Middle District of Georgia

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Lakevis Woodard, age 31, of Fitzgerald, Georgia pled guilty on June 28, 2018, to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia. The plea subjects Mr. Woodard to a term of imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1 million, or both.

Mr. Woodard admitted the following facts in his guilty plea:

On October 19, 2017, local law enforcement was conducting an authorized roadblock in Ben Hill County, Georgia. Mr. Woodard approached the roadblock and drug agents, who had been receiving information that he was selling drugs in the area, were present. They were also aware that he was on active probation as a result of a Georgia First Offender sentence. A trained drug detection dog alerted on the vehicle for the presence of narcotics. Agents conducted a search of Mr. Woodard’s vehicle and located a Ruger Model 1911 .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol under the driver's seat.

During a subsequent search of Mr. Woodard’s residence, officers located a gallon sized ziplock bag of marijuana and a box containing powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and a set of digital scales. Lab test results from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined the presence of 22.625 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as crack” cocaine.

“Our office will continue to work with our state and local law enforcement partners to identify, arrest and prosecute drug dealers throughout the Middle District of Georgia.  I want to thank the Ben Hill County Sherriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision for their excellent work in this matter” said United States Attorney Charles Peeler. 

This case was investigated by the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on June 28, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands sentenced Terrance Williams, a/k/a Tank, age 42, of Cairo, Georgia, to 57 months’ imprisonment for Distribution of Cocaine.

In the fall of 2016, agents utilized a confidential informant who was able to make controlled purchases of crack cocaine from Mr. Williams. Three buys were made. On each occasion, the CI was directed by Mr. Williams to travel to Mr. Williams’ residence in Cairo, Georgia, for purposes of acquiring the crack cocaine from him. The suspected crack cocaine was submitted for laboratory analysis where it tested positive as cocaine base with weights of 3.95, 8.8 and 20.89 grams.

This case was investigated by the Bainbridge Department of Public Safety and the Cairo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

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 (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families), 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.”

“Every dollar recovered in this year’s operation represents not just a taxpayer’s hard-earned money—it’s a dollar that can go toward providing healthcare for Americans in need,” said HHS Secretary Azar.  “This year’s Takedown Day is a significant accomplishment for the American people, and every public servant involved should be proud of their work.”

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in schemes to submit claims to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and private insurance companies for treatments that were medically unnecessary and often never provided.  In many cases, patient recruiters, beneficiaries and other co-conspirators were allegedly paid cash kickbacks in return for supplying beneficiary information to providers, so that the providers could then submit fraudulent bills to Medicare.  Collectively, the doctors, nurses, licensed medical professionals, health care company owners and others charged are accused of submitting a total of over $2 billion in fraudulent billings.  The number of medical professionals charged is particularly significant, because virtually every health care fraud scheme requires a corrupt medical professional to be involved in order for Medicare or Medicaid to pay the fraudulent claims.  Aggressively pursuing corrupt medical professionals not only has a deterrent effect on other medical professionals, but also ensures that their licenses can no longer be used to bilk the system.

“Healthcare fraud touches every corner of the United States and not only costs taxpayers money, but also can have deadly consequences,” said FBI Deputy Director Bowdich.  “Through investigations across the country, we have seen medical professionals putting greed above their patients’ well-being and trusted doctors fanning the flames of the opioid crisis.  I want to thank the agents, analysts and our law enforcement partners in every field office who work each and every day to stop these criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.”

“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.”

 “This year’s operations, focusing on opioid-related schemes, spotlight the far-reaching impact of health care fraud,” said HHS Deputy Inspector General Cantrell.  “Such crimes threaten the vitally important Medicare and Medicaid programs and the beneficiaries they serve.  Though we have made significant progress in our fight against health care fraud; our efforts are not complete.  We will continue to work with our partners to protect the health and safety of millions of Americans.”

 “It takes a special kind of person to prey on the sick and vulnerable as happened in many of these health care fraud schemes,” said Deputy Chief Hylton.  “Medical professionals and others callously placed individuals and vital healthcare services in harm’s way simply because of greed.  IRS-CI special agents continue to work side-by-side with other federal, state and local law enforcement officers to uncover these schemes and hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”

“CMS makes it a top priority to protect the health and safety of millions of beneficiaries who depend on vital federal healthcare programs,” said Alec Alexander, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Program Integrity.  “CMS’ Center for Program Integrity collaborates closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard precious taxpayer dollars. Under Administrator Seema Verma, we will continue to strengthen this partnership with law enforcement in order to ensure the integrity and sustainability of these essential programs that serve millions of Americans.”

“Heath care fraud wounds our service members and veterans alike, as they rely upon and rightfully expect uncompromised care through the Department of Defense’s TRICARE Program,” said DCIS Director O’Reilly.  “Investigations that culminated in enforcement actions over the past several days underscore the steadfast commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our investigative partners to vigorously investigate fraud impacting TRICARE.  We remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure the high standards of care our service members, military retirees, and their dependents deserve while safeguarding American taxpayer dollars.”

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.  The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in 10 locations nationwide.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,700 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $14 billion.

For the Strike Force locations, in the Southern District of Florida, 124 defendants were charged with offenses relating to their participation in various fraud schemes involving over $337 million in false billings for services including home health care and pharmacy fraud.  In one case, an owner, medical director, and two employees of a sober living facility were charged with conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, substantive counts of health care fraud, and substantive counts of money laundering.  The indictment alleges a scheme that illegally recruited patients, paid kickbacks, and defrauded health care benefit programs for widespread fraudulent urine testing.  During the course of the fraudulent scheme, the facility submitted more than $106 million in claims for substance abuse treatment services.

In the Central District of California, 33 defendants were charged for their roles in schemes to defraud insurance programs out of more than $660 million.  For example, one indictment in a compounding pharmacy fraud case alleges an attorney/marketer paid kickbacks and offered incentives such as prostitutes and expensive meals to two podiatrists in exchange for prescriptions written on pre-printed prescription pads, regardless of the medical need for the prescriptions.  Once the prescriptions were filled, members of the conspiracy submitted approximately $250 million in fraudulent claims to federal, state, and private insurers for the compounded drugs. 

In the Southern District of Texas, 48 individuals were charged in cases involving more than $291 million in alleged fraud.  Among these defendants are a pharmacy chain owner, managing partner, and lead pharmacist charged with a drug and money laundering conspiracy. According to the indictment, the coconspirators used fraudulent prescriptions to fill bulk orders for over one million pills of hydrocodone and oxycodone, which the pharmacy, in turn, sold to drug couriers for millions of dollars.  In the Northern District of Texas, a home health agency owner was arrested on a criminal complaint for a $2.6 million health care fraud scheme.

In the Eastern District of Michigan, 35 defendants face charges for their alleged roles in fraud, kickback, money laundering and drug diversion schemes involving approximately $197 million in false claims for services that were medically unnecessary or never rendered.  In one case, a physician was charged in separate kickback conspiracies with two home health agency owners, which resulted in more than $12 million in fraudulent insurance billings.

In the Northern District of Illinois, 21 individuals were charged for various fraud schemes involving home health and dental services.  These schemes involved allegedly over $54 million in fraudulent billing.  One case alleges a home health fraud and kickback conspiracy, which resulted in more than $32 million paid by Medicare based on the fraudulent billings.

In the Eastern District of New York, 13 individuals were charged with participating in a variety of schemes including kickbacks, services not rendered, identity theft and money laundering involving over $38 million in fraudulent billings.  For example, the owner of a Brooklyn ambulette company was charged in a $7 million conspiracy stemming from the alleged payment of kickbacks for the referral of patients, who subjected themselves to purported physical and occupational therapy and other services, and were transported by the ambulette company.

In the Middle District of Florida, 13 individuals were charged with participating in a variety of schemes involving more than $21 million in fraudulent billings.  In one case, a physician and clinic owner were charged with a conspiracy to defraud Medicare of more than $2.8 million for fraudulent home health billings.

In the Southern Louisiana Strike Force, operating in the Middle and Eastern Districts of Louisiana as well as the Southern District of Mississippi, 42 defendants were charged in connection with health care fraud, drug diversion, and money laundering schemes involving more than $16 million in fraudulent billings.  One case alleges that three pharmacy owners and a nurse practitioner conspired to unlawfully dispense controlled substances and defraud TRICARE and private insurance companies out of $12 million.

In the Corporate Strike Force, five defendants were charged in the Middle District of Tennessee with a kickback conspiracy at a durable medical equipment company, which allegedly resulted in more than $1 million in kickbacks and over $2.5 million in fraudulent billings to Medicare.

In addition to the Strike Force locations, today’s enforcement actions include cases and investigations brought by an additional 46 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, including the execution of  search warrants in various investigations conducted by the Central and Northern Districts of California, Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Georgia, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of North Carolina, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, and Western District of Washington.

In the Northern and Southern Districts of Alabama, 15 defendants were charged for their roles in eight health care fraud schemes involving compounding pharmacy fraud and unlawful distribution of controlled substances.

In the Eastern District of California, four defendants were charged for their roles in two health care fraud schemes, one of which included forged prescriptions.

In the Southern District of California, seven defendants, including a physician, were charged for their roles in three health care fraud schemes and one scheme involving identity theft and services that were not rendered.

In the District of Colorado, a defendant was charged with health care fraud related to billings to Medicaid and Medicare.

In the District of Connecticut, three defendants, including two medical professionals, were charged for their roles in two schemes involving compounding drugs and unlawful distribution of Schedule II and IV controlled substances.

In the District of Delaware, a physician/owner of a pain management clinic was charged with unlawfully prescribing more than two million dosage units of Oxycodone products.

In the District of Columbia, a durable medical equipment company owner was charged with defrauding Medicaid of $9.8 million.

In the Northern District of Florida, four defendants were charged in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other private insurance companies out of over $8 million for medically unnecessary compounded creams and pills.

In the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, 12 defendants, including two physicians, were charged in nine health care fraud, drug diversion, or compounding pharmacy schemes involving over $13.5 million in fraudulent billings.

In the District of Idaho, three defendants, all of who are medical professionals, were charged for their roles in three separate fraud schemes involving controlled substances.

In the Central and Southern Districts of Illinois, seven defendants were charged in six separate schemes to defraud the Medicaid program.

In the Northern District of Indiana, eight defendants were charged in various health care fraud schemes to defraud both the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

In the Northern District of Iowa, two defendants – both medical professionals – were charged for their roles in two opioid-related schemes.

In the Districts of Kansas and the Northern and Western Districts of Oklahoma, 12 defendants, including four physicians, were charged in various unlawful distribution of controlled substances schemes.  In the Western District of Oklahoma, one case marks the district’s first time charging unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in a death.

In the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, 12 defendants, including five medical professionals, were charged in various schemes involving health care fraud, unlawful distribution of controlled substances, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.  One case involved the operation of two false-front medical clinics.

In the Districts of Maine and Vermont, two defendants were charged for their roles in two schemes to defraud various government programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and ones run by the HHS’ Administration for Children and Families.

In the District of Nebraska, seven defendants, including one physician, were charged in five separate schemes to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, and various HHS programs.

In the District of Nevada, four defendants, including three medical professionals were charged with conspiracies to commit health care fraud and distribute controlled substances.

In the District of New Jersey, eight defendants, including a New York doctor, an anesthesiology technologist for a Philadelphia hospital, and the owner of a medical billing company, were charged for their roles in five schemes to defraud private insurance companies of over $16 million.

In the Southern District of New York, two defendants were charged in schemes involving health care fraud or drug diversion.

In the Middle District of North Carolina, two defendants were charged with a conspiracy to defraud Medicare out of over $4 million.

In the Southern District of Ohio, three defendants – all medical professionals – were charged for their roles in two health care fraud schemes, one of which involved illegal drug distribution and kickbacks.

In the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, 12 defendants were charged for their roles in three drug diversion schemes.

In the Western District of Pennsylvania, four defendants – all physicians – were charged in various health care fraud and drug diversion schemes. One scheme involved 32,000 dosage units of buprenorphine.

In the District of Rhode Island, one defendant was charged for participating in a theft and aggravated identity theft scheme.

In the District of South Carolina, three defendants were charged for their separate roles in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

In the District of South Dakota, two defendants were charged in separate cases, one of which involved a scheme to defraud the Indian Health Service.

In the Middle District of Tennessee, 10 defendants were charged in two separate schemes, including a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain oxycodone.

In the Eastern District of Texas, two defendants were charged for their role in health care fraud schemes to defraud the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

In the District of Utah, two defendants were charged in two cases, one of which involved a $31 million scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid.

In the Western District of Virginia, eight defendants were charged for their alleged roles in health care fraud schemes.  One $45 million scheme to defraud Medicaid involved falsification of documents in patient files.

In the Eastern District of Washington, a dentist and another individual were indicted for distributing and conspiring to distribute hydrocodone and tramadol without a legitimate medical purpose.

In the Eastern District of Wisconsin, three defendants were charged in a scheme involving the unlawful distribution of controlled substances and aggravated identity theft.

In addition, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Washington, 97 defendants have been charged with defrauding the Medicaid program out of over $27 million.  These cases were investigated by each state’s respective Medicaid Fraud Control Units.  In addition, the Medicaid Fraud Control Units of the states of California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia participated in the investigation of many of the federal cases discussed above.

