurus, .380 caliber pistol.  A dash cam video captured the events of the attempted traffic stop and arrest.  Deputies gave chase on foot but did not catch Williams that day.  At that time, Williams had been convicted of a felony, namely, Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, on January 7, 2000, in the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, Alabama.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Court Senior Judge Callie V.S. Granade sentenced Eric Beard to 41 months in prison on December 18, 2017.  The defendant pled guilty to the charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2017, a residence in the Mobile area was burglarized.  Among the property stolen from the residence were four firearms: 1. 12 gauge Remington shotgun; 2. .234 caliber New England Rifle; 3. .223 caliber Savage Edge Rifle; and a
4. Thompson rifle.

Law enforcement officials soon suspected Beard of committing the burglary.  Eric Beard was later arrested and provided a statement to police where he admitted to possessing all the stolen firearms in question, but maintained he had no involvement with the burglary.  Beard was also found to be in possession of a television that was from the residence during the burglary; however, Beard would only offer that he received the television set from “a guy he knew from prison.” 

The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office looked at area pawnshops and learned that Beard pawned all four stolen weapons on the same day they were reported stolen in the burglary. 

Eric Beard has a prior conviction for burglary in Mobile County, Alabama.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mobile, Alabama Field Office, in conjunction with the Mobile Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Baugh prosecuted the case for the Southern District of Alabama.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Myron Gerald “Ty” Stevens, 43, formerly of Mobile and Thomasville, Alabama, was sentenced to life in prison for sexual exploitation of children. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge William H. Steele. In the event Stevens is ever released, he would be supervised by the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life, and required to register as a sex offender in any jurisdiction in which he lives, works, or is a student.

Stevens pled guilty in April, 2017 to two counts of production of child pornography; transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; receipt and distribution of child pornography; and possession of child pornography.

According to court records of Stevens’s plea, the investigation began in March of 2014, when law enforcement agents downloaded images of child pornography from a computer connected to the internet. Agents traced the location of the computer to a residence in Thomasville, and obtained a search warrant in August of 2014. Computer equipment and media storage devices were seized pursuant to the warrant, and an on-scene review of the data revealed a video of Stevens performing oral sex on a boy. Investigators learned that Stevens was on the way back from a trip to Florida with the boy. Agents immediately obtained an arrest warrant for Stevens, and he was arrested in transit from Florida.

In a videotaped statement, Stevens admitted to agents that he had sexually abused the 14-year old boy between 25 and 50 times over the previous two years, beginning when the boy was 12. Stevens also confessed that he had recorded some of the abuse and that he was addicted to child pornography that he downloaded and distributed on the internet. Stevens told investigators that the last time he had abused the boy was the previous night in Florida. The victim identified himself in sanitized photos and confirmed Stevens’s abuse of him for the past two years. He also identified a second boy in other videos Stevens took of the boy in Stevens’s apartment. Forensic analysis of the media recovered in the search revealed at least 1,877 images and 597 videos depicting child pornography.

The investigation was conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency with the assistance of the Thomasville Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sean P. Costello and Maria E. Murphy.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood and for information about internet safety education, visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Pedro Quintero-Enriques, a.k.a. Miguel Angel Quintero, 37, from Michoacán, Mexico, to 108 months imprisonment for illegal reentry into the United States and for being a felon in possession of firearms.  The judge ordered that Quintero-Enriques pay a $200 special assessment, undergo three years of supervised release after completing his prison term, and participate in drug and/or alcohol treatment as directed by the U.S. Probation Office.

Quintero-Enriques is a Mexican national and convicted felon who illegally reentered the United States on numerous occasions.  In 2002, he was convicted in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas of improper entry.  On January 23, 2012, Quintero-Enriques was deported.  He later reentered the country and in October 2013, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted the defendant for illegal reentry.  In January 2014, Judge Steele sentenced Quintero-Enriques to time served and he was again deported.  Notwithstanding his previous deportations, Quintero-Enriques unlawfully returned to the U.S. several more times.  He was removed on August 3, 2014 and on November 26, 2014.  Quintero-Enriques’s criminal history includes domestic violence.  Federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms.    

On October 16, 2016, Baldwin County Sheriff’s deputies went to 14640 Woodhaven Dairy Rd. in Summerdale, Alabama in response to an alleged domestic violence incident.  Upon arrival at the home, Deputy Mctigue and Sgt. Burke found two firearms in plain view in a blue Ford F-150 truck parked underneath an awning.  The awning was connected to the trailer.  The deputies spoke to Quintero-Enriques, who allowed them to enter his home.  Inside, Sgt. Burke saw in plain view marijuana and an unknown white residue on a small scale.  The scale was on the kitchen counter directly above the dishwasher.  Through the back window, Deputy Harville saw two large scales in the rear room of the trailer.      

