Southern District of Alabama

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Vicki M. Davis will oversee the efforts of the Southern District of Alabama’s voting rights protection for the upcoming June 2014, primary elections and the 2014 general election.   AUSA Davis has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of Alabama for many years.   She is responsible for overseeing the District=s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with the Department of Justice in Washington.

United States Attorney Kenyen Brown stated, Aevery citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud.   The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points-of-contact in order that the public may report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open.

Federal law protects against crimes such as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.   The law also provides special protections for the rights of voters in order that they may vote free from acts of intimidation or harassment.   For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law.   Federal law also protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted in marking their ballot by a person of their choice.

The voting franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.   We must all strive to ensure that those who are entitled to the voting franchise exercise it if they choose, and equally that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.   In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities.   AUSA/DEO Davis can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (251) 441 5845.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has Special Agents available in each field office and resident agency to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuse.   The local FBI field office can be reached at (251) 438-3674.

Complaints concerning ballot access issues or allegations of discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division=s Voting Section in Washington by calling 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767.

United States Attorney Brown stated, Aensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate.   It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Natalie McArdle of Foley, Alabama, pleaded guilty today to charges of violating the Lacey Act by transporting and selling Gulf Reef Fish in interstate commerce, knowing that the fish had been landed illegally under Alabama law.

According to the plea agreement, McArdle acted as a broker for commercial fisherman selling unreported red snapper and grouper.  On six occasions in 2012 and 2013, McArdle sold or attempted to sell red snapper and grouper that had been landed illegally in Alabama to undercover law enforcement officers posing as employees of a Georgia-based fish and seafood dealer.

The maximum penalty for violating the Lacey Act is up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Pursuant to the plea agreement filed today, the prosecution and the defendant will jointly recommend that McArdle be sentenced to eight months of home detention.  A sentencing hearing is set for July 18, 2014.

This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Alabama Department of Natural Resources, and was prosecuted by Maria E. Murphy of the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Alabama and Colin L. Black of the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Dr. Joseph Ngui Mwau Ndolo, 60, of Fairhope, Alabama pleaded guilty to three federal drug charges.  Ndolo, an internal medicine physician, ran a “pill mill” from 2008 to 2013 out of his private clinic, Premier Internal Medicine, P.C., in Fairhope.  He prescribed patients drugs outside the usual course of professional practice in exchange for sex, graphic communications, money and favors from his patients.  Ndolo’s cocktail of medications consisted of schedule II controlled substances such as oxycodone and numerous other schedules II – V substances.  Some patients referred to Ndolo’s clinic as a “candy store” for drugs.  He put his patients’ safety in jeopardy by, for instance, writing medically needless prescriptions without conducting basic patient examinations.  As part of his agreement with the United States, Ndolo shall surrender his medical license.  He faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison for each drug charge.  His sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2014.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Bordenkircher and Special Assistant United States Attorney Sinan Kalayoglu.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Freeman Eugene Jockisch, 69, of Theodore, was convicted this morning of attempting to entice a 15-year old girl on the Internet. Jockisch, formerly a Mobile County Commissioner, was convicted following a one-day trial.

The evidence at trial showed that Jockisch responded to two Internet personal ads in July and November, 2013 from what he believed to be a 15-year old girl. Jockisch was arrested when he showed up to meet the girl in Saraland. The investigation was part of an undercover operation.

United States District Judge Callie V.S. Granade set Jockisch’s sentencing for July 15th at 1:00 p.m. Jockisch faces a mandatory sentence of ten years up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Following his release, Jockisch is subject to supervision by the United States Probation Office for the rest of his life.

The case was investigated by the Saraland Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Maria Murphy and Assistant United States Attorney Sean Costello handled the prosecution on behalf of the United States.

Following a one-day trial before District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade, a jury returned a guilty verdict on April 15, 2014 against Lawrence Perrier for federal firearm and drug trafficking offenses.  He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Dominic A. Rossetti and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory Bordenkircher.  The sentencing for Mr. Perrier has been set for July 14, 2014.