The cases announced today are being prosecuted and investigated by U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide, along with Medicare Fraud Strike Force teams from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Southern District of Florida, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of Texas, Central District of California, Eastern District of Louisiana, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of Illinois, Middle District of Louisiana, and the Middle District of Florida; and agents from the FBI, HHS-OIG, DEA, DCIS, IRS-CI, Department of Labor, other various federal law enforcement agencies, and state Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

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.

Additional documents related to this announcement will shortly be available here:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/documents-and-resources-june-28-2018.

This operation also highlights the great work being done by the Department of Justice’s Civil Division.  In the past fiscal year, the Department of Justice, including the Civil Division, has collectively won or negotiated over $2 billion in judgements and settlements related to matters alleging health care fraud. 

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE USE THE CONTACTS IN THE MESSAGE OR CALL THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT 202-514-2007.

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Dr. Thomas H. Sachy, age 54, Maureen Sachy, age 79, and Evelyne Ennis, age 51, of Gray, Georgia, and Brandy Hamilton (Birchfield), age 39, of Macon, Georgia are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Dispense Controlled Substances. Specifically, the defendants are accused of unlawfully dispensing and distributing Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substance outside the usual course of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both. 

Dr. Thomas Sachy is also charged with two counts of Unlawful Dispensation and Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death and Serious Bodily Injury. If convicted, he faces up to a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both. Additionally, Dr. Thomas Sachy and Maureen Sachy are also charged with Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises, specifically, the Georgia Pain and Behavioral Medicine clinic located at 247 Lana Drive in Gray, Jones County, Georgia, as well as a Money Laundering Conspiracy. If convicted of either of those charges, Thomas and Maureen Sachy would each face up to twenty (20) years in prison, a $500,000.00 fine, or both.  

“Dispensing opioids beyond what is medically necessary is not only unlawful, but has greatly contributed to what has been termed an opioid epidemic in our country.  Our office will vigorously prosecute those who engage in this conduct, including, where appropriate, medical professionals,” stated United States Attorney Peeler. 

This case is part of a National Health Care Fraud and Opioid Takedown announced by the Department of Justice on June 28, 2018.  This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Tactical Diversion Squad-Atlanta Division Office, with assistance from the DEA Macon Regional Office, Department of Justice’s Document and Media Exploitation Program, Georgia Bureau of Investigation-Division of Forensic Services, Georgia Drug and Narcotic Agency, and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. The case is being prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker.

If you have any information related to this case or to any pharmaceutical drug abuse, please call the DEA Pharmaceutical Abuse Hotline at 1-877-RxAbuse or 1-877-792-2873. Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

DEA Tactical Diversion Squad-Atlanta Division Office has contacted the following medical centers and treatment programs in the Middle Georgia area who are now accepting patients in need of legitimate medical treatment:

Surrounding Area Pain Centers 

• Hemlock Pain Center – Milledgeville
  750 Cobb Street
  Suite 150
  Milledgeville, GA 31061
  (478) 284-0670
  M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  (potentially open every other Thursday)
   
• Hemlock Pain Center – Warner Robins
  504 Osigian Blvd.
  Warner Robins, GA 31088
  (478) 333-6444
  M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
   
• Hemlock Pain Center – Macon
  101 Preston Court
  Macon, GA 31210
  (478) 745-2385
  M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
   
• Pain Institute of Georgia
  3356 Vineville Ave.
  Macon, GA 31204
  (478) 476-9247
  M-Th 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Surrounding Narcotic Treatment Programs for Patients in Withdrawal 

• HealthQwest Frontiers, Inc – Macon
  890 Northwoods Plaza
  Macon, GA 31204
  (478) 330 – 7164
  M-F  5:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00a.m.
  24 hour crisis # 478.538.2780
   
• HealthQwest – Warner Robins
  607 A Russell Parkway
  Warner Robins, GA 31088
  (478) 225-9860
  M-F  5:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 9:30a.m.
  24 hour crisis # 478.361.6411
   
• Georgia Treatment Services, LLC
  6132 Hawkinsville Rd
  Macon, Ga 31216
  (478) 788-0066
  M-F 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,
  Saturday 6:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
  24 hour crisis # 918.607.3473 
   
   
   

Deron Lamonte Hill, age 23, of Macon, Georgia, has been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, announces United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. Mr. Hill is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted of Attempted Online Enticement, Mr. Hill faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. He faces up to ten (10) years’ imprisonment on the Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor charge.

The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Macon Resident Agency Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker.

 “Protecting minors from online predators is a priority of our office and the focus of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.  We will vigorously prosecute those alleged to have engaged in such conduct,” stated United States Attorney Peeler. 

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that a Grand Jury, sitting in Macon Georgia, has returned indictments against 30 individuals. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.  “I want to thank our Federal, State and local law enforcement partners for their hard work bringing these cases before the Federal Grand Jury,” said United States Attorney Peeler. 

Indictment #1: 

KENNETH JAMES, age 50, of Phenix City, Alabama, is charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute and faces a maximum sentence of Life in Prison, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr.

Indictment #2:

CRYSTAL AVERY, age 36, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Count 1), Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA (Count 2) and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Count 3). If convicted, Ms. Avery faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both as to Count 1; a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a $1 million fine, or both as to Count 2; and a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine as to Count 3. 

TIMOTHY BAILEY, age 30, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Count 1), Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA (Count 2) and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Count 3). If convicted, Mr. Bailey faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both as to Count 1; a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment and a $1 million fine, or both as to Count 2; and a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine as to Count 3.

The case was investigated by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, the Georgia Department of Corrections and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

Indictment #3: 

CINDY ANN BLEDSOE, age 30, of Daytona, Florida, is charged with one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. If convicted, Ms. Bledsoe faces a maximum sentence of forty (40) years in prison, a $5,000,000.00 fine, or both. 

The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja B. Profit.

Indictment #4:

JACOB M. WALKER, age 31, of Jacksonville, Florida, ANDREW B. O’HAIRE, aged 37, of Quitman, Georgia, and GEORGE T. WALKER, aged 55, of Hahira, Georgia, are each  charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and each faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in Amarillo, Texas and Valdosta, Georgia; the Lowndes County Sheriff Office, the Brooks County Sheriff Office and the Georgia State Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja B. Profit.

Indictment #5

PATRICK O’NEAL KENNEDY, age 42, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with two (2) counts of Distribution of Crack Cocaine.  If convicted, Mr. Kennedy faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

Indictment #6

LUIS A. MELLADO-SANCHEZ, age 19, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is charged with one (1) count of Bank Robbery. If convicted, Mr. Mellado-Sanchez faces a maximum sentence of twenty  (20) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department, Camilla Police Department, Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

In addition, to the above indictments, 10 individuals were indicted for firearms offenses. All of these cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October, 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Those charged for firearms offenses are:

 1. VICTOR OMAR BYRON, age 33, of Milledgeville, Georgia, is charged with Possession of Cocaine (Count 1), Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Count 2), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 3), and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 4) and faces a maximum sentence of one (1) year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both, on Count 1; five (5) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2; ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 3; and life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 4, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.

 2. FRANKIE JACKSON, age 28, of Warner Robins, Georgia, is charged with Possession of Alprazolam (Count 1), Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Count 2), Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by Someone Under Indictment (Count 3) and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 4). If convicted, Mr. Jackson faces a maximum sentence of one (1) year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both, on Count 1; five (5) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2; five (5) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 3; and life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 4. 

The case was investigated by the Warner Robins Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.

 3. MARCUS MARSHALL, age 34, of Columbus, Georgia, is charged with Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 1) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2).  If convicted, Mr. Marshall faces a maximum sentence of Life in Prison, a $10 million fine, or both, on Count 1 and ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2.

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr.

 4. CORNELIUS HIXSON, age 22, of Columbus, Georgia, is charged with one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. If convicted, Mr. Hixson faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.  

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.

 5. TELSAVOY MADDOX, age 37, of Columbus, Georgia, is charged with one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. If convicted, Mr. Maddox faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.  

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr.

 6. DENZELL OMAR DAVIS, age 25, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. If convicted, Mr. Davis faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

 7. CHRISTOPHER G. SWINSON, age 33, of Valdosta, Georgia is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Count 1) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2). If convicted, Mr. Swinson faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both on Count 1; and a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years in prison, and a maximum sentence of 40 years, and a $250,000 fine, or both on Count 2.

 8. KENTAVIOUS DEVOM BURGESS, age 23, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with two (2) counts of Distribution of Cocaine Base and one (1) count of Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Offense.  If convicted of Distribution of Crack Cocaine, Mr. Burgess faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both, on each count. If convicted of Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Offense, Mr. Burgess faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

 9. TYLER COWAN, age 28, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one (1) count of Possession of  Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  If convicted Mr. Cowan faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,00.00 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

 10. JAMARCUS HUFF, age 29, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, one (1) count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and one (1) count of Possession of Marijuana.  If convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine, Mr. Huff faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, or both.  If convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Mr. Huff faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.  If convicted of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, Mr. Huff faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, to be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed in this case.  If convicted of Possession of Marijuana, Mr. Huff faces a maximum sentence of one (1) year in prison, a $100,000.00 fine, or both. 

The case was investigated by the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.

            Finally, eleven individuals were indicted for Illegal Reentry and are subject to deportation proceedings following their sentences, if convicted. Those indicted were:

 1. RICARDO TELLO-MARTINEZ, age 39, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on November 11, 2011, without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return.  Mr. Tello-Martinez was found in Athens-Clarke County, GA on April 15, 2018.  If convicted, Mr. Tello-Martinez faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $ 250,000.00 fine, or both. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett.

 2. LUIS FELIPE CERVANTES-MONDRAGO, age 24, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on December 13, 2011 and December 4, 2014, without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return. Mr. Cervantes-Mondragon was found in Morgan County, GA on March 28, 2018. If convicted, Mr.  Cervantes-Mondrago faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.

 3. JUAN FABILA-GARIBAY, age 46, a citizen of Mexico was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on April 10, 1998 and October 26, 2017, without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return. Mr. Fabila-Garibay was found in Irwin County, GA on April 11, 2018. If convicted, Mr.Fabila-Garibay faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja B. Profit.

 4. MANUAL HERNANDEZ-OLEA, age 44, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on January 5, 2012, without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return. Mr. Hernandez-Olea was found in Oconee County, GA on May 4, 2016. If convicted, Mr. Hernandez-Olea faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.  

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.

 5. JONATHAN HANSEL MELENDEZ-SANTOS, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on March 31, 2011 and December 4, 2014 without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return.  Mr. Melendez-Santos was found in Thomas County, GA on April 29, 2018.  If convicted, Mr. Melendez-Santos faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.  

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Bowen.

 6. RAFAEL SANCHEZ-HERNANDEZ, age 26, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on January 5, 2012, without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return. Mr. Sanchez-Hernandez was found in Grady County, GA on March 28, 2018. If convicted, Mr. Sanchez-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.

 7. JOSE SERRANO-HERNANDEZ, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted for Illegal Re-entry for re-entering the United States, after deportation on January 22, 2009 and March 31, 2015, without obtaining prior authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary for Homeland Security to return. Mr. Serrano-Hernandez was found in Athens-Clarke, County, GA on May 3, 2018. If convicted, Mr. Serrano-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of two (2) years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count.  

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Easterling.

 8. EDY EDWIN SOLIS-LOPEZ, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala, entered a plea of guilty on June 13, 2018. He is due to be sentenced on July 11, 2018.  The investigating agency was the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.

 9. FRANCISCO BUESO, age 49, a citizen of Honduras, entered a plea of guilty on June 13, 2018. He is due to be sentenced on July 11, 2018.  The investigating agency was the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.

 10. JUAN CHIVALAN, age 19, a citizen of Guatemala, entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced on June 13, 2018. The investigating agency was the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.

 11. SABINO OSORIO, age 27, a citizen of Guatemala, entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced on June 13, 2018. The investigating agency was the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.          

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

                                                                       

VALDOSTA: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Dr. William Bacon, age 82 and Dr. Donatus O. Mbanefo, age 64, were found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to dispense controlled substances outside the usual course of medical practice and without a legitimate medical purpose at clinics in Valdosta, Georgia and Columbus, Georgia.  Dr. Mbanefo was also convicted of two additional counts of unlawful dispensation of controlled substances. The trial was held before Senior District Judge Hugh Lawson between May 29 and June 13, 2018 in Valdosta.

Evidence presented during the trial of the case showed that in June 2011, co-conspirators Carol Neema Biggs, a/k/a Carol Johnson; Nilija Biggs and Junior Alexander Biggs formed the Wellness Center of Valdosta (WCV), located at 2016 E. Adair Street, to operate as a pain clinic. Dr. Bacon began working there in September 2011 and saw patients until the clinic closed.