The deputies Mirandized Quintero-Enriques and asked him about the drug paraphernalia.  He denied responsibility for the paraphernalia.  Deputies asked Quintero-Enriques for consent to search his home.  Quintero-Enriques granted consent.  When deputies opened the dishwasher, they found a large amount of narcotics inside a plastic container along with a debit card in the defendant’s name.  After separating the items in the container, deputies found a large amount of methamphetamine in separate bags.  The container contained a white powdery substance that bore a resemblance to cocaine.  The container also contained a small bag with a yellow hardened powder substance resembling crack cocaine, baking soda, latex gloves, cooking utensils, and other items used to make crack cocaine. 

The deputies noticed that Quintero-Enriques’s demeanor changed when they opened the dishwasher.  He became restless and appeared depressed. Deputy Harville asked Quintero-Enriques if he believed the deputies would find the items in the dishwasher, he responded:  “No.” 

Sgt. Burke and Deputy Mctigue secured the weapons located in the F-150.  The firearms were a pump shotgun and a Ruger mini-14 rifle.  The shotgun was loaded and contained four shells.   

Deputy Mctigue and Deputy Harville continued to search the home for contraband.  Dep. Mctigue found a large bag containing an unknown powdered substance on top of the dresser in the master bedroom.  The deputies moved to the back room where Deputy Harville originally saw two large scales.  There were pieces of cut bags located on the floor next to the scales.  There was a packaging machine on the kitchen counter near the entry to the back room.  There were several notebooks in the home with Spanish writing; one notebook was in the dishwasher where deputies found the narcotics.  In his wallet, Quintero-Enriques had two North Carolina I.D. cards that appeared fake and approximately $1,785 in cash.  On a table, Deputy Harville found a small bag of a white powdery substance.  The substance resembled cocaine.  The deputies arrested Quintero-Enriques and transported him to jail.  When interviewed about his immigration status, Quintero-Enriques admitted to being in the country unlawfully and illegally. 

In February 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama indicted Quintero-Enriques for illegal reentry, being a felon in possession of firearms, and possessing methamphetamine and crack cocaine with intent to distribute / manufacture the narcotics.  According to two DEA chemical analysis reports, there were approximately 211.9 grams of pure methamphetamine and approximately 7.33 grams of crack cocaine in Quintero-Enriques’s home.  On May 2, 2017, the defendant pleaded guilty before Judge Steele to illegally reentering the country and to the firearms offense.            

The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that David Tyler Nelson, a 22 year old, resident of Coden, Alabama was found guilty of possession of a firearm after conviction of a felony.  

The evidence produced at trial showed that on May 13, 2017, Mobile County, Alabama deputies conducted a traffic stop of a GMC Arcadia that belonged to Nelson’s father.  The vehicle was stopped because of an expired tag and turning without giving a signal.  Nelson was observed in the front passenger seat sleeping with a hand gun protruding from his waistband.  The firearm was immediately seized from Nelson’s person and determined to be a .25 caliber Beretta pistol.  Deputies awakened Nelson.  They asked why he had the firearm.  Nelson responded, “I bought it for a couple bills and took it across the bay.”  Nelson was then asked his name and he replied, “Tyler Perry,” and gave his dated of birth as “January 1, 1995”.  A records check on the scene did not produce an identity or any information based on what Nelson provided.  Inside the vehicle, deputies found a work ID for Nelson that had his picture and correct name.  Deputies then confronted Nelson with the photo ID and he stated that his name was “David Tyler Nelson” and gave his true date of birth.  A records check of the accurate information revealed that Nelson had been convicted of Unlawful Possession or Receipt of a Controlled Substance on June 30, 2016.

Mr. Nelson will be sentenced on February 21, 2018, before the Honorable Callie V. S. Granade.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutors assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorneys, Erica Hilliard, Lawrence Bullard and Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney, Richard W. Moore, announces that Clifford Guerrero, a 39 year old, resident of Daphne, Alabama was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

On March 22, 2017, Fairhope, Alabama police officers conducted a traffic stop of Guerrero based on reckless driving.  Just before Guerrero pulled over pursuant to the blue lights flashing, he threw a small quantity of methamphetamine out of the window of his vehicle.  Upon stopping, Guerrero immediately exited his vehicle extremely agitated, yelling unintelligibly and waving his arms.  He would not obey officer commands to “stop,” “relax,” “be still,” “close the door,” “calm down,” etc.  Guerrero appeared to be attempting to reach into the vehicle even with the officer commanding him to “be still.”  Due to his behavior, the officer drew his weapon and called for back-up.  Within minutes, back-up arrived.  Guerrero was placed in handcuffs for officer safety and was asked if any guns were in the vehicle.  Guerrero responded, “I think there might be a gun in the car.” Officers then went to the vehicle, searched for and seized a Glock GMBH, 9mm pistol.  A firearm holster was also seized from the floorboard of the front seat. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Fairhope, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case was Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Brad Jason Long of Mobile County, Alabama was sentenced in federal court today to 180 months imprisonment based on his guilty plea to the crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being found to be a career criminal, subject to 18 U.S.C. 924(e).  The sentence was imposed by Chief Judge Kristi K. DuBose.                                                                                                                                   