MOBILE, Ala. – Tony Rodger Foley, 33, of Robertsdale, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday, April 9, to a seven-year prison term for his involvement in conspiracy to manufacture and attempt to manufacture methamphetamine.  Foley pled guilty to the two charges, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and an attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, in 2012.  Court documents reflect that Foley was arrested after attempting to flee from Mobile County sheriff’s deputies in a black Hummer when they attempted to arrest him in connection with a sting operation involving the controlled delivery of pseudoephedrine.  After making bond on those state charges, he continued to purchase pseudoephedrine and was arrested within months at a trailer near Robertsdale, caught in the act of manufacturing methamphetamine.  The federal drug charges were brought against him shortly thereafter, and he has been in custody since that time.

The judge ordered that the sentences in each case would run concurrently.  He also ordered that Foley undergo drug treatment while in custody, and as a condition of his supervised release term of five years, which will follow his incarceration.  The judge did not impose a fine but ordered that Foley pay $200 in special assessments

The case was investigated by the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Loxley Police Department.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, Ala. –Clarence Ray Lee, 31, of Irvington, was sentenced today in federal court to 72 months imprisonment.  Lee pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and one count of using, carrying, and possessing a firearm in connection with and in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony in 2013.  Court documents reflect that Lee was arrested after DHR workers responded to a welfare check at a trailer on Judge Irwin Drive and discovered what appeared to be a methamphetamine lab.  Mobile Count Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene, and Lee and his co-defendants Miles Alexander and Cecily Colvin, approached the residence in a vehicle while the deputies were investigating.  When they were detained, sheriff’s deputies discovered additional components of a meth lab, gasoline cans, propane tanks and a gun in the car.  The gun was discovered under Lee’s seat in the vehicle.  Also present in the vehicle was one of Colvin’s two minor children.  The other child was at the trailer when DHR workers arrived for the welfare check.

United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence, consisting of a mandatory consecutive 60-month sentence on the gun charge, and a 12-month sentence on the methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy.  Judge Steele did not impose a fine, but ordered that Lee pay a special mandatory assessment of $200.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney's Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, Ala. – Thomas McThaniel Turner, 31, of Wilmer, was sentenced today in federal court to a term of 59 months imprisonment for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.  Turner pled guilty to the charge in 2013 and has been held in federal custody pending the imposition of sentence.  United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed the sentence this morning and ordered that Turner undergo drug treatment while in prison and after his release on a four-year term of supervision, which will follow his imprisonment.  She did not impose a fine, but ordered that Turner pay the $100 special mandatory assessment.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, Ala. – Joseph Thomas Plamann, 28, of Robertsdale, was sentenced today in federal court to a term of 48 months imprisonment for his participation in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.  United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence, and ordered that Plamann undergo drug treatment both during his term of imprisonment and after his release on a five-year term of supervision.  The judge did not impose a fine, but ordered that Plamann pay $100 in mandatory special assessments. The sentence was imposed pursuant to a guilty plea entered earlier.

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

MOBILE, Ala. – Jaime Marie Holland, 26, of Saraland, was sentenced in federal court on Wednesday, April 9, for her participation in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed a sentenced of 37 months imprisonment, and ordered that Holland undergo drug treatment both while in prison and as a condition of a four-year term of supervised release, which will follow her imprisonment. Judge Granade did not impose a fine, but ordered that Holland pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.

Court documents reflect that Holland distributed methamphetamine to a confidential informant working for the sheriff’s office and to others who were invited into her residence while the informant was there, also to buy methamphetamine.  Holland was also implicated by other subjects cooperating in the investigation as a person who distributed and used methamphetamine, and who acquired pseudoephedrine pills for others to use in manufacturing methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, Ala. – Anthony David Granger, 31, of Robertsdale, was sentenced to 54 months imprisonment in federal court today for his participation in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.  Granger pled guilty to the charge in November of 2012, and was released from custody on conditions.  His conditions of release were revoked when he tested positive for the use of illegal drugs.  At the sentencing hearing today, United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade denied Granger’s request to receive credit for “acceptance of responsibility” under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, finding that his use of illegal drugs while under conditions of release did not show an affirmative acceptance of responsibility or a turning away from criminal behavior.  Judge Granade also ordered that Granger undergo drug treatment while in prison and after his release on a four-year term of supervision, which will follow his imprisonment.  She did not impose a fine, but ordered that Granger pay the $100 special mandatory assessment.