The evidence showed that the clinic saw unrealistically large numbers of patients daily, accepted no forms of insurance or government benefits but took cash payments only of between $250 to $325 to see a patient,  offered a “VIP” line which allowed patients to be seen sooner by paying additional cash.  The doctors at the clinic saw an abnormally  large number of patients from out of state,  including some from as far away as Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia, who often traveled in groups to the clinic.  The evidence showed that the clinic offered no diagnostic testing, required only a paper MRI report, and that Dr. Bacon performed only cursory medical examinations.  No alternative treatments outside prescribing large quantities of a “cocktail” of pain medications and other controlled substances were offered to patients. The “cocktail” generally included such highly addictive controlled substances as Oxycodone and Xanax, but also included Hydromorphone, Hydrocodone, Soma, Valium and Ambien. A number of pharmacies and regulatory agencies called the clinic with concerns about the types and amounts of controlled substances prescribed.

During the approximately 27 months during which Dr. Bacon worked at the Wellness Center of Valdosta, he wrote more than 29,000 prescriptions for controlled substances. Those included prescriptions for more than 1.8 million Oxycodone pills and more than 700,000 Xanax and Soma pills.

In June 2012, in furtherance of the conspiracy, Carol and Junior Biggs opened another pain clinic in Columbus known as the Relief Institute of Columbus. The Relief Institute of Columbus employed a number of doctors but evidence at the trial showed that clinic operated in the same fashion as the Wellness Center of Columbus to unlawfully dispense controlled substances. At some point in mid-2013, the name of the clinic was changed to Tri-City Spinal Center, briefly, and it relocated to 7661 Kayne Blvd in order to avoid suspicion related to the clinic’s practices, but the purpose and operation did not change.  The Columbus clinic closed briefly after execution of a federal search warrant on December 12, 2013, but reopened from late December 2013 through February 4, 2014, when a state search warrant was executed at the clinic.

Dr. Mbanefo saw patients at the Relief Institute between mid-March 2013 and mid-June 2013.  During that three month period of time, Dr. Mbanefo wrote more than 2,900 prescriptions for controlled substances.  Those included prescriptions for more than 127,000 Oxycodone pills and more than 43,000 Xanax and Soma pills. Evidence at the trial also showed that on April 8, 2013, Dr. Mbanefo prescribed large quantities of Oxycodone and Xanax to an undercover agent, who had no legitimate medical issues, with only a cursory medical examination and without discussing the dangers or addictive nature of those drugs.  On June 5, 2013, Dr. Mbanefo prescribed the same undercover agent Oxycodone, Hydromorphone and Xanax, without a legitimate medical purpose.

The doctors at both clinics were paid $1200 to $1400 per day to see patients at the clinics, with a bonus when a doctor saw more than 40 in a single day. During the operation of the two clinics, patients made cash payments of more than $2 million to see the doctors for prescriptions.

Dr. Bacon faces up to twenty (20) years in federal prison and Dr. Mbanefo faces up to twenty (20) years in federal prison on each of the three counts, based on the convictions.

Others who worked at the clinics have previously pled guilty to various offenses and await sentencing.  Dr. Vinod Shah, who had seen patients at the Relief Institute of Columbus in 2012-2013 and issued presciptions for more than 398,000 Oxycodone pills and more than 100,000 Xanax and Soma pills, has previously entered a guilty plea to involvement in the pill mill conspiracy. Co-conspirators Carol Neema Biggs a/k/a Carol Johnson, Junior Alexander Biggs, Shavonta Devon Bright a/k/a Sean, Nilaja C. Biggs, and Ionie Whorms have also previously entered pleas of guilty for their involvement in or knowledge and concealment of the conspiracy.

On their guilty pleas to conspiracy, Carol Biggs,  Junior Biggs and Dr. Vinod Shah each face up to ten (10) years in federal prison,  while Nilija Biggs faces up to five (5) years in federal prison.  Based on pleas to knowledge and concealment of the conspiracy, Mr. Bright and Ms. Whorms each face up to three (3) years in federal prison.

“This case demonstrates the importance of pursuing those individuals, including licensed medical professionals, who are preying on the addictive nature of opioids and other controlled substances.” said United States Attorney Charlie Peeler. “My office and the Department of Justice have made efforts to control what the CDC has declared an Opioid Epidemic in this country that is killing people and fueling the current spike in illegal heroin trade. Doctors are not above the law and our office will continue to hold doctors accountable for illegal practices that put powerful, addictive and dangerous painkillers and other substances into the hands of those who do not medically need them.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “The devastation caused to human lives by prescription opioid abuse cannot be overstated. The prescription opioid epidemic that this country currently faces can be traced directly to unscrupulous medical practices where the practicing doctors and owners prosper and the patients suffer grievously. Patients at “pill mills” can expect to lose family, money, their health, happiness and possibly their lives. Physicians who run these illegal practices can expect to be investigated, prosecuted, and sent to prison in the same way as other drug traffickers who push poison in our communities. DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented a united front which led to the successful prosecution of this case.”

“Doctors who illegally dispense prescription narcotics must be held accountable for their actions.  This conviction demonstrates the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute the illegal distribution of prescription drugs negatively impacting Georgia and our surrounding states.  The GBI remains committed to working with our federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes.” 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Robert D. McCullers and K. Alan Dasher prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

One of the most cherished segments of any community is its elders. Our elders are the women and men who have lived through more than many of us can imagine, who shaped the world into its present state and have passed the baton to future generations to continue improving upon the foundation they built, and whose hearts and minds possess invaluable wisdom, experience, and lessons from which we all should take heed. Unfortunately, this most precious portion of our population is also the most susceptible to fraud, neglect, and abuse by those who fail to hold our elders in the revered esteem each of us should.

June 15, 2018 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day provides an opportunity for the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia to promote a better understanding of the abuse, fraud, neglect, and schemes perpetrated against older persons by raising awareness of the financial, physical, and economic processes affecting elders. The impact of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is nothing to take lightly:

• Elder abuse triples the risk of premature death and causes unnecessary illness, injury, and suffering.
• Victims of elder abuse are four times more likely to be admitted to a nursing home and three times more likely to be admitted to a hospital.
• Financial exploitation causes large economic losses for businesses, families, elders, and government programs, and increases reliance on federal and state health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
• Older adults with cognitive incapacity suffer significantly greater economic losses than those without such incapacity.
• As a result of providing care for an older adult, some caregivers experience declines in their own physical and mental health which can result in a continued cycle of neglect and abuse.[1]

From family members and caregivers taking advantage of a person who no longer has the physical or mental capacity to fend off a would-be abuser to domestic and international criminals operating online, via phone, and through our postal system to target vulnerable elders and access the money they have earned over a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, there are many who seek to take advantage of our senior citizens.

Congress, through the enactment of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, in partnership with our state and local law enforcement, has given us the tools necessary to target, stop, and prevent these bad actors from taking advantage of elders in Middle Georgia. Over the course of the next year, our office will be conducting a series of public forums educating senior community members and concerned citizens about various aspects of elder financial fraud. We are also working with our state and local law enforcement partners who already prosecute and investigate elder fraud cases to conduct enhanced training and seek out opportunities to assist in their work by prosecuting cases in federal court where there is no parole for fraudsters sent to prison. Please be on the lookout for information about these programs and other Elder Justice initiatives in your local area as we would love for you to join us at the community forums.

Protecting elder Americans is the responsibility of every member of the communities throughout Middle Georgia. I encourage you to visit www.elderjustice.gov and learn more about the ways you can assist in our efforts to prevent fraud, neglect, and abuse of elders. Take time to visit an older adult often and talk with them in private. Speak up when you think something seems wrong. To report abuse of seniors or adults with disabilities, please call Adult Protective Services at 1-866-55AGING or you may report anonymously through the web at https://aging.georgia.gov/report-elder-abuse. To report financial exploitation, please go to www.justice.gov/elderjustice/roadmap.  

 

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[1] Department of Justice – Elder Justice Initiative (www.elderjustice.gov)

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on June 12, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal sentenced Qruintrell Renee Cook, age 29, of North Augusta, South Carolina, to 57 months’ imprisonment for Bank Robbery.  She was also ordered to pay $6590 in restitution to the bank. Ms. Cook pled guilty on March 8, 2018.

The evidence supporting the plea showed that on July 18, 2016, an adult female wearing a disguise robbed the First Madison Bank and Trust in Colbert, Georgia.  The robber handed a note to a bank teller which threatened that she had a gun and was willing to shoot everyone in the bank unless she was given cash.  Although the robber initially got away without being apprehended, she was later identified as Ms. Cook based on fingerprints she left behind at the scene.  After her arrest in South Carolina, Ms. Cook confessed to committing the bank robbery.

“Ms. Cook’s illegal actions terrified innocent citizens and put many lives at risk, including her own,” said United States Attorney Peeler.  “I applaud the joint local and federal law enforcement investigation that led to her identification, capture, and conviction.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.  Assistant United States Attorney Peter D. Leary prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia Charles Peeler announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.

In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.

“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.'  When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”

In the Middle District of Georgia, three of these new AUSAs will focus on violent crime, civil enforcement, and prosecuting immigration crimes.  The Middle District of Georgia is comprised of 70 counties, includes Albany, Valdosta, Columbus, Macon and Athens, and is home to approximately 2 million residents.

“I want to thank Attorney General Sessions for providing our district with the tools we need to make the Middle District of Georgia a safer place to live, work and visit.  These new federal prosecutors are critical in fulfilling our mission to fight violent crime, end the opioid epidemic, and secure our borders,” said United States Attorney Charles Peeler.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on June 6, 2018, a jury convicted 42-year-old Patrick Leigh Burnham of Fitzgerald, Georgia of Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Cocaine Base occurring on July 20, 2017 at 128 Jacksonville Highway in Fitzgerald.  Each offense carries a maximum possible term of incarceration of three (3) years and a fine in the range of $5000 to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the Ben Hill County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

COLUMBUS: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E.  Peeler, announces that guilty pleas were entered on June 7, 2018, in front of United States District Judge Marc T. Treadwell by Curtis Hall, age 37, of East Dublin, Georgia, Lantesia Lanier, age 41, of Dublin, Georgia, and Jackie Fields, age 47, of Cochran, Georgia to offenses related to a human trafficking enterprise spearheaded by co-defendant Jessie Lee Hall, Jr.  Fields and Lanier each entered a plea to one count of misprision of a felony for misleading law enforcement about their knowledge of the enterprise, while Curtis Hall entered a plea to a single count charging him with interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise for his role in the criminal endeavor.

Jessie Lee Hall, Jr., age 38, of Dublin, Georgia previously entered a guilty plea on May 9, 2018 in front of Judge Treadwell to one (1) count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, five (5) counts of transportation for illegal sexual activity, and one (1) count of inducement to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Jessie Lee Hall, Jr., acted as a pimp for the several victims known to law enforcement.  The first victim of the conspiracy was encountered by law enforcement on June 12, 2016, at a hotel in Macon. The victim stated that Hall was her pimp and she met him through the internet.  In May 2016, Mr. Hall convinced the victim to travel from Ohio and work as a prostitute for him in Georgia.  The victim was forced by Hall to perform commercial sex acts in hotels throughout Central Georgia.

During the investigation, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office received information that Jessie Lee Hall, Jr., was trafficking other women for sex. A second victim confirmed that Jessie Lee Hall, Jr., was her pimp and that she had worked for him from approximately July, 2013, until February, 2016.  Mr. Hall advertised her services on Backpage.com and transported her to hotels inside and outside Georgia for commercial sex acts.

A third victim was also identified and was required to perform commercial sex acts throughout central Georgia.

All three victims stated that a combination of threats of force, fraud, or coercion had been used by Mr. Hall to cause them to perform commercial sex acts.  They additionally stated that defendants Curtis Hall, Lantesia Lanier, and Jackie Fields had knowledge of the operation and participated in it to varying degrees. 

Curtis Hall is facing a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, while Fields and Lanier are facing a maximum 3 years prison sentence.  All are subject to a maximum fine of $250,000.00.

“Human trafficking is a crime that literally trades in the bodies and souls of its victims.  The investigation and prosecution of these crimes are among the highest priorities of the Department of Justice and of my office,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

“The FBI and its law enforcement partners have made human trafficking a top priority, and this case is an example of our determination,” said Murang Pak, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Human trafficking is an unspeakable crime against some of the most vulnerable in our society and we will continue to devote significant resources toward these reprehensible crimes.”  

Sentencing will be scheduled for late September or early October of 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 31, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands sentenced Yalanda Mills age 36, of Cairo, GA, to 98 months imprisonment for the offense of Possession of Items Intended for the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.  Ms. Mills was also ordered to pay restitution related to the hazardous materials cleanup and for medical bills sustained when one of the officers responding to the scene was overcome by toxic fumes emitted from the meth lab. 

Ms. Mills had earlier pled guilty and admitted that in 2015 she purchased and possessed lithium batteries and camp fuel which she provided to Cary Brandon Smith for his use in manufacturing methamphetamine in Grady County, Georgia.

“The manufacture of methamphetamine in our communities presents a special danger over and above that of the impact of its use on addicts.  It creates toxic waste residue which is a hazard to all in the vicinity for years to come without the proper clean-up.  It is my hope that this sentence demonstrates to everyone that doing anything to assist someone else in the commission of a crime such as this is a very bad decision.  Here, Ms. Mills’ acquisition and possession of otherwise legal items was a crucial part of Smith’s ability to carry out his dangerous activity,” said United States Attorney Peeler. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Grady County Sheriff’s Office and Cairo Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the guilty plea to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine entered by Kevin Alford, age 41 of Greenville, Georgia, before the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams, U.S. District Court Judge sitting in Albany, Georgia on May 16, 2018. This plea subjects Mr. Alford to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum term of imprisonment for life, a fine of up to ten million dollars, or both.