On or about January 3, 2017, in Mobile County, Brad Jason Long, was found to be in possession of two firearms, namely, a Sig Sauer P220, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Walther, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, knowing that he had been previously convicted of a felony crime.  It is a federal crime for any person who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in close cooperation with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Gregory Bordenkircher, United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Senior United States District Judge Callie V. S. Granade sentenced Demetrius Patterson, 43, to 33 months imprisonment for failing to register as a sex offender.  The judge ordered that Patterson pay a $100 special assessment, receive substance abuse and sex offender treatment, and undergo 25 years of supervised release after completing his prison term. 

On November 20, 2007, Patterson pleaded guilty to Criminal Sexual Contact in the Third Degree in the Circuit Court of Macomb County, Michigan.  Patterson was sentenced to 184 days in Macomb County Jail.  Upon release from jail, he was required to register quarterly as a sex offender for life. 

Between April 2014 and September 2016, Patterson traveled from Michigan to Alabama without notifying the authorities in these states about his whereabouts and without registering as a sex offender.  On September 30, 2016, Patterson was arrested in Mobile, Alabama for Robbery in the First Degree, Possession of Marijuana, and Attempting to Elude.  Patterson was booked into the Mobile County Metro jail pending trial.  On October 5, 2016, the United States Marshals Service learned about Patterson’s presence in Mobile County.  Patterson was a non-compliant registered sex offender from Michigan who had not registered in Alabama as a sex offender.  After Patterson received bond and was released from jail in his state case, law enforcement officials determined that Patterson was not living at the local address he gave the bonding company.  Furthermore, Patterson had not met with local authorities to register as a sex offender.  
 
In May 2017, a federal grand jury for the Southern District of Alabama charged Patterson with failing to register as a sex offender in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a).  On August 2, 2017, Patterson pleaded guilty to the offense before Judge Granade.     

The United States Marshals Service investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu prosecuted the case.

 United States Attorney Richard Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Zachery Joseph Cooley, 35, of Quitman, Mississippi, was sentenced today in federal court on charges involving his participation in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine ice, four counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count charging his illegal possession of firearms in furtherance of that scheme, and two counts of illegally possessing firearms after having been convicted of domestic violence.  Cooley was convicted by a jury on June 29, 2017, after a trial conducted by United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade.  Evidence from the trial showed that Cooley was responsible for the distribution of at least 3 kilograms of methamphetamine ice during the time the conspiracy was active.  He sold methamphetamine ice to confidential informants working for authorities, and was arrested in possession of that drug on the specific instances charged in the indictment.  On two of those occasions, he was found in possession of a firearm.  Cooley has three prior convictions for a crime of domestic violence, which renders his possession of a firearm illegal under federal law.  During the trial, the evidence showed that Cooley also possessed at least one gun in furtherance of the drug distribution conspiracy. 

 This afternoon, Judge Granade sentenced Cooley to 295 months’ imprisonment, which consisted of 120 months on the two charges of illegal possession of a firearm, and 235 months on the drug counts.  She ordered that all those sentences would run concurrently.  For the count charging that the possession of the gun furthered the drug conspiracy, Cooley was sentenced to 60 months consecutive to the other sentences for a total of 295 months.  The judge gave Cooley credit for 12 months he spent in state custody in Mississippi on related drug charges there.   Cooley will serve 5 years of supervised release when he is released from custody, and the judge also ordered that he pay $800 in special mandatory assessments.  No fine was imposed.  Cooley will undergo treatment for drug abuse while in prison and as a condition of his supervised release. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile Police Department, and the Mobile County Street Narcotics Enforcement Team  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
 
 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/

 United States Attorney Richard Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Sarah Elaine Braden, 34, of Saraland, was sentenced this week in federal court on one count of harboring a fugitive.  Testimony from the sentencing hearing on Tuesday established that Braden harbored the father of her child when United States marshals were seeking to arrest him on methamphetamine charges.  Braden pled guilty to the charge in July of 2017. 