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

MOBILE, Ala. – Richard Littrell, Jr., 27, of Robertsdale, was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment on Wednesday, April 9, for his participation in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine from 2009 through 2012.  Littrell pled guilty to the charge in federal court in 2013 before United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade.  Judge Granade also ordered that Littrell serve a five-year term of supervised release following his release from imprisonment.  The judge ordered that Littrell undergo drug treatment both during his incarceration and while on supervised release.  Judge Granade did not impose a fine, but ordered that Littrell pay the $100 special mandatory assessment.

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

MOBILE, Ala. –  Jesse Knighten, 24, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was sentenced today in federal court to 54 months in federal prison for his participation in a methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy.  United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed the sentence, but ordered that Knighten would receive 22 months credit against the 54-month sentence based on time he had spent in jail awaiting the imposition of sentence.  The judge ordered that Knighten undergo drug treatment, both during his custody sentence and after his release on supervision for a three-year term.  No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Knighten pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.

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

MOBILE, Ala. –  Jonathon Blake Jones, 33, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was sentenced today in federal court to 120 months in federal prison for his role as a dealer distributing methamphetamine ice from 2009 through April of 2013.  Court documents establish that Jones became involved in the distribution of the more potent form of methamphetamine, called “ice,” after initially becoming involved in manufacturing the drug locally.  Jones was identified in an investigation conducted by the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, and he was ultimately arrested on federal charges when a federal search warrant was executed at his residence last year.  During the execution of the warrant, investigators seized about a quarter-kilogram of methamphetamine ice, cash, a gun and a vehicle.  Senior United States District Court Judge Charles R. Butler, Jr., imposed the sentence this morning.  The judge ordered that Jones undergo drug treatment during the period of his custody and after his release on supervision for a 10-year term.  No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Jones pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.

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

MOBILE, Ala. –  Tessa Weaver Rivers, 39, of Mt. Vernon, Alabama, was sentenced today in federal court to a year and a day in federal prison for her participation in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Court documents establish that Rivers was involved in both the manufacture and the distribution of the drug in north Mobile County.  Rivers was arrested as the result of cooperation by a confidential informant working with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, who made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rivers.  United States District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade imposed the sentence, and revoked Rivers’ conditions of release to remand her to the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service to begin serving her sentence.  The judge ordered that Rivers undergo drug treatment after her release on supervision for a three-year term.  No fine was imposed, but the judge ordered that Rivers pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, Ala. –  Miles Courtney Alexander, 31, of Grand Bay, Alabama, was sentenced today in federal court to 96 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy.  Alexander was arrested in September of 2012 as the result of a DHR welfare investigation at a residence on Judge Ervin Drive in Grand Bay. Court documents reflect that Alexander, along with his co-defendants Clarence Lee and Cecily Colvin, were arrested in a vehicle which arrived at the residence after DHR workers contacted the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office about a possible meth lab at the premises there.  In testimony at the sentencing hearing today, Investigator Andrew O’Shea testified that sheriff’s deputies found elements of a meth lab in the trunk of the vehicle, driven by Alexander, along with propane tanks and gasoline cans.  Investigator O’Shea also testified that one of Colvin’s minor children was in the vehicle with the defendants when the meth lab was discovered in the trunk, and that a firearm was discovered by the investigators on the scene under the front seat of the vehicle.

United States District Court Judge William H. Steele imposed the sentence after hearing the testimony.  The judge also ordered that Alexander receive drug treatment while in prison, and when Alexander is released from custody, he will serve three years of supervised release.  The judge ordered that Alexander also under testing and treatment for drug abuse while under supervision.  The judge ordered that Alexander pay $100 in special mandatory assessments.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, AL - The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Anthony Wesley Cade was sentenced to thirty six months imprisonment today by United States District Court Judge Kristi DuBose, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 USC '922(g)(1).  Cade was previously convicted of the felony offense of  Possession of Marijuana 1st Degree in the Circuit Court of Mobile County in October 2009.  The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Narcotics Division.

MOBILE, AL-- The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Tony Lee Collier was sentenced to forty one months imprisonment yesterday by United States District Court Judge William H. Steele, after pleading guilty to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine in violation of Title 21 USC '841(c)(1).  The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Narcotics Division.

The United States Attorney, Kenyen Brown announces that Octavius Pickett, a 28 year old Mobile resident was sentenced today.  The Honorable Kristi Dubose sentenced Pickett to 84 months incarceration followed by three (3) years of supervised release and a monetary assessment of $100.  This sentence was based on Pickett’s illegal possession of a .38 caliber revolver while attempting to intimidate someone into giving Pickett money.  Pickett was charged by Indictment in July 2013 and later pled guilty on December 19, 2013.

