Middle District of Georgia

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that James L. Stillwell, aged 45, from Cordele, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, February 27, 2014, to serve nine years (108 months) in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.  
            
Mr. Stillwell entered a plea of guilty to the charge on November 15, 2013.  As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Stillwell admitted that he was arrested on November 17, 2012 by a Georgia Department of Natural Resources officer who found him in possession of a rifle while deer hunting. 

Mr. Stillwell also admitted that on November 11, 2010, he had been arrested by deputies from Crisp County Sheriff’s Office after he pulled a gun on an employee of Hubbard’s Salvage Yard in Crisp County and threatened to “blow him away” because the salvage yard would not haul away certain items of junk from Mr. Stillwell’s yard.  The officers found a revolver and two long barrel rifles in Mr. Stillwell’s vehicle. *Mr. Stillwell was prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm because of his previous convictions.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Convicted felons are prohibited from having guns.  In this case, not only did Mr. Stillwell unlawfully possess a firearm, he used it to threaten innocent people”.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

*The press release was updated to reflect an error in the original release.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Brad Heard, Sr., aged 57, of Camilla, Georgia, and Brad Heard, Jr., aged 35, of Leesburg, Georgia, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands on Thursday, February 27, 2014, for bank fraud.  Brad Heard, Sr. was sentenced to serve 30 months in federal prison.  Brad Heard, Jr. received a sentence of 33 months in prison.  They were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5 million.  

Mr. Heard, Sr. and Mr. Heard, Jr. entered guilty pleas to the charges on September 26, 2013.  As part of their plea agreements, Mr. Heard, Sr. and Mr. Heard, Jr. admitted that they paid bribes and kickbacks to a banker and his wife, located in Bainbridge, Georgia, to influence and reward the banker for making loans to them.  The total amount of loans made by the banker to them was $13,000,000.00. 

“The defendants in this case used kickbacks and bribes from loan proceeds from a bank, whose primary purpose is to help farmers, to induce the lending officer to make improper loans.  They tried to game the system, and will now find themselves in federal prison for their crimes, ” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Thomasville and the United States Secret Service, Albany.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jim Crane and Leah McEwen.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Recco Roger Collins, aged 45, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, February 27, 2014, to serve nearly eighteen years (210 months) in Federal prison for armed bank robbery by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.  Co-defendants Tony Key and Anthony Facon were sentenced earlier for their part in the robbery.  The Court also ordered Mr. Collins to pay restitution to repay the money stolen and repay costs associated with vehicle repair for vehicles stolen or damaged while apprehending the trio and medical costs of persons affected by their crimes.
           
Mr. Collins entered a plea of guilty to the charge on November 4, 2013.  As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Collins admitted that on February 28, 2013, he drove a get-away vehicle during the robbery of PeoplesSouth Bank located on Tennille Avenue in Donalsonville, Georgia. 

Mr. Collins also admitted to robbing the Trust Bank located at 607 W. 4th Street in Adel Georgia of approximately $9,279 and preparing to rob the Citizen’s Bank in Ray City, Georgia on February 7, 2013.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Mr. Collins provided the get-away ride for two violent criminals and, while doing so, he put human lives and property in jeopardy.  He has well-earned his lengthy stay in federal prison.”

Ricky Maxwell, Acting Special Agent-In-Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated:  “While we are thankful that these dangerous individuals are no longer a threat to the public, we cannot underestimate the impact of what their violence did to the bank tellers, customers and community.  They may not have physically harmed anyone, but the psychological harm that these victims have undergone because of these subjects is immeasurable.  We will continue to pursue these violent offenders in cooperation and collaboration with our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of our community”.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Donalsonville Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Joshua Smith, aged 29, of Monroe, Georgia, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, to serve over 12 years (151 months) in Federal prison for distribution of oxycodone.  

Mr. Smith entered a plea of guilty to the charges on September 9, 2013.  As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Smith admitted that on July 12, 2012, he sold Roxicodone (oxycodone hydrochloride) tablets to an undercover detective.  Mr. Smith also admitted to other similar drug transactions with the undercover detective.

“Unfortunately, the Middle District of Georgia is not immune from the scourge of illegal prescription drug distribution.  At least we can take some comfort in knowing that for the next 12 years, Mr. Smith won’t be peddling his pills on our streets or in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Keith Bowers, aged 59, of Jessieville, Arkansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Clay D. Land on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, to serve 1 year and 1 day in federal prison for transmitting threats in interstate commerce.

Mr. Bowers entered a plea of guilty to the charge on December 18, 2013.  As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Bowers admitted that on August 16, 2012, he placed two threatening telephone calls from Longview, Texas to Carmike Cinema’s Columbus, Georgia, headquarters.  Using a Hispanic accent, Mr. Bowers expressed his displeasure with Carmike’s alleged practice of underpaying immigrant workers for cleaning services and stated that he was going to detonate an explosive during Carmike’s screening of a movie called “the Expendables”.  At the time, Mr. Bowers was in the business of providing cleaning services to businesses, including Carmike, and was bitter about rival cleaning companies who allegedly hired illegal immigrant labor and were therefore able to undercut Mr. Bowers’ contract bids.

“We take threats seriously.  In this case, Mr. Bowers not only caused unnecessary fear, he caused us to have to use precious law enforcement resources to track him down.  He will have time to consider just how reckless he was as he sits in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by S/A Gordon Hurley and S/A Gabe Coulter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

As part of their commemoration of Black History Month, the staff of the United States Attorney’s offices in Macon, Albany and Columbus enjoyed a presentation by Georgia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Herbert Phipps.

Judge Phipps opened his presentation with a quote from Helen Keller, “The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of the heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”  He then proceeded to relate stories about the unknown honest workers who toiled and sacrificed during the civil rights struggle in the South.

Judge Phipps spoke of watching trials during his teenage years in the state and federal courthouses.  He related incidents where court security officers tried to keep him from entering the courthouse and the racial slurs and other abuses he witnessed of black defendants and witnesses. 

While in college, Judge Phipps was active with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the civil rights movement.  He told of an incident where he was working on voter registration in Albany, Georgia and was jailed for several days in a cell next to Dr. Martin Luther King.  Judge Phipps’ only crime was being in a phone booth at night.  He was never charged and was ultimately released.  Dr. King shared the meals, brought to him by church ladies, with Judge Phipps.

Judge Phipps spoke of C.B. King, his former law partner.  Today, the Federal Courthouse in Albany, Georgia is named for him although Mr. King was not allowed to go to law school in Georgia because he was black.

His final illustration of tiny shoves by honest workers was of an uneducated sharecropper and civil rights pioneer from Mississippi named Fannie Lou Hamer.  She took the risk of many acts of civil disobedience during the 60’s and, when asked about the risk said, “If I fall, I will fall 5 feet 4 ½ inches forward in the journey for equal justice.”

“Black History Month is a time for us not only to reflect on the past; it is a time to remember and honor the many unsung heroes who literally risked everything in the pursuit of equal rights.  As I listened to Judge Phipps, I was inspired by his courage and reminded that each of us, in our own way, is responsible for continuing the commitment to equal justice for everyone,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

WASHINGTON –Irene Tamika Smith, a former professional tax-return preparer, was sentenced yesterday to serve 33 months in prison for conspiring with her co-workers to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns in order to receive fraudulently-inflated refunds for clients, Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia announced today.  Smith was also ordered to pay $566,171 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to court documents, Smith worked at Quick Tax, a tax preparation business in Cordele, Ga.  From 2006 through 2009, Smith conspired with her co-workers Greene Wylie Sheppard, Sabrina Johnson-Lavant and Chandra Henderson to obtain higher refunds on their clients’ returns by falsely inflating clients’ wages in order to exploit certain tax credits.  Smith and her co-conspirators also purchased other people’s identities which they then offered to sell to clients so that the clients could obtain higher refunds by falsely claiming additional dependents on their tax returns.  Smith and her co-conspirators maintained notebooks that kept track of the identities they sold and how much clients owed them for the false dependents.  Over the course of the conspiracy, which spanned four years, Quick Tax claimed over $500,000 in fraudulent refunds.

Smith’s co-conspirators each pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy and were sentenced in 2013.  Sheppard was sentenced to serve 56 months in prison, Henderson was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison and Johnson-Lavant was sentenced to serve eight months in prison.
 
The case was investigated by special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Charles Edgar Jr. of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Curtis Drakes, aged 33, of Mitchell County, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on February 11, 2014, to conspiracy to provide contraband in prison before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, U.S. District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.

As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Drakes admitted that from about April 15, 2013 to May 16, 2013, while employed as a Correctional Officer at the Mize Street Detention Facility in Pelham, Georgia, he accepted money from inmates in custody at the facility in exchange for cell phones, which are prohibited objects for the inmates.  

The Court scheduled sentencing for May 8, 2014 at 3:00 pm in Albany, Georgia.  Mr. Drakes faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison.

“When Mr. Drakes smuggled cell phones into a secure detention facility, he not only violated his oath, he put the safety of his fellow guards, law enforcement officers, and potential witnesses in jeopardy.  We don’t need people who are locked up using cell phones to conduct illegal business or intimidate witnesses in the community,“ said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Pelham Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is handling the prosecution for the Government.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

WASHINGTON – Dr. Dayo Obebe of Muscogee County, Ga., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Columbus, Ga., to one count of tax evasion, announced Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Justice Department's Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia.

According to court documents, Obebe is a dentist licensed in Georgia and Alabama, where he operated the Moon Road Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Columbus, Ga., and the Brent Dental Dentistry in Brent, Ala.  In 2004, Obebe began intentionally concealing money he earned from patients who paid with credit cards from his accountants and the IRS by placing credit card payments into a separate bank account from other cash and check receipts.  Consequently, Obebe intentionally underreported his total income from the dental practice on his 2004, 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns by more than $500,000 and falsely claimed a tax refund.

In 2007, the IRS audited Obebe’s tax return.  In 2008 Obebe lied during an audit when he stated that he accurately reported his income on his tax return, when he knew that he had earned substantially more income over the three-year period than he had reported to the IRS.  In total, Obebe evaded paying over $185,000 in tax to the IRS on his 2004, 2005 and 2006 federal income tax returns.

Obebe faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.  In addition, according to the plea agreement, he has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $189,661.  Sentencing has not been scheduled.

The case was investigated by special agents of the IRS - Criminal Investigation, and Trial Attorneys Charles Edgar and Justin Gelfand for the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

More information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/tax

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced that Tony Scott Key, aged 45, of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced on Friday, January 22, 2014, to serve nearly 26 years (309 months) in Federal prison for two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.  Anthony Jerome Facon, aged 48, also of Albany, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, February 6, 2014 to 37 years (444 months) imprisonment for armed bank robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.  The Court also ordered Mr. Key and Mr. Facon to pay restitution to repay the money stolen and repay costs associated with vehicle repair for vehicles stolen by them or damaged while apprehending them and medical costs of persons affected by their crimes.
           
Mr. Key entered a plea of guilty to the charges on October 1, 2013.  Mr. Facon entered his guilty plea on October 10, 2013.  As a part of their plea agreements, Mr. Key and Mr. Facon admitted that on February 28, 2013, they entered the PeoplesSouth Bank located on Tennille Avenue in Donalsonville, Georgia and robbed tellers of approximately $31,113.  During the robbery, Mr. Facon was armed with a .22 revolver and Mr. Key with a .38 revolver.  Mr. Key and Mr. Facon then fled the bank in a vehicle belonging to one of the bank tellers.  The pair was apprehended by the officers from Donalsonville Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office following a vehicle chase and foot chase. 

Mr. Key and Mr. Facon also admitted to robbing the Trust Bank located at 607 W. 4th Street in Adel Georgia of approximately $9,279 and preparing to rob the Citizen’s Bank in Ray City, Georgia on February 7, 2013.       

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Mr. Key and Mr. Facon are violent criminals who have earned a place in federal prison.  When they robbed banks, they terrorized bank employees and endangered the lives of the law enforcement officers who had to chase them.  People in Middle Georgia need to know that if they commit violent crimes with a gun, they are headed straight to federal prison”.

Ricky Maxwell, Acting Special Agent In Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated:  “While we are thankful that these dangerous individuals are no longer a threat to the public, we cannot underestimate the impact of what their violence did to the bank tellers, customers and community.  They may not have physically harmed anyone, but the psychological harm that these victims have undergone because of these subjects is immeasurable.  We will continue to pursue these violent offenders in cooperation and collaboration with our law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of our community”.

 The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation,  Donalsonville Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that John David Przenkop, age 47, of Columbus, Georgia, appeared in federal court on Monday, February 3, 2014 and entered a guilty plea to transportation of minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The guilty plea was entered before the Honorable Clay D. Land, U.S. District Court Judge, in Columbus, Georgia.

As a part of his guilty plea, Mr. Przenkop admitted that on or about February 18/19, 2010, he enticed two minor females, ages fourteen (14) and fifteen (15), with promises of gifts, a shopping spree and dinner in exchange for sex. Mr. Przenkop made contact with the two minor victims via the social media site, MySpace. Mr. Przenkop transported the two minor victims from Phenix City, Alabama to his residence in Columbus, Georgia. While at his residence, Mr. Pzenkop engaged in sexual conduct with both minor victims which he also video-recorded.  A search of Mr. Przenkop’s residence uncovered video recordings of the sexual encounters with the two minor females.

Mr. Przenkop faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both.  The Court has scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2014 in Columbus, Georgia.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the case.

US Attorney Michael Moore stated, “The prosecution of this form of human trafficking that preys on vulnerable victims is a priority of my office and of the United States Department of Justice”. 

Ricky Maxwell, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: “Today’s guilty plea removes a dangerous individual from our streets.  Mr. Przenkop preyed upon the vulnerabilities of these minor children in a manner that society simply will not tolerate.  The FBI asks that anyone with information regarding such incidents of child exploitation contact their nearest FBI field office”.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Bridgette Williams, aged 31, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal on Thursday, January 23, 2014, to serve six (6) months imprisonment in a case of conspiracy to commit fraudulent claims, identity theft and receiving stolen government property.  Ms. Williams was also ordered to make restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.  

Ms. Williams entered a plea of guilty to the charges on April 18, 2013.  As part of her plea agreement, Ms. Williams admitted that she was an employee of BioMat USA, a facility where individuals donate blood plasma for compensation.  From January to June 2012, she obtained the personal identification information for more than 130 BioMat USA clients and transferred that information to co-conspirators.  The co-conspirators would then create false W-2 forms using the personal information and file false income tax returns in the names of the clients.  Ms. Williams’ address was used as the address on the false tax returns.  Refund checks were mailed to her at that address.  Ms. Williams admitted that the total amount of fraudulent tax returns wrongfully obtained from BioMat USA was $191,985.00.  The total amount of fraudulent refunds actually issued by the Internal Revenue Service was $23,879.86.

“Identity theft is an increasing problem.  Those who engage in this type of criminal activity should know that it will be investigated and prosecuted with increased vigor,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
“The Treasury Office of Inspector General is proud to be a part of this joint effort to combat theft and fraud against the United States Treasury and will continue to support these types of investigations along with our law enforcement partners,” said John L. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations.
“IRS Criminal Investigation will remain proactive in the investigation of individuals and groups who commit crimes and ruin the lives of innocent citizens,” stated IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F.  Hyman-Pillot. “Today’s sentence clearly demonstrates that taking advantage of, manipulating, and stealing from the American people will not be ignored or go unpunished.”

“The United States Secret Service will continue to collaborate with its law enforcement partners to target and arrest individuals who steal from unsuspecting victims.  Those nefarious individuals ultimately affect us all,” said Reginald G. Moore, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office.

The investigation of the case was a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Graham A. Thorpe.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Kyle Clemons, aged 38, of an unknown address in Macon, Georgia, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge C. Ashley Royal on Thursday, January 23, 2014, to serve sixty three (63) months in federal prison for bank robbery.  

Mr. Clemons entered a plea of guilty to the charge on September 26, 2013.  As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Clemons admitted that on August 5, 2013, he entered the State Bank located at 614 Shurling Drive in Macon, Georgia where he asked a bank teller if robbing a bank was a federal offense, slammed a book on the counter and demanded money.  The teller gave approximately $620 to Mr. Clemons who then fled the bank.

“My office takes bank robbery seriously, even if the robber only gets a small amount of cash.  It is the act of committing the crime, not the amount stolen, that has sent Mr. Clemons to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Solis prosecuted the case for the government.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Yolando Blount, aka Yolanda King, 32, of Macon, Georgia was sentenced on Friday, January 22, 2014, to serve 324 months (27 years)  imprisonment in a case of wire fraud, mail fraud, conspiracy, theft of public money, aggravated identity theft and access device fraud.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.  The Court also ordered Ms. Blount to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $493,506.60.
           
Ms. Blount entered a plea of guilty to the charges on September 4, 2013.  In her plea agreement, the defendant admitted that beginning in 2010, she obtained stolen identities of nursing home patients and used that information to file fraudulent income tax returns.  Some federal tax refunds were processed in the names of the patients and mailed to Ms. Blount’s address.   Others were directly deposited into a bank account belonging to the defendant. 

The tax returns found on the Defendant’s laptop computer represent refund claims filed against the Government in the amount of $511,951.00.  From those claims, the Internal Revenue Service actually paid out $460,692.00 in false claims.  The total amount of actual loss to the United Sates, including the nursing home patient refunds and the Capital City Bank refunds, was $493,506.60.  The total amount of fraudulent refund claims is $550,150.60.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Ms. Blount’s actions represent the worst kind of greed accompanied by criminal conduct.  Not only did she use the stolen identification of nursing  home patients to advance her scheme, she stole from the American people when she obtained the fraudulent refunds.  Ms. Blount’s fraud was far-reaching, and she is deserving of this harsh sentence.  Identity theft and fraud are not victimless crimes; when you want to know who the victims are, all you have to do is look in the mirror.”

“The United States Secret Service and our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to thoroughly investigate cases like this.  We will continue to take an aggressive approach to arrest those who violate the faith and trust of victims such as the unsuspecting nursing home patients in this case,” said Reginald G. Moore, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office.

"Today's sentencing of Ms. Blount should serve as a stark reminder to others that such greed based criminal behavior as seen in this case comes with a cost," stated Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot.  "IRS Criminal Investigation is united with the law enforcement community to continue with the aggressive pursuit of individuals who commit crimes against our society and the United States Treasury."

“The Treasury Office of Inspector General is proud to be a part of this joint effort to combat identity theft and fraud against the U.S. Treasury,” said John L. Phillips, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations.

Ricky Maxwell, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated: "The FBI will continue to provide investigative resources toward such cases as this that victimize so many, to include the elderly, through identity theft. Anyone with information regarding such activities should contact their nearest FBI field office."

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Treasury Department – OIG, and Macon Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Graham A. Thorpe.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Mark C. Simpson, 51, of Lake Park, Georgia, entered pleas of guilty on January 22, 2014, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in one case and to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in a separate case.  Mr. Simpson entered his pleas of guilty before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Macon, Georgia.

As a part of his plea, Mr. Simpson admitted that from September 2007 through August 2009, he, his co-defendant Stuart C. Cole, and others conspired to operate a fraudulent private child support collection business in Lake Park, Georgia and in other locations known as Child Support Services of Atlanta and Child Support Services. Mr. Simpson, Mr. Cole and their associates defrauded custodial parents who were to receive child support payments by inducing them to sign collection agreements with their company and offering to assist them in collecting child support payments from non-custodial parents, claiming that all fees connected with the collections would be the responsibility of the non-custodial parent.  Mr. Simpson and Mr. Cole would then use fraud, deception and coercion to get non-custodial parents and their employers to send funds for “child support” to their business.  Only a portion of the funds was ever given to the parents for the use of the children.  The remainder was retained by Mr. Simpson, Mr. Cole and their associates to fund their lifestyles including leases of homes, cars and boats.  The conspiracy collected more than $2.3 million and retained approximately $1.2 million.  Additionally, Mr. Simpson admitted to laundering the collected funds through bank accounts including an account for a corporation, purported to be a church, as “love gifts”.  Mr. Cole entered a plea of guilty to the same charges on January 17, 2014 in Valdosta, Georgia, and is also currently serving a federal sentence for a drug distribution conviction in the Southern District of Texas.   

In a separate case, Mr. Simpson admitted to conspiring with a number of other individuals, including Cole, between 2007 and October 21, 2011, to distribute cocaine in Georgia.  Simpson was stopped on I-85 in Troup County, Georgia on December 15, 2010, carrying approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine in furtherance of the conspiracy.  The drugs were found in a hidden compartment around the transmission of the vehicle he was driving, which had Texas tags and had crossed the border into Mexico as recently as the day before the stop.  The Defendant and the Government stipulated that Mr. Simpson would be sentenced based on the possession with intent to distribute between 15 and 50 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride as a part of the drug distribution conspiracy.  

The Court has scheduled sentencing in both cases for April 4, 2014 in Albany, Georgia.  Mr. Simpson faces a maximum possible sentence of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, on the mail and wire fraud conspiracy count and up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the money laundering, whichever is greater, or both on the money laundering conspiracy.  Mr. Simpson also agreed to forfeit all assets obtained directly or indirectly through his criminal activity in that case.  In the cocaine conspiracy case, Mr. Simpson faces an additional sentence of a mandatory minimum 10 years to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000,000.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, “Mr. Simpson and Mr. Cole took advantage of victims who needed help the most.  These were parents trying to raise children on their own and having to do it without the financial support these children were due from parents who were not living up to their financial obligations.  On the one hand, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Cole offered hope to the custodial parents, and then with the other hand, they snatched the money that they were counting on to support their children away from them.  While Mr. Simpson was taking money meant for children, he was also involved in putting cocaine on the street.  He may have been able to hide his drug stash, but he can’t hide from the law.”

“The actions committed by Mr. Simpson and Mr. Cole are especially troubling, given that ultimately the victims were children.  The Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection is pleased to have initiated this investigation more than five years ago and to see these individuals finally brought to justice,” said John D. Sours, Administrator, Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection.

“Those individuals who line their pockets with money gained through deceiving others should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable," stated Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot.  “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to ‘following the money trail’ to ensure that those who engage in these illegal activities are vigorously investigated and brought to justice”.

“U.S. Postal Inspectors have protected the sanctity of the U.S. mails for over 200 years.  Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we were persistent in our investigative efforts to bring to justice those responsible for victimizing the families in this particular case.  The use of U.S. mail to defraud the American public cannot and will not be tolerated,” said Keith A. Fixel, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.

Harry S. Sommers, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division stated, “Drug traffickers who distribute illegal and dangerous drugs are a true menace to society. These crack distributors have now been removed from the streets, largely because of the true spirit of cooperation that exists between all of the law enforcement agencies involved.”

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that a major methamphetamine organization has been dismantled. On January 16, 2014, Shawn Foster Phillips, age 35, of Bibb County, Marty Bass, age 51, of Bibb County, and Jonathan McBride, age 39, of Houston County, appeared in federal court and entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Travis Walker McElhenny, age 40, of Houston County, entered a plea of guilty to possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. John Rylander, age 32, of Houston County, entered a plea of guilty to possession of methamphetamine.  Chad Minter, age 39, of Houston County, appeared in court on January 21, 2014 and entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The guilty pleas were entered before U.S. District Court Judge Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to twenty (20) years confinement. The charge of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine carries a maximum penalty of a mandatory minimum of ten (10) years, up to life in prison. The possession charge carries a penalty of up to twelve (12) months incarceration.  The Court has scheduled sentencing for April 9, 2014 in Macon, Georgia.

As a part of their guilty pleas, the respective defendants admitted that between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012, Mr. Phillips traveled from Warner Robins, Georgia, to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain methamphetamine from a source of supply. The drugs were transported by Mr. Phillips from Atlanta to Warner Robins where they were sold to Mr. Rylander, Mr. Bass, Mr. McBride, Mr. McElhenny, and others in the Warner Robins area. These men in turn sold the methamphetamine to street level dealers. Conservative estimates suggest that during its operation, the organization distributed more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. Federal and state authorities seized 250 grams of methamphetamine and three firearms. The Government anticipates that additional indictments will be filed targeting other members of the organization.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, and Houston County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case.

US Attorney Michael Moore stated, “My office will continue to target and dismantle these types of drug trafficking organizations. Methamphetamine use and distribution poses a significant threat to the public and must be vigorously prosecuted.”

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Stuart C. Cole, 59, of St. Petersburg Beach, Florida, entered a plea of guilty on January 13, 2014, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.   Mr. Cole entered his plea of guilty before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta, Georgia.

As a part of his plea, Mr. Cole admitted that from September 2007 through August 2009, he and others conspired to operate a fraudulent private child support collection business in Lake Park, Georgia and in other locations. Mr. Cole and his associates defrauded custodial parents who were to receive child support payments by inducing them to sign collection agreements with his company and offering to assist them in collecting child support payments from non-custodial parents, claiming that all fees connected with the collections would be the responsibility of the non-custodial parent.   They would then use fraud, deception and coercion to get non-custodial parents and their employers to send funds for "child support" to Mr. Cole's business.   Only a portion of the funds was ever given to the parents for the use of the children.   The remainder was retained by Mr. Cole and his associates to lease homes, cars and boats.   The conspiracy collected more than $2.3 million and retained approximately $1.2 million.  Additionally, Mr. Cole admitted to laundering the collected funds through bank accounts including an account for a corporation, purported to be a church, as "love gifts".

The Court has scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2014 in Valdosta, Georgia.   Mr. Cole faces a maximum possible sentence of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, on Count 1 of the indictment and up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the transactions, whichever is greater, or both.   Mr. Cole also agreed to forfeit all assets obtained directly or indirectly through his criminal activity.

U.S. Attorney Michael Moore said, "Mr. Cole took advantage of victims who needed help the most.   These were parents trying to raise children on their own and having to do it without the financial support these children were due from parents who were not living up to their financial obligations.   On the one hand, Mr. Cole offered hope to the custodial parents, and then with the other hand, he snatched the money that they were counting on to support their children away from them."

"The actions committed by Mr. Cole are especially troubling, given that ultimately the victims were children.  The Governor's Office of Consumer Protection is pleased to have initiated this investigation more than five years ago and to see this individual finally brought to justice," said John D. Sours, Administrator, Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.

"Those  individuals  who line their pockets with money gained through deceiving  others should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable," stated Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot.   "IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to 'following  the money trail' to ensure that those who engage in these illegal activities are vigorously investigated and brought to justice".

"U.S.  Postal  Inspectors  have  protected  the  sanctity  of  the  U.S.  mails  for  over  200 years.    Working  closely   with   our law   enforcement   partners,   we   were   persistent   in  our investigative  efforts  to bring to  justice  those  responsible  for  victimizing  the  families  in  this particular  case.   The use of U.S. mail to defraud  the American  public cannot  and will not be tolerated," said Keith A. Pixel, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States  Postal  Inspection  Service  and the  Georgia  Governor's  Office  of Consumer  Protection. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is handling the prosecution for the Government.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael  J. Moore, United  States Attorney  for the Middle District  of Georgia,  announced  that Jackie Elvine, a/k/a Jackie Young, 39, of Jeffersonville, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on January 17, 2014, to health care fraud, aiding in the preparation of a false tax return and false claims against the Government.  Ms. Elvine entered her plea of guilty before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.

As a part of her plea, Ms. Elvine admitted  that she established  Young's Financial  Billing Service in Jeffersonville, Georgia in 2008 as a tax return preparation service.   From 2008 to 2010, Ms. Elvine prepared and submitted hundreds of false tax returns.   At least 61 of the returns included fraudulent tax credits for first time home buyers.   The total amount of those claims was $283,683.00.    Also claimed were numerous tax credits for higher education costs that Ms. Elvine knew were not legitimate.

Ms. Elvine also defrauded AFLAC and National Reimbursement Group by filing false health care claims. The amount  of loss sustained  by AFLAC  is $147,483.56.    The loss to National  Reimbursement  Group was $118,446.84.

The Court has scheduled sentencing for Ms. Elvine for April 9, 2014 in Macon, Georgia.    She faces a maximum possible sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment and a $250,000.00  fine on Count 1, three (3) years  imprisonment  and  a fine  of $250,000.00  on  Count  2 and  five  (5)  years  imprisonment  and  a fine of $250,000.00 on Count 3.

"Tax fraud and health care fraud end up hurting all of us.   From higher health care costs and insurance premiums to depleting resources for tax credits aimed at helping deserving students and home buyers, these types of crimes are far-reaching.   The path of greed in this case will likely lead to the federal prison," stated U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of lnspector General, Georgia Department of Revenue and Twiggs County Sheriffs Office.   Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe is handling the prosecution for the Government.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced pleas of guilty today by four defendants in connection with prostitution activities, to-wit: Hyeon Chae of Atlanta, Georgia, age 45, to single counts of conspiracy to promote prostitution and conspiracy to commit money laundering; Kye Wol Dyreson, of Kansas, age 72, to one count of use of an interstate facility to promote, manage, and carry on prostitution;   and Jin Noh, of Florida, age 50, along with Ki Un Jordan, of Atlanta, Ga, age 51, to one count each of misprision of a felony. The pleas were entered before the Honorable Marc Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.

As part of their pleas of guilty, the defendants admitted that the establishment known as Sedona Tanning Salon, formerly known as Soft Hands Massage, located at 1922 Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia, operated as a prostitution business. Defendants admitted that during the course of the conspiracy the business always operated solely as a place of prostitution and that none of the women working there were ever licensed masseuses.

According to court documents, the manager, Ms. Dyreson, would greet customers and ensure one of the female prostitutes would provide prostitution services.   Ms. Dyreson also controlled all of the cash received in the establishment, ensuring that such monies were deposited in the bank accounts of the owner, Ms. Chae. The services provided by the prostitutes covered a wide range of activities and payment for same could be by cash or credit card.

The business would receive a "house fee", which was anywhere from $40 to $60 per customer, which went directly to the owner, Ms. Chae.     In addition to the "house fee," there was a weekly fee that each female had to pay to Ms.Chae which covered food for the week and a daily tip for the manager, Ms. Dyreson.  The defendants used several bank accounts to launder the money from the prostitution activities.  During the course of the investigation, the business laundered over $700,000.00.

Ms.  Chae  and  Ms.  Dyreson  each  face  a  maximum  sentence  of  five  (5)  years imprisonment on the prostitution charges.  Ms. Chae faces up to an additional twenty (20) years imprisonment on the money laundering count.   Ms. Jordan and Ms. Noh each face a maximum sentence of three (3) years imprisonment.  The Court scheduled sentencing in the case for May 15, 2014.

'"Prostitution is a crime which dehumanizes both of the parties involved. The prostitutes are victimized as they literally sell their bodies and souls for the profit of others. The prosecution of this form ofhuman trafficking is a priority of my office and of the United States Department of Justice," said Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

"We will continue to unite with our law enforcement partners at the local, county, state and federal levels, and utilize every tool available to us to target those who conspire with each other to victimize members of our community for their own personal gain," stated Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, IRS Criminal Investigation.

"In partnership with the Bibb County Sheriffs Office, the FBI and the IRS, HSI identified criminals conducting various unlawful activities under the disguise of a legitimate business," said Brock. D. Nicholson, special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta, who oversees the agency's  investigations in Georgia and the Carolinas. "The defendants brazenly exploited their 'masseuses' to operate an illegal house of prostitution in Macon and thanks to this collaborative investigation and great work by the U.S. Attorney's Office, that illegitimate business has now been shut down."

The  case was investigated  by the Bibb County  Sheriffs Office  Special  Investigations Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Internal Revenue  Service-Criminal  Investigations.    Assistant  United  States  Attorney  Verda  Colvin  is handling the prosecution for the Government.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Wesley White, Sr., a/k/a “Westside”, 38, of Valdosta, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on January 13, 2014, to possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of “crack cocaine”.  Mr. White entered his plea of guilty before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hugh Lawson in Valdosta, Georgia.

As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. White admitted that on June 3, 2013, a search warrant was executed at his residence in Valdosta, Georgia, which yielded drugs intended for distribution.  During the search, investigators discovered six (6) cookies of crack cocaine packaged in sandwich bags, seven (7) bags of powder cocaine, a one (1) gallon-sized bag of marijuana and a cocaine press which contained some of the cocaine, in the kitchen of the residence.  In the living room, officers found two (2) quart-sized bags of marijuana, digital scales and $1216.00 in currency. 

The Court scheduled sentencing for April 28, 2014 in Valdosta, Georgia.  Mr. White faces a sentence of a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to forty (40) years imprisonment and a $5,000,000.00 fine, or both.

“In the Middle District of Georgia, people who deal drugs will face the full force of the federal authorities, specifically my office, which is made possible by the extraordinary cooperative efforts of our state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case is the culmination of many years of investigation by the FBI Southwest Georgia Gang Task Force, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division, Valdosta Police Department and the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers is handling the prosecution for the Government.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Robert Cedrick Baker, III, age 37, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to serve 75 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Court Judge, in Valdosta, Georgia.

Mr. Baker, a former player in the National Football League, pled guilty to the charges on October 1, 2013.  In his plea agreement, he admitted that he was stopped by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of January 20, 2013 on Georgia Highway 401 for a traffic violation.  A consensual search of his car revealed that Mr. Baker was in possession of 59.5 grams of heroin and a Smith & Wesson, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  As part of his plea of guilty, Mr. Baker admitted that he possessed the heroin for distribution, and he was carrying the 9mm semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. 

“Mr. Baker made a terrible mistake when he chose to traffic illegal drugs, and particularly when he brought a gun along to help him do so,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.  “He will have a long time to reflect on that mistake in federal prison.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary is handling the prosecution for the Government.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Anthony David Olson, 53, of Mauk, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, January 9, 2014, to serve 55 months imprisonment for the crimes of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and filing a false tax return.  Olson’s codefendant, Patrick Edward Keefe, 34, of Dayville, Connecticut, was sentenced on the same date to serve 33 months imprisonment for the crime of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  The sentences were handed down by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge, in Albany, Georgia.
           
Both defendants entered pleas of guilty to the charges on September 27, 2013.  In their plea agreements, Mr. Olson and Mr. Keefe admitted that from approximately 1999 to 2009, they were active duty sailors or otherwise employed by the United States Navy.  Mr. Olson was assigned to work as a pharmacy technician at the Naval Branch Medical Clinic located on the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia.  Mr. Keefe was a pharmacy technician at the Naval Hospital located in Groton, Connecticut.  The pair stole insulin and diabetic test strips and sold them to an unlicensed drug wholesaler in Florida.  Payments for the products were delivered by electronic funds transfers or credit card payments.  These actions were a continuation of a scheme begun by Mr. Olson in approximately 2001 while assigned to another naval hospital.  Mr. Olson recruited Mr. Keefe into the scheme in approximately 2002.  PayPal records show that from January 2005 through October 2009, Mr. Olson received approximately $1,037,458 for insulin and diabetic test strips which he and Mr. Keefe had stolen from their respective pharmacies.  From that amount, he paid Mr. Keefe approximately $241,849.  In addition, Mr. Keefe admitted that he filed false tax returns for tax years 2005 – 2009, leaving taxes due and owing to the IRS in the amount of $191,808.

In imposing the sentences, Judge Sands noted that the defendants’ actions involved a reckless risk of death or serious bodily injury to diabetics, as the stolen insulin was not properly refrigerated by the unlicensed wholesaler.

United State Attorney Moore stated, “Mr. Olson and Mr. Keefe betrayed the trust of the United States Navy when they stole and sold essential diabetic medical supplies and tried to line their own pockets.  Their conduct is inexcusable and has been justly punished.”

"NCIS is committed to safeguarding Department of the Navy personnel and resources that are intended to provide for the well-being of our Sailors and Marines.  Theft schemes that degrade the readiness of America's war fighters are unacceptable," stated Special Agent in Charge Andrew P. Snowdon, NCIS Southeast Field Office.

“Olson and Keefe exploited their positions for their own personal financial gain at the expense of the American taxpayers,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.   “At the IRS, protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take extremely seriously.  We are pleased to have been instrumental in the prosecution of Olson and Keefe for their crimes."                                                

The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the  Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alan Dasher.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that John Edward Baker, 42, of Lizella, Georgia was sentenced on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, to serve thirty (30) months imprisonment in a case of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
           
Ms. Baker entered a plea of guilty to the charges on September 4, 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that on May 23, 2011, while serving a warrant on another individual who was hiding at Mr. Baker’s residence, the U.S. Marshals Service found a .357 caliber revolver and pictures of Mr. Baker holding the above-mentioned weapon.  Mr. Baker had previously been convicted of two felony drug offenses in Superior Court in Putnam County in February and June of 2004.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Marshals Service and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verda M. Colvin.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Edna Yvonne Orr Goff, 37, of Thomaston, Georgia, was sentenced on January 7, 2014 to serve thirty six (36) months imprisonment for conspiracy to file false federal tax returns and aggravated identity theft by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge.

Ms. Goff and Michelle Blankenship were indicted on February 15, 2013 and charged with conspiracy to submit false tax returns and identity theft.   In essence, the charges involved the use of stolen tax payer identity information by Ms. Goff and Ms. Blankenship to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. The scheme resulted in a total loss of over $200,000.00 to the government.

Ms. Blankenship appeared in court on June 4, 2013 and entered a plea of guilty. She was sentenced on November 14, 2013 to serve eight (8) years in prison. In addition, she was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $224,136.00. Goff was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000.00.

“Filing false tax returns and identity theft causes a rippling effect of loss to all law abiding citizens. hose committing these and other crimes will remain a focus of the Department of Justice,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

“These unscrupulous defendants thought they had figured out a clever scheme for obtaining money from the government,” stated IRS Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge, Veronica F.  Hyman-Pillot.  “As the defendants in this case have learned, stealing from the American people will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Calhoun.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Arthur Gerald Reid, 27, of Macon, Georgia, pled guilty to Sex Trafficking of Children on Monday, December 23, 2013. The defendant’s guilty plea was entered before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.
           
In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that beginning in September, 2011, and continuing until February, 2013, he prostituted a juvenile victim from various motel rooms in Macon, Georgia, and in Tybee Island, Georgia, through the utilization of backpage.com, an erotic services website. Mr. Reid was physically violent toward this juvenile victim. The defendant was encountered by law enforcement on February 26, 2013 at a Macon, Georgia, motel. In his custody and control was the juvenile victim to which Mr. Reid pled guilty as well as two additional juvenile victims.  Mr. Reid admitted to prostituting these juveniles through the utilization of backpage.com.  Hidden within the motel room was a BB gun, which the juveniles believed to be an authentic firearm.

At sentencing, Mr. Reid will be subject to a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000, or both, and a term of supervised release of five (5) years up to lifetime supervision.  Mr. Reid will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to potential additional prosecution should he fail to register as required by Title 18, United States Code, Section 2250.      

“The defendant seized upon the opportunity to exploit these vulnerable victims.  All children deserve to be safe from predators like the defendant, and it is the duty of the law to protect them.  These three victims are not alone, and my office will continue to vigilantly prosecute any and all who seek to gain from the abuse of children,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.

This case was a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julia C. Bowen.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of  Georgia, announces that Keith B. Carver, 28, of Columbus, Georgia was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, to serve two hundred twenty eight (228) months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Toni McGriff, 30, of Columbus, Georgia, received a sentence of forty six (46) months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the same case. The sentences were handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia
           
Both defendants entered pleas of guilty on August 13, 2013.  In their plea agreements, the defendants admitted that on November 22, 2012, they were in an automobile accident in Harris County, Georgia and subsequently abandoned the vehicle.  The responding deputy found drug paraphernalia (scales, plastic bags, and an amount of U.S. Currency) inside the abandoned vehicle, later determined to be the property of Mr. Carver.  Deputies later located Mr. Carver and Ms. McGriff entering a wooded area.  A bag carried by Ms McGriff contained 67 grams of methamphetamine.  Another bag, being carried by Mr. Carver, contained a loaded Ruger .357 Magnum revolver.

“The difference in the sentences imposed on these two defendants is significantly influenced by the firearm carried by Mr. Carver.  The message to drug dealers from this is clear: carrying a gun during a drug crime means doing significantly more prison time,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.

The case was investigated by the Harris County Georgia Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that William Frazier, 43, of Midland, Georgia was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, to serve fifty one (51) months imprisonment for wire fraud.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia
           
Mr. Frazier entered a plea of guilty on August 16, 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that on August 31, 2010, he made an unauthorized Omega Visa credit card purchase in the amount of $47,250 for a statue of a golfer.  On January 27, 2010, he sent an unauthorized wire transfer in the amount of $75,312.87 from the state of Georgia to the states of Delaware and then to Maryland which he used to pay personal bills.  The credit cards used in those transactions had been issued to Mr. Frazier by his employer for business use only but  instead he used same to make personal purchases and to obtain funds for his personal use.  The total amount of the fraud was $1,900,000.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that James Howard Wheeler, 46, of Imperial Beach, California, was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, to serve thirty (30) months imprisonment for interstate stalking.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia
           
Mr. Wheeler entered a plea of guilty on August 13, 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that beginning in July, 2012, and continuing to February, 2013, he directed threatening and harassing communications from his home in California to the victim, who was an estranged family member living in Georgia, via telephone, text messages, e-mail, and Facebook.  Many of the messages contained express and implied threats of coming to Georgia and harming the victim.  Over 37 threatening voice mails were left on the victim’s phone in a three month period, as well as numerous Facebook and other public internet postings.  All of the voice mails were left even after Mr. Wheeler had been confronted by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about his conduct.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Darrin Scott, 42, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia to serve sixty three (63) months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. 
           
Mr. Scott entered a plea of guilty on August 13, 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that between August 9, 2011 and March 7, 2012, he conspired with others to distribute 1981 grams of cocaine by shipping packages from California to Columbus, Georgia.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Larry Eugene Yancey, aka “Ziggy”, 42, of an unknown address, was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, to serve two hundred twenty eight (228) months imprisonment for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia
           
Mr. Yancey entered a plea of guilty on August 13, 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that on April 24, 2012, he was apprehended by the Phenix City, Alabama Police and the Metro Narcotics Task Force with 343.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine and a stolen Smith and Wesson .38 special handgun.

Said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore, “While federal drug crimes carry heavy sentences all by themselves, this is another case in which the possession of a firearm substantially increased this defendant’s time in prison.”

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department, the Metro Narcotics Task Force and the U.S. Drug Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mel Hyde.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Robert Hielscher, 36, of Opelika, Alabama was sentenced on Thursday, December 19, 2013, to serve sixty (60) months imprisonment in a case of domestic violence resulting in substantial bodily injury.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Clay D. Land, United States District Court Judge in Columbus, Georgia
           
Mr. Hielscher, an active military employee at the time of the incident, entered a plea of guilty on August, 14 2013.  In his plea agreement, the defendant admitted that on April 28, 2013, he repeatedly assaulted the victim with his hands and fists in the presence of their two year old child.  In addition, Mr. Hielscher cut the victim with a knife and assaulted her.  The assault occurred in the parties’ residence at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

The case was investigated by the Ft. Benning Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Crawford Seals.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Following an extensive investigation, Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that insufficient evidence exists to support a federal criminal civil rights prosecution in the death of Mr. Sammie Davis, Jr. in December, 2012.
                                          
During the federal investigation into the shooting death of Mr. Sammie Davis, Jr., prosecutors and investigators reviewed voluminous materials, including investigative reports generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and the Macon Police Department; videotaped and audio-taped witness interviews; DNA evidence reports; the medical examiner’s report; photographs; video footage from the officers’ patrol cars; medical records; and ballistic evidence.

The federal investigation into Mr. Davis’ death focused on the possible application of the federal criminal civil rights statute, found in Title 18 of the United State Code, Section 242, which prohibits certain types of official misconduct.  “Based upon all of the available evidence, the United Stated Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, in conjunction with my office, has determined that the evidence in this case is insufficient to meet the rigorous requirements of a federal criminal civil rights prosecution.  Based on the totality of the evidence, including DNA evidence, the government could not prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer willfully used more force than he believed was necessary under the circumstances,” U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore stated.

“I have spoken with the Davis family about this decision, and while I know that their hearts remain heavy, I appreciate their cooperation during this investigation.  Sheriff David Davis, who will soon assume command of all local law enforcement in Macon and Bibb County, and I have spoken about policies which can be implemented and which will most assuredly encourage public confidence in investigations like this one, where a law enforcement officer is involved in a shooting.  While the findings of the local investigation and review were confirmed by our investigation, I am pleased that Sheriff Davis has put in place a policy which will now require that the GBI will immediately be called to assist in any shooting in which an officer is involved.  As we approach the anniversary of Mr. Davis’ death, I offer my condolences to the Davis family and remain committed to ensuring that our civil rights laws are enforced,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Jatin Patel, 42, and Donna Evans Moore, a/k/a Donna Evans Furguson, 38, both from Tifton, Georgia, were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Macon, Georgia on December 10, 2013, for Conspiracy to Possess Stolen U.S. Treasury Checks, Passing Forged Securities and Embezzling Public Monies (Count One); Embezzling Government Property (Counts Two-Seven) and Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts Eight-Thirteen).  A copy of the indictment is attached.  The two were both arrested on December 11, 2013, and were arraigned in in federal court in Albany on that day.

If convicted, the defendants face the following penalties: Count One, up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; Counts Two-Seven, up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; Counts Eight-Thirteen, 2 years imprisonment consecutive to any other penalty and a $250,000 fine.

Atlanta SAIC Reginald Moore, said, “ The U.S. Secret Service, along with its local law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously investigate the negotiation of U.S. Treasury checks generated from Identity Theft.” 

An indictment is only an accusation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Lashaundra Evans, 32 of Wilkinson County, Georgia, was sentenced on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia, to serve twelve (12) months and one (1) day imprisonment and to pay $14,460.00 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as the result of her plea of guilty on July 29, 2013, to federal charges of one count of food stamp fraud.

Ms. Evans was part of a food stamp fraud scheme involving Elbert Eugene Shinholster, 77, also of Wilkinson County, who was sentenced on October 18, 2013 to serve forty (40) months in prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $4,680,557.20 for food stamp fraud and money laundering.   Mr. Shinholster was the owner and operator of Shinholster’s Grocery and Meat Market located in Irwinton, Georgia.  He illegally conspired with almost 2,000 food stamp recipients to defraud the food stamp program.  As part of the scheme each food stamp recipient would provide Mr. Shinholster with an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and personal identification number.  Mr. Shinholster would then run the EBT card through the point of sale machine administered by the Food Stamp Program as though the cardholder had purchased food when, in fact, the cardholder got cash instead.  Mr. Shinholster admitted that he knew that an EBT card was to be used to purchase food only and not to be sold for cash.  The illegal EBT debit would include an additional thirty (30) per cent of the cash amount as profit for Mr. Shinholster.

In addition to Lashaundra Evans, fifteen other defendants from Wilkinson County pled guilty to participating with Mr. Shinholster in the food stamp fraud and have been sentenced: Tracey McDowell, Kristi Northern, Keisha Robinson, Sheena Sanders, Krystal Allen, Angelina Curry, Brandy Day, Cassandra Harris, Willie Harris, Jazmin Hunter, Janine Jackson, Shanirah Jackson, Shamirah Jackson, Karrie Jackson and Pamela Johnson.

“Ms. Evans took advantage of a worthwhile system that was set up to help people who need a hand, just like her and her children.  What is unfortunate about these cases is that this type of fraud unquestionably becomes the topic of conversation as opposed to the many positive stories and many good people who genuinely benefit from the food stamp program,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.  

In a second, separate food stamp fraud and money laundering case in Wilkinson County, Alfred Boyd previously entered a plea of guilty to Food Stamp Fraud and was sentenced on October 31, 2013 to serve fifty-two (52) months in prison and to pay restitution in the amount of $800,000.00 to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 Mr. Boyd owned the Northwind Mini Mart in McIntyre, Georgia.  Between December 2009 and March 2011, he conspired with his niece, Chiquita Boyd, and a number of food stamp recipients, to defraud the Food Stamp Program.  Each food stamp recipient would provide Mr. Boyd with an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and personal identification number and tell the defendant how much cash he or she wanted in exchange for EBT benefits..  Mr. Boyd would then run the EBT card through the point of sale machine administered by the Food Stamp Program as though the cardholder had purchased food when, in fact, the cardholder got cash instead.  Mr. Boyd admitted that he knew that an EBT card was to be used to purchase food only and not to be sold for cash.  Mr. Boyd would retain a percentage of the cash amount the food stamp recipient requested.

Eleven (11) other defendants from Wilkinson County pled guilty to participating with Mr. Boyd in the food stamp fraud and have been sentenced: Tracey McDowell, Keisha Robinson, Sheena Sanders, Krystal Allen, Brandy Day, Lashaundra Evans, Cassandra Harris, Willie Harris, Jazmin Hunter, Karrie Jackson and Pamela Johnson.  Many of the defendants participated with both Mr. Shinholster and Mr. Boyd in food stamp fraud.

“These were cases of greed and serious crimes,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  “Honest and law abiding citizens are fed up with people who use deceit and fraud to obtain money that belongs to others for their own personal benefit. We are pleased with the successful resolution of these investigations due to the cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners.”

The cases were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office.  The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Solis, Danial Bennett and Julia Bowen.

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that two former Councilmen of the City of Forsyth, Georgia, James Edward Calloway and Desi Surtane Hansford, were sentenced by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell in United States District Court in Macon, Georgia today for accepting bribes in connection with the performance of their official duties. 

The defendants entered guilty pleas on September 3, 2013.  Facts stipulated in the written plea agreements of the two men show the following:

Mr. Calloway had been a Councilman for twenty-two years and Mr. Hansford for five.  Both served on the Combined Utilities Committee of the Council, which oversees electric, water, sewer and telecommunications for the City of Forsyth.

On December 27, 2012, Mr. Calloway solicited a bribe from a water and waste treatment company of $20,000 to guarantee the votes to give it the water waste contract for the City.  That company immediately notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the solicitation and cooperated fully and actively with that agency throughout the investigation, which revealed that at least in part Mr. Calloway’s motive in soliciting the payment was to help Councilman Hansford rescue his home from foreclosure.

A representative of the water and waste treatment company, cooperating with the FBI, met with the two councilmen on January 18, 2013, at a truck stop off I-75 in Jackson, Georgia, and paid them $10,000 in currency provided by the FBI while secretly recording the meeting per FBI instructions.  Mr. Calloway assured the company representative that the company would recover the amount of the bribe through a future project on which the company would be employed.  Following this meeting and payment Mr. Calloway and Mr. Hansford split the money equally.

A second $10,000 payment was delivered to Mr. Calloway one week later, January 25, 2013, under similar circumstances to the first, after which he was immediately arrested and subsequently confessed.  He also admitted receiving four Atlanta Falcons playoff tickets from the company, which he and Mr. Hansford shared. 

Mr. Calloway then cooperated with the government and participated in paying an additional $5000 (half of the second $10,000 payment) to Mr. Hansford, who was then also arrested.

Mr. Calloway was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison.  He was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.

Mr. Hansford received a sentence of 18 months in prison.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3000.        

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sonja Profit.

“When people entrust elected officials with public office, they have a right to expect that those positions of authority will be used for the public good, not for personal gain.  By prosecuting these offenses, I hope that we remind other public officials that they are not above the law and that we restore the public’s confidence in the many government officials who choose to serve so that they can truly make a positive impact,” said United States Attorney Michael J. Moore.

Ricky Maxwell, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Atlanta Field Office, stated, “While most individuals, elected or otherwise, who choose to serve the public do so admirably and honorably, the need to be vigilant for corrupt or criminal activity remains.  The FBI continues to carry its Public Corruption Program as its # 1 criminal investigative priority due to the vast potential for harm that exists.  We ask that anyone with information regarding public corruption related matters please contact their nearest FBI field office.”

For additional information please contact Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that law enforcement officials with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Post 40, Albany Probation, and Albany Police Department served federal arrest warrants in Albany and Dawson, Georgia.  In conjunction with the arrests, federal search warrants were also executed in Albany.

These warrants stem from a two year narcotics investigation initiated by the ATF and GBI Sylvester with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. The investigation uncovered a major drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting multi kilograms of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and firearms throughout the southwest Georgia area.

The following were arrested on federal arrest warrants and are in federal custody awaiting bond hearings scheduled on November 13, 2013:

Toney Ricardo Mosley, age 44, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute;

Montravis Montez Luke, age 29, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute,      Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;

Joe Lewis Guest III, age 26, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute; Timothy Lemond Johnson, age 41, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute;

Ontario Deshone Watson, age 40, of Dawson, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute;

Darian Jay Gillison, age 36, of Albany, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute;

Kenneth Fairbanks, age 39, of Dawson, GA, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute.

This investigation is an example of state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to make a positive impact in the local communities of southwest Georgia.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Nyneson S. Jeudy, 21, and Jarrett J. Sutton, 22, both of Moultrie, Georgia, were sentenced on Monday, October 28, 2013, in Valdosta, Georgia by Senior United States District Judge Hugh Lawson for armed robbery of the Dollar General, a large multistate retailer, in Coolidge, Georgia.  Mr. Jeudy was sentenced to serve one hundred forty-one (141) months imprisonment.  Mr. Sutton was sentenced to serve seventy (70) months imprisonment.  As part of the sentence, Mr. Jeudy and Mr. Sutton will each pay restitution to the Dollar General in the amount of $2,300.00 and a total of $47.00 to two employees of the store at the time of the robbery.

In his plea of guilty, Mr. Jeudy admitted to carrying and pointing a firearm at employees when he entered the Dollar General on March 22, 2010.  Although Mr. Sutton admitted to participating in the robbery of the store and the employees, he did not possess a firearm at the time of the robbery.  The store’s videotape of the robbery confirmed Mr. Sutton’s statement and exposed that Mr. Jeudy was armed with both a rifle and a handgun.

“This case is another example of the senseless use of a firearm during a crime.  The sentences imposed will give both Mr. Jeudy and Mr. Sutton a long time to think about what they did.  When you use a gun in a crime, you can expect to spend a long, long time in prison,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated jointly by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Coolidge, Georgia Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert McCullers prosecuted the case for the Government.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Brandon Meredith Hardy, 23, Moody AFB, Georgia, was sentenced on Monday, October 28, 2013, by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge, in Valdosta, Georgia, for possession of child pornography.  Mr. Hardy was sentenced to serve 108 months imprisonment.  Once Mr. Hardy is released from prison, he will be under supervision for 15 years and will be monitored as a registered sex offender.

Mr. Hardy entered a plea of guilty on July 17, 2013, to one count of possession of child pornography.  In his plea, Mr. Hardy admitted that in September 2010, during his time as an airman at Moody Air Force Base, he used a computer at the base to search for and download child pornography.  As part of an undercover investigation, a federal search warrant was executed on Mr. Hardy’s room on November 4, 2010.  During the search, agents located a computer and thumbdrive containing images of prepubescent minors and minors under the age of twelve (12) years engaged in sexual acts with adult males.

“Mr. Hardy caused the young children in these disgusting images to be re-victimized every time he looked at the pictures.  Possessing child pornography is not a victimless crime, and the Department of Justice will use all of its resources to make sure that people like Mr. Hardy don’t have the opportunity to harm our children,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that John Dewey Morris, 70, of Coolidge, Georgia, was sentenced on Monday, October 28, 2013, by Senior United States District Judge Hugh Lawson, in Valdosta, Georgia, for wire fraud.  Judge Lawson sentenced Mr. Morris to five (5) years probation and ordered him to pay $131,443.00 in total restitution to Progressive Insurance and Auto Owners Insurance.
 
Mr. Morris entered a plea of guilty on July 24, 2013, to one count of wire fraud.  In his plea, Mr. Morris admitted that he caused false and fraudulent insurance claims to be filed on a truck and wood chipper owned by his companies Beeline Wood Products, Inc. and Big Bend Timber Services.  Mr. Morris admitted that he knew the truck and wood chipper had not been stolen from a location in Thomas County, Georgia, but instead at his request, had been cut up and sold for parts and scrap metal.

“When people defraud insurance companies, they end up hurting every honest policyholder by subjecting them to increased insurance rates to help offset the effect of the fraud,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service along with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Good afternoon. I’m Michael Moore, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. This afternoon I want to make a few remarks concerning the investigation into the death of
Kendrick Johnson.  Let me take a minute to thank you for the interest you have shown in this matter, and for coming today.

As you know, the body of Kendrick Johnson was found by students on January 11, 2013, in the gym of the Lowndes County High School.

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Johnson’s death. As is customary, a GBI pathologist conducted an autopsy of the body. The investigators concluded that Kendrick Johnson’s cause of death was positional asphyxia, as a result of becoming accidentally lodged in the mat.

Shortly after the results of the autopsy were released, and the investigation closed by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, my office was contacted by the family’s attorney who requested a review of the local investigation.

At that time, I requested and received a copy of the complete investigative file from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department. The investigative file included reports, photographs, videos, statements, and a number of other records.

In late August, I received a copy of the second autopsy report, which reached a different conclusion as to the cause of Kendrick Johnson’s death.

For several months now, my office has been continuously engaged in obtaining and reviewing all of the evidence, case reports, and other investigative findings that are available pertaining to the death of Kendrick Johnson.  Those efforts are ongoing.

As part of that process, there are several questions that must be answered or confirmed. First, what was the cause of Mr. Johnson’s death? Second, was Mr. Johnson’s death the result of a crima? Third, if Mr.

Johnson’s death was the result of a crime, who committed that crime? Fourth, if a crime was committed, who has the jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute those responsible?

Federal jurisdiction is limited, and there may be circumstances where even if it is determined that Kendrick Johnson died as a result of a criminal act, it may not be a crime which could be prosecuted in federal court.

My office has received and reviewed the official documents and conclusions resulting from the initial investigation. I have personally reviewed these documents and have spoken to individuals involved in this investigation.

I have offered, through their attorney, to meet with the Johnson family. I have met with the family’s investigator and reviewed a number of documents that he has provided. I asked the attorney representing the family to provide me with the full report from his investigator and any other evidence or information which he has developed. I received this information two weeks ago.

We have also asked the public to come forward with any additional information they may have. We are reviewing hundreds of telephone calls we have received about the case to determine if any relevant information exists. If anyone has factual and specific information relating to Mr. Johnson’s death, please contact my office at (478) 621-2701.

Many people have already called to express their concerns, fears and opinions about Mr. Johnson’s death and the subsequent investigation. We appreciate the depth of the concern these callers have expressed, but at this time what we need are people with actual facts and knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Johnson’s death to present those to us. Facts, not feelings and opinions, no matter how sincere, are the basis of a legal investigation.

At this time, I am of the opinion that a sufficient basis exists for my office to conduct a formal review of the facts and investigation surrounding the death of Kendrick Johnson.  I do this with an open mind, neither accepting nor rejecting the opinions of anyone who has previously investigated the circumstances of Mr. Johnson’s death.

At my request, the FBI is cooperating with us in our efforts. Should sufficient information be developed to warrant a criminal civil rights investigation, I will ask the FBI to open a civil rights, or any other appropriate, investigation.

As the United States Attorney, and within the confines of appropriate federal jurisdiction, I am committed to following the facts wherever they may lead. My objective is to discover the truth, and I believe that can only be done by gathering all of the relevant information surrounding Mr. Johnson’s death. I am committed to doing everything in my power to answer the questions that exist in this case, or as many of them that we can.

As those of you who have covered my office or the Department of Justice in general know, we do not typically comment on pending investigations. Because this is now an ongoing investigation, I am not going to take any questions at this time. Going forward, I will not be making any public comments about this matter until my investigative review is complete.

I want to assure each of you, Mr. Johnson’s family, the law enforcement agencies, the local community and all of those who are interested in or have been affected by these tragic circumstances that my goal is to follow the facts, apply the law, and protect the independence and objectivity of the investigative process.

Thank you all very much.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that Terrance Robinson, 29, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, was sentenced on Monday, October 28, 2013, to 360 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Sentence was imposed by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, Senior United States District Judge sitting in Valdosta, Georgia.

Mr. Robinson entered a plea of guilty on July 29, 2013, to one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Mr. Johnson was stopped by officers with the Tift County Sheriff’s Office on May 23, 2012 on Ferry Lake Road near Ocilla, Georgia for a traffic violation.  In entering his plea of guilty, Mr. Robinson admitted that after the police stopped his car, he struggled with officers and ultimately fled in a stolen police car with other officers in pursuit.  During the subsequent chase, the stolen police car driven by Mr. Robinson was involved in a head-on collision with another police car, and Mr. Robinson was ultimately caught after trying to escape on foot.  Upon searching Mr. Robinson’s car, officers located 21 plastic baggies containing 404.2 grams of crack cocaine.

“This significant sentence properly punishes Mr. Robinson for his illegal drug dealing and endangerment of law enforcement and the public,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.  “It should serve as a reminder to anyone who participates in illegal drug activity that you can run from the law, but you will be caught.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mid-South Narcotics Task Force and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary is handling the prosecution for the Government.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia, the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement encourage all citizens to safely dispose of unwanted and expired medicines by participating in the Nationwide Drug Take-Back Day on October 26, 2013 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Unwanted or expired medications and drugs may be turned in for disposal at the locations listed below: Bibb County Sheriff’s Office – Walmart – 5955 Zebulon Road – Macon, GA
Macon Police Department - 600 Pio Nono Avenue – Macon, GA
Cook County Sheriff’s Office – 1000 County Farm Road – Adel, GA
Early County Sheriff’s Office – Harvey’s Supermarket – 12246 Columbia Street – Blakely, GA
Eatonton Police Department – 214 West Marion Street – Eatonton, GA
Forsyth Police Department – 220 South Kimball Street – Forsyth, GA
Ft. Benning Military Police – Ft. Benning Main Exchange – Bldg. 9222 Marne Road - Ft. Benning, GA
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – 1 James Little Street – Carnesville, GA
Hart County Sheriff’s Office – 890 Vickery Street – Hartwell, GA
Jones County Sheriff’s Department – 123 Holmer Hawkins Drive – Gray, GA
Lee County Sheriff’s Office – 119 Pinewood Road – Leesburg, GA
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office – 145 L. Carey Bittick Drive – Forsyth, GA
Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office – 119 Old Monticello Road – Milledgeville, GA
Hancock County Sheriff’s Department – 67 Spring Street – Sparta, GA
Madison Police Department – 118 N. Main Street – Madison, GA
Milledgeville Police Department – 125 W. McIntosh Street – Milledgeville, GA
Washington Co. Sheriff’s Department – 1735 Kaolin Road – Sandersville, GA
Wilkinson Co. Sheriff’s Department – 108 Bacon Street – Irwinton, GA
Miller County Sheriff’s Office – 300 West Pine Street – Colquitt, GA
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – 208 Court Street – Donalsonville, GA
Sylvester Police Department – Glenn’s Corner Pharmacy – 631 E. Franklin St. – Sylvester, GA

Join the effort, find a Take-Back location near you and take the pledge to stop prescription medicine abuse.  Go to http://www.justice.gov/dea/index.shtml for more information.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Elbert Eugene Shinholster, age 77, of Wilkinson County, Georgia, was sentenced on Friday, October 18, 2013, by the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge, in Macon, Georgia, to serve forty (40) months imprisonment and to pay $4,680,557.20 in restitution to the food stamp program, Department of Health and Services, as the result of his plea of guilty on January 30, 2012, to federal charges of one count each of food stamp fraud and money laundering.

As part of his plea of guilty, Mr. Shinholster admitted that, as the owner and operator of Shinholster’s Grocery and Meat Market located in Irwinton, Georgia, he illegally conspired with almost 2,000 food stamp recipients to defraud the food stamp program.  As part of the scheme each food stamp recipient would provide Mr. Shinholster with an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and personal identification number.  Mr. Shinholster would then run the EBT card through the point of sale machine administered by the Food Stamp Program as though the cardholder had purchased food when, in fact, the cardholder got cash instead.  Mr. Shinholster admitted that he knew that an EBT card was to be used to purchase food only and not to be sold for cash.  The illegal EBT debit would include an additional thirty (30) per cent of the cash amount as profit for Mr. Shinholster.

“The food stamp program was established for the noble purpose of providing food for needy families, especially the children of those families.  Not only did Mr. Shinholster defraud the program, he damaged it by providing ammunition to those detractors who believe that this type of government program is rife with fraud and should be eliminated.  With every dollar that Mr. Shinholster took for himself, a needy child in Georgia could have been fed,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

“This was a case of greed and a serious crime,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Solis and Danial Bennett.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

WASHINGTON – A former employee of an Albany, Georgia transportation company has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a scheme to overcharge the Department of Defense (DOD) for transportation services rendered through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), resulting in the loss of millions of dollars to the United States government, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore for the Middle District of Georgia.

Kelli Durham, 33, of Leesburg, GA, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands in the Middle District of Georgia to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

During her guilty plea, Durham, a former employee of Company A, an Albany-based trucking company and freight transportation broker owned by Person A, admitted to participating in a scheme led by Person A to defraud the government by overbilling it for freight transportation services Company A falsely claimed to have provided to DLA at the Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) in Albany, Georgia.  Durham admitted that, at Person A’s direction, she took several steps intended to defraud the government and other trucking companies with which she brokered government freight, including altering shipping and equipment specifications stated on government bills of lading (GBL).  DURHAM then used these falsified bills of lading to broker loads using shipping and equipment specifications inferior to those contracted for by DLA, while still billing DLA for the more expensive specifications it had requested.  This led to massive over-billing of the government and losses in excess of $7 million.

According to court documents, Company A handled thousands of freight shipments for DLA from July 2008 to December 2012.  Most of these shipments were designated as “exclusive-use,” a premium service requiring that the shipment be transported on a single truck, even if that prevented the truck from being filled to capacity.  Each of these exclusive-use shipments was listed on a single GBL.  Court documents also reflect that many of these shipments also required that a removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer be used to transport the freight.  RGN trailers are not widely available and therefore are more expensive than other trailer types, such as a flatbed. 

Durham admitted that Person A instructed her to use Photoshop to alter GBLs so that they listed freight from multiple shipments, rather than the single shipment as requisitioned by DLA.  Person A also instructed Durham to use Photoshop to alter the equipment codes on the GBLs so that rather than require a RGN trailer, for instance, it appeared that DLA had requested a flatbed trailer.  Durham admitted that she then brokered the shipments as reflected on the fraudulent GBLs to other trucking companies.  At Person A’s direction, Durham then certified that the shipments were serviced as specified by DLA and billed the government according to the more expensive specifications on the authentic GBLs.  In effect, Company A repeatedly billed the government for multiple expensive trucks, when in fact those multiple shipments were transported on only one less-expensive truck. 

According to court documents, Company A was paid $37,944,823.88 for transportation services during the course of the scheme, of which between $7 million and $20 million represents a loss to the government in the form of services it paid for but did not receive.  Durham admitted that she received approximately $905,685 as a result of the fraud scheme.  

At sentencing, Durham faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of not more than twice the pecuniary loss to the government.  As part of her plea agreement with the United States, Durham has agreed to forfeit the $905,685 that she received as a result of the scheme, as well as to pay full restitution to the Department of Defense.  She is also cooperating with the government’s investigation.  Sentencing normally takes place in approximately sixty days following a plea of guilty.

This is the seventh guilty plea arising from a corruption probe centered at the MCLB in Albany.  On May 8, 2013, Mitchell Potts, the former Traffic Office Supervisor for DLA, and Jeffrey Philpot, Potts’s former Lead Transportation Assistant, pleaded guilty to collectively accepting more than $700,000 in bribes from Person A in exchange for taking a variety of steps intended to direct DLA shipments to Company A.  Among other things, Potts and Philpot admitted to “short loading” DLA shipments so that it would it appear that more trucks were necessary to service the shipments.  They also admitted to requiring that the shipments be transported using RGN trailers regardless of whether that was actually necessary.  As part of their plea agreements, Potts and Philpot are cooperating with the government’s investigation.

In June 2013, former base employee Michelle Rodriguez and local businessmen Thomas Cole and Fred Simon were sentenced to periods of imprisonment for their roles in a bribery scheme resulting in nearly $1 million in fraudulent overcharges to the government for military machine product orders.  In February 2013, former base employee Shelby Janes pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from Person A in exchange for aiding him in the theft of more than $1 million worth of heavy equipment from the base. 

The case is being investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Dougherty County District Attorney’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, DLA Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard B. Evans and J.P. Cooney of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher of the Middle District of Georgia. 

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, United States Attorney's Office, at (478) 621-2603.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Robert Cedrick Baker, III, age 37, of Gainesville, Florida entered a plea of guilty today to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Mr. Baker entered his plea before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge in Valdosta, Georgia.

Mr. Baker, a former player in the National Football League, was stopped by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office in the evening of January 20, 2013 on Georgia Highway 401 for a traffic violation.  A consensual search of his car revealed that Mr. Baker was in possession of 59.5 grams of heroin and a Smith & Wesson, 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  As part of his plea of guilty, Mr. Baker admitted that he possessed the heroin for distribution, and he was carrying the 9mm semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. 

“Mr. Baker made a terrible mistake when he chose to traffic illegal drugs, and particularly when he brought a gun along to help him do so,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.  “He will have a long time to reflect on that mistake in federal prison.”

The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute heroin is twenty (20) years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000.00, or both, followed by a term of supervised release of at least three (3) years.  Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, up to a maximum term of life in prison, a fine of $250,000.00, or both, followed by a term of supervised release of five (5) years.  By statute, the term of imprisonment imposed for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime will run consecutive to the term of imprisonment imposed for possession with intent to distribute heroin.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Peter Leary is handling the prosecution for the Government.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

MACON:  United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today that the U.S Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has awarded a $95,783 Hiring Grant to Roberta Police Department.

The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers.  The program provides the salary and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.

Grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans.  Roberta Police Department was the only agency in the Middle District to be awarded a grant and one of only two in the entire state.

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.

“When we put more police officers on the street, everybody wins.  These grants help both rural communities with limited resources and metropolitan areas with high crime problems.  Community oriented policing is one way we can be proactive when it comes to law enforcement,” said US Attorney Michael Moore.

For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Keith Bowers, age 59, of Jessieville, Arkansas, was arrested today by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Arkansas based on an indictment returned in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia on September 13, 2013, charging him with transmitting threats in interstate commerce.
           
The indictment alleges that Mr. Bowers made a threatening telephone call on August 16, 2012, from Texas to Carmike Cinemas’ headquarters in Columbus, Georgia.  The indictment further alleges that this communication contained a threat to detonate an explosive device during a movie at one of Carmike’s movie theaters.

If convicted, Mr. Bowers faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.

The indictment is only an allegation and the accused is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melvin E. Hyde, Jr.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Edna Yvonne Orr Goff, 37, of Thomaston, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty on September 12, 2013, to conspiracy to file false federal tax returns and aggravated identity theft before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Judge.

The Indictment charges Ms. Goff with the use of stolen taxpayer identity information which she used to secure false tax returns from the federal government.  Ms. Goff admitted to illegally filing income tax returns using taxpayers’ personal identifying information, which included their names and Social Security numbers, without their consent in order to secure the false tax returns for her own use.
The illegal scheme resulted in a total loss of over $100,000.00.

On the conspiracy charge, Ms. Goff faces a maximum sentence of up to ten (10) years confinement and a $250,000.00 fine.  The identity theft charge carries a statutory penalty of a mandatory two (2) years imprisonment consecutive to the conspiracy charge, as well as a $250,000.00 fine. 

Sentencing is set for December 3, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell in Macon, Georgia.

“Filing false tax returns and identity theft causes a rippling effect of loss to all law abiding citizens.  Those committing these and other crimes will remain a focus of the Department of Justice,” said United States Attorney Michael Moore.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Calhoun.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

WASHINGTON – A pest control services company and its owner have been charged today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia with conspiracy, unlawful use of pesticides, false statements, falsification of records and mail fraud, announced Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and Michael J. Moore, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. 

Steven A. Murray, 54, of Pelham, Ala., and his company, Bio-Tech Management Inc., were charged in a felony indictment with one count of conspiracy, 10 counts of making false statements, 20 counts of falsifying records, 10 counts of mail fraud and 10 counts of unlawful use of a pesticide.

The indictment alleges that from October 2005 to June 2009, Steven Murray and Bio-Tech repeatedly misapplied the registered pesticide Termidor SC in nursing homes in the state of Georgia and falsified documents to conceal the unlawful use.  The indictment further alleges that Murray and Bio-Tech sent invoices through the U.S. Mail to their nursing home clients to solicit payment for the unlawful pesticide applications.   

According to the indictment, Steve Murray and Bio-Tech provided monthly pest control services to nursing homes in Georgia by spraying pesticides in and around their clients’ facilities.  The indictment alleges that, at the direction of Murray, Bio-Tech employees routinely applied the pesticide Termidor indoors more than twice a year, contrary to the manufacturer’s label instructions.  The indictment further alleges that after the Georgia Department of Agriculture made inquiries regarding Bio-Tech’s misuse of Termidor and other pesticides, Murray directed several of his Bio-Tech employees to alter company service reports with the intent to obstruct an investigation.         

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require that all pesticides be registered, properly labeled, and applied as specified by manufacturer’s labeling to protect public health and the environment.

A criminal indictment is not a finding of guilt.  An individual or company charged by criminal indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The falsifying records and mail fraud charge carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count.  The false statements charges each carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 
       
These cases are being investigated by Special Agents of the EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division in Atlanta and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Richard J. Powers and Adam C. Cullman of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, Environmental Crimes Section.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that two former Councilmen of the City of Forsyth, Georgia, James Edward Calloway and Desi Surtane Hansford, pled guilty in United States District Court in Macon, Georgia, to one count each of accepting bribes in connection with the performance of their official duties.  Each man faces a maximum sentence of up to ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Facts stipulated in the written plea agreements of the two men show the following:

Mr. Calloway had been a Councilman for twenty-two years and Mr. Hansford for five.  Both served on the Combined Utilities Committee of the Council, which oversees electric, water, sewer and telecommunications for the City of Forsyth.

On December 27, 2012, Mr. Calloway solicited a bribe from a water and waste treatment company of $20,000 to guarantee the votes to give it the water waste contract for the City.  That company immediately notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the solicitation and cooperated fully and actively with that agency throughout the investigation, which revealed that at least in part Mr. Calloway’s motive in soliciting the payment was to help Councilman Hansford rescue his home from foreclosure.

A representative of the water and waste treatment company, cooperating with the FBI, met with the two councilmen on January 18, 2013, at a truck stop off I-75 in Jackson, Georgia, and paid them $10,000 in currency provided by the FBI while secretly recording the meeting per FBI instructions.  Mr. Calloway assured the company representative that the company would recover the amount of the bribe through a future project on which the company would be employed.  Following this meeting and payment Mr. Calloway and Mr. Hansford split the money equally.

A second $10,000 payment was delivered to Mr. Calloway one week later, January 25, 2013, under similar circumstances to the first, after which he was immediately arrested and subsequently confessed.  He also admitted receiving two Falcons playoff tickets from the company, which he and Mr. Hansford shared. 

Mr. Calloway then cooperated with the government and participated in paying an additional $5000 (half of the second $10,000 payment) to Mr. Hansford, who was then also arrested.

“The oath of public office is a sacred thing, and those who choose to seek public office should know that they must not betray the public’s trust.  Bribes have no place in government contracting, and my office will use our resources to ensure that a few instances of corruption are not allowed to erode the public’s ability to trust the representatives they elect.  I want to acknowledge the good work of the FBI and also thank the company officials who reported this criminal activity, choosing to put law and order over profit,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

Sentencing of the two men will take place in approximately sixty days.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sonja Profit.

Inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney's Office at (478) 621-2602.