 United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Braden to 37 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  Braden will undergo treatment for drug abuse while in prison and as a condition of her supervised release.  No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Braden pay the $100 special mandatory assessment. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and the Saraland Police Department.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
 
 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Felix Alfredo Rivas was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Callie V. Granade to 235 months confinement for heroin and methamphetamine trafficking.

On October 3, 2016, Rivas was stopped on Interstate 65 by a City of Saraland police officer for a traffic infraction. During the course of the traffic stop a City of Saraland dedicated canine, “Chico”, alerted for the presence of drugs in the vehicle, a Ford F-150 truck.  A later search of the vehicle revealed 128.6 grams of methamphetamine secreted in one of the two gas tanks installed on the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Rivas was from Houston, Texas and that he crossed the U.S/Mexican border at Laredo, Texas in the same truck on September 30, 2016, approximately 72 hours prior to the traffic stop in Saraland.

Department of Homeland Security Investigators and officers from the United States Customs and Border Protection agency continued to investigate Rivas and his connection to drug trafficking.  The investigation and trial evidence revealed that Rivas purchased insurance for yet another Ford truck that was stopped crossing the U./S./Mexican border, also at Laredo, three days prior to Rivas crossing the border with the methamphetamine. A search of that vehicle revealed almost 9 kilograms of heroin hidden in two batteries for the vehicle.  The evidence revealed that Rivas had previously flown from Houston to Chicago to purchase insurance for the heroin laden vehicle and then he drove the vehicle back to Houston to be used for the drug run. Rivas was convicted of the offenses after a three day jury trial in July, 2017.   Rivas is a native of El Salvador. He is a non U.S. citizen but was legally present in the United States at the time of the criminal activity. 

The case was jointly investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Saraland Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys George F. May and Lawrence J. Bullard prosecuted the case.

United States Attorney Richard W. Moore stated: “Our office partnered with federal investigators and the City of Saraland Police Department  to do what the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been doing for years……..making our community and the communities in other States safer by interdicting drug traffickers”.   Moore added: “People may be surprised to learn that heroin and opioid overdoses have overtaken traffic accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.   This is the kind of problem that our Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed federal agents and federal prosecutors to aggressively attack.  We intend to do our part in the Southern District of Alabama.”

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/

United States Attorney Richard Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Joe Len Boman, 47, of Quitman, Mississippi, was sentenced this week in federal court for his participation in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and for possession of stolen guns. Court documents reflects that Boman was involved in the methamphetamine distribution operation headed in Mobile by co-conspirator Ryan Scott Burkhardt, who was charged and convicted in federal court on numerous charges, including his shooting of a Mobile police officer in March of 2016.  Burkhardt committed suicide while in custody earlier this year.  Boman pled guilty to the two federal charges in July of 2017. 

 United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Boman to 70 months’ imprisonment on each count, and ordered that the sentences run concurrently.  He also ordered that upon Boman’s release from custody, Boman will serve a four-year term of supervised release.  Boman will undergo treatment for drug abuse while in prison and as a condition of his supervised release.  No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Boman pay $200 in special mandatory assessments. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mobile Police Department, the Mobile County Street Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.
 
 A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama at http://www.justice.gov/usao/als/

     United States Attorney Richard W. Moore of the Southern District of Alabama announces that Senior United States District Judge Callie V.S. Granade sentenced Isaiah Anderson-Harrison on October 16, 2017 to serve a term of imprisonment of 46 months followed by 3 years of supervised release for committing Access Device Fraud on March 27, 2014, in violation of 18 USC § 1029(a)(3).  The defendant entered a guilty plea before the Court on July 17, 2017.
     On the date of incident, Saraland Police stopped the defendant, who is a resident of Florida, for a motor vehicle violation.  As the vehicle pulled to the shoulder of the highway, the police observed the defendant roll down the driver’s window and throw a clear baggy out of the vehicle.  The baggy contained marijuana.  The police conducted an inventory search of the defendant’s vehicle before the vehicle was impounded.  During the search, the police discovered that the defendant was illegally in possession of thirty (30) photocopies of various drivers’ licenses and social security numbers, various business EIN numbers, tax calculations, and two boxes containing sixty (60) NetSpend Visa Debit Cards.  Police recovered a “Sweet Spot Sheet”.  In this case, the “sweet spot” would be the target income to receive maximum income tax refund based on the number of dependents.
     During the investigation, federal agents from the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service contacted several victims and each stated that they did not know the defendant, and that he was not authorized to be in possession of their personal information.  Additionally, federal agents confirmed that 237 fraudulent electronic tax returns had been filed using the identifiers retrieved from the defendant’s vehicle.  The defendant was held accountable for approximately $345,000.00 in intended loss.
      This case was investigated by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Homeland Security, United States Secret Service, and the Saraland Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Lawrence J. Bullard and Michael D. Anderson prosecuted the case.