In addition to the plea of Mr. Alford, Donna Parks, age 37 also of Greenville, Georgia, pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, which charge arose from the same incident as that leading to Mr. Alford’s indictment and plea.  Her guilty plea subjects Ms. Parks to a sentence of not less than ten (10) years imprisonment a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both. 

According to court records, a cooperating witness, who had previously been provided methamphetamine by Mr. Alford, set up a meeting with Mr. Alford in Leesburg, Lee County, Georgia, at the FairFax Motel, to take delivery of more methamphetamine.  DEA agents contacted Lee County Sheriff’s Office personnel to advise them of the anticipated arrival of Mr. Alford.  The Lee County Deputies set up surveillance to await Mr. Alford’s arrival at the motel.  As anticipated, Mr. Alford arrived in a rental vehicle accompanied by Donna Parks.  A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine, marijuana, multiple cell phones, and a loaded .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver.

Both Mr. Alford and Ms. Parks are convicted felons.  After being advised of his Miranda rights and waiving the same, Alford acknowledged his multiple prior felony convictions and provided limited details into his drug distribution operation. Ms. Parks admits that she was in joint possession of the firearm along with Mr. Alford.  

Search warrants were obtained for the cell phones recovered which contained numerous text messages between Mr. Alford and unknown persons regarding the acquisition and distribution of quantities of drugs.  The methamphetamine was submitted for laboratory analysis and found to weigh 330 grams and be 95% pure d-methamphetamine hydrochloride.

“Convicted felons carrying guns and selling drugs are just the type of criminals that the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is designed to remove from our communities,” said United States Attorney Peeler.  “My office shall prosecute all such cases with all appropriate vigor to help alleviate the dual scourges of gun violence and drug addiction afflicting our society.” 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Marcus Andrews, age 35, of Bristol, Florida, pled guilty on May 17, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine before U.S. District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia.  The plea subjects Mr. Andrews to a term of imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years, a fine of up to one million dollars, or both.

Mr. Andrews admitted the following facts in his guilty plea:

On November 2, 2016, agents were monitoring a court-authorized wiretap on a phone being used by Boris Fuller when they intercepted a series of text messages and phone calls regarding an order for methamphetamine placed by customers of an organization operating in Florida. Based on the content of these calls, agents conducted electronic and visual surveillance and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Mr. Andrews.

A drug detection canine was deployed and showed a positive alert indicating the likely presence of narcotics. Mr. Andrews spontaneously stated, “There is dope in that car, it’s mine.”   Officers searched the vehicle and located a white shopping bag containing crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 15 ounces.

This case was investigated by agents of the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Moultrie Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Georgia Department of Community Supervision.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

 

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 17, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands  sitting in Albany, Georgia, sentenced Cary Brandon Smith, age 33, of Cairo, GA, to 360 months imprisonment as the result of his plea of guilty earlier this year to 31 of 32 counts in an indictment charging him multiple counts of Conspiracy to Manufacture and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Other Controlled Substances, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Use of a Communications Facility in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. 

Court records reveal that on March 19, 2015, deputies with the Grady County Sheriff’s Office travelled to Cairo, Georgia, in search of a wanted person. Upon arrival, the officers observed Cary Brandon Smith running away from the residence and into a wooded area nearby. After obtaining a search warrant, agents found a methamphetamine lab with methamphetamine, ingredients for manufacture of the drug and evidence of prior manufacturing of the substance.

 Arrest warrants were sworn out for Mr. Smith and he remained at large until September 2, 2015, when Grady County deputies travelled to a location on Old Egg Road in Cairo and arrested him following a foot chase. A search of the premises pursuant to a warrant revealed another methamphetamine lab, along with the drug itself and two firearms: a Ruger .357 Magnum revolver and an SKS high capacity semi-automatic rifle, which had been stolen in an earlier burglary. 

Mr. Smith admitted to police at the time of this arrest that he manufactured and sold methamphetamine.  He also admitted that he knew that the SKS rifle was stolen.  Due to prior convictions in Georgia for Criminal Attempt to Manufacture Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, and Burglary, it was a violation of federal law for Mr. Smith to possess any firearm, a fact he admitted he knew.

While awaiting trial for his crimes on the charges stemming from the March, 2015 and September, 2015 incidents described earlier, Mr. Smith continued dealing in methamphetamine and other illegal drugs, as well as possessing guns.  On June 21, 2017, agents executed a search warrant at a Humble Road address in Cairo, where they discovered two handguns, methamphetamine, other illegal drugs and documents identifying Mr. Smith.

On June 23, 2017, officers arrested Mr. Smith during a traffic stop and discovered marijuana and components for manufacturing methamphetamine.  Mr. Smith admitted that the marijuana was his.   He also described obtaining large quantities of methamphetamine in Moultrie and having travelled to Atlanta to meet with the sources of supply.

“Cary Smith has been a one-man crime wave in South Georgia for several years, manufacturing and selling methamphetamine and other drugs despite numerous arrests and convictions for doing so.  In addition, he committed these crimes while armed, knowing that he was prohibited from possessing firearms because of these previous convictions.  Mr. Smith earned and deserves the harsh sentence he received, as he has proven beyond any doubt that incarceration is the only way to stop him from ravaging our community through the illegal manufacture and sale of methamphetamine and other highly addictive and destructive drugs,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.           

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and the Cairo Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Eulalio Martinez, age 38, a citizen of Mexico residing in Alma, Georgia, has been found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine 4,923 grams of pure methamphetamine (Count 1) and Illegal Reentry (Count 2), following a four-day jury trial before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Macon.  Mr. Martinez was indicted on the charges on June 14, 2017.

Evidence presented at trial proved that, on May 1, 2016, a confidential source (CS) in Coffee County, Georgia, informed law enforcement agents that she had been approached by Martinez to drive him to Atlanta to pick up a quantity of crystal methamphetamine. 

On May 2, 2016, using a tracking device, agents monitored the vehicle as it traveled hours north to Atlanta where it stopped for a 90 minutes at a convenience store. The CS indicated a young Hispanic male met Martinez at the store and directed them to an apartment complex near I-85 and Shallowford Road. Shortly after pulling into a parking space, the young male got out of the van and retrieved a cardboard box from a vehicle that pulled in next to the van. The young male placed the box into the CS’s vehicle and the CS drove off. During the drive back to South Georgia, the CS overheard phone conversations Mr. Martinez had with Mexican sources indicating he was in possession of the methamphetamine.   

At about 10:42 am, agents stopped the vehicle and took the passenger, Mr. Martinez, into custody.  A search of the vehicle produced a box covered by a black jacket behind the driver’s seat in which there were three (3) clear containers, which held a total of 11.6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

The Illegal Reentry charge was a result of Mr. Martinez’s being found in Tift County, Georgia on May 2, 2016, having been deported and removed from the United States on October 4, 2012 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission to the country.

Mr. Martinez faces a maximum sentence of forty (40) years in prison, a $5 million fine, or both.  His sentencing hearing will be held in August following a pre-sentence investigation and report.

“This case involves two of the top priorities of the Department of Justice and of my office, the sale of illegal drugs and the violation of our immigration laws.  Methamphetamine is a scourge on the Middle District of Georgia.  Mr. Martinez was not only in this country illegally, but chose to further break its laws by illegally distributing this highly addictive and extremely dangerous drug,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “The success of this investigation was possible because of  unified law enforcement cooperation and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. As a result of a trial verdict, this Crystal Methamphetamine trafficker will now face a substantial monetary fine and significant prison time for the crimes he committed.”           

This case was investigated by the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the Tift County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Sonja B. Profit and Tamara Jarrett prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 16, 2018, United States District Court Judge Leslie J. Abrams sentenced Chad Curry, age 51, of Leesburg, GA, to 130 months imprisonment for the offenses of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (70 months) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (60 months).  The sentences will run consecutively.

There is no parole in the federal system. 

At his guilty plea hearing earlier this year, Mr. Curry admitted that on July 1, 2016, he possessed with intent to distribute about one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, two bags of marijuana, a .25 caliber handgun and items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine, which were found in the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Leesburg, Georgia.  Mr. Curry further admitted that he had been acquiring methamphetamine from sources in Atlanta, Georgia, and Phoenix City, Alabama, for redistribution, as well as manufacturing some quantities of methamphetamine himself. 

“Mr. Curry not only sold highly addictive drugs but was willing to protect his illegal activity through violence if necessary, as evidenced by his possession of a handgun while doing so.  Because of that weapon, he received a consecutive five year sentence in addition to what he received for selling drugs. Gun crime means extra time in the federal system,” said United States Attorney Peeler.    

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.  

The case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

COLUMBUS: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 14, 2018, Andre Hendricks, aged 39, of Woodland, Georgia, entered a guilty plea to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon before Chief United States District Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus.

At his plea hearing, Mr. Hendricks admitted that he sold narcotics from his residence to a confidential informant on two occasions in December 2016.  A subsequent search of his residence revealed nine (9) firearms, ammunition, crack cocaine, a quantity of pills containing methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills, powder cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Mr. Hendricks is prohibited from possessing a firearm after having been convicted of Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in Superior Court in Talbot County in 2003; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Cocaine in Superior Court in Meriwether County in 2005; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Ecstasy and Possession of Cocaine in Muscogee County Superior Court in 2006; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in Talbot County Superior Court in 2009.

Mr. Hendricks faces a maximum penalty of forty (40) years imprisonment, a $5 million fine, or both, for the narcotics charge and a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, on the firearms charge.  His sentencing hearing will take place following a pre-sentence investigation.  There is no parole in the federal system.

“Mr. Hendricks had both a virtual pharmacy and arsenal when arrested.  His past record of drug and weapons possession charges, together with his current charges, make it clear that only incarceration will prevent the same conduct from him in the future.  Fortunately, that is what he now faces,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.           

The case was investigated by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

VALDOSTA: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 9, 2018, United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson sentenced Kendrick Manning, age 42, of Valdosta, GA, to 60 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Embezzle Public Monies and Possess Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks. Mr. Manning pled guilty to the offense on January 18, 2018.

In entering his pleas, Mr. Manning admitted that in 2011, he obtained identifying information for a number of individuals, including nursing home residents and state prisoners from other unnamed co-conspirators, for the purpose of filing fraudulent income tax returns. From April 2011 to mid-2012, Mr. Manning filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS using computer-based filing methods. Mr. Manning and co-conspirators would receive the fraudulent tax refunds generated by the tax returns in the form of direct deposit in multiple bank accounts held in the name of different individuals or as debit cards which would be loaded with the tax refund amounts.

102 fraudulent returns for tax year 2010 were filed by Mr. Manning, claiming refunds totaling about $450,000, on which nearly $300,000 in refunds were paid. For tax year 2011, Mr. Manning filed approximately 432 fraudulent returns totaling more than $3.7 million, with $1,185,259 in refund issued.

In 2013, the conspiracy continued with Mr. Manning and co-conspirators presenting stolen and otherwise fraudulently obtained United States Treasury checks, including tax refund checks, through a bank account to convert the checks into cash. Mr. Manning admitted that he had received the Treasury checks knowing them to be fraudulent and stolen. The checks that were presented were mostly tax returns, but some included Thrift Savings Plan payments, Social Security payments, and other types of tax related refunds.

The intended monetary loss attributable to Mr. Manning based on the conspiracy was more than $4.7 million belonging to the United States. As a part of the sentence, more than $2 million has been ordered to be paid in restitution to the United States Department of Treasury, The Citizens Bank in Nashville, Georgia and ABA Insurance Services, Inc.

“It is disheartening that tax fraud and identity theft is so prevalent,” United States Attorney Charles Peeler said. “My office is committed to prosecuting those individuals who defraud others and the United States.” 

“The sentencing of Manning is another victory in the Internal Revenue Service’s continued efforts to combat identity theft,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Even though the tax filing season is over, taxpayer’s need to remain vigilant in protecting their identifying information as the criminals commit their fraud year round.” 

“This case is another example that clearly shows criminals are continuing to steal personal identifying information (PII) for the purpose of committing fraud,” said Clint Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service. “In this case, United States Citizens were violated by having their PII stolen along with their legitimately issued tax refund checks. Many of these victims were counting on their tax refund to survive. Their tax refund being stolen placed a huge financial burden on their lives causing long lasting consequences. The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest and support the successful prosecution of the criminals who choose to commit this and other types of financial fraud in our community and around the nation.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E.  Peeler, announces that Robert Murphy, age 25, of Macon, Georgia entered his guilty plea on May 11, 2018 to possession of child pornography in front of United States District Judge Marc T. Treadwell.

According to the plea agreement, on or about April 21, 2016, a federal law enforcement agent identified that a number of child pornography files available for sharing through an internet connection associated with Mr. Murphy’s residence. A federal search warrant was later executed by members of Homeland Security Investigations, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Murphy was found at the residence and admitted to searching for and downloading child pornography using peer-to-peer programs.  He also admitted to looking for child pornography, downloading, watching, and later deleting the files. A forensic examination of Mr. Murphy’s computer, which was seized during execution of the warrant, revealed evidence of 109 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

"The viewers of child pornography provide the market that leads the producers to corrupt and defile children in the making of it; thus the users are as guilty as anyone else in the production/distribution chain, and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by my office," said United States Attorney Peeler.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case for the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that a Grand Jury, sitting in Macon Georgia, has returned fourteen (14) indictments. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.  “I want to thank our Federal and State law enforcement partners for their hard work bringing these cases before the Federal Grand Jury,” said United States Attorney Peeler.

Indictment #1: 

Robert Abacan a/k/a “Rob”, aged 40, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with ten (10) counts of Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, Mr. Abacan faces a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.  

Frances Abacan, aged 40, of Valdosta, Georgia, is charged with eight (8) counts of Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, Mrs. Abacan faces a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen.

Indictment #2: 

Samuel Howard a/k/a “Sam”, aged 24, of Doerun, Georgia, is charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both on Count 1 and forty (40) years’ imprisonment, a $5 million fine, or both, on Count 2, if convicted. 

Tokesha Bailey, aged 28, of Moultrie, Georgia, is charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10 Million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Thomas County-Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #3:

Franshaw Riggins, aged 30, of Albany, Georgia, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Bainbridge Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen.

Indictment #4: 

Raymond Gutierrez, aged 45, of Savannah, Georgia, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the Ocmulgee Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun.

Indictment #5: 

Carlos Mendez, aged 44, of Orlando, Florida, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

Vanessa Cantres, aged 39, of Orlando, Florida, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Dooly County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #6: 

Maria Lopez, aged 21, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Amber Hass, aged 30 of Columbus, Georgia, are charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and face maximum sentences of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #7: 

Dionicio Garcia Aguirre, aged 35, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Aggravated Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on July 3, 2014 and March 10, 2009 and returning without the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. If convicted, Mr. Garcia Aguirre faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, United States Probation and Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #8: 

Frank Douglas, aged 59, of Augusta, Georgia, is charged with ten (10) counts of Assault on a Federal Employee and faces a maximum sentence of eight (8) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case. 

Indictment #9: 

Natu Patel, aged 68, of Sylvester, Georgia, is charged with four (4) counts of Unlawful Dispensation of a Controlled Substance and faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison, a $1 million fine, or both, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

Indictment #10: 

Douglas Moss, aged 57, of Valdosta, Georgia and Shawn Tywon, aged 49, of Valdosta, Georgia are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud (Count 1) and Health Care Fraud (Counts 2-7) and face a maximum penalty of  ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count, if convicted.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja B. Profit is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #11:      

 Steven Dukes, aged 35, of Mauk, Georgia, is charged with Receipt of Child Pornography (Count 1), Distribution of Child Pornography (Counts 2,3,5), and Possession of Child Pornography (Counts 4,6). If convicted, Mr. Dukes faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals.

Indictment #12: 

Ryan Dumouchel, aged 25, a citizen of Canada, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on September 24, 2015 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission. If convicted, Mr. Dumouchel faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

The case was investigated by the Valdosta Police Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case. 

                                Indictment #13:                                   

Juan Carlos Mac-Quej, aged 27, a citizen of Guatemala, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on December 29 2014 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to re-apply for admission and faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years in prison, a $250,000 fine, of both, if convicted. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration - and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case.

Indictment #14: 

Aristeo Ramirez-Hernandez, aged 29, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been removed and deported from the United States on July 31, 2014; September 19, 2014; and December 30, 2014 and not receiving the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security to re-apply for admission.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case.

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

COLUMBUS: United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Charles E.  Peeler, announces that Jessie Lee Hall, Jr., age 38, of Dublin, Georgia entered his guilty plea on May 9, 2018 to one (1) count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, five (5) counts of transportation for illegal sexual activity, and one (1) count of inducement to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity in front of United States District Judge Marc T. Treadwell.

According to the plea agreement, Mr. Hall acted as a pimp for the several victims referenced in the indictment. The first victim of the conspiracy was encountered by law enforcement on June 12, 2016, at a hotel in Macon. The victim stated that Hall was her pimp and she met him through  the internet.  In May 2016, Mr. Hall convinced the victim to travel from Ohio and work as a prostitute for him in Georgia.  The victim was forced by Hall to perform commercial sex acts in hotels throughout Central Georgia.

During the investigation, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office received  information that Mr. Hall was trafficking other women for sex. A second victim confirmed  that Mr. Hall was her pimp and that she had worked for him from approximately July 2013 until February 2016.  Mr. Hall advertised her services on Backpage.com and transported her to hotels inside and outside Georgia for commercial sex acts.

A third victim was also identified and was required to perform commercial sex acts throughout central Georgia.

All three women stated that a combination of threats of force, fraud, or coercion had been used by Mr. Hall to cause them to perform commercial sex acts.

Mr. Hall will be facing the following penalties:

Ct. 1:         up to life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years up to maximum of life, and a mandatory assessment of $100.00.  

Ct. 3-6, 8:   up to 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years up to maximum of life, and a mandatory assessment of $100.00.  

Ct. 9:          up to 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years up to maximum of life, and a mandatory assessment of $100.00. 

“The FBI and its law enforcement partners have made human trafficking a top priority, and this case is an example of our determination,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Human trafficking is an unspeakable crime against some of the most vulnerable in our society and we will continue to devote significant resources toward these reprehensible crimes.”  

Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2018.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office and the Bleckley County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Crawford Seals is prosecuting the case for the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 10, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands sentenced Jon Benton, age 38, of Brunswick, GA, to 180 months’ imprisonment for the offense of conspiracy with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The evidence established during Benton’s guilty plea proved that Benton was a member of large-scale conspiracy responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine as well as heroin, powder cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana.

Other members of the conspiracy included Antron Miles and Anthony Moore who were both in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections in Coffee County, Georgia. Anthony Moore was in custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections in Coffee County.  Another co-conspirator, Rejhan Mujanovic, was in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections in Wheeler County, Georgia during the course of the conspiracy.  Miles, a native of Tifton, Georgia was obtaining controlled substances, primarily methamphetamine, but also marijuana, cocaine/cocaine base and heroin from persons associated with Mujanovic.

The drugs were warehoused and distributed in the Tifton, Georgia area as well as distributed in the Ware, Coffee and Brantley County areas.  Evidence established that Defendant Jon Benton was a regular redistributor for the organization.

For example, on March 17, 2015, Benton texted Miles to let him know that he was ready to come to Tifton for meth. Miles texted other co-conspirators to gather about 8 ounces of crystal methamphetamine and meet Benton with it at the Dollar General in Tifton.

In his guilty plea, Benton admitted that he had distributed between 500 grams and 1.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine.

“Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most serious drugs of abuse in the Middle District of Georgia,” said United States Attorney Peeler.  “In a matter of only a few months it can destroy a person’s physical appearance, health, intellect and emotional stability.  Those who deal in methamphetamine deal in human misery and will be held accountable for the choices they make.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “Manufacturing methamphetamine poses an imminent danger to everyone. The precursor chemicals used for its manufacture are extremely volatile in nature. This defendant will no longer be able to feed the addicts who crave this addictive substance. This case is a great example of how the collective investigative efforts between DEA, its law enforcement counterparts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office yields positive results.”

“This conviction demonstrates the great work of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute the distribution of methamphetamine,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vernon Keenan.  “Methamphetamine is still a major threat to the citizens of Georgia and the GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners in bringing down these drug trafficking organizations.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

VALDOSTA: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on May 9, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson revoked the Supervised Release for Ferrell Walker, age 50, of Quitman, Georgia and ordered him to serve sixty (60) months in the Bureau of Prisons following a two-day hearing.

Mr. Walker was convicted of Possession of Child Pornography in 2005 and sentenced to serve ten (10) years in prison.  In May 2014, he was released on Supervised Release and the conditions of release were explained to him.  A petition filed on November 16, 2017 alleged several violations including that on September 20, 2017, Mr. Walker committed the offense of Possession of Child Pornography in Brooks County, Georgia, as evidenced by child pornography images recovered from a Samsung cellular telephone (smart phone) found in his possession during a search conducted by the U.S. Probation Office.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Court found that Walker had committed all the violations of supervised release including the offense of Possession of Child Pornography.

The case was investigated by United States Probation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Julia C. Bowen and Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

United States Attorney’s Office –

Middle District of Georgia

And

U.S. Department of Agriculture - OIG

Invite You To

Food Stamp Fraud Investigation Training

 Wednesday, June 20, 2018

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Central Georgia Technical College

3300 Macon Tech Drive – Macon

Building I, Quad A

 Topics of discussion for this no-cost training will include:

 State Law Enforcement Bureau – SLEB

Overview of food stamp program

Trends in food stamp fraud

How to obtain undercover food stamp cards

Undercover Investigations, including pitfalls to avoid

Various criminal actions (state and federal)

Administrative Actions

Correlation Between Food Stamp Fraud and Gambling Machines (GBI)

 

Send registration to: pam.lightsey@usdoj.gov with the attached registration form.

Seating is limited to 85 participants

Questions?  Call Pamela Lightsey at 478-621-2603

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Troy Anthony Lewis, age 47, of Warner Robins, Georgia, plead guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender on May 1, 2018 before the U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia.

The indictment charged Mr. Lewis, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, with traveling in interstate commerce and knowingly failing to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. 

This plea will subject Mr. Lewis to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both.  Mr. Lewis will also be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years, up to the possibility of a lifetime of supervision.  Mr. Lewis must also continue to register as a sex offender.  Sentencing is currently scheduled for August 29, 2018.

The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON – Demetria Jones, aka “Picky”, 52, of Monroe, Georgia, was charged in an indictment with various tax offenses related to the filing of false income tax returns, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia and Thomas J. Holloman, III, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation – Atlanta Field Office.

The nine-count indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in Macon, charges Demetria Jones with two counts of filing false income tax returns; three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns; two counts of theft of public money and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

The indictment alleges that during the period under investigation, Demetria Jones owned and operated Jones & Jones Associates, LLC, a tax preparation business out of her home in Monroe, Georgia.  The business name was later changed to Jones Accounting Firm, LLC.  According to the indictment, Demetria Jones knowingly made and presented false income tax returns in the names of her purported entities for tax years 2008 through 2013 by filing false corporate income tax returns (Forms 1120), false amended corporate income tax returns (Form 1120X), false returns for real estate investment trust (Forms 1120-REIT), and claiming fraudulent refundable credits on Forms 2439 (Notice to Shareholder of Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains) on the returns.  With this alleged scheme, Demetria Jones claimed a total of $1,243,245 in false refundable credits resulting in refunds disbursed by the IRS totaling $598,399.88 and diverted all of the refunds into several bank accounts that she controlled.

In addition, the indictment further alleges that Demetria Jones also caused the filing of, or aided and assisted in the preparation/filing of, false 2011 through 2015 individual income tax returns (Forms 1040 and 1040X) by adding false Schedule Cs and/or W-2s with false wages along with false withholding amounts to clients’ income tax returns, primarily family members, without their knowledge.  Demetria Jones allegedly used the identity of a deceased client to file a fraudulent individual income tax return without the knowledge of the deceased’s widow; she also allegedly used the identities of other clients without their knowledge.  With this alleged scheme, Demetria Jones reported false wages totaling $2,542,410 along with false withholdings totaling $947,834 resulting in refunds disbursed by the IRS totaling $333,856.87, majority of which were diverted into several bank accounts controlled by Demetria Jones.

“This indictment signals enhancement of prosecutions alleging theft of taxpayer monies and identities in an effort to bilk the U.S. Treasury,” said Thomas J. Holloman, III, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation.  “IRS-CI and its partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office stands committed to addressing unscrupulous return preparers who attempt to exploit their fiduciary responsibility when it comes to taxpayers and the Service.”

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty.  If convicted, the counts for filing of false income tax returns as well as aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns each carry a maximum statutory sentence of 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; the counts for theft of public money each carry a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the counts for aggravated identity theft each carry a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison.

The investigation is being conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe is in charge of prosecution.    

 

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the following guilty plea which took place before the Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on April 30, 2018.

Corey Jackie Smith, age 28, of Cairo, Georgia plead guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Mr. Smith to a minimum mandatory sentence of five (5) years and a maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00, or both. 

Based upon facts admitted by his plea, on September 16, 2016, officers were attempting to execute outstanding arrest warrants for Mr. Smith.  They developed information that he was in the area of Stone’s Hardware in Cairo and travelled to that location.  Upon arrival they observed Mr. Smith standing in front of a nearby convenience store.  As officers approached, Mr. Smith rapidly walked into a storage room at the back of the store.  Officers observed him throw a golf-ball sized package into the corner of the storage room.  They retrieved the bag and determined it was methamphetamine.  Officers obtained the store surveillance video which depicted Mr. Smith walking into the storage room and discarding the bag of methamphetamine.  The substance tested positive for methamphetamine at the lab and weighed approximately 29 grams.

“Methamphetamine is a poison that continues to ruin the lives of those who choose to use it and the lives of their families.  Individuals who choose to deal methamphetamine will continue to be a target of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Charles Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.    

This case was investigated by the Cairo Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jason Kenneth Bell, aged 41, from Cochran, Bleckley County, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on May 1, 2018 to two counts of Anonymous Telecommunications Harassment. Mr. Bell entered his plea in Macon before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell.

Facts stipulated in the plea agreement show that on March 1, 2017, Mr. Bell called the Western New York Office of New York Senator, Charles Schumer in Buffalo, New York. He left several messages within an hour after first speaking with an intern at that office. Mr. Bell did not identify himself in these calls but stated he would physically injure Senator Schumer.

Mr. Bell further admitted that on or about October 23, 2017, he called the Office of United States Senator Timothy Scott and, without identifying himself, used profanity to state he would physically injure Senator Scott.    During that call, Defendant also asked “are we as a white people supposed to just stand for this injustice or do we do what Dylann Roof did?” referring to the self-declared white supremacist convicted of murdering nine African-American worshipers and attempting to murder more at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015.

“Mr. Bell’s decision to threaten and harass two United States Senators will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia.  Indeed, there is no place in our Country for this conduct,” said Charles Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.  

Sentencing for Mr. Bell is scheduled for August 29, 2018.  He faces a maximum sentence of 2 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.

The case was investigated by the Macon Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Capitol Police in Washington, D.C. Assistant United States Attorney C. Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the following guilty which took place before Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia on April 30, 2018.

Edward Lowell, age 78, of Americus, Georgia plead guilty on April 30, 2018 to Distribution of Xanax.  This plea will subject Mr. Lowell to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both. 

In his plea, Mr. Lowell admitted that on October 4, 2017, deputies were conducting surveillance of Mr. Lowell’s residence in Sumter County and observed a confidential informant (CI) at the residence.   The CI had revealed to agents that she routinely received prescription pills from “Eddie” at this residence.   A subsequent traffic stop and search of the CI revealed 10 Xanax pills which she confirmed she had just acquired from “Eddie.”  In a subsequent interview, the CI estimated that she received 8000 pills from “Eddie” over the years.

Another confidential informant (CI-2) turned over 61 pills—8 Xanax and 53 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine  which she had recently purchased from Mr. Lowell at the same residence for $150.  CI-2 stated that she had been obtaining pills from him for approximately ten (10) years and estimated that she had gotten at least 10,000 pills over time.

Mr. Lowell admitted that he had been obtaining his pills from “a black girl and her cousin”  and had been supplying pills to multiple individuals.   He estimated that he obtained and distributed 100 pills per month over a two-year period. 

This case was investigated by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the results of a multi-agency investigation aimed at an alleged methamphetamine distribution ring operating in South Georgia.

According to facts taken from various plea agreements of the defendants, from May until November of 2016, Boris Fuller was the leader of an organization of thirty (30) individuals that distributed Methamphetamine in and around Moultrie, Georgia.  Authorities estimate that the group was responsible for the distribution of more than 20 kilograms of the drug.

The following guilty pleas took place before the Honorable Leslie J. Abrams in Albany, Georgia on various dates between November, 2017, and April 25, 2018, to-wit:

1. Boris Fuller age 41 of Moultrie GA, plead guilty on April 22, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $20,000.000.00, or both.
2. Robert Aldridge age 34 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 11, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
3. Michael Kulak age 45 of DeLeon Springs, FL, plead guilty on April 3, 2018 to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum possible sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both.
4. Ishmel Kendrick age 41 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 17, 2017 to Conspiracy to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, or both.
5. Shundrez Fuller age 21 of Tallahassee, FL, plead guilty on February 14, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine $10,000,000.00, or both.
6. Sharon Blackwell age 46 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on February 22, 2018 to Possession With Intent To Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
7. Rodney Morris age 25 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on January 31, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
8. Michael Dampier age 45 of Doerun, GA, plead guilty on April 23, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
9. Stephanie McMurphy age 39 of Adel, GA, plead guilty on April 3, 2018 to Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of one (1) years and maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $2,000,000.00, or both.
10. Artavious Williams age 33 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on November 21, 2017 Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
11. Leroy Valdez age 39 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on February 22, 2018 to Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Housing Project.  The Defendant is subject to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $20,000,000.00, or both.
12. Melissa Valdez Williams age 30 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on December 12, 2017 to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
13. Krystal Parrish age 35 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on January 31, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, or both.
14. Cedric Butts age 29 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 25, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
15. Shatara Wilson age 30 of Moultrie, GA plead guilty on February 22, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1,000,000.00, or both.
16. Shaquese McIntyre age 22 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 11, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Count 1) and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2).  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum possible sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00, or both, on Count 1 and a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment; a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, on Count 2.
17. Cambrick Taylor age 22 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on March 9, 2018 to Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum possible sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both.
18. Brenda Trimble age 32 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on February 14, 2018 to Distribution of Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of five (5) years and a maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $5,000,000.00, or both.
19. Derrick Wright age 31 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 25, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
20. Heather Crawford age 36 of Cecil, GA, plead guilty on March 9, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
21. Christin Johnson age 33 of Coolidge, GA, plead guilty on April 25, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
22. Samuel Butler age 56 of Crawford, FL,  plead guilty on January 10, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
23. Rebecca Lawrence age 47 of DeLeon Springs, FL, plead guilty on April 4, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) ears and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
24. Will Barron age 30 of Monticello, FL, plead guilty on February 14, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute controlled substances.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
25. Michael Stamper age 35 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 25, 2018 to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
26. Leroy Haynes age 41 of Norman Park, GA, plead guilty on April 4, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
27. Avery Norman age 37 of Moultrie, GA, plead guilty on April 25, 2018 to Use of a Communication Device in Furtherance of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum sentence of four (4) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both.
28. Walter Treanor age 36 of Pelham, GA, plead guilty on April 23, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.  This plea will subject Defendant to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum fine of $10,000,000.00, or both.
29. Devin Dorminey age 23 of Lake City, FL, plead guilty on April 11, 2018 to Possession of a Firearm by a Drug User.  This plea will subject Defendant to a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 or both.

Sentencing in the case will take place at a date to be set by the Court.

The case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Tift County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Grady County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Florida Sheriff’s Office and Moultrie Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the United States.

United States Attorney Peeler noted that his office is working aggressively together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address the scourge of methamphetamine on our community.  He noted that it has fueled many societal problems such as theft, child neglect and acts of violence. He pledged that the United States Attorney’s Office  intends to do all it can to discourage the distribution of this drug by pursuing just punishment for all those involved.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Adrian Green, aged 33, from Hawkinsville, GA, was sentenced on April 18, 2018 to 14 years confinement, consecutive to a previous 60-month sentence, in front of the Honorable Marc Thomas Treadwell in Macon, GA.

Mr. Green was one of thirty-two defendants indicted on September 9, 2015 as part of Operation “Makon Money.” He entered a guilty plea on January 19, 2017 to Conspiracy to Possess Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute. This charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years’ incarceration. Mr. Green was allowed to remain on bond pending sentencing.

On November 15, 2017, Mr. Green was charged in a separate indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. This charge resulted from a search warrant at his residence in Hawkinsville, Georgia.  During the search, 493 grams of methamphetamine, 3 ounces of Marijuana, baggies  and a scale were found. Mr. Green entered a guilty plea to this charge on March 6, 2018.

“Mr. Green made the decision to continuously engage in criminal activity through dealing illegal drugs,” United States Attorney Charles Peeler said. “He will remain in jail for a long time for these choices.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the case: “The successful results of this investigation should let repeat offenders like Mr. Green know that those who flood the drug market with illegal drugs will ultimately be brought to justice by DEA, its law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office.”

Investigative agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oconee Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Charles Calhoun prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

COLUMBUS: United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler announces Jonathan David Jenkins, 23, of Columbus, Georgia; Collis Dwight Eaton, 48, of Midway, Alabama; Uthemes Taylor, 30, from Columbus, Georgia; Michael Andrew Everett, 22, of Columbus, Georgia; Brian A. Corcoran, 42, from Columbus, Georgia; Robert Alan Moore, 31, from Ledonia, Alabama; and Jarrod R. Long, 27, of Columbus, Georgia were sentenced April 24, 2018 to 46 months imprisonment, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for Use of Facilities in Interstate and Foreign Commerce to Transmit Information about a Minor. The sentences were handed down by Chief United States District Court Judge Clay D. Land in Columbus.

On November 10, 2017, the Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted an undercover operation centered in Columbus, Georgia which targeted online child predators who were willing to pay to have sex with a child.

The seven were indicted on November 16, 2017 and entered their pleas in January 2018 following “Operation Hidden Guardian,” a proactive, online undercover investigation centered in Columbus, Georgia, which was coordinated by the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit, the Columbus Police Department, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. 

“Those sentenced today knowingly preyed on who they believed to be children,” United States Attorney Charles Peeler said. “As a citizen in the Middle District of Georgia, I am disgusted by their actions and plan to continue vigorously working with our law enforcement agencies to prosecute others who wish to do our children harm.” 

“This conviction illustrates the great work of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes against children,” said GBI Director Vernon Keenan. “The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse cases.”

“You never know who you are communicating with on line. That’s a warning not only for parents and their children, but also for sexual predators,” said David J. LeValley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Fortunately, these individuals’ activity on-line connected them with an undercover agent and they have become another example of how hard we work to protect our nation’s children.”   

Along with those agencies who participated in the planning and coordination of the operation, twelve additional law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Hidden Guardian” as members of the Georgia ICAC Task Force. These agencies were: Federal Bureau of Investigation – Columbus Resident Agency; the United States Secret Service; Athens-Clarke County Police Department; Floyd County Police Department; Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office; Hall County Sheriff’s Office; Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC); Glynn County Police Department; LaGrange Police Department; Marietta Police Department; Polk County Police Department; and the Tallapoosa Police Department. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Crawford Seals and Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. prosecuted the case for the government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jasmine Bradley, age 26, of Macon, GA entered a plea of guilty on April 23, 2018 to Conveying of False Information and Perpetuating a Hoax. Ms. Bradley entered her plea in Macon before District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell.

Facts stipulated in the plea agreement show that on April 24, 2017, a bomb threat was made using Facebook to the Child Care Network School located at 3490 Northside Drive in Macon, Georgia. Specifically, the message indicated that a bomb had been planted and that someone would “blow up every little face in that center tomorrow.” An investigation led to the discovery that the device used to post the threat belonged to Ms. Bradley. Law enforcement arrested Ms. Bradley while she was at work at the Child Care Network School. She admitted to making threats to that daycare, as well as additional threats to other daycares in Bibb County. 

Ms. Bradley faces up to five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both and will be sentenced at a later date.

“Ms. Bradley’s actions on April 24, 2017, were terrifying to the children, parents, and employees of the Child Care Network School,” United States Attorney Charles Peeler said. “She caused disruption of school and work for many and caused law enforcement to expend precious time and money investigating this false bomb threat. Thankfully, no child was physically harmed due to her actions and she will now face the consequences of her decision by being sentenced in federal court.”

The case was investigated by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and the Macon Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON, Ga. - Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Arthur D. Peralta announce that the eleven defendants listed below have been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Macon and have been arrested during a multi-agency operation.  An arrest and an indictment are only allegations of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

JUSTIN ELLIOTT, aged 24, of Macon, GA, is charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm. If convicted, Mr. Elliott faces a maximum sentence of 10 years, a maximum $10,000 fine, or both. 

JOSHUA SCOTT, aged 28, of Macon, GA, is charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Mr. Scott faces a maximum sentence of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, if convicted.

NATHANIEL GORDY, aged 30, of Macon, GA, was indicted for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2), and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 3). If convicted, Mr. Gordy faces a maximum sentence of five years, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 1; a maximum sentence of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 2; and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 3.

WILLIE C. JOHNSON, aged 47, of Warner Robins, GA, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2) and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (Count 3). If convicted, Mr. Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, on Counts 1 and 2; and a maximum of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both, on Count 2.

MILTON SEARCY, aged 28, of Macon, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 1) and Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon (Count 2). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count.

MARCUS VEAL, aged 33, of Macon, GA, was indicted on February 14, 2018 for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. 

JOHN RANDALL, aged 32, of Macon, GA, was indicted on February 14, 2018 for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000

fine, or both, if convicted. 

TITUS KEYON SANDIFER, aged 38, of Macon, GA, was indicted on March 14, 2018 for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 1), Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (Count 2) and Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number (Count 3).  If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Counts 1 and 2, and a maximum 5 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 3.

AASIM MCCOY, aged 38, of Macon, GA, was indicted on February 14, 2018 for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. 

SHANTERIO WOOTEN, aged 29, of Macon, GA, is charged with Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person under Indictment. Mr. Wooten was sentenced under the first offender act on August 24, 2015 to six years’ probation for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Driving Under the Influence, Misdemeanor Obstruction, Criminal Trespass, False Name, and Driving With a Suspended License in Bibb County Superior Court. Mr. Wooten faces a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted of the current charges.

OSCAR ABRAM, aged 60, of Macon, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 1); Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (Count 2); Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydrocodone (Count 3); Possession with Intent to Distribute Buprenorphine (Count 4) and Possession of Marijuana (Count 5).  If convicted, Mr. Abram faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 1; Life, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2; 20 years, a $1million fine, or both, on Count 3; 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 4; and 1 year in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both, on Count 5.

The operation was conducted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood, which is designed to reduce violent crime through forming partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors. Those participating in this joint operation include the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Bibb County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; United States Probation; Georgia Department of Community Supervision and Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Arthur D. Peralta will hold a press conference on Thursday, April 19, 2018 to announce the results of a significant law enforcement operation carried out pursuant to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. 

The press conference will be held at 2:00 pm on the steps of the United States District Courthouse located at 475 Mulberry Street in Macon.

Questions concerning the press conference should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

ALBANY: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that a Grand Jury, sitting in Macon Georgia, previously returned an indictment against Michael O’Neal Walker who is also known by the names Kevin Omar Foster, Kevin Nunyi Lewis, Mosiah Omar Wright and Nunyi Jacob Wright.  The indictment alleges that in Albany in November 2017, Mr. Walker was in possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute it and a firearm, a pink SCCY 9mm handgun, in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities. 

Based on a sentence enhancement information filed in his case because of a prior conviction, the marijuana charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $500,000.  The gun charge carries a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum possible term of imprisonment of life and a maximum fine of $250,000.  

An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The case was investigated by agents of the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen.

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt announce that the ten defendants listed below have been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Macon and have been arrested during a multi-agency operation.

DOVORRIS JORDAN, aged 31, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted.

CLINT WALKER, aged 35, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2), and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (Count 3).  If convicted, Mr. Walker faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, or both, on Count 1; 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2; and life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 3.

RODNEY BURKE, aged 55, of Mauk, GA, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 1) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2).  Mr. Burke is charged as an Armed Career Criminal and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in Federal prison with a maximum of life imprisonment, a $5 million fine, or both, if convicted.

REGINALD MILLER, aged 27, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  If convicted, Mr. Miller faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

EDWARD WALKER, aged 35, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. 

LORENZO TATUM, aged 32, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $1 million fine, or both, if convicted. 

DEVANTE PATTERSON, aged 24, of Columbus, is charged with Theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (Count 1) and Possession of Stolen Firearms (Count 2) and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count, if convicted. 

ANDRE HENDRICKS was indicted on March 14, 2018 for Possession of Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute (Count 1), Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute (Count 2), Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute (Count 3), Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute (Count 4), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 5), and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (Count 6). He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $1 Million fine, or both, if convicted.

LORENZO CRAWFORD, aged 35, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 1), Possession of Marijuana (Count 2) and Possession of Methamphetamine (Count 3) and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. 

WATKINS BROWN, aged 24, of Columbus, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 1) and Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Count 2).  Mr. Brown faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, on each count, if convicted. 

The operation was conducted as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood, which is designed to reduce violent crime through forming partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutors. Those participating in this joint effort include the Columbus Police Department; Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office; Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Probation; Georgia Department of Community Supervision and the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael T. Solis, Crawford Seals, and Melvin E. Hyde, Jr. are prosecuting the cases for the United States.

An arrest and an indictment are only allegations of criminal conduct.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.  

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Bobby Martinez, age 28, of East Point, GA entered a plea of guilty April 16, 2018 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Mr. Martinez entered his plea in Macon before District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell.

Facts stipulated in the plea agreement show that on October 20, 2016, intercepted communication revealed co-defendants Ruben Angel Perez a/k/a “El Rey” and Walter Williams a/k/a “Bubba” discussed Mr. Williams obtaining methamphetamine for further distribution within the Middle District of Georgia. Mr. Williams then contacted Shana Walker to have her serve as the courier to meet with Mr. Perez’s courier, who was identified as Mr. Martinez. Agents conducted surveillance and observed Ms. Walker meet with Mr. Martinez at a shopping center in Ellenwood, Georgia. The agents observed Mr. Martinez retrieve a blue Nautica shopping bag from his vehicle and place it in Ms. Walker’s vehicle. They then saw Mr. Martinez retrieve a black bag from Ms. Walker’s vehicle and place it in his vehicle before they both left.

Later, a trooper with the Georgia State Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Mr. Martinez for speeding. After seeking permission to search the vehicle, the trooper located $31,500 inside a black bag. Following the traffic stop, a phone call was intercepted between Mr. Perez and Mr. Williams wherein they discussed that the police had seized the money from Mr. Perez’s courier. Mr. Perez asked Mr. Williams how much money he sent with the courier and Mr. Williams told him it was $31,500.

Agents surveilled Ms. Walker as she returned to Mr. Williams’ residence after meeting with Mr. Martinez. Agents executed a search warrant and located Ms. Walker in a bedroom with a blue Nautica bag and five saran wrapped Tupperware containers with what was later confirmed to be 2,969.2 grams of d-Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with a purity of 99%.  

Mr. Martinez admits that from May to October, 2016, he knowingly conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Middle District of Georgia. The amount of drugs attributable to Mr. Martinez is more than 4.5 kilograms of Ice.

Mr. Martinez faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1 million, or both, and a term of supervised release of three years.

Mr. Williams, Mr. Perez, and Ms. Walker, along with several other co-defendants in the case, have previously entered guilty pleas for their roles in the conspiracy.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Peach County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Howard and Jim Crane are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Schmidt will hold a press conference on Monday, April 16, 2018 to announce the results of a significant law enforcement operation carried out pursuant to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. 

The press conference will be held at 11:00 am on the steps of the United States District Courthouse located at 120 12th Street in Columbus.

Questions concerning the press conference should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that a Grand Jury, sitting in Macon Georgia, has returned indictments against twenty-eight defendants. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.  “I want to thank our Federal and State law enforcement partners for their hard work bringing these cases before the Federal Grand Jury” said United States Attorney Peeler.

Those charged are:

NORRIS LOWE, aged 45, and KEISHA BUSSEY, aged 44, both of Atlanta, GA are charged in an indictment alleging:

Mr. Lowe is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), Possession of Marijuana (Count 2), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 3) and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense (Count 4). Mr. Lowe faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, a maximum $1 million fine, or both, for Count 1; 12 months, a maximum $25,000 fine, or both, for Count 2; 10 years, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 3 and life imprisonment, a $250,000 maximum fine, or both, for Count 4, if convicted.

Ms. Bussey is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 3), Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense (Count 4). If convicted, Ms. Bussey faces a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $1 million maximum fine, or both, on Count 1; 10 years, a $250,000 maximum fine, or both, for Count 3 and life imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 4.

The case was investigated by the Perry Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case for the government.

JARON THOMAS, aged 26, of Eastman, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number and faces a maximum sentence of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, if convicted. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case for the government. 

SHAYANA A. TRUITT, aged 27, of Stone Mountain, GA, and JOHN ANTHONY WILLIAMS, aged 36, of Spartanburg, SC are charged as below:

 Ms. Truitt is charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Count 1) and Possession of Marijuana and Methamphetamine (Count 3).  If convicted, Ms. Truitt faces maximum sentence of 1 year, a maximum fine of $1000, or both, for Count 1 and a maximum 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2.

Mr. Williams is charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2) and Possession of Marijuana and Methamphetamine (Count 3). If convicted, Mr. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1000, or both, on Count 1; a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, for Count 2; and a maximum sentence of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, for Count 3.

The case was investigated by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case for the government.

JOSE CALDERON A/K/A “FLACO”, aged 40, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. If convicted, Mr. Calderon faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum $10 million fine, or both.  The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Corrections and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the government.

FREDDIE LAMAR JOHNSON, aged 34, of Athens, GA, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking (Count 2), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 3), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 1000 Feet of a School (Count 4), and Possession of Oxycodone (Count 5). Mr. Johnson faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 maximum fine, or both, on Count 1; a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum sentence of $250,000, or both, on Count 2; a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, on Count 3; a maximum sentence of 10 years, a maximum fine of $500,000, or both, on Count 4, and a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment, a maximum fine of $100,000, or both, on Count 5, if convicted.  The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe.

Four individuals were indicted for alleged Illegal Reentry after having been deported and removed from the United States.  All of the cases were investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the cases for the government.

1. DERMER DUBON-SERRANO, aged 22, a citizen of Honduras, is charged with Illegal Reentry, having been deported and removed from the United States on or about September 13, 2013 and March 4, 2016. If convicted, Mr. Dubon-Serrano faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
2. ALEJANDRO GODINEZ-MORALES A/K/A GABRIEL VASQUEZ-TORRES, aged 31, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on or about March 13, 2008; May 23, 2011; January 30, 2012; August 14, 2014 and March 6, 2017. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
3. JUAN PEZA-RAMIREZ a/k/a JOSE HERNANDEZ-SALDANA, aged 44, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on or about January 19, 2007, October 21, 2011 and April 24, 2012. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
4. EFRAIN HERRERA-ALAS, aged 28, a citizen of El Salvador, is charged with Illegal Reentry, having been deported and removed on May 8, 2004. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

JAMES T. PARKER, aged 35 of Leary GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted.  The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.

Twelve individuals were indicted for their alleged participation in a Wire Fraud Conspiracy: 

1. GARLAND ALFORD, aged 75, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Counts 2-9). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
2. ETHELENE ALFORD, aged 75, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Counts 2-9). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
3. ANTONIO GARDNER, aged 34, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 17). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
4. VICTORIA HENRY, aged 46, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 19). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
5. JENNIFER JOHNSON, aged 29, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (15). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
6. RENEE KIMBLE, aged 40, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 16). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
7. CRYSTAL MAXWELL, aged 35, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 10). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
8. WENDY MITCHELL A/D/A WENDY PRICKETT, aged 43, of Nashville, TN, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 11). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
9. ROSANNA ROUPE, aged 32, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 12). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
10. JEANIE SHEFFIELD, aged 34, of Colquitt, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SMAP Fraud (Count 14). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
11. KAYLA WALLACE, aged 25, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 18). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 
12. KANEESHA WOOTEN, aged 23, of Bainbridge, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 13). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
     

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher.

DEMETRIUS CLARK, aged 32 of Columbus, GA, is charged with Access Device Fraud (Count 1) and Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 2-5). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 1 and two years in prison, to be served consecutively, on Counts 2 through 5.  The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E, Hyde, Jr. is prosecuting the case for the government.

BRYANT HOOKER, aged 29 of Athens, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Mr. Hooker faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted.  The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe is prosecuting the case for the government.

ROBERT IVAN MASK, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.  The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug enforcement Administration investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen is prosecuting the case for the government.

RYNE MICHAEL SEETO, aged 31, of Fort Washington, MD, is charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. McCommon, III is prosecuting the case for the government.

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

WASHINGTON – A former local probate judge for Hart County, Georgia, was charged in an indictment today for soliciting sexual contact in exchange for favorable action on driving under the influence charges and other traffic offenses, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge David J. Levalley of the FBI’s Atlanta Division.

Bobby Joe Smith, 77, of Hartwell, Georgia, was charged with one count of bribery and three counts of civil rights violations in an indictment filed today in the Middle District of Georgia. Smith is expected to have his initial appearance on Wednesday, April 25.

According to the allegations in the indictment, between May 2013 and May 2014, Smith met separately with three different women in his office regarding driving under the influence charges and/or other traffic offenses.  During these meetings, each of the women sought Smith’s assistance in reducing or eliminating her charges and potential punishments in these matters.  Smith allegedly kissed the first woman on the lips and groped her multiple times without her consent.  Smith subsequently reduced the charges and punishments for all of her pending offenses.  During meetings with the second woman, Smith allegedly kissed her on the lips, groped her, and exposed himself.  The woman’s charges were ultimately resolved by another judge after Smith left office.  To help the third woman with a speeding ticket she received in another county, Smith allegedly left a message for a probate judge in that county, providing details about the woman’s citation and falsely claiming that the woman was his granddaughter.  After placing the phone call, Smith allegedly kissed the woman on the lips and attempted to grope her.  According to the indictment, none of these three women consented to Smith’s sexual advances. 

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Athens Resident Agency.  Trial Attorney Heidi Boutros Gesch of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Deputy Criminal Chief Danial Bennett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

A former local probate judge for Hart County, Georgia, was charged in an indictment today for soliciting sexual contact in exchange for favorable action on driving under the influence charges and other traffic offenses, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler of the Middle District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge David J. Levalley of the FBI’s Atlanta Division.

Bobby Joe Smith, 77, of Hartwell, Georgia, was charged with one count of bribery and three counts of civil rights violations in an indictment filed today in the Middle District of Georgia. Smith is expected to have his initial appearance on Wednesday, April 25.

According to the allegations in the indictment, between May 2013 and May 2014, Smith met separately with three different women in his office regarding driving under the influence charges and/or other traffic offenses.  During these meetings, each of the women sought Smith’s assistance in reducing or eliminating her charges and potential punishments in these matters.  Smith allegedly kissed the first woman on the lips and groped her multiple times without her consent.  Smith subsequently reduced the charges and punishments for all of her pending offenses.  During meetings with the second woman, Smith allegedly kissed her on the lips, groped her, and exposed himself.  The woman’s charges were ultimately resolved by another judge after Smith left office.  To help the third woman with a speeding ticket she received in another county, Smith allegedly left a message for a probate judge in that county, providing details about the woman’s citation and falsely claiming that the woman was his granddaughter.  After placing the phone call, Smith allegedly kissed the woman on the lips and attempted to grope her.  According to the indictment, none of these three women consented to Smith’s sexual advances. 

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Athens Resident Agency.  Trial Attorney Heidi Boutros Gesch of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Deputy Criminal Chief Danial Bennett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler announces that Belinda Harris, age 33, of Valdosta, GA; Cynthia Clarkston, age 38, of Valdosta, GA; and Susie Hall Sherman, age 46, formerly of Valdosta, GA, all entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court April 4, 2018 before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson. Co-defendants Tanya Franklin, age 42, of Valdosta, Georgia and Johnny Gary a/k/a Johnny Sherman a/k/a “Little Johnny,” age 27, of Valdosta, Georgia, entered guilty pleas in the same case on March 15, 2018.

Ms. Harris pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, present false claims, steal and embezzle public money, and possess unauthorized access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft all in connection with a scheme to file fraudulent tax returns seeking more than $600,000 in refunds. She faces a maximum sentence of seven years in Federal prison and restitution of the refund money received.

Ms. Clarkston, Ms. Sherman, and Mr. Gary each entered guilty pleas to the conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, present false claims, steal and embezzle public money, and possess unauthorized access devices. They each face up to five years imprisonment and restitution of the taxpayer money stolen. Ms. Franklin pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds arising from cashing fraudulently obtained checks related to the conspiracy.  Ms. Franklin faces up to 10 years in federal prison and more than $300,000 in restitution to the United States.

In entering their pleas, Ms. Harris, Ms. Clarkston, Ms. Sherman and Mr. Gary admitted to working together between 2010 and 2012 to file numerous fraudulent tax returns using the stolen identity information of other people. During searches conducted by Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office investigators and the United States Secret Service, stolen identity information was found in the homes of Ms. Harris, Ms. Clarkston and Ms. Sherman. The identity information used included more than 100 identities obtained by Mr. Gary from an individual employed at Valdosta State University. The Internal Revenue Service investigation of the scheme determined that 222 fraudulent federal income tax returns for the years 2010 and 2011, were directly linked to the conspiracy, claiming refunds totaling $670,860.00. Actual refunds of $258,914.00 were issued on those fraudulent returns. A number of victims were interviewed by investigators and stated that the federal income tax returns that were filed in their names were completely false and that they did not authorize anyone to file or accept a tax refund in their names.

Additionally, Ms. Franklin admitted to using her business bank accounts to cash fraudulently obtained checks, including those obtained by Ms. Sherman, Ms. Clarkston and others. Ms. Franklin knowingly cashed 99 fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks in 2011 and 2012 in the total amount of $334,380.10.

United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler stated: “This case is another example of good work by both local and federal investigators partnering to bring people making a living stealing both identities and money to justice. Through diligent effort over the course of a lengthy investigation, this group of individuals lining their own pockets at the expense of those whose identities were taken and American taxpayers, will now pay for what they have done. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to working with the IRS and other law enforcement agencies to find and punish identity thieves victimizing the public, as well as those committing any form of income tax fraud.”

“Today’s plea is another example of the great work being done by our agents” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to utilize the resources of our law enforcement partners in combatting identity theft. The identities which are stolen are harmed, and it can take sometimes years to unravel the damage done by these criminals.” Go to IRS.GOV and click on 2018 Dirty Dozen for more on tax schemes. 

“Identity theft continues to be a serious crime that affects millions of Americans each year. The defendants in this case were involved in a complex conspiracy to steal identities for the purpose of defrauding the nation’s financial system. The identity theft victims had their lives invaded in a way that often causes long lasting financial consequences. This investigation exemplifies what can be achieved when Local and Federal law enforcement works together in unity. The Lowndes County Sherriff’s Office played a vital role throughout this investigation. The guilty pleas send a clear message that the U.S. Secret Service along with our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those committing these crimes,” said Clint A. Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, Albany, Georgia Resident Office, United States Secret Service.

This case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Saferia Johnson, aged 34, formerly of Valdosta, Georgia and Leo McGill, aged 51, of Calera, Alabama have entered guilty pleas to one count of conspiracy to steal government funds, based on a fraudulent tax refund scheme seeing more than $2 million in refunds, and to one count of aggravated identity theft. Ms. Johnson and Mr. McGill entered their pleas on April 4, 2018, before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta. Co-defendant Detrone Middleton, 38, of Douglas, Georgia entered his guilty plea to the charges on March 15, 2018.

The evidence supporting the plea showed that in 2012, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) began an investigation after receiving information that a number of accounts controlled by the three co-defendants and others had received a large number of federal tax refund deposits issued in the name of people other than the owners of the bank accounts. IRS-CI identified individuals whose identities had been used on the returns in question and determined that Ms. Johnson, Mr. McGill and Mr. Middleton were involved in a scheme where fraudulent federal incomes tax returns were filed for tax years 2010 and 2011 and refunds deposited into 45 separate bank accounts.

In entering their pleas, the defendants admitted to filing approximately 984 fraudulent returns using stolen identities for tax years 2010 and 2011. The fraudulent returns, which were filed without the knowledge or permission of the individuals whose identities had been stolen, sought refunds of $2,082,275.00. Refunds totaling $1,498,776.00 were issued by the IRS on those returns in the form of direct deposits to the 45 bank accounts, checks, or debit cards. Ms. Johnson, Mr. McGill, and Mr. Middleton admitted in entering their pleas that those amounts were received by them or their associates.

Investigating agents interviewed a number of the individuals whose stolen identifying information was used to file fraudulent refunds. Those individuals confirmed that they did not file or authorize the filing of the returns. A majority of those whose identities were stolen were minors at the time the returns were filed. 

Ms. Johnson, Mr. McGill, and Mr. Middleton each face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and two years for the aggravated identity theft. The three may also be ordered to pay restitution of the $1,498,776.00 to the United States.

United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler stated: “Those who steal the identities of other people to commit fraud against the United States Government steal directly from the taxpayers and cause great harm to those whose identities are taken. Using the identities of other people to line your own pockets also shows a callous disregard for the frustration and difficulty their greed brings to innocent victims who may spend years correcting the mess they have caused.  My office is committed to working with the IRS and other law enforcement agencies to ferret out identity thieves who are victimizing the public and bring them to justice, as occurred here.”

“Identity theft continues to be a serious crime that effects taxpayers on a daily basis,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “With the filing season coming to a close in the next couple weeks, it is important that taxpayers protect their identities and inform the IRS when their identities may have been compromised in filing a tax return.” Go to IRS.GOV and click on 2018 Dirty Dozen for more on tax schemes.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Tony Cherenfant. age 34, of Miami, Florida, entered a plea of guilty April 4, 2018 to conspiracy to steal government funds based on a fraudulent tax refund scheme seeking more than $1.2 million in refunds. Mr. Cherenfant entered his plea in Valdosta before Senior District Court Judge Hugh Lawson.

Facts stipulated in the plea agreement show that Mr. Cherenfant was stopped, while travelling with two other individuals, on Interstate 75 in Valdosta by a Camden County Sheriff’s Office deputy working patrol with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. Additional Lowndes County deputies arrived and conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, deputies found the personal identifying information of approximately 1500 individuals and tax refund documents, both in written and electronic form in notes, notebooks, a computer and a cell phone. The identifying information included the names, dates of birth and social security numbers of the individuals.

 The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office investigator contacted the IRS-Criminal Investigations, which identified a fraudulent tax scheme involving the identity information. In entering the plea, Mr. Cherenfant admitted to possessing the identities and that he was involved in a conspiracy which resulted in the filing of approximately 400 fraudulent federal tax returns with the IRS for tax year 2012 claiming refunds of $1,285,729. Actual refunds paid on those claims filed without the knowledge or permission of the taxpayers whose identities were used, totaled $582,751.

United States Attorney Charles E. Peeler stated, “This investigation represents a shining example of the positive results of local and federal law enforcement partnering to bring to justice someone preying on both individuals and society. This crime affected not only those whose identities were stolen, but all American taxpayers who are ultimately victimized by this form of theft. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting this kind of teamwork by aggressively prosecuting those who commit identity theft and tax fraud to line their own pockets.”

 “Each of these identity theft investigations are unique, and criminals are inventing new ways to commit fraud,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Especially during filing season, taxpayers need to safeguard tax information and make sure that it doesn’t get into the wrong hands.” Go to IRS.GOV and click on 2018 Dirty Dozen for more on tax schemes.

 Mr. Cherenfant faces up to five years in prison and restitution to the United States of the stolen funds.

The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

 

              Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on March 29, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge W. Louis Sands sentenced Justin Norris, age 30, of Albany, GA, to 115 months imprisonment for the offense of possession of a firearm by convicted felon.  Mr. Norris previously plead guilty to this charge and admitted the following facts were true:

              On September 28, 2016, agents with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office used a previously reliable confidential informant (CI) to conduct a transaction with Mr. Norris.  Mr. Norris had informed the CI that he had a Taurus Judge handgun for sale.  Agents arranged for the CI to make a series of audio-recorded phone calls to Mr. Norris to arrange the details of the transaction.  Mr. Norris agreed to sell the CI a gram of methamphetamine, the firearm and 100 rounds of ammunition for $410.  During these conversations, Mr. Norris advised the CI that “Bubba” had stolen the ammunition and that he had bought it from Bubba for 1 gram of meth.           

              During the last recorded call before the two met at a gas station, Mr. Norris advised that he had just thrown the meth out the window after seeing a police officer in the vicinity.  The two met at a gas station on Philema Road in Lee County, Georgia.  The CI was equipped with an audio/video recording device which captured the meeting.  During the meeting, the CI provided Mr. Norris the money and Mr. Norris provided to the CI the gun and ammo.  The CI left the area and returned to meet with agents, who obtained the gun and ammo from him.  A GCIC check of the gun’s serial number revealed it had been reported stolen in Dougherty County on 9/25/2016.

              Prior to this latest offense, Mr. Norris was convicted and sentenced in these previous felony cases:

1. Worth County Superior Court Case Number 2014 CR128—Theft by Taking (Motor Vehicle) –May 28, 2015;
2. Worth County Superior Court Case Number 2014CR17—Burglary and Theft By Taking (Motor Vehicle)—January 15, 2014; and
3. Dougherty County Superior Court Case number 2011R169—Burglary—June 28, 2012.
4. Worth County Superior Court Case Number 09CR06—Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute on January 14, 2009-- sentenced pursuant to the Georgia First Offender’s Act.

              This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

              The case was investigated by the ATF, Columbus Division and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

              Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

                 Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on March 15, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson sentenced Michael Trevor Haynes, age 37, of Moultrie, GA, to 98 months imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of domestic violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

                Mr. Haynes was found guilty of the charges on August 8, 2017, following a jury trial.  Evidence presented showed that on August 10, 2016, two Moultrie, Georgia police officers approached a vehicle in which the defendant was sitting. The officers began questioning Mr. Haynes as he sat in the car. The car door was open and Mr. Haynes had his legs out the door and his feet on the ground. Mr. Haynes provided officers with a false name and a false date of birth. Some of Mr. Haynes’ family began walking toward the car from a home nearby. When the officers began to ask them about the defendant’s identity, Mr. Haynes charged one of the officers and struck him in the face. The other officer grabbed Mr. Haynes in an effort to prevent him from fleeing. Mr. Haynes then hit that officer in the face. The officers were eventually forced to use tasers twice to subdue him. During the arrest, officers removed a .38 caliber revolver from Mr. Haynes’ right front pocket. During a search of Mr. Haynes at the local jail facility, officers found two small bags of marijuana on his person. They later caught Mr. Haynes attempting to flush another small bag of marijuana down a toilet.

               This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October, 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

               "Mr. Haynes is an example of the type of person Project Safe Neighborhoods is designed to get off the streets: a man with a prior conviction of a violent crime, who desperately and violently resisted arrest until forcibly subdued, all the while carrying a concealed handgun. It is so very fortunate that his illegal weapon did not come into play during his arrest," said United States Attorney Peeler.

                The case was investigated by the Macon Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Moultrie Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sonja B. Profit prosecuted the case for the United States.

                Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.

            Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that on March 15, 2018, Senior United States District Court Judge Hugh Lawson sentenced Burt Denson, age 41, of Quitman, GA, to 185 months imprisonment for two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Mr. Denson pled guilty to the offense on October 30, 2017.

            In January 2016, Brooks County Sheriff’s Office deputies received information that cocaine was being sold from Mr. Denson’s residence. The information was consistent with prior reports of drug activity at the residence. A search warrant was obtained and executed on January 17, 2016.  Brooks County drug investigators seized several bags of cocaine and other items consistent with drug distribution including kilogram-sized packaging, a large number of zip-lock baggies and electronic scales containing cocaine residue. A second search warrant was executed at Mr. Denson’s residence on December 1, 2016.  Again, the investigators seized cocaine, as well as other controlled substances, and similar items consistent with drug distribution.

            “Most of the time when we speak of ‘repeat drug offenders’ we are talking about defendants with prior convictions, but in Mr. Denson’s case we are talking about someone dealing drugs so regularly that he got caught a second time before he could be prosecuted for the first time,” said United States Attorney Peeler.  “Mr. Denson richly deserves the sentence imposed on him today, as incarceration is obviously the only thing that will stop him from selling illegal drugs.”

            DEA Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field division, states that this sends a strong signal that DEA, along with our local Law Enforcement partners, continue to work in our communities to stop illegal drug operations. 

            This case was investigated by the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.   

            Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.