Special Agents of The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and brought it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney, Kenyen Brown announces that Nicholas Sierke, a 25 year old Mobile resident was sentenced today.  The Honorable Kristi Dubose sentenced Pickett to 31 months incarceration followed by three (3) years of supervised release and a monetary assessment of $100.  This sentence was based on Sierke’s illegal possession of a Weatherby .270 rifle he stole during a burglary.  Sierke was charged by Indictment in October 2013 and later pled guilty on December 19, 2013.

Special Agents of The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and brought it to the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Michele O’Brien.

MOBILE, Ala. –  Haley Nicole Jordan, 33, of Creola, was sentenced today in federal court for her involvement in the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine ice.  Jordan was originally indicted in two counts, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine ice.  She took her case to trial in federal court in November of 2013, which resulted in a mistrial.  Jordan entered into a guilty plea to the charge of possession with intent to distribute just before the second trial commenced in December of 2013.

At the sentencing hearing today, United States District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose found the advisory guideline range to be 78 to 97 months.  The judge imposed a sentence of 24 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  The judge ordered that Jordan undergo a period of six months’ drug counseling and treatment at the Home of Grace as a condition of her supervised release, to commence when she is released from prison.  Jordan was not ordered to pay a fine, but the judge ordered that Jordan pay the mandatory $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

MOBILE, AL-- United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announced today that Corey Sanchez Howard, a Birmingham, Alabama area resident, and Rickel Powell, a Camden, Alabama resident, were sentenced today by Federal District Judge DuBose.

Howard received a sentence of thirty-nine months and was ordered to make restitution.  Powell was sentenced to sixty days to serve and ordered to make restitution.  The defendants had previously entered guilty pleas to interstate transportation of stolen property in connection with thefts of heavy equipment in and around Huntsville, Safford, Thomasville, Grove Hill, and Frisco City Alabama.  Some of the stolen equipment was transported to, and later recovered in, Mississippi.

The case arose from an investigation by the Clarke County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, the Thomasville Police Department, the Grove Hill Police Department and the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah Griffin.

MOBILE, Ala. – Raymond Donovan Williams, 42, of Chickasaw, was sentenced today by Judge Kristi K. Dubose to a term of 84 months.  The judge imposed a sentence below the advisory guideline range of 121 to 151 months following a sentencing hearing at which additional testimony was presented.  Williams had been convicted in November of 2013 by a jury after a one day trial, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.  The jury also found that the amount of cocaine involved in the offenses exceeded 500 grams.  The statutory range of punishment Williams faced was from five years to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000,000, a four-year term of supervised release and special assessments of $200.  At the hearing today, the judge did not impose a fine, but she ordered that Williams serve the four-year term of supervised release when he completes his term of  imprisonment, and that he pay $200 in special assessments.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office 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 citizen and national of Brazil, Andrea Carla Barbosa, 36, of Orange Beach, was sentenced today to five years of probation and removal from the country after pleading guilty to immigration fraud, United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today.

Barbosa pled guilty in November to attempting to obtain citizenship by fraud. She entered the United States in 2001 and after overstaying her visa, she applied for naturalization based on a fraudulent marriage to a United States citizen. Although Barbosa was sentenced to five years of probation, a requirement of her probation is that she voluntarily leave the United States in March or be deported.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and prosecuted by Assistant United states Attorney Sean P. Costello.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced today that Timothy Dewayne Hunt of Mobile was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, following a May 2013 guilty plea to a charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  The charge arose from a July 27, 2012, traffic stop in which Hunt was found in possession of marijuana and powder cocaine. The sentence was imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Charles R. Butler, Jr.  During the same Court proceeding, Judge Butler also imposed a consecutive sentence of (10 months) based upon a revocation of Hunt’s supervised release on an earlier federal conviction.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the Mobile and Fairhope Police Departments.  The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

Kenyen  R.  Brown,  United  States  Attorney  for  the  Southern  District  of  Alabama announced that Lacey Lynn Freeman, age 49, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge William H. Steele to serve 120 months in federal prison in connection with her guilty plea to two counts involving her possession with intent to distribute 98% pure methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”.  The 120- month sentence was the mandatory minimum sentence required by federal statute.

This case was investigated by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security. The case was prosecuted by Donna B. Dobbins of the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Leslie Todd, Jr., a 52 year old, Mobile, Alabama resident, was sentenced today to 48 months incarceration for robbing the BBVA Compass bank On Royal Street Downtown Mobile, Alabama

In detail, on August 6, 2013, Todd entered the bank and handed the teller a note asking for all of the money in her drawer.  The teller complied and Todd fled the bank.  Based on a tip, officers located and arrested Todd while he was hiding at a local hotel. Todd was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1846.00.

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

The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Vernon Collier, a 28 year old, Mobile, Alabama resident, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number in front of Judge Callie Granade. Collier was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a special assessment fee of $100.

The Saraland Police Department investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

MOBILE, Ala. –Dirk Alton Johnston, 33, of Mt. Vernon, Alabama, was sentenced today in federal court on drug and gun charges to a term totaling 160 months imprisonment.  Judge Charles R. Butler, Jr., imposed the sentences on the two counts, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.  The judge ordered that Johnston serve 100 months on the drug count, and 60 months on the gun count, and required that the sentences run consecutively to each other.  Johnston was also ordered to undergo drug testing and treatment when he is released from imprisonment, for a term of five years supervision.  No fine was imposed but Johnston was ordered to pay $200 in special mandatory assessments.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that after an approximate eighteen month undercover investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Alabama Department of Natural Resources, eight commercial fishermen and a seafood dealer were charged in two separate indictments by a federal grand jury, and arraigned in Mobile, Alabama today.  The individuals were charged in an ongoing scheme allegedly conspiring to illegally harvest and transport reef fish, including red snapper and grouper, across state lines and falsifying documents in order to circumvent the Gulf of Mexico Individual Fishing Quota management plan.  Hunter Evans, owner of Bay City Meat Co., Josh Jones, James Martin, Natalie McArdle, Matthias Kumm, David Braley, Tiffany Cooner Wilson, all from Baldwin County, and JohnWhitworth of Pensacola, Florida were charged with buying and selling illegal reef fish to undercover state and federal investigators.  The investigation was furthered by business records and other documents obtained from search warrants executed in Alabama and Florida.

Most of the violations involve 16 USC ' 3372, the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate shipment of fish or wildlife taken in violation of state law. Each Lacey Act violation carries a possible five-year prison term. This is a continuing investigation.

As in all criminal cases, the Indictment returned by the Grand Jury is only a charge and the Defendants are presumed innocent.

MOBILE, Ala. – Members of a ring of methamphetamine manufacturers were sentenced in federal court on Friday, January 17, 2014.  The group, most of whom are from the Mt. Vernon area, was engaged in activity characterized as “pill shopping,” that is, the practice of buying pseudoephedrine pills for use in the methamphetamine manufacturing process.  Court documents establish that members of the group were traveling from Alabama to Georgia, Florida and Texas to buy large quantities of pseudoephedrine and then returned with it to Mobile County, where the manufacturing took place.  The “pill shoppers” received cash or small quantities of finished methamphetamine in exchange for their acquisition of pseudoephedrine.  Pseudoephedrine records established that more than 3.2 kilograms of pseudoephedrine was acquired by members of the conspiracy from 2009 through 2012.

Ray Anthony Lofton, 35, of Mt. Vernon, was characterized by District Court Judge Kristi K. Dubose as the ring leader just before she imposed a sentence of 120 months imprisonment in his case.  Lofton was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following the completion of his custody sentence.  Jeremy Scott Lofton, 34, of Mt. Vernon, who was identified as one of the defendants actually manufacturing the pseudoephedrine into methamphetamine, was ordered to serve 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a term of supervised release of five years.  Michael Thomas Lofton, 27, of Mt. Vernon, one of the so-called “pill shoppers” and an occasional meth cook, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised released.  Dustin Lee Sullivan, another of the “pill shoppers,” was sentenced to time served, followed by five years of supervised release, which included 10 months in a half-way house.  All the defendants were ordered to undergo drug testing and treatment, and each was required to pay a mandatory special assessment of $200.  Each defendant entered guilty pleas to charges of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess a List I chemical (pseudoephedrine) with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe it would be used to manufacture a controlled substance.

The case was investigated by the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  It was prosecuted in the United States Attorney=s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Gloria Bedwell.

Kenyen R. Brown, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama announced that John David Smith, 55, of Robertsdale, Alabama, was sentenced today by Chief Judge William H. Steele to 30-months imprisonment, followed by a supervised release term of life, for failing to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Smith was convicted in 1989 of Criminal Sexual Contact of a Minor, Third Degree, in New Mexico, and of Production of Child Pornography in Baldwin County, Alabama, in August of 2013.

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Donna B. Dobbins represented the United States.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces that defendant Scott Dees of Repton, Alabama was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $796,000 in restitution to his victims.

Between 2001 and 2011, Scott Dees worked as an independent contractor for Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Company, a fraternal order based in Omaha, Nebraska.  During this time period, Dees purported to sell annuities and life insurance policies on behalf of Woodmen to numerous elderly individuals in rural Alabama.  However, rather than send the investors’ money to Woodmen, Dees stole nearly $800,000 and spent it on his own personal expenses.  A majority of Dees’ victims were elderly, unsophisticated individuals, some of whom were in nursing homes.

In July 2013, Dees pled guilty to a single-count Information charging him with operating a mail fraud scheme.  At sentencing, several victims told U.S. District Court Judge Granade about how much Dees’ actions have devastated the investors as well as his own family.  After hearing from the victims and Dees, Judge Granade sentenced him to 51 months in federal prison, which was the top end of the advisory guidelines range.  Dees had asked for mere home confinement.

U.S. Attorney Kenyen R. Brown was extremely pleased with the result.  “Mr. Dees preyed on elderly, unsophisticated victims in rural Alabama.  Fraud will never be tolerated, especially in cases like this where the victims were some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community.  My office will continue to aggressively prosecute fraud schemes affecting this district, and we will do everything in our power to ensure fraudsters wind up in federal prison.”

This case was investigated by the Monroeville office of FBI-Mobile, and was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

MOBILE, AL-- United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announces that Steven James Lucy was sentenced on Friday by United States District Court Judge William H. Steele to forty- six months imprisonment for possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine in violation of Title 21 USC ' 841(a)(1).  The defendant plead guilty to this offense in May 2013.  Lucy was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release with the United States Probation Office after he completes his term of imprisonment at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Lucy was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment which goes into a fund for victims of crime.

United States Attorney Brown stated that the case was investigated by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Bureau, Enforcement Division.  Brown added that his office would continue to aggressively prosecute offenders who distribute illegal drugs and thereby endanger the community.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that on January 10, 2014, Bradley Tolbert was sentenced to 5 years of Probation by Chief Judge William H. Steele on his conviction of filing a false claim with GCCF.  The defendant was ordered to pay full restitution.

The indictment alleged that the defendant filed a claim for and received payment asserting that he lost wages from work he performed at the Alabama State Docks due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  In fact, the defendant did not experience any loss of wages due to the oil spill.

The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Vicki Davis.

MOBILE, Ala. - United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announced that on January 10, 2014, Jacob L. Anderson, was sentenced by District Judge Kristi K. DuBose to serve 42 months in prison on one count of Bank Robbery after Anderson’s plea of guilty.  The indictment alleged that on or about July 12, 2013, Anderson robbed the Tillman’s Corner Branch of Wells Fargo Bank of approximately $2,054.00 in United States currency.

The case was investigated by MPD and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Vicki Davis.

MOBILE, AL-- United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announces that Henry Earl Young was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on Friday by United States District Court Judge Kristi D. DuBose, for use of a weapon in furtherance of a crime of violence (bank robbery) in violation of Title 18 USC '924(c).  Young committed an armed robbery of $2,731 from Trustmark Bank located at 1025 Highway 43, Saraland, Alabama on April 24, 2013.  Young was ordered to serve five years of supervised release with the United States Probation Office after he completes his term of imprisonment at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Young was also ordered to pay $2,506 in restitution to the bank.  Law enforcement recovered the other $225.00 from Young at the time of his arrest.  Young was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment which goes into a fund for victims of crime.

United States Attorney Brown stated that the case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the City of Saraland Police Department.  Brown highly commended the joint efforts of the two investigative agencies in investigating and prosecuting this case.  Brown added that his office would continue to aggressively prosecute bank robbers and individuals who use weapons in furtherance of a crime of violence, thus endangering the community.

United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Paul Williams was sentenced Friday in Federal Court after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Marihuana.  Williams received a sentence of 24 months imprisonment.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Mobile County Sheriff=s Office and presented the case for prosecution to the United States Attorney=s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.

MOBILE, AL-- United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announced that Cory Timmons, an Atlanta, Georgia area resident, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge William Steele for a conspiracy to commit a RICO violation.  Timmons received a sentence of 35 months and was ordered to pay restitution.

Timmons previously entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge and admitted his involvement in the RICO conspiracy. The case arose from an investigation by the United States Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah Griffin.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that on January 7, 2014, Deborah Jefferson was sentenced to 5 years of Probation by Chief Judge William H. Steele on her conviction of one count of Procuring False Tax Returns.

The Indictment alleged that Deborah T. Jefferson aided tax filers in filing false tax returns, which included dependents, Earned Income and Child Tax Credits, and misstated income and withholdings.

Jeffersonoperated a tax return preparation business which aided tax payers in the preparation and electronic filing of their income tax returns.  In some instances, returns prepared or filed by Jefferson contained the names and social security numbers of fictitious dependents.  The addition of fake dependents enabled the taxpayer to claim additional personal exemptions and to qualify for Earned Income and Child Tax Credits.  Jefferson charged a fee for preparing and electronically filing tax returns.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service.  The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Vicki M. Davis.

Kenyen R. Brown, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama announced that Gabriel James Shamburger, age 25, of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Kristi DuBose to serve 84 months in federal prison in connection with his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm – which was described in the indictment as a Bryco Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol, model Jennings Nine -- in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

This case was investigated by the Mobile Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case will be prosecuted by Donna B. Dobbins of the United States Attorney=s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

The United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that Mildred Calhoun, a Selma, Alabama resident, was sentenced today to five (5) years’ probation after a guilty plea to theft of government funds.

Calhoun signed an application with the Social Security Administration for Title II Disability Insurance benefits. As part of the application, Calhoun signed, agreeing that she would notify the SSA if “I got to work whether as an employee or a self‑employed person".  Calhoun was approved for disability benefits effective 04/1993.

On August 15, 2012, Social Security Administration/Office of Inspector General special agents confirmed that Mildred Calhoun worked as a care taker. Among other responsibilities, Calhoun was responsible for feeding, bathing, turning over and changing her charge. Calhoun started working as a caregiver in December of 2009, and continued to do so until March 17, 2012.  Calhoun was paid $432.00 a week and failed to report this income to the Social Security Administration.

During the week of April 1, 2013, SSA/OIG special agents received an overpayment worksheet from the SSA Office of Central Operations.  The total amount overpaid to Calhoun due to her work activity is $19,356.00.  Calhoun was charged with theft of government funds and acquiesced to the crime by pleading guilty on September 24, 2013.

The Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General investigated the case and presented it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

MOBILE, AL-- The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown, announces thatFrederick Bernard Collins wassentenced today by United States District Court Judge William H. Steele to thirty months imprisonment after pleading guilty in September to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 USC '922(g)(1).  Collins was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release with the United States Probation Office after he completes his term of imprisonment at the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Collins was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment which goes into a fund for victims of crime.  The prior felony offense that Collins was charged with having was Robbery 1st Degree.

The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Mobile County Sheriff=s Office, Narcotics Division. Brown commended the efforts of the investigative agencies.  Brown added that his office would continue to aggressively prosecute offenders who illegal possess weapons and endanger the community.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces that defendant Richard Rizzuto has pled guilty to engaging in a healthcare fraud scheme.  Rizzuto is a chiropractor who serviced patients at his chiropractic clinic, Chiro Partners, Inc. (formerly Back on Track Chiropractic), located in Foley, Alabama.

In his plea agreement, Rizzuto admitted that from April 2009 through September 2013, he knowingly and intentionally billed Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama for certain exercise procedures that were not actually performed on patients at his clinic.  During the relevant time period, Rizzuto received nearly $400,000 in reimbursements for the exercise treatments he billed to BC/BS.  At sentencing, the Court will determine how much of that total amount is attributable to Rizzuto’s fraud scheme.

This case was investigated by FBI—Mobile and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announces today that Janice Ford Green of Marion, Alabama was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge William Steele to 78 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a felon.  The judge ordered that Green serve a three-year term of supervised release upon completing her term of imprisonment and that she pay a $100 mandatory special assessment.  Green was indicted for knowingly possessing a 7mm magnum rifle as a convicted felon and firing it at law enforcement officials on or about April 17, 2013 in Marion, Alabama in the Southern District of Alabama, Northern Division.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in cooperation with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Sinan Kalayoglu, Assistant United States Attorney Greg Bordenkircher, and Assistant United States Attorney Maria Murphy for the United States Attorney’s Office in Mobile, Alabama.

MOBILE, AL-- United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announced that Jason Spellen, an Atlanta, Georgia area resident, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge William Steele for conspiracy to commit a RICO violation. Spellen received a sentence of 84 months and was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $1,691,509.51.  The Court also ordered the forfeiture of assets seized from Spellen’s residence and storage unit.

Spellen previously entered a guilty plea to the conspiracy charge and admitted his involvement in selling stolen and fraudulently-procured electronics on eBay and by other means.  Although Spellen did not steal the electronics or procure them by fraud himself, he purchased the electronics from other members of the conspiracy knowing them to have been stolen or fraudulently-procured.

The case arose from an investigation by the United States Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Deborah Griffin.

MOBILE, AL-- The United States Attorney, Kenyen R. Brown, announces that Kevin Alphonzo Johnson was sentenced to twenty four months imprisonment today by United States District Court Judge Callie V. Granade, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 USC '922(g)(1).  Johnson was previously convicted of the felony offense of Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree in the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, Case No. CC2001-004567, on or about August 7, 2012.  The firearm that Johnson possessed was a Chinese made, Model SKS .762 caliber rifle.

The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile County Sheriff=s Office, Narcotics Division.

The United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announces that on 12/10/2013 Saturnino Palomo-Ramirez, was sentenced by Judge William Steele to Time Served, and to a Supervised Release Term (SRT) of one year.  It was ordered that the Defendant be delivered to a duly-authorized Immigration official for possible deportation, and a Special Assessment (SA) of  $100.00.

The indictment alleged that Palomo-Ramirez was found to be illegally in the United States on June 30, 2013 after he was removed or deported on or about November 9, 2010.  Illegal Reentry into the United States is a violation of Title 8, United States Code, and Section 1326.  Under the circumstances alleged in the indictment, the charge carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in custody.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Baldwin County Sheriff=s Office and presented the case for prosecution to the United States Attorney=s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Vicki M. Davis handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.

The United States Attorney, Kenyen Brown announces that Norris Johnson, a 29 year old Selma resident was sentenced today.  The Honorable William Steele sentenced Johnson to 108 months incarceration followed by three (3) years of supervised release and a monetary assessment of $200.  This sentence was based on Johnson’s illegal possession of two (2) firearms on different occasions and the discharge of one of the firearms into a crowd of people. Johnson was charged by Indictment in May 2013 and later pled guilty on August 8, 2013.

Special Agents of The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Selma, Alabama Police Department investigated the case and brought it to the U.S. Attorney=s Office for prosecution.  The prosecutor assigned to the case is Assistant United States Attorney, Gina S. Vann.

The United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown announces that on 12/4/2013, Brandon Payne, was committed to the BOP for a term of 114 MONTHS by Federal Judge William Steele; said term consists of 30 months as to Count One and 84 months as to Count Two; said terms to run consecutively. The Judge recommended that the defendant be allowed to participate in residential, comprehensive, substance abuse treatment while incarcerated. The defendant was sentenced to a Supervised Release Term (SRT) of five (5) years as to Counts One and Two. Defendant was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,826.00, payable to BankTrust and to participate in a program of testing and treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse as directed by the Probation Office and to pay a Special Assessment fee of $200.00.

The defendant along with two co-defendants, Kenterrio Scott and Renaldo Gaddis were  charged in Count One of the Superseding indictment with a violation of 18U.S.C. ' 2113(a) & (d), Bank Robbery.  Bank Robbery carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, 5 years of SRT and $100 Special Assessment.   He was also charged in Count Two of the Superseding Indictment with a violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 924(c), Possession of Firearm During a Crime of Violence.  The maximum penalty is a custody sentence of 7 years consecutive, a fine of $250,000, 3 years SRT and $100 Special Assessment.  Payne was the last one to be brought to justice.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA Vicki Davis.