Middle District of Georgia

ALBANY, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia collected $6,814,729.05 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $3,382,503.60 was collected in criminal actions and $3,432,225.45 was collected in civil actions. 

Further, the Middle District of Georgia worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $804,200 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $19,200 was collected in criminal actions and $785,000 was collected in civil actions.

“Protecting the federal treasury and recovering funds on behalf of the U.S. taxpayer are core priorities for our office. We appreciate the partnership we have law enforcement agencies as well as the hard work of our criminal and civil Assistant U.S. Attorneys to successfully hold those who commit financial crimes accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary.               

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

For more information about the Crime Victims Fund, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/about/crime-victims-fund.

ALBANY, Ga. – A South Georgia resident with a violent criminal history found in possession of numerous stolen firearms and who released his dog to attack deputies before he fled arrest was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed under law.

James Currin, 45, of Bainbridge, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Dec. 15 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Repeat offenders with violent criminal histories who broker illegal drugs for stolen guns unquestionably make our communities less safe,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Decatur County Sheriff’s Office deputies put themselves in harm’s way to locate and arrest this defendant, successfully stopping a firearms trafficker from moving more guns into the hands of criminals.”

“There is no initiative more critical to ATF than increasing the safety of our communities. Cases which result in the arrests and prosecution of violent criminals are fundamental to continuing this initiative while simultaneously showing criminals that ATF and its law enforcement partners will not falter in this mission,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We will pursue violent criminals such as these wherever they may operate and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“A maximum 120-month prison sentence in this case was justified; attacking a law enforcement officer should not be tolerated,” said Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin. “I am very thankful for the help of ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I am satisfied to see justice was served in court, and that a repeat violent offender is off the streets.”

According to court documents, Currin, who is a convicted felon, was under investigation in Sept. 2019 for distribution of methamphetamine and illegal possession of numerous firearms. During this time period, Decatur County deputies were investigating a home burglary involving 20 stolen firearms. On April 1, 2020, deputies learned that the burglary suspect had traded six of the stolen firearms to Currin in exchange for methamphetamine. A search warrant was subsequently executed at Currin’s home. When deputies approached the defendant, who was armed and walking with a pit bull on a leash, Currin released the dog and ran into the woods. The dog attacked an officer while other responding officers ran after Currin but were initially unable to locate him.

During a search of Currin’s home, deputies found a total of 23 long guns and three handguns, as well as methamphetamine. Some of the firearms recovered from Currin’s home were confirmed stolen in the home burglary and some had obliterated or removed serial numbers. Currin was taken into custody on April 7 in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Currin told investigators that he was planning “to do a suicide by cop.”

Currin has multiple prior felonies, including methamphetamine possession and felony battery-great bodily harm charges in Georgia and Florida. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possession firearms.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melody Ellis prosecuted the case for the Government.

A Georgia man pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime and a firearms violation for shooting into two Clayton County convenience stores in an attempt to kill those inside because of their race and ethnicity.

According to information presented in court, on July 30, 2021, Larry Edward Foxworth, 48, of Jonesboro, fired numerous rounds from a Glock pistol through a window and door of a Shell gas station convenience store on Tara Boulevard in Jonesboro. Just minutes later, Foxworth again fired multiple rounds from the same handgun through the windows and door of a nearby BP gas station convenience store. Both stores were open for business and occupied when Foxworth fired the shots. No one was injured in either shooting, but Foxworth admitted that he intended to kill people inside the stores and on the premises.       

Clayton County Police Department officers arrested Foxworth shortly after the second attack. While in police custody at the scene, Foxworth made multiple statements explaining that he was targeting Black people and others who he perceived to be Arab. Foxworth expressed hope that he had killed his targets and professed belief in white supremacist ideology and an allegiance to a white supremacist organization.                                                                                                      

“No one should have to live in fear of being targeted for deadly violence because they are Black or Arab American,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This defendant, who professed support for a white supremacist organization, is being held accountable for an abhorrent act of violence motivated by race and national origin. This conviction should make clear that the Justice Department stands ready to prosecute any individual who carries out a violent hate-motivated crime in our country.”

“Foxworth used a firearm to commit a heinous hate crime that traumatized his victims as well as the communities who rely on these businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “The vigorous prosecution of such abhorrent acts of violence and intimidation with the assistance of our federal partners is a top priority for this office.”

“Hate-fueled violent crimes ripple through communities, making entire groups feel unsafe and unwelcome, spawning fear and anger,” said Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “Prosecuting hate crimes is a top priority of the FBI. We will not back down from obtaining justice for victims of hate-based violence.”

The plea agreement filed in court calls for a sentence of between 20 and 25 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 16, 2023.

The FBI and Clayton County Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Alan Gray for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec C. Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

Five individuals were sentenced yesterday for conspiring to defraud the U.S. Department of Education’s financial aid programs of over $12 million in federal funds.

According to court documents, from around August 2010 through May 2018, the defendants created and ran an elaborate sham university – the Columbus, Georgia, satellite campus of Apex School of Theology (Apex Columbus). Anderson, the former Director of Apex Columbus, enrolled hundreds of individuals who were not qualified and who had no desire to obtain a theological education to pose as students. The defendants and their co-conspirators then worked together to fraudulently complete financial aid applications in students’ names and to complete students’ homework and exams. After falsely ensuring that the sham students would receive federal financial aid, the defendants either stole student financial aid refund checks or required students to cash their aid checks and provide a portion to the co-conspirators. During the course of the conspiracy, the Department of Education issued approximately $12 million in fraudulently procured financial aid.

Name, Age

Residence

Sentence

Sandra Anderson, 63

Hampton, Georgia

108 months in prison

Three years of supervised release

Yolanda Brown Thomas, 51

Columbus, Georgia

63 months in prison

Three years of supervised release

Kristina Parker, 35

Stone Mountain, Georgia

Four years in prison

Three years of supervised release

Erica Montgomery, 49

Fort Mitchell, Alabama

51 months in prison

Three years of supervised release

Leo Frank Thomas, 56

Phenix City, Alabama

Three years in prison

Three years of supervised release

All five defendants were also ordered to pay, jointly and severally, $11,821,022 in restitution to the Department of Education.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; Special Agent in Charge Keri E. Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Reginald J. France of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (ED-OIG), Southeastern Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

The FBI, ED-OIG, and IRS-CI investigated the case.

Assistant Chief Leslie S. Garthwaite and Trial Attorneys Siji Moore, Spencer Ryan, and Matt Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

MACON, Ga. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a northeast Georgia woman with threatening to bomb the Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Campaign headquarters in Athens, Georgia, earlier this month and lying to federal investigators.

Jessica Diane Higginbotham aka Jessica Harriod, 35, of Elberton, is charged with one count of communicating a bomb threat and one count of making false statements. If convicted of communicating a bomb threat, Higginbotham faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of making false statements, she faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Higginbotham is currently in state custody; she will have an initial appearance in front of a U.S. District Court magistrate judge at a later date.

The indictment alleges that Higginbotham made a threat to bomb the Athens-Clarke County Democratic Committee Campaign building in Athens, Georgia, on Dec. 3 and lied to federal agents on Dec. 4 about her knowledge of a specific email address and the use of the TextNow communication application on her Samsung cellphone, both of which belong to her.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes is prosecuting the case.

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

MACON, Ga. – Peter D. Leary was officially sworn in today as the 17th presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.

U.S. Attorney Leary was administered the oath of office by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell at the U.S. Courthouse in Macon in the presence of his immediate family late this afternoon. President Joe Biden nominated Leary on Nov. 14, and the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on Dec. 6.

“The opportunity to serve the citizens of the Middle District of Georgia as their U.S. Attorney is a tremendous honor,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “Our office’s strong legacy is due to its dedicated team members and the positive relationships fostered with each other and our law enforcement partners, defense bar, court and community-at-large. Together, we will never cease in our mission to uphold the rule of law, keep our communities safe and protect the civil rights of all people.”

Prior to receiving the presidential nomination, Leary served as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia in acting and then interim capacities—appointed by order of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and then by Judge Treadwell—since Dec. 2020. Currently, Leary serves on two Attorney General Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC) subcommittees: Violent Crime and Cyber and Intellectual Property.

Leary has served the citizens of the Middle District of Georgia as a prosecutor since 2012 and as its First Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2018. Since joining the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), he has worked as the office’s Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) coordinator, its Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (CHIP) prosecutor and its National Security Cyber Specialist (NSCS). In 2021, he shared an Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys Director’s Award for Superior Performance in Prevention and Reentry Activities for work on a campaign aimed at educating youth about gun possession: www.armedwithknowledge.org. In 2019, he received the Anti-Defamation League’s SHIELD award with the FBI and Department of Justice partners, and he shared the 2018 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Thomson Reuters Award for Excellence in Criminal Investigation with the FBI and the GBI.

Leary served as a trial attorney in the Federal Programs Branch of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division from 2007 to 2012, where he worked extensively with the Intelligence Community. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Leary served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Hugh Lawson on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia from 2005 to 2007.

As U.S. Attorney, Leary is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Middle District of Georgia, which covers 70 of Georgia’s 159 counties and includes Albany, Athens, Columbus, Macon and Valdosta with a population of approximately 2,045,000 people. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, fraud, firearms, illegal gangs and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Raised in Watkinsville, Georgia, and a graduate of Athens Academy in Athens, Georgia, Leary received his B.A. and J.D. from University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Scholar.

MACON, Ga. – A metro-Atlanta resident who was trafficking nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine through the Middle District of Georgia from an Atlanta source when he attempted to flee police on I-75 was sentenced to serve more than 17 years in federal prison this week for his crime.

Wesley Bailey, Jr., 32, of Ellenwood and Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Dec. 6 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Wesley Bailey created a dangerous situation for the public when he fled police, driving in excess of 140 miles per hour in the rain on a busy highway while directing a passenger to dump a kilo of methamphetamine out of his vehicle,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I commend the responding local law enforcement agencies for bringing the defendant safely into custody and helping bring a methamphetamine trafficker to justice.”

“I want to commend my deputies for a job well done and thank the United States Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration for investigating and prosecuting this case,” said Butts County Sheriff Gary Long. “Law enforcement is sending a very strong message that drug traffickers are not wanted in the middle Georgia area to include Butts County and that they will be held accountable and face strong sentences their crimes.”

“Fleeing law enforcement at these ludicrous speeds puts everyone in danger,” said Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman. “This defendant was not only putting people at risk when he tried to evade law enforcement, he was attempting to distribute a significant amount of methamphetamine. My hope is that this stiff sentence sends a message to others that would try the same.”

According to court documents, a Butts County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop after observing Bailey commit multiple traffic violations on I-75 on April 9, 2019. Bailey first pulled over, then fled police. In rainy conditions, Bailey drove the vehicle in speeds of more than 140 miles per hour, cutting off motorists and passing cars using the emergency lane. At the same time, a Tupperware container containing nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine was thrown out of Bailey’s vehicle. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the pursuit, and Bailey eventually stopped his vehicle in the middle of the interstate, exited the car and was immediately detained. Methamphetamine was found in the car and the Tupperware container contained 811.4 grams of methamphetamine. Bailey admitted that he obtained the methamphetamine from a source in Atlanta and directed his passenger to throw the drugs out of the window during the pursuit.

The case was investigated by the Butts County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and DEA.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom prosecuted the case for the Government.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging two individuals in a pre-IPO investment scheme.

On Nov. 9, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging George Iakovou, 29, of New York, New York, with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 17 counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. If convicted, Iakovou faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud charges and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the monetary transactions involving criminally derived property charges.

Co-defendant, Penelope Zbravos, 27, of Queens, New York, is charged with one count of misprision of a felony. If convicted, Zbravos faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Iakovou was previously charged by criminal complaint out of the Middle District of Georgia and taken into custody at JFK International Airport on Oct. 25; he had his initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York and was granted a $1.5 million secured bond at that time. Iakovou and Zbravos have initial appearances and arraignments in the Middle District of Georgia scheduled for Dec. 14.

The indictment alleges that Iakovou defrauded investors under his company, Vika Ventures LLC, in a scheme involving pre-IPO investments. Vika is a boutique investment firm located in New York, New York; Iakovou is CEO and Zbravos was the financial manager of the firm. Pre-IPO investments are investments in shares of private companies before those companies become listed on a public stock market exchange.

From Dec. 2019 to Dec. 30, 2021, Iakovou would communicate via phone or email to victim-investors that he had access to shares in specific private companies at a particular price per share when he did not actually have access or the ability to obtain the pre-IPO shares he advertised to his victim-investors. Iakovou is alleged to have used many different types of artifice to deceive people, including sending victim-investors fraudulent documentation pertaining to the price of shares and company profiles; he would also send Vika subscription agreements for victim-investors to review, sign and return. Vika advertised the ability to sell pre-IPOs for high-profile companies including Airbnb, Palantir, Coupang, Stripe and SpaceX. Two victim-investors reside in Columbus, Georgia, which is located in the Middle District of Georgia.

Iakovou sent emailed instructions for victim-investors to send money to a Vika bank account but he is alleged to have not purchased or delivered the shares of the specific companies to the victim-investors. Co-defendant Zbravos is alleged to have gained knowledge of the fraud through transferring money from Vika accounts to various accounts controlled by her and Iakovou. The amount of the fraud impacting victim-investors in the Middle District of Georgia is currently believed to be more than $369,000.

Individuals who believe they may be a victim of this investment fraud can contact the U.S. Secret Service, Albany, Georgia, Resident Agency at 229-430-8442.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams is prosecuting the case.

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

MACON, Ga. – A career offender with a violent criminal history who participated in a Middle Georgia drug trafficking network responsible for distributing approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine was sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation centered in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Reginald Lowe, 41, of Warner Robins, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release consecutive to a sentence he is currently serving in Houston County, Georgia, for an aggravated assault conviction today after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 30. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III handed down the sentence on Dec. 6. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Armed and violent repeat offenders threaten the safety of our region and must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces are at work in the Middle District of Georgia to identify and stop the most dangerous criminal organizations from operating in our communities.”

“This investigation deals a fatal blow to a once-thriving ‘meth’ ring,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “With the leader facing up to 40 years behind bars, the community of Warner Robins and elsewhere can rest assured that their communities are much safer today thanks to the outstanding case work by DEA and our local law enforcement partners.”

“ATF considers the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces a critical partner in its long-term mission of removing armed gangs, criminals and narcotics traffickers from our communities,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Atlanta Field Division.

“The Warner Robins Police Department is honored to have worked in conjunction with our federal partners through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces which resulted in the outcome of this case,” said Chief Wayne Fisher, Warner Robins Police Department. “It is through such local, state and federal partnerships that impacts such as these can be realized. It was with great work and effort from the men and women of this task force which resulted in these arrests that will have an immeasurable impact for the good of our shared communities.”

According to documents and other evidence admitted into court, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and Warner Robins Police Department officers investigated co-defendant Ontarrio Veal’s aka Torrie, 32, of Warner Robins, drug trafficking organization based out of Warner Robins from Jan. to June 2020. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from Veal’s and co-defendant Tamara Hall’s cell phones. Agents learned that Veal was a multi-kilogram methamphetamine dealer and surveilled Veal and various co-defendants, including Lowe, conducting methamphetamine transactions and traveling to Atlanta to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine.

Veal was taken into custody on June 1 on a return trip from Atlanta in possession of three kilograms of methamphetamine and a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a 50-round drum magazine. Agents executed search warrants at various locations in Middle Georgia, seizing multiple firearms and ammunition, methamphetamine and more than $100,000 cash. The organization is responsible for distributing more than 16 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Lowe is a career offender with a lengthy criminal history to include a prior conviction for aggravated assault in Houston County, Georgia, Superior Court.

Veal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Nov. 15 and faces a maximum term of 40 years in prison to be followed by at least four years of supervised release and a $5,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2023.

Seven additional co-defendants have pleaded guilty and/or been sentenced in this case:

Matthew Kay, 35, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Sept. 6.

Donna Ussery, 31, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 19 and was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison on Oct. 4;

Marquell Gaines aka Paris, 38, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison on Oct. 11;

Tamara Hall, 39, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 19. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023;

Milton Simmons aka Mann, 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 1. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10.;

Parsa Ervin, 45, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to two counts of use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 30. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10; and

Eddie Linkhorn, 42, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to two counts of use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case is being investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Warner Robins Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A convicted felon and documented member of the Crips criminal street gang organization operating in Columbus was sentenced to serve more than ten years in prison for armed drug trafficking.

Bobby Thomas, 25, of Columbus, was sentenced to serve 130 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land on Nov. 29 after he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Federal authorities are working closely with our local partners to identify and hold armed and repeat violent offenders accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Removing the most dangerous offenders from the streets is one part of a larger strategy to reduce violent crime in our communities through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.”

“This sentence is a direct message to criminals that the FBI and the Project Safe Neighborhoods program focuses every day on dangerous criminals like Thomas,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “If you traffic in drugs and violence, you will be targeted, and we will ensure that you are prosecuted and removed from our streets.”

“Investigators from the Columbus Police Department have been diligently working on this case in collaboration with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office. Their persistence and dedication to bringing justice and accountability to the subject responsible for armed drug trafficking in our community is admirable,” said Chief Freddie Blackmon, Columbus Police Department. “This case is a great example of the incredible partnership we have with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our commitment to justice for the city of Columbus and keeping illegal drugs, weapons and validated gang members off our streets.” 

According to court documents and other evidence, a Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer observed a Facebook Live video of Thomas seated in a stolen car holding a tan handgun with an extended magazine; Thomas ended the video stating that he was going to the Peachtree Mall, a shopping center in Columbus. Officers located the stolen vehicle in the mall parking lot; Thomas attempted to flee officers on foot, but was taken into custody. The car had bullet damage and blood on the passenger seat. Officers found a loaded tan Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a 31-round magazine in the car.

On Sept. 15, 2021, CPD officers and FBI agents executed state arrest warrants for Thomas, as well as a search warrant of his residence. Thomas initially fled, but was taken into custody without incident. Officers found firearms and ammunition: a .45 caliber pistol with magazine; a Glock 23, .40 caliber pistol with extended magazine and ammunition; a KelTec, 9mm rifle with magazine; seven additional ammunition magazines; a plastic bag with various caliber rounds; and a box of .40 caliber ammunition. In addition, officers found heroin and drug distribution items. Thomas has a criminal history to include a felony conviction for methamphetamine possession; it is illegal for convicted felons to possess firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Williams prosecuted the case for the Government.

MACON, Ga. – A Georgia man was sentenced to prison for threatening to kill the President of the United States and blow up the White House, following an investigation that included multiple death threats issued against local judges, law enforcement and a threat letter containing a white powdery substance sent to the U.S. Courthouse in Macon.

Travis Ball, 56, of Barnesville, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $7,500 fine by Chief U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Nov. 30 after he previously pleaded guilty to threats against the President. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Sending death threats and purported anthrax is not protected speech — it is a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I applaud the investigative work by our federal and local law enforcement partners to secure justice in this case.”

“The sentencing in federal court of Mr. Ball is commensurate with the wasted resources and concern generated by his hate-filled hoax anthrax letter campaign,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “While Mr. Ball’s criminal conduct clearly illustrates his lack of concern and compassion for others, it also illustrates an unwillingness to be rehabilitated.”

“The U.S. Secret Service works closely with law enforcement and criminal justice partners at every level to investigate threats against our protectees,” said U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Clint Bush with the Albany, Georgia, Resident Office. “Our zero-fail mission requires a tireless dedication from thousands of agents and investigators across the country to ensure the nation’s highest elected officials are protected from criminals like Travis Ball. Those who perpetrate these crimes must be held accountable for their actions, and we are thankful for the strong partnership we enjoy with the Department of Justice.”

According to court documents and other evidence, Ball sent a series of letters using another individual’s name as an alias to a variety of local and county government offices and officials, including judges with the Superior Court of Jones County, Georgia, and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office in March 2021. On March 23, 2021, a threat letter signed with the same name and the same return address was received at the U.S. District Courthouse for the Middle District of Georgia, which contained a white powdery substance. At that point, federal law enforcement agencies, including FBI, began investigating the source of the letters and identified Ball as the suspected author.

On March 23, 2021, a warrant was executed at Ball’s residence and agents noted that Ball was residing in the front living room where he slept on a cot and spent most of his time on a laptop computer and writing letters. One of the items seized was a stack of white leaflet notebook paper that matched the threat letters found on the mantle above his cot. The top page had the impression of a letter. Investigators lightly shaded the page with a pencil and discovered that it contained an explicit threat against the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, dated on March 8, 2021, which stated, “HATE YOU JOE BIDEN AND AM GOING TO KILL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND EVERYONE IN THE WHITEHOUSE! I’M A PSYCHO KILLER AND AM GOING TO BLOWUP THE WHITEHOUSE AND KILL EVERYONE IN IT! IM SERIOUS AND NOT KIDDING! LOCK ME UP OR ALL OF YOU WILL DIE! HAVE SOME ANTHRAX YOU BASTARDS!” The White House Mail Sorting Facility received the letter on March 30, 2021, which was turned over to U.S. Secret Service.

Ball was convicted of felony hoax threats in the Northern District of Georgia in June 2017 after he sent letters to the State Bar of Georgia and to Atlanta Newspapers in 2016 that contained a white powdery substance with threats to “kill all of you” and “have some anthrax.” Ball was sentenced to serve 24 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release on June 23, 2017.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim prosecuted the case for the Government.

Charges were unsealed today against eight individuals for conspiring to defraud the Georgia Department of Labor of tens of millions of dollars in federal funds intended for unemployment benefits.

Seven defendants have been indicted and one defendant has already pleaded guilty for her role in the scheme.

According to court documents, Tyshion Nautese Hicks, 30, of Vienna, Georgia; Shatara Hubbard, 34, of Warner Robins, Georgia; Torella Wynn, 30, of Cordele, Georgia; Macovian Doston, 29, of Vienna; Kenya Whitehead, 35, of Cordele; A’Darrion Alexander, 27, of Warner Robins; Membrish Brown, 27, of Vienna; and Edith Nate Hicks, 45, of Atlanta, Georgia and others allegedly caused more than 5,000 fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to be filed with the Georgia Department of Labor (GaDOL), resulting in at least $30 million in stolen benefits meant to assist unemployed individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To execute the scheme, the defendants and others allegedly created fictitious employers and fabricated lists of purported employees using stolen personally identifiable information (PII) from thousands of identity theft victims and filed fraudulent unemployment insurance claims on the GaDOL website. The defendants allegedly stole PII from a variety of sources, including by paying defendant Edith Nate Hicks, an employee of an Atlanta-area health care and hospital network, to unlawfully obtain patients’ PII from the hospital’s databases. The defendants also allegedly caused the stolen UI funds to be disbursed via prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses of their choice, many of which were in and around Cordele and Vienna.

Tyshion Nautese Hicks, Hubbard, Wynn, Doston, Whitehead, Alexander, and Brown are each charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Tyshion Nautese Hicks and Doston are also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must be imposed consecutively with any other sentence. Alexander is also charged with money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Edith Nate Hicks was charged by criminal information with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and pleaded guilty to this offense on Nov. 15. According to her plea agreement, Hicks unlawfully used her employer’s patient databases to steal PII for the unemployment fraud scheme in exchange for payments via Chime, Venmo, and CashApp. She unlawfully accessed at least 1,600 Atlanta-area patients’ PII during the conspiracy. Hicks faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

As to all defendants, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; Special Agent in Charge Mathew Broadhurst of the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Atlanta Region; Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG); Resident Agent in Charge Clint Bush of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Albany, Georgia Office; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; Special Agent in Charge Katrina Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Georgia; Special Agent in Charge Scott Pierce of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) Southern Area Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

The DOL-OIG, DHS-OIG, USSS, USPIS, HSI, USPS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Lyndie Freeman, Matt Kahn, and Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov. You are also encouraged to visit our webpage for this case at http://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-tyshion-nautese-hicks-et-al.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Columbus resident with a lengthy criminal history who admitted to distributing nearly 500 grams of fentanyl and 265 grams of a fentanyl analogue—which amounts to approximately 380,000 doses—was sentenced to federal prison today.

Michael Schlarman, aka White Mike, 32, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Clay Land today after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Individuals caught distributing fentanyl into our communities will be held accountable for a crime which is profiting from the death of people, including many first-time users,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “In 2021, overdose deaths from fentanyl hit an all-time high: A single dose can kill. Our office and our law enforcement partners are working to combat the spread of fentanyl – and save lives – in every community across the Middle District of Georgia.”

“While in the midst of this country’s opioid epidemic, deadly drugs like fentanyl continue to ravage many communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Consequently, DEA and its law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue drug dealers like Michael Schlarman who choose to ‘push’ poison in the community for consumption. This defendant will now spend time in federal prison.”

According to court documents and other evidence, members of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and FBI executed a search warrant at Schlarman’s residence on Wagner Drive in Columbus on Jan. 26. Schlarman fled from the rear of the house but was later arrested with the help of DEA Air Support and escorted back to the house without incident. Inside the defendant’s residence, law enforcement found 496.4 grams of fentanyl and 265.5 grams of p-Fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue), plus a Glock 9mm with an extended magazine and a Taurus 9mm with magazine and ammunition. In addition, agents found multiple jars of a cutting agent for drugs, digital scales, a 20-ton hydraulic press, a variety of drug paraphernalia and cash. Schlarman has a lengthy criminal history, including three prior burglary convictions in Muscogee County, Georgia, Superior Court.

The case was investigated by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, ATF, and FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Williams prosecuted the case for the Government.

MACON, Ga. –  A Robins Air Force Base service member pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in federal court today resulting from a Project Safe Childhood (PSC) investigation instigated by a parent who reported sexually explicit Snapchat communications between the defendant and her middle schooler.

Justin Wayne Pallett, 28, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material today before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III. Pallett faces a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by five years to life of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine. In addition, Pallett will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from federal prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2023.

According to court documents, the mother of a 13-year-old female alerted authorities in Nov. 2020 that her daughter had exchanged sexually explicit messages and images with a 26-year-old male, later determined to be Pallett. Pallett was an active-duty service member assigned to Robins Air Force Base at the time of the offense. Pallett and the girl communicated via Snapchat and Facebook Messenger. Pallett was engaged in similar sexually explicit communication with numerous other underage females on Snapchat.

On March 25, 2021, agents with the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, executed a search warrant at Pallett’s home in Warner Robins, seizing numerous electronic devices belonging to the defendant. A forensic analysis of Pallett’s devices found 178 images and six videos of child sexual abuse material; 14 of the images matched images from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) database. Some of the images contained prepubescent minors under the age of 12 years old.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will R. Keyes is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, Ga. –  A documented member of the Bloods criminal street gang organization with ties to California was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison for directing the distribution of methamphetamine in Southwest Georgia.

Calvin Westbrook aka Lo Cal, 39, of Albany, formerly of Los Angeles, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Nov. 18 after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner handed down the sentence.

According to court documents, agents began investigating Westbrook’s activities brokering methamphetamine and fentanyl in 2020. Westbrook, a documented member of the Bloods criminal street gang, was recorded discussing details with his sources of supply in Atlanta about purchasing five kilograms of methamphetamine for a customer in South Carolina and two kilograms of methamphetamine for himself on Nov. 13, 2020. Westbrook directed co-defendant Tyshambriya Gervin, 29, of Albany, to engage co-defendant Kashambriya Chester, 23, of Albany, to move the methamphetamine from Atlanta to Albany so Westbrook would not be “riding dirty.” On Nov. 16, Gervin and Chester drove together to Atlanta, where they met up with Westbrook to conduct the methamphetamine transaction. On the return trip to Atlanta, Gervin and Chester were taken into custody in Cordele, Georgia, in possession of two kilograms of methamphetamine. Westbrook was driving in another car ahead of them. Westbrook was taken into custody on Dec. 15.

While in the Tift County Jail, Westbrook was recorded making threats to harm a witness. Westbrook also posted threats on social media and directed a co-defendant in this event, Diamond Thomas, 23, of Albany, to assist in his efforts. Thomas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to tamper with a witness and was sentenced to 24 months of probation on June 2, 2022.

Co-defendants Gervin and Chester both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On June 2, 2022, Gervin was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release and Chester was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case was investigated by GBI, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.

MACON, Ga. – The CEO of a Georgia-based daycare business has pleaded guilty to a federal charge resulting from an investigation into an involved check kiting and tax fraud scheme.

Ilene Farley, 62, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and failure to pay over trust fund taxes before U.S. District Marc T. Treadwell on Nov. 16. Farley faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2023.

“Ilene Farley’s long running scheme of check kiting millions of dollars between banks and not paying federal taxes for employees adds up to a serious fraud which carries a lengthy prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “These types of criminal schemes will not be ignored by this office or our law enforcement partners. We will hold fraudsters accountable.”

“Ilene Farley believed she had found a shortcut to put money in her pocket, and now she will pay for her criminal behavior,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Today’s guilty plea reflects the FBI’s commitment to work with our partners to bring fraudsters who steal from banks to justice.”

“Employers have a lawful duty and responsibility to withhold income taxes from their employees’ payroll check; failure to do so negatively impacts the U.S. Government and the employees,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS-Criminal Investigation is committed to finding and holding those employers engaging in employment tax evasion accountable so that American taxpayers who are entitled can enjoy the benefits of Medicare and social security.”

According to court documents, Farley was the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tender Years Learning Corporation (TYLC).  TYLC operated a number of daycare centers within the Middle District of Georgia, and elsewhere in the state of Georgia, and had a registered office at 1010 N. Houston Road, Warner Robins, Georgia. Farley handled its financial affairs; the business had a number of bank accounts, including with Bank of America and Citizens Trust Bank.

When a customer presents a check for deposit into an account, it can take anywhere from 24 hours to seven days for the check to clear. The time between presentment and clearing of a check is called the “float.” The term “check kiting” refers to a form of check fraud which involves taking advantage of the float – the time between presentment of a check and the actual receipt of funds – to make use of non-existent funds in a checking or other bank account. The purpose of check kiting is to falsely inflate the balance of a checking account in order to allow written checks that would otherwise bounce to clear.

From April 2018 until July 2019, Farley executed a check kiting scheme using the TYLC bank accounts with Bank of America and Citizens Trust Bank, sending more than $75,000,000 to banks which were unfunded amounts and were the equivalent of obtaining money from banks without secured loans. All told, 19 checks bounced during the scheme in the amount of $2,202,162.41. Bank of America ended up with a loss of $514,240.89.

In addition, Farley was required to collect, account for and pay so-called “trust fund taxes” for its employees which includes Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes. Employers are required to remit these withheld trust fund taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on a quarterly basis. Between 2015 and 2019, Farley failed to pay over to the IRS $844,091.77 of the TYLC employees’ trust fund taxes that had been withheld from their paychecks. Through her guilty plea, Farley admitted that she knowingly carried out a scheme to defraud Bank of America and Citizens Trust Bank; in addition, she admitted that she did not pay over her employee trust fund taxes.

The case was investigated by FBI and IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the government.

ALBANY, Ga. –  Three individuals involved in an illegal drug ring responsible for distributing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine in Southwest Georgia were sentenced to prison today for their crimes.

Matthew Bridges, 29, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 293 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; Terrance Battle, 41, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and Quannesha Gatling, 27, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 12 months and one day in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release after she previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner handed down the sentences.

“The distribution of harmful illegal drugs like methamphetamine is contributing to the addiction and death of many people,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Our office is working with law enforcement to prevent the most dangerous drugs from hitting the streets and hold dealers accountable for their crimes.”

“Drug trafficking at any level will not be tolerated in the state of Georgia. It is paramount that violators of drug laws be held accountable. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is fully committed to working with our local and federal partners in drug enforcement to address these types of crimes,” said GBI Director Michael Register.

“This case demonstrates for the citizens of Lee County and Southwest Georgia that law enforcement is working together to fight drug networks that are pushing the most addictive illegal substances into our communities. We will not tolerate this activity and we will hold them accountable for their crimes,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.

According to court documents, GBI agents debriefed a confidential informant (CI) in Aug. 2021 who advised that Bridges was selling illegal drugs in the Albany area. Between Aug. and Oct. 2021, investigators conducted several controlled buys of methamphetamine and heroin from Bridges and co-defendant Battle. On Oct. 30, Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputies, working with GBI agents, initiated a traffic stop of three vehicles, driven by the co-defendants, who were returning from the Atlanta area. Law enforcement located approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately three pounds of marijuana in the vehicle operated by Gatling.

The case was investigated by GBI with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and DEA. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.

MACON, Ga. – Federal search warrants were executed at six locations in Bibb County, Georgia, yesterday morning in a joint law enforcement operation involving FBI, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, GBI Gang Task Force, Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office, Butts County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections, Georgia Department of Community Supervision, Warner Robins Police Department, Perry Police Department, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol. The search warrants resulted from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation centered in Macon.

Federal search warrants were executed in Bibb County, Georgia:

1. 5514 Forsyth Road
2. 4077 Worsham Avenue
3. 2108 Roosevelt Avenue
4. 1487 Lowe Court
5. 251 Ward Street
6. 18 Brigham Street

Two additional locations were searched pursuant to state warrants.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 12,680 grams of methamphetamine, 154 grams of MDMA (“ecstasy”), 87 grams of THC and more than $25,000 cash. In addition, four firearms were seized, including one assault rifle, one shotgun, one handgun and one revolver.  

Four individuals were taken into state custody and are facing state charges: Melvin Grady Bates, 75, of Macon, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and two counts of purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of marijuana; Julian Derwayne Coker, 42, of Macon, is charged with trafficking in cocaine, illegal drugs, marijuana or methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit a felony; Harry Lee Hopkins, 50, of Macon, is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony; and Jackie Edward Powell, 44, of Macon, is charged with receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm by a convicted felon and probation violation.  

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an ongoing investigation.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

MACON, Ga. – A former bank loan officer entered a guilty plea in federal court yesterday in an asset misapplication scheme involving $1.2 million dollars.

Mitchell Fowler, 35, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication by a bank employee and one count of embezzlement by a bank employee before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Nov. 15. Fowler faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2023. 

According to court documents, Fowler was a loan officer at SunMark Community Bank in Bonaire, Georgia, where he handled most of the bank’s construction loans and therefore had the ability to transfer funds between customer accounts. Around Nov. 2019, Fowler began to take funds from customers’ accounts without their authorization and used those funds to pay on and fund loans for other customers. The unauthorized withdrawals and transfers made from these accounts ranged from $1,250 to $100,000 per transaction. None of these withdrawals or transfers were authorized by the customers from whom the funds were taken.  

The issue came to SunMark’s attention on Feb. 16, 2021, when a customer called regarding $400,000 that was missing from their account. The bank discovered that Fowler had electronically transferred the money to another customer’s account over the course of a week. As SunMark dug deeper, they discovered Fowler had transferred money out of other accounts without authorization. SunMark calculated the loss to be $1,129,000. SunMark was able to recoup most of the money through their own prevention and mitigation efforts. The remaining $273,173.71 that they were not able to recoup was repaid by Fowler.

“Although all of the embezzled funds were recovered, it does not reduce the fact that this former bank employee was playing Russian roulette with other people’s money, putting their hard-earned savings in jeopardy and a community bank at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Fraud of any kind is a serious crime that our office will not ignore. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold these corporate fraudsters accountable.”

“Banks are institutions that people trust with their life savings, and Fowler tarnished that trust by violating his position and greedily misusing customers money,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Fortunately, an observant customer noticed missing funds and notified the bank, saving further loss to the bank and other customers. Thanks to our partnership with the Perry Police Department, Fowler will pay significantly for his crimes.” 

The case was investigated by the Perry Police Department and FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case for the government.

MACON, Ga. – The leader of a Middle Georgia methamphetamine trafficking network responsible for the distribution of approximately 16 kilograms of the drug pleaded guilty in federal court today resulting from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation centered in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Ontarrio Veal aka Torrie, 32, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III today. Torrie faces a maximum term of 40 years in prison to be followed by at least four years of supervised release and a $5,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7, 2023.

“Armed methamphetamine trafficking poses a grave danger to the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Local and federal law enforcement agencies together have prevented this organization from continuing to push large amounts of a highly addictive and destructive illegal drug into Middle Georgia.”

“This investigation deals a fatal blow to a once-thriving ‘meth’ ring,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “With the leader facing up to 40 years behind bars, the community of Warner Robins and elsewhere can rest assured that their communities are much safer today thanks to the outstanding case work by DEA and our local law enforcement partners.”

“The Warner Robins Police Department is honored to have worked in conjunction with our federal partners through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces which resulted in the outcome of this case,” said Chief Wayne Fisher, Warner Robins Police Department. “It is through such local, state and federal partnerships that impacts such as these can be realized. It was with great work and effort from the men and women of this task force which resulted in these arrests that will have an immeasurable impact for the good of our shared communities.”

According to documents and other evidence admitted into court, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents and Warner Robins Police Department officers investigated Veal’s drug trafficking organization based out of Warner Robins from Jan. to June 2020. Law enforcement obtained court orders to intercept the phone calls and text messages from Veal’s and co-defendant Tamara Hall’s cell phones. Agents learned that Veal was a multi-kilogram methamphetamine dealer and surveilled Veal and various co-defendants conducting methamphetamine transactions, including traveling to Atlanta to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine. Veal was taken into custody on June 1 on a return trip from Atlanta. Officers found nearly three kilograms of methamphetamine and a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a 50-round drum magazine. Agents later located open-source images on social media showing Veal with the pistol tucked into his waistband and the 50-round drum magazine hanging out. Agents executed search warrants at various locations in Middle Georgia on June 1, seizing multiple firearms and ammunition, approximately 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than $100,000 cash.

On Dec. 14, 2020, DEA agents conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Veal using a confidential source (CS). The CS met Veal at a local grocery store, and purchased the methamphetamine from him. Veal now admits his guilt, and admits he is responsible for distributing approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Eight co-defendants have pleaded guilty and/or been sentenced in this case:

Donna Ussery, 31, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 19 and was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison on Oct. 4;

Marquell Gaines aka Paris, 38, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison on Oct. 11;

Reginald Lowe, 41, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 30. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6;

Matthew Kay, 35, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Sept. 6. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 6;

Tamara Hall, 39, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 19. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023;

Milton Simmons aka Mann, 40, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 1. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023;

Parsa Ervin, 45, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to two counts of use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 30. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10; and

Eddie Linkhorn, 42, of Warner Robins, pleaded guilty to two counts of use of a communication facility to conspire to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case is being investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Warner Robins Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.

ATHENS, Ga. – An Athens resident with a violent criminal history who shot at two people attempting to repossess a vehicle and then led police on a high-speed chase was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed under federal guidelines for illegally possessing a firearm.

Ceddrick Demon Mercery aka Stunt, 30, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Nov. 9 after he previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Prosecuting repeat offenders who are responsible for the greatest gun violence in our communities is our office’s highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold convicted felons with violent pasts accountable at the federal level when they possess, or especially use, a firearm.”

“Career criminals who carry guns are a threat to the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This case is another example of how the FBI and our law enforcement partners in the Project Safe Neighborhoods program are dedicated to keeping the sanctity and security of our communities a priority.”

“Ceddrick Mercery is a career violent offender who is now removed from the streets of Athens and our community is safer for it,” said Chief Jerry Saulters, Athens-Clarke County Police Department. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI for their assistance in this case. It is important that we continue to work with our state and federal partners to make Athens safe.”

According to court documents, two individuals seeking to lawfully repossess a Honda Accord located on Loblolly Road in Athens on Sept. 23, 2020, were nearly struck by the same vehicle as Mercery sped away from them driving the car. Mercery then drove toward Freeman Drive, made a wide right turn, stopped, rolled down the window and fired three shots at the individuals, who took cover from the gunshots and were not struck. An Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) officer spotted the Honda Accord being driven by Mercery on Commerce Road and attempted to pull him over. Mercery fled at a high rate of speed through a residential complex and then abandoned the car, running away. Officers found heroin and methamphetamine in the vehicle. The following day, a loaded .40 caliber pistol was found discarded in front of an apartment building on College Avenue, which was along the route that Mercery had driven while fleeing apprehension. Ballistics tests confirmed this gun had been used in the shooting

FBI and ACCPD tracked Mercery to an apartment complex on Berlin Street and took him into custody on Oct. 26. Prior to his arrest, Mercery was armed with a pistol and was pacing inside the apartment, voicing displeasure that the police were outside the apartment. Mercery was taken into custody without incident. Agents found a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine and a laser sight inside the apartment. Mercery’s cell phone was also located inside the apartment; it had been broken and placed in a toilet. Mercery has a lengthy criminal history which prohibits him from possessing a firearm, including prior felony convictions for hit and run, possession of cocaine and aggravated stalking.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the FBI Athens Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department Gang Unit.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, Ga. – Federal search warrants were executed at 13 locations in Cook and Tift Counties this morning in a joint law enforcement operation involving FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, GBI, Cook Co. Sheriff’s Office, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Adel Police Department and Hahira Police Department.

Search warrants were executed in Cook County, Georgia:

1. 908 Lavind Way, Adel
2. 611 West 6th Street, Adel
3. 304 South Martin Luther King Drive South, Adel
4. 609 West 6th Street, Adel
5. 307 South Martin Luther King Drive South, Adel
6. 418 South Martin Luther King Drive South, Adel
7. 817 Turkey Drive, Adel
8. 306 South Oak Street, Adel
9. Cook County, Georgia, Parcel 0016104 (also known as 1041 and 1011 Antioch Greggs Road, Adel)
10. 2301 South Hutchinson Avenue, Adel
11. 1100 South Gordon Avenue, Apartment B, Adel
12. 157 Deerfield Drive, Sparks

 

A search warrant was executed in Tift County, Georgia:

1. 1319 Ty Omega Road, Lot 9, Tifton

This morning’s operation resulted in the seizure of 14 firearms: two assault rifles, one rifle, one shotgun and ten pistols. In addition, 3.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 725 grams of cocaine, 288.8 grams of cocaine base, 74.4 grams of MDMA, 81.6 grams of suspected fentanyl, 9.8 kilograms of THC and 1,000 miscellaneous prescription pills were found.

Three individuals were taken into state custody and are facing state charges: Calvin James Smith, Sr., 54, of Adel, is charged with possession of firearm by a convicted felon; Joe Smith, 52, of Sparks, is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, trafficking methamphetamine and felony possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime; and Justin Thompson, 35, of Adel, is charged with unlawful street gang activity. A state warrant has been issued for the arrest of Calvin James Smith, Jr., 33, of Tifton, for trafficking methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and manufacturing/sale/possession of 28 grams or more of MDMA.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an ongoing investigation.

MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who was previously living in Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to three felony charges of making death threats and attempting to blackmail an individual through Facebook.

Austin Mitchel Fitch aka Jakob Enderson, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of sending threatening communications via interstate commerce and one count of interstate communications with intent to extort before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell today. Fitch faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine per each count of sending threatening communications; he faces a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for extortion. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb.1.

“There are repercussions for those who level a true threat to harm and exhort people through social media or other channels,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “FBI’s National Threat Operations Center took swift action to investigate and determine a true threat and ultimately shut it down.”

“No one should have to face threats and extortion in person or through social media,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center, Austin Fitch will no longer be able to make threats. This case is a warning to others who want to use social media as their weapon of choice.”

According to court records, a person contacted FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) on April 28 to report death threats he received through Facebook from an individual named Jakob Enderson. A second person also received death threats on the same day from Jakob Enderson. An exigent emergency request for subscriber information by FBI to Facebook resulted in the account being traced to Fitch. On April 29, the FBI spoke with Fitch, who admitted to making the death threats and indicated that he believed it was within his constitutional rights to make such threats. The agent advised Fitch that these types of comments are not protected speech and that it was illegal to make death threats. Following that conversation with FBI, Fitch proceeded to reach back out to both persons several times with additional threats through Facebook, including an attempt to extort money.

The case was investigated by FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, Ga. – A documented member of a criminal street gang organization who led a drug distribution network responsible for trafficking more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin and other illegal drugs into Southwest Georgia was sentenced to federal prison today for his crimes.

Jamie Lorell Keith aka JGottiDaBoss aka Cocho, 41, of Albany, was sentenced to serve 420 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after he was convicted on June 27 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine following a week-long jury trial before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. There is no parole in the federal system.

A co-defendant, Artarious Davis aka Showboat aka Boat, 41, of Albany, was convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl during the same trial and faces a maximum of life imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

“This case is a significant victory for the overall safety of our region,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Thanks to the efforts of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and our federal prosecution team, a dangerous criminal network pushing large volumes of the deadliest controlled substances into Southwest Georgia has been stopped.”

“These criminals once profited by spreading this insidious poison throughout a number of communities in Southwest Georgia, but the DEA and our law enforcement partners are in the business of protecting lives and serving those communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Justice was served thanks to strong and strategic partnerships between the DEA and its local law enforcement counterparts.”

“This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies at every level to end an epidemic in our society that is killing our citizens,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to work diligently along our partners in the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”

“These convictions illustrate that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Georgia. The GBI is committed to investigating and dismantling large scale drug trafficking organizations such as this one operating in Southwest Georgia, in coordination with our local and federal partners,” said GBI Director Michael Register.

“The Albany Police Department will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to combat drug trafficking and its associated crimes in Albany, Dougherty County and Southwest Georgia. This sentencing warns those seeking fortune from this illicit trade that ill-gotten gains lead to harsh consequences,” said Albany Police Department Chief Michael Persley.

“The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is working with all of our law enforcement partners at every level to combat criminal activity in our community and ultimately put a dent in crime,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals.

“The Worth County Sheriff’s Office has and will continue to work diligently with local, state and federal law enforcement and community partners across the area to find, investigate and prosecute criminals trafficking drugs in Worth County and the Southwest Georgia area,” said Worth County Sheriff Don Whitaker. “Drugs are a multibillion-dollar criminal enterprise that targets our vulnerable populations, our neighbors and even our family members. Because of this, we can’t slow down, we must aggressively pursue this criminal element. We have found that by taking down these drug distributors, it also helps in the reduction of other crimes. With this in mind, we welcome a partnership with all agencies to fight this problem and make our communities safer.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Keith and Davis were criminally involved in a large drug trafficking network responsible for distributing more than 150 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 2000 fentanyl tablets pressed to resemble Percocet, more than one kilogram of heroin, more than five kilograms of cocaine and other drugs in the metro Albany area in 2019. Trial testimony revealed that now-deceased co-defendant Demarcus Cook, of Sylvester, Georgia, was a documented member of the Piru set of the Bloods criminal street gang organization. Keith, a member of a rival organization and the leader of this drug trafficking organization, bonded Cook—who was ill—out of jail in exchange for access to Cook’s drug sources of supply and customers. Using Cook’s sources and Keith’s cash and distribution network, the two began delivering large quantities of drugs to Albany and Sylvester to be sold at locations including 122 Moultrie Road and 610 Johnson Road in Albany and 214 Albany Avenue in Sylvester. Cook has since died of cancer. Keith was the manager of the drug network. Davis protected the drug loads on behalf of the organization and served a subsidiary customer base of drug users and redistributors in the Albany area.

The other 29 defendants federally prosecuted as part of this investigation have pleaded guilty for their crimes.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The case was investigated by FBI, DEA, GBI, the Albany Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Worth County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, Ga. – In an effort spear-headed by the Albany Police Department (APD) and provided at no cost to the city, a team of subject matter experts in policing from the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services’ (COPS Office) Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) are conducting a comprehensive site visit to APD today and tomorrow, Nov. 2-3.

CRI-TAC provides a continuum of technical assistance services to the law enforcement field nationwide. Through CRI-TAC’s “by the field, for the field” approach, the Justice Department is able to facilitate customizable, short-term technical assistance on more than 60 topics. Those topics vary to include gun violence reduction and prevention, officer safety and wellness, and community engagement. Specifically, APD requested support around developing a community-based intervention and prevention unit targeted toward violent crime reduction and prevention. 

“I applaud the Albany Police Department’s commitment to strengthening its tactical approach to policing in order to reduce violent crime in the community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Department of Justice supports our local law enforcement partners as they work to continually improve their approach in an ever-changing criminal landscape.”

“Addressing crime is a major community-wide concern. We’ve asked the Justice Department to help us create a community-based intervention and prevention unit aimed at lowering crime in our city,” said Albany Police Chief Michael Persley. “As we get our community partners onboard, the next step will be for us to hear directly from citizens. By creating this community-based team, APD will strengthen its ties to the community we serve, which will inform our policing.”

As part of the services CRI-TAC offers, subject matter experts from the field design tailored solutions in collaboration with each requesting agency to address its individual needs. Technical assistance timelines are established at the pace of the requesting agency, ranging from three to six months. Last year (2021), CRI-TAC worked with 171 law enforcement agencies.

Free to the community and managed out of the Justice Department’s COPS Office, CRI-TAC was established in 2017 and provides a wide range of targeted technical assistance services. Each level of the initiative’s assistance is completely voluntary and provided at the request of law enforcement agencies. The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide.

CRI-TAC involves a coalition of support and expertise from leading law enforcement stakeholder organizations. For more information about CRI-TAC, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform.

The CRI-TAC program is part of the Department of Justice’s broader resources addressing violent crime reduction, which is headlined by the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who was previously convicted and sentenced to ten years imprisonment for voluntary manslaughter in Bibb County pleaded guilty to a federal gun charge resulting from Operation United Front, an ongoing ATF-led investigation into illegal gun possession and drug distribution in Middle Georgia utilizing the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN).

Jeffery Maurice Willis, 44, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 27. Willis faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

“We will use every resource available to protect our communities from the threat of illegal gun possession,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working with law enforcement, our office will hold violent felons caught possessing or selling guns accountable at the federal level.”

“There is no initiative more critical to ATF than increasing the safety of our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Cases which result in the arrest and prosecution of violent criminals are fundamental to continuing this initiative while simultaneously showing criminals that ATF and its law enforcement partners will not falter in this mission.”

“Jeffery Willis is an example of misdeeds happening in the past affecting someone’s future. Mr. Willis’ prosecution should serve as a reminder that a firearm violence conviction as a young person has serious consequences when that person decides to take up arms later in life,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis.

According to court documents, ATF agents observed and recorded Willis sell a .44 revolver and five rounds of ammunition in Macon on May 6, 2021. Willis had been previously convicted of voluntary manslaughter in case number 97CR47052 in the Superior Court of Bibb County, Georgia, on Oct. 20, 1997. It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case.

MACON, Ga. – A Macon man who participated in a scheme to defraud a community bank pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy.

Garland Stephens, 66, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud a financial institution before U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell on Oct. 27. Stephens faces a maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2023.

“The fraudulent scheme in this case harmed a local business, costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Protecting citizens and small businesses from fraudsters and ultimately holding them accountable for their criminal actions is a high priority for this office and our law enforcement partners.”

“The FBI works hard to make sure greed like this doesn’t pay off and those who commit fraud are held accountable,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this plea and the possibility of 30 years in prison serve as a warning to others to think twice before attempting to steal from the U.S. banking system.”

According to court documents, Stephens was recruited in 2018 by co-conspirator William Spigener, III, 34, of Columbus—an AgGeorgia loan officer at the time—to pretend to be a borrower in order to obtain fraudulent loans from AgGeorgia. Spigener enlisted Stephens and other straw borrowers, and in exchange for using their personal identifying information and appearing at loan closings, he would give them a portion of the loan proceeds, collecting the majority of the money himself. Spigener would create documentation to ensure the loan applications were approved, when in reality, none of these applicants were engaged in any type of farming activity and did not have the income or collateral to support the loans received from AgGeorgia. 

Specifically, Stephens was listed falsely as a farm equipment seller on two approved loan applications. For each of these loans, checks were made out in Stephens’ name and co-conspirator Eary Fuller, 57, of Macon, in June and Oct. 2018. Fuller and Stephens endorsed the loan checks and deposited them. Spigener retained most of the loan proceeds, with some of the money going to Fuller and Stephens.

Stephens then agreed to obtain a fraudulent loan with AgGeorgia in his own name. Spigener used Stephens’ personal information to file the fraudulent loan, and also created and submitted false financial information and farm operating expenses. Stephens was approved for an $85,000 loan.  In reality, Stephens did not have a farm requiring any operating expenses. Stephens was present for the loan closing on Jan. 25, 2019, and collected a $30,000 check, which he signed. The majority of the money was transferred to Spigener. Spigener and other co-conspirators have entered guilty pleas in this case; for more information, please go to: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/former-aggeorgia-loan-officer-sentenced-committing-fraud.

This case was investigated by the FBI.

U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard is prosecuting the case.

MACON, Ga. – Kenneth Barngrover, M.D., and his practice, Southeast Regional Pain Center (SRPC), in Columbus, Georgia, has agreed to a $1,000,000 civil penalty to resolve allegations that the pain medicine practice violated both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA). In addition to a monetary payment, Dr. Barngrover and SRPC entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that will be in effect for the next three years.

Barngrover was registered with the DEA as required and operated a worker’s compensation pharmacy out of SRPC offices from which he was authorized to dispense controlled substances. At issue in the settlement were allegations that in the operation of his worker’s compensation pharmacy, Barngrover failed to comply with certain recordkeeping requirements. Those alleged violations included failing to maintain a biennial inventory; failing to maintain a current, complete and accurate record of controlled substances; and collecting medications without DEA authority or documentation of receipt.

In addition to the alleged violations of the CSA, the settlement also resolves allegations that Dr. Barngrover and SRCP violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare and Tricare for medically unnecessary evaluation and management services, evaluation and management services that were up-coded and psychological testing services that were not appropriately rendered.

“If providers wish to operate like a pharmacy and dispense drugs to their patients, they must act like a pharmacy and maintain accurate records of highly addictive and dangerous drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Moreover, our federal health care system requires services rendered to patients be medically necessary and appropriate. Providers must abide by federal guidelines put in place for the protection of our citizens.”

“The abuse and misuse of prescription drugs is a major contributor to our nation’s opioid epidemic,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “DEA registered entities are required to maintain current and accurate records of their drug dispensing; DEA investigators will pursue violations of federal mandates put in place to prevent the diversion of these highly addictive drugs away from legitimate medical use.”

“Providers who undermine the integrity of the Department of Defense health care system for their own selfish gain will be held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia A. Bruce, DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “DCIS and our investigative partners will aggressively pursue those who divert funds intended for military families.”

“Providers who submit false claims to Medicare undermine the integrity of federal health care programs," said Tamala E. Miles, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that all health care providers who misuse their medical professional status for financial gain are held accountable."

The CSA subjects all registered handlers of controlled substances to strict requirements regarding the inventory control and recordkeeping of controlled substances. These requirements ensure that DEA registrants account for controlled substances from the time that they are purchased until the time that they are delivered to other registrants, dispensed to patients, or discarded. The CSA’s recordkeeping requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting and distribution of controlled substances.

The FCA is a federal law that imposes civil liability on any persons or entities who submit, or cause to be submitted, false claims for payment on the federal government or its contractors. The liability that can be imposed under the statute is treble damages (that is, three times the loss caused by the false claims) and a civil penalty between $12,537 to $25,076 per false claim. The FCA is the primary authority used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division to redress fraud, waste and abuse within federal programs, including, but not limited to, Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability.

This case was investigated by Diversion Investigator Chris Crutchfield of DEA-Atlanta District Office, Special Agent Kevin White of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General (HHS OIG) and Bryan Cofer of the U.S. Department of Defense-Defense Criminal Investigative Service. (DOD DCIS).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Todd P. Swanson and W. Taylor McNeill represented the United States in the settlement agreement.

MACON, Ga. – Murray Drug Company, Inc, which did business as Acme Pharmacy in Homerville, Georgia, has agreed to a $350,000 settlement to resolve allegations that the pharmacy violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Acme Pharmacy ceased operating during the course of the federal investigation.

The CSA subjects all registered handlers of controlled substances to strict requirements regarding the inventory control and recordkeeping of controlled substances. These requirements ensure that DEA registrants account for controlled substances from the time that they are purchased until the time that they are delivered to other registrants, dispensed to patients or discarded. The CSA’s recordkeeping requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting and distribution of controlled substances.

Acme Pharmacy, which is no longer in operation, was registered with the DEA as a retail pharmacy and authorized to dispense controlled substances to customers pursuant to the provisions of the CSA. At issue in the settlement were allegations that Acme failed to account for thousands of dosage units of controlled substances and failed to maintain complete and accurate records and to provide effective controls against theft. Also, during an on-site inspection, controlled substances were discovered unsafeguarded and not properly stored.

“This settlement demonstrates our office’s continued commitment to combating the opioid epidemic on all fronts,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Part of our strategy is making sure that registered opioid handlers keep accurate records of these highly addictive and potentially dangerous drugs. All individuals and facilities—large or small—which are licensed to handle controlled substances are responsible for maintaining accurate records, and all will be held accountable for any failures.”

“DEA Diversion Investigators will continue to aggressively pursue pharmacies that violate the Controlled Substances Act and put our nation at risk in the midst of the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This civil settlement is an important step in keeping our communities safe and speaks volumes of the professionalism and dedication of the DEA Diversion Investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination or admission of liability.

Diversion Investigators Jordan Poe and Tierra Singleton from the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) Savannah District Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Taylor McNeill represented the United States in the settlement agreement.

ALBANY, Ga. – A Cordele, Georgia, resident pleaded guilty today in federal court to robbing a local bank.

Donald Wellons, Jr., 26, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery before U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner. Wellons faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be scheduled by the Court.

“Bank robbery is a crime of violence and intimidation, affecting the victims and the larger community,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Cordele Police Department’s speedy apprehension of a dangerous individual in this case underscores their commitment to this community’s sense of peace and safety.”

“Thanks to the quick reaction of our local law enforcement partners, Wellons was arrested and unable to threaten any more innocent victims,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Wellons now faces serious prison time without the opportunity for parole, where he will no longer be able to wreak havoc in his community.”

“Officers with the Cordele Police Department did an outstanding job working this case, from the initial response to the investigation and—ultimately—the conviction,” said Cordele Police Chief Jalon J. Heard. “As officers, we take an oath to serve and protect the communities in which we work. I hope that with this conviction, the citizens of Cordele know that we take that oath very seriously and take pride in our community.”

According to court records, Wellons entered the Planters First Bank in Cordele on the morning of Sept. 28, 2021, and handed a bank teller a threatening note that read, “Do you want to make it home today?” The teller was slow to respond, so Wellons reached towards his waistband and indicated he had a weapon—believed to be a firearm at the time of the incident but later determined to be a knife—then demanded money from the teller drawer. The bank teller emptied a drawer of cash into a bag furnished by Wellons, who demanded more money. When Wellons saw the drawer was empty, he left the bank.

Cordele Police Department officers immediately recognized Wellons from crime scene images as the suspect and quickly located him at his residence. A family member consented to a search of the home. In Wellons’ bedroom, officers found the stolen cash, the bag, a knife and the threatening note he had passed to the bank teller. Wellons has a lengthy criminal history in the Cordele community to include identity theft fraud, unauthorized discharge of firearms and possession of a firearm by a felony first offender. 

This case was investigated by the Cordele Police Department and FBI. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid is prosecuting the case.

MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSA) Will Keyes and Todd Swanson will lead the efforts of the office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming Nov. 8 general election. AUSA Keyes and Swanson have been appointed to serve as the District Election Officers (DEO) for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity are responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, our designated District Election Officers will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keyes and Swanson can be reached by calling 478-621-2698.”

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by calling 770-216-3000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

ATHENS, Ga. –– An Athens resident was convicted by a federal jury of trafficking methamphetamine resulting from an investigation and subsequent arrest during which she and a co-defendant attempted to flee law enforcement with her two-year-old grandchild in the car.

Kimberly Garcia, 52, of Athens, Georgia, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of methamphetamine on Oct. 19, concluding a trial that began on Oct. 17 before U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal. She faces a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine. A co-defendant, Corey Gresham, 38, of Athens, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. Sentencings for both defendants will be scheduled at a date determined by the Court.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, information provided by a confidential source (CS) sparked a local law enforcement investigation into the drug distribution activities of Garcia in June 2020. The CS told law enforcement that Garcia often sold methamphetamine with her grandchildren in the car at the Airport Mini Mart in Athens. Under surveillance, Garcia and Gresham drove together to a Lawrenceville (Gwinnett County), Georgia, apartment complex on July 6, 2020. Garcia was observed entering the apartment of a known methamphetamine supplier along with a person associated with the Sureños criminal street gang and exiting with a bag. On their return trip to Athens, deputies with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, driven by Gresham. Gresham evaded law enforcement by speeding and running red lights. Gresham then slowed the car down at Fairfield Circle, Athens, and bolted from the car as it continued to move forward. Garcia moved to the driver’s side and stopped the car before it crashed into a telephone pole. Gresham, who had outstanding arrest warrants at the time, ran inside a family member’s nearby home but was taken into custody. Garcia remained in the car with her two-year-old grandchild in the backseat. Officers recovered 37.94 grams of methamphetamine and drug distribution supplies including baggies and a spoon during a search of the vehicle and the area where Garcia attempted to flee law enforcement. A search of Garcia’s cell phone found many communications about trafficking methamphetamine with Gresham and others.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Oconee County Sheriff’s Office and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case.

MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident who collected monthly disability benefits while running a successful cleaning company – which he never disclosed to the government – was convicted by a jury this morning on federal charges for theft and making false claims.

Demetris Hill, 54, of Macon, was convicted of one count of theft of government property and one count of false claims against the government for which he faces a total maximum prison term of 15 years in addition to a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release per count. U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III presided over the trial which began on Oct. 17. Sentencing for the defendant will occur on Jan. 10, 2023.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Hill applied for and was approved for disability benefits from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) in May 2012. Hill agreed during the application process to immediately report any work, earnings or changes in his disability status to the RRB. RRB then repeatedly reminded Hill of his reporting obligations by sending him six annual notifications during 2014 – 2019. Each of those reminders counseled Hill that he had a responsibility to report any work to RRB, whether or not Hill made any money from working and regardless of what type of work Hill performed. Sometime in 2013, after he had been receiving disability benefits for approximately one year, Hill helped open a cleaning company, styling himself as an executive and partner of the company, and as its resident agent. Over the years, Hill’s involvement in the business grew to include money and client management, along with other day-to-day operations. As the business became more financially successful, Hill continued to collect full disability benefits from RRB that he was not entitled to, due to his work and financial earnings. These benefits amounted to well over $100,000.  

The case was investigated by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joy Odom and Elizabeth Howard are prosecuting the case.

MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $128,947 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program in the Middle District of Georgia. Funding will support community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence. This grant is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

“Reducing gun violence in our communities will only be achieved through collaborative and strategic efforts unique to each community across the Middle District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Project Safe Neighborhoods program has been a strong bridge-builder between law enforcement and citizens, funding popular programs like the Teen Police Academy, paying for gang deterrent counseling for young people and providing hundreds of free gun locks. PSN has also provided the money necessary for important investigative tech like NIBIN to trace the criminal use of firearms and bring repeat violent offenders to justice. Through PSN, violent crime reduction ideas have become reality as we all continue to work together for safer neighborhoods.”

“Reducing violence and sustaining those reductions will require strong partnerships between criminal justice agencies and community stakeholders and a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of every community member,” said OJP Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg. “The investments we are making through Project Safe Neighborhoods will enable every stakeholder to play a part in building safer and healthier communities.”

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

MACON, Ga. – A federal grand jury has returned a 30-count indictment charging two former employees and the former director of a daycare facility located on Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia, with charges related to the alleged abuse of children in their care.

Zhanay Kiana Flynn, 27, of Centerville, Georgia, is charged with 18 counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, six counts of cruelty to children in the second degree, three counts of simple battery and one count of failure to report suspected child abuse.

Antanesha Mone Fritz, 29, of Tanner, Alabama, is charged with 18 counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, six counts of cruelty to children in the second degree, three counts of simple battery and one count of failure to report suspected child abuse.

Latona Mae Lambert, 51, of Kissimmee, Florida, is charged with one count of failure to report suspected child abuse.

If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years of imprisonment up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment for each count of cruelty to children in the first degree; a minimum of one year of imprisonment up to a maximum of ten years of imprisonment for each count of cruelty to children in the second degree; a maximum of one year of imprisonment for each count of simple battery; and a maximum of one year of imprisonment for failure to report suspected child abuse.

The indictment alleges a variety of felony cruelty to children actions committed by Flynn and Fritz, two former Robins Air Force Base daycare employees, during Jan. and Feb. 2021. The charges allege various forms of abuse, to include striking children, causing children to fight each other, forcing children to hit one another, spraying children in the face with a cleaning liquid, seizing and shaking a child while threatening to strike them, striking a child in the head with a book, kicking a child into a wall, and stepping on and applying weight to a child’s leg. Flynn and Fritz are also accused of committing simple battery against children, with the indictment alleging that they lifted a cot with a child sleeping on it, causing the child to fall on the ground, struck a toy out of a child’s hand and then forced the child into a small enclosure, and sprayed two children in the head and face with a cleaning solution. Lambert, the former daycare director, Flynn and Fritz are each charged with one count of failing to report suspected child abuse when they did not notify the proper authorities of the abuse after allegedly witnessing it or having reason to suspect that abuse was occurring.

This is an ongoing investigation. Parents and guardians of children who were under the care of the defendants and have concerns about their child are encouraged to contact the Robins Air Force Base Family Advocacy Program at 478-327-8398 during regular business hours.

The case is being investigated by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Air Force Security Forces, with support from the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case for the Government.

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

ALBANY, Ga. – A Brooks County, Georgia, resident with a lengthy criminal history was found guilty by a federal jury on two charges related to his drug distribution activities out of a Valdosta, Georgia, apartment complex.

Barry Kiya Daise, 44, of Quitman, Georgia, was convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of maintaining and using a drug involved premises on Oct. 6 following a four-day trial that began on Oct. 3 at the U.S. Courthouse in Albany before Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands. Daise faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count, a $1,000,000 maximum fine for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and a $500,000 maximum fine for maintaining and using a drug involved premises. Sentencing will occur at a time determined by the Court.

“The defendant was selling controlled substances out of a Valdosta apartment complex, and he has a long track record in the community of committing this type of criminal offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Persistent, repeat criminal offenders face federal prosecution in the Middle District of Georgia when they choose to disregard the law by committing crimes that clearly harm others and damage neighborhoods.”

“Despite prior felony convictions, Daise continued to plague our communities with drugs and the crimes that result from it,” said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thanks to our partnership with local law enforcement, he will now spend a lengthy time in federal prison without the possibility of parole.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, investigators with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division executed a search warrant at Daise’s apartment located on West Hill Avenue in Valdosta on Nov. 19, 2019. Daise was on probation at the time for a prior state felony. Officers recovered 48 grams of powder cocaine, evidence of crack-cocaine production, a loaded firearm stolen from Tifton, Georgia, and ammunition. Daise’s cellular phone had communications about him selling drugs to others and meeting in the Valdosta apartment complex’s parking lot to conduct the transactions, as well as photographs of guns and narcotics on his phone.

Daise has multiple prior felony convictions at the state level to include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Lowndes County Superior Court and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Brooks County Superior Court.

The case was investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, Special Operations Division and FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sonja Profit and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case.

MACON, Ga. – A Barnesville, Georgia, resident who admitted to producing child sexual assault material involving a minor victim was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed by federal law for his crime.

Marty Allan Kinard, 47, was sentenced to serve a total of 360 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on Oct. 4 after he pleaded guilty to one count of production of child sexual assault material. In addition, Kinard will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

“The actions of all those who film and upload the sexual assault and exploitation of children in the Middle District of Georgia will not be tolerated; our office is pursuing maximum punishment allowed under law for these criminal actions,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The Barnesville Police Department took immediate action when they received a cybertip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children that a child in their community was in danger; working closely with GBI, law enforcement prevented further harm to a minor and brought a child predator to justice.”

“The defendant justly received the maximum sentence allowed under law. However, I am well aware that the imposed sentence can never equal the physical and emotional trauma that the victim will have to deal with for the rest of the victim’s life,” said Captain Al Moltrum, Barnesville Police Department. “We were able to stop a child predator thanks to our collaboration with GBI and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, who assisted our agency with obtaining the forensic evidence found on the defendant’s cellular phone.”

“The GBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect innocent victims of online exploitation. We are grateful for the partnerships we maintain with our local and federal agencies to bring these predators to justice,” said GBI Director Michael Register.

According to court documents, the Barnesville Police Department (BPD) began an investigation after receiving a cybertip on May 27, 2021, from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) originating from Tumblr of an uploaded file containing child sexual assault material. On May 28, 2021, BPD obtained a state search warrant at the residence. A search of the residence recovered two cell phones belonging to Kinard; one of the phones contained child sexual assault material Kinard produced involving a minor child. Days later, on June 2, 2021, GBI received a cybertip from NCMEC of several files for the social media application Kik which contained child sexual assault material. Both IP addresses linked back to the same residence in Barnesville where Kinard resided. Kinard now admits that from Feb. 1, 2021, until May 28, 2021, he enticed a minor child to produce child sexual assault material which he uploaded online.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was investigated by the Barnesville Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force with assistance from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Kalim.

MACON, Ga. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia today announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and to bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is joining the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, as one of 14 additional U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful global elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including all of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the states of Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New York, Texas, Arizona and California.

“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”

“Our engagement in the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force comes at a time when we are seeing bad actors using any means necessary to criminally extract money from unsuspecting citizens here in the Middle District of Georgia and nationwide,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “The scams are diabolical, robbing money and dignity from people who have worked and sacrificed a lifetime. Working with our law enforcement partners in Georgia, our office will vigorously pursue federal prosecution against those intent on defrauding our elder citizens.”

The Strike Force expansion will further enhance of the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims and combat grandparent scams.

This past year, the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia pursued fraud cases targeting older Americans, including the recent prosecutions of individuals involved in a nationwide gift card scam. Hundreds of Americans, many elderly, were victimized as part of the larger scheme to criminally extract money from people. For more information about these prosecutions, please visit:  https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/two-defendants-plead-guilty-resulting-separate-investigations-complex-wal-mart-gift.

As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia ongoing elder fraud efforts, the office engages in outreach to the community to raise awareness about scams, exploitation and preventing victimization. The office has a dedicated Elder Justice Fraud Coordinator—Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Deitrick—who is focused on the successful prosecution of elder abuse cases, along with offering opportunities for education and training. Citizen groups and law enforcement agencies interested in learning more about training opportunities can contact Pam Lightsey, Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Middle District of Georgia, at pam.lightsey@usdoj.gov.

In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.

Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALBANY, Ga. – Two individuals pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges resulting from separate United States Secret Service (USSS) led investigations into larger Walmart gift card schemes involving hundreds of fraud victims from across the country.

Yao Lin, 51, of Ruther Glen, Virginia, and Wen Xue Lin, 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, each pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Lawson on Sept. 29 and face a maximum of 20 years imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencings for the defendants will occur within 90 days as determined by the Court.

“Undoubtedly, the work of the United States Secret Service and our local partners prevented many more Americans from being victims in these vast gift card schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Fraudsters, both here and abroad, are relentless in their efforts to scam unsuspecting people. I hope this case reminds all of us to be alert to the growing number of financial scams out there, and report incidences of fraud to the authorities. Local police reports filed by victims assisted in this case.”

“These investigations clearly show how foreign actors pray on American victims. The international fraudsters operated numerous fraud schemes to convince American victims to purchase gift cards. The international actors utilized their foreign connections within the United States to ‘cash out’ the gift cards purchased by victims of fraud,” said Clint Bush, Resident Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, Albany. “The strong relationship between the United States Secret Service and Walmart Global Investigations prevented additional victims in this fraud scheme. The United States Secret Service, along with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners will continue to investigate, arrest and support the successful prosecution of criminals who choose to commit this and other types of financial fraud in our community and around the nation.” 

According to court documents, Yao Lin and Wen Lin, acting apart from each other, traveled at different times to Walmart stores located in the southern United States to purchase various gift cards using electronic Walmart gift cards on their smart phones which were obtained by unnamed individuals through multiple scams inflicted on victims across the country.

Wen Lin told agents that he would receive a gift card number from sources in China through an app on his smart phone. Once the gift card number was loaded onto his phone, Wen Lin would go to a Walmart and purchase other kinds of gift cards and send those gift cards back to China. Wen Lin was taken into custody on Sept. 26, 2019, at a Walmart store in Hazlehurst, Georgia, after making illicit purchases at Walmart stores over a three-day period within the Middle District of Georgia including Tifton, Winder, Athens, Madison, Forsyth, Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Cordele, Americus and Albany. A search of Wen Lin’s vehicle recovered 1,298 Walmart Vanilla Mastercard and American Express gift cards with a face value totaling $229,100. There was approximately $40,000 in unused value remaining on those cards. The gift cards were used to purchase other cards in the amount of $287,335.34.

Yao Lin was connected to 1,649 different transactions using 1,271 different Walmart gift cards between Feb. 19 - March 29, 2021, totaling $533,341.75. The Walmart gift cards attributed to Yao Lin were purchased by over 370 different victims located in all 50 United States and Puerto Rico. Yao Lin was taken into custody in the Middle District of Georgia on March 29, 2021, in Valdosta, Georgia, after making fraudulent transactions at Walmart stores in the Middle District of Georgia including Macon, Warner Robins, Tifton, Adel and south into Valdosta. A search of Yao Lin’s vehicle recovered 128 Google Play, Steam and Apple gift cards, valued at approximately $9,300.

The scams conducted on victims in order to obtain Walmart gift cards varied to include threats of arrest, finance schemes and romance scams. An example of fraud as detailed in Yao Lin’s filed plea agreement is of an elderly female from Texas who was the victim of a computer protection program scam which caused her to purchase Walmart gift cards and give the gift card information to the scammer. In another situation, an elderly man was duped into sending over $5,000 during a period of time, including some to a non-existent female. An example of fraud from Wen Lin’s plea agreement is of a victim who was contacted by an unknown person posing as an employee of the victim’s mortgage company, claiming to be able to lower the victim’s monthly payment. After several emails between the unknown person and the victim, the victim was told to make a mortgage payment with a gift card. The victim complied, sending the gift card information as instructed. Another individual was deceived into believing he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was told to send Walmart gift cards to avoid arrest. The individual purchased gift cards in New York and California, eventually used by Wen Lin to purchase other gift cards.

Both Wen Lin and Yao Lin admitted to participating with unnamed co-conspirators in this scheme and receiving 3% of the total funds converted from Walmart gift cards as payment for their criminal efforts. They say they did not know the electronic gift cards were obtained by defrauding people and assert they did not know of any other victim than Walmart. It is not known whether the unnamed co-conspirators from either case are acting together or separately.

The case was investigated by the United State Secret Service (USSS), the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Walmart Global Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. McCullers is prosecuting the case.

Four individuals pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the Department of Education’s financial aid programs of millions of dollars in federal funds.

According to court documents and statements made in connection with their guilty pleas, Sandra Anderson, 63, of Palmetto, Georgia; Yolanda Thomas, 51, of Columbus, Georgia; Leo Thomas, 56, of Phenix City, Alabama; Kristina Parker, 35, of Stone Mountain, Georgia; and their co-conspirators fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in federal financial aid funds that they misused for their personal benefit. They did so by creating an elaborate sham university – the Columbus, Georgia, satellite campus of the Apex School of Theology.

As part of their guilty pleas, the co-conspirators admitted that, at Anderson’s direction, they enrolled individuals at Apex who agreed to pose as students, knowing that those individuals did not qualify to enroll in college or graduate school. The co-conspirators then fraudulently completed financial aid applications in students’ names and completed students’ homework and exams. The co-conspirators also served as teachers and manipulated student grades to ensure that the purported students could meet the minimum grade requirements to continue to qualify for federal financial aid. Then, the co-conspirators either stole student financial aid refund checks outright or required students to cash their aid checks and provide a portion to the co-conspirators.

Anderson, Yolanda Thomas, and Parker each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and four counts of financial aid fraud. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the conspiracy and wire fraud charges, and five years in prison on each of the financial aid fraud charges. Leo Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. All defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 15. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia; Special Agent in Charge Keri E. Farley of the FBI Atlanta Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Reginald J. France of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General (ED-OIG), Southeastern Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement.

The FBI, ED-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.

Assistant Chief Leslie S. Garthwaite and Trial Attorneys Matt Kahn, Siji Moore, and Spencer Ryan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

ALBANY, Ga. – A Florida resident with multiple prior state felony convictions for distributing methamphetamine pleaded guilty to a federal controlled substance charge after being caught with approximately eight kilograms of the illegal drug during a routine traffic stop when his co-defendant attempted to escape from authorities with the bag of drugs.

James E. Freitas, 48, of Winter Haven, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands today. Co-defendant, Miguel L. Mora, 43, of Hanes City, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Aug. 12. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life imprisonment to be followed by at least five years of supervised release and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Their sentencings will occur within 90 days as determined by the Court.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“I-75 is a known corridor for drug traffickers moving fentanyl, methamphetamine and other deadly drugs into communities across the southeast and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Individuals caught distributing large quantities of these types of controlled substances will face federal prosecution for their crimes, which are contributing to the death and addiction of many Americans.”

“The guilty plea of this reoffender is the result of the collaborative efforts between DEA and its law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to eliminate the distribution of the insidious drug methamphetamine,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This defendant will now face serious time in prison.”

According to court documents, a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop for a driving violation as Freitas was traveling on I-75 on July 11, 2019. Freitas was unable to provide identification and gave conflicting information. As Frietas was standing outside the vehicle talking with the deputy, Mora climbed into the front seat and drove away in the car. Mora drove the vehicle into a field and then fled on foot into adjacent woods carrying a large bag. Mora was quickly apprehended; the bag that he carried from the car was searched and found to contain 8,099 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $748,000. Officers found a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number on the floorboard of the car belonging to Freitas. A search warrant executed on Freitas’ cell phone found photos of the gun, plus text and instant messages detailing both defendants travel to and from Tennessee to purchase and transport methamphetamine to a third party in Florida.

Freitas has three prior felony drug convictions for trafficking methamphetamine in Polk County, Florida, Circuit Court.

DEA and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting this case.

MACON, Ga. –Three co-conspirators guilty of attempting to distribute methamphetamine intended for Macon State Prison were sentenced to prison for their crimes today.

Raquan Emahl Gray, 26, of Conley, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 240 months to be followed by three years of supervised release after he was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine by a federal jury on May 24. Daquann Marquez Epps, 26, of Columbus, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 75 months to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Demarea Demond Carey, 28, of Fairburn, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 75 months to be followed by three years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal handed down the sentences. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Those who facilitate drug trafficking into our prisons – putting both inmates and staff at risk – will be held accountable at the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Preventing contraband from entering our prison system remains a high priority for our office and our law enforcement partners.”

“These defendants attempted to get drugs into a prison, but instead have landed themselves there,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This investigation was a success because of the spirited efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved.”

“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia, including in our prison system. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of all populations. We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations no matter where they are,” said GBI Director Michael Register.

According to court documents and evidence presented at Gray’s trial, Gray and Epps were the passengers of a vehicle driven by Carey that was pulled over by a Crawford County Sherriff’s Office deputy in Roberta, Georgia, for traveling 25 mph over the posted speed limit on Sept. 2, 2019. A strong odor of marijuana was emanating from the car and Carey admitted he had smoked marijuana. A probable cause search of the vehicle found various packages wrapped in different colored duct tape and some were numbered. Some packages were softball shaped and wrapped in electrical tape. The packages contained 494 grams of methamphetamine, 150 pills which tested as methamphetamine, 50 cell phones, two large bags of cell phone chargers, approximately three pounds of marijuana, 19 bags of tobacco, a large bag of cigars and 19 lighters. Carey’s GPS destination on his cell phone was set for Macon State Prison. Gray has an extensive criminal history including felony convictions for robbery, burglary and theft by taking.

The DEA, GBI, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, the Peach County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Department of Corrections investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Keyes and Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.

ALBANY, Ga. – A southwest Georgia resident involved in a high-volume methamphetamine distribution ring was sentenced to prison this afternoon after admitting to his role in the conspiracy.

Joseph Jones aka Bae, 31, of Cairo, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Mr. Jones has been held accountable for his role in a significant drug distribution network responsible for pushing more than one hundred kilograms of methamphetamine in southwest Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement broke this substantial methamphetamine ring, which was feeding addiction and fostering misery in this region of the state.”

“The success of this case is the direct result of the effective partnership between our local, state and federal agencies. We will work tirelessly together to hold accountable drug dealers supplying our neighborhoods with poison. The GBI is dedicated to thoroughly investigating these crimes to lead to successful prosecution,” said GBI Director Michael Register.

According to court documents, GBI agents conducted a wiretap investigation into the drug distribution activities of Jones, beginning in March 2019. The investigation revealed that Jones and his co-defendants were engaged in the distribution of methamphetamine in southwest Georgia. Jones was taken into custody following a search of his Cairo residence on June 12, 2019.  Inside the home, agents found a quantity of methamphetamine floating in the toilet and in the sewage line, $13,323 in cash, two handguns, digital scales and 16 cellular phones. In addition, written ledgers describing various transactions amounting to the distribution of 13 kilograms of methamphetamine were discovered in Jones’ vehicle.

A total of 16 co-defendants have been brought to justice in this case, including Jones; court records attribute this criminal drug distribution network to be responsible for distributing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine. For more information, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/federal-jury-convicts-cairo-georgia-man-his-role-100-kilo-meth-distribution-network.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Jones’ case was investigated by the GBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen prosecuted the case.

ATHENS, Ga. – Two individuals involved in a larger armed drug conspiracy operating in the Athens area were found guilty by a federal jury for their crimes late yesterday afternoon.

Brendan R. Gates, 37, of Commerce, Georgia, and Cindy Stamey, 49, of Danielsville, Georgia, were each convicted of one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; Gates was also convicted of one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was reached on Sept. 21 following a three-day trial that began on Sept. 19 before U.S. District C. Ashley Royal. Stamey faces a minimum mandatory term of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison; Gates faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years up to a maximum of life in prison. 

The following co-defendants have all pleaded guilty for their crimes and two have been sentenced:

Malcody Dinges aka Cody aka Yes, Sir Cody, 43, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 16, 2021, and was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison (to run consecutive to any state-imposed sentence) to be followed by three years of supervised release;

Ervin Sales Temaj aka Milton Aguilar, 34, of Norcross, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 13 and was sentenced to 121 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release;

Adonias Sales Temaj aka Alacran, 28, of Norcross, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on July 14 and faces a minimum mandatory term of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison;

Justin Maddox, 44, of Athens, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 3, 2021, and faces a maximum of twenty years in prison;

Christopher Wilson, 41, of Hull, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on April 13 and faces a maximum of twenty years in prison;

Carrie Kasper, 31, of Athens, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on July 15, 2021, and faces a minimum mandatory term of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison; and,

Katlyn Lackey, 21, of Commerce, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on May 12 and faces a minimum mandatory term of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison.

Sentencing for the defendants will occur at a date determined by the Court.

“This conviction concludes a lengthy criminal investigation into a methamphetamine drug trafficking organization operating in the Athens area with ties to a Georgia prison,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Law enforcement at every level are working to dismantle these types of criminal networks which are plaguing our communities.”

“Drug dealing breeds violence and traffickers who engage in this dangerous lifestyle often protect their drug stash with firearms,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Consequently, these defendants will spend well-deserved time in prison. DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to making communities safer by removing such criminals from the streets.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, federal agents learned in 2018 that co-defendant Dinges was conducting drug deals using contraband cell phones while in custody at Wheeler Correctional facility. During the course of the investigation, agents learned that Dinges was communicating with the co-defendants and others located in the Athens region about controlled substances; these individuals would travel to locations in Atlanta as directed by Dinges to receive methamphetamine and return to Athens to distribute the drugs. Dinges received a fee for brokering the deals. When federal agents executed a search warrant at Gates’  residence, they seized a handgun and methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by DEA, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke Police Department, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, Ga. – A defendant involved in a heroin and methamphetamine trafficking network directed by himself and another co-defendant from two Georgia prisons was sentenced to federal prison today for his crimes.

Co-defendant Eric Gilbert, 46, of Calhoun State Prison, was sentenced to 228 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner after he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. There is no parole in the federal system.

Two co-defendants previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced on Aug. 4:

Joseph Collins, 38, of Augusta State Prison, was sentenced to 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Co-defendant Christopher Ogle, 38, of Dalton, Georgia, was sentenced to 132 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Co-defendant Natalie Espinoza, 27, of Sugar Hill, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Espinoza faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Espinoza is a wanted person; those with knowledge of her whereabouts can contact the United States Marshals Service by calling 1-877-WANTED-2.

“The penalty is steep for incarcerated persons who continue to conduct their criminal activity behind prison walls,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will hold incarcerated persons accountable if they break the law from behind bars.”
 
“These sentencings remove dangerous criminals from our streets and send a clear message to others who may be contemplating or who are polluting our communities with poison from behind prison walls,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “The takeaway is that DEA and its law enforcement partners have a watchful eye on such criminals and will relentlessly pursue them.”

According to court documents, an undercover source informed law enforcement in June 2020 about drug trafficking being coordinated by Gilbert from the Calhoun State Prison, including information about his affiliation with the Ghost Face Gangster criminal street gang and a Mexican drug trafficking cartel. The source said Gilbert had customers across the Southeast. On June 16, 2020, the source ordered heroin from Collins, who was an inmate at Augusta State Prison. Collins directed the source to Gilbert; Gilbert was recorded stating that he had been distributing heroin and methamphetamine for ten years. Gilbert arranged the deal later that day with the source. Espinoza, who is a wanted person, delivered approximately 80 grams of heroin. Espinoza allegedly worked with Gilbert to coordinate illegal drug transactions for him outside of prison. A series of controlled and recorded purchases of heroin and methamphetamine occurred. On Jan. 5, 2021, officers in Whitfield County, Georgia, received information that Gilbert was supplying methamphetamine to Ogle. Under surveillance, the informant agreed to purchase one kilogram of methamphetamine from Gilbert, supplied by Ogle. Ogle agreed to meet the informant on Jan. 6, 2021; as agents closed in on Ogle, he threw a Ziploc bag and his phone into a nearby pond. Agents retrieved the phone and the plastic bag, which contained 772 grams of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by DEA. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen.

ALBANY, Ga. – A Lee County, Georgia, resident who admitted to producing child sexual assault material involving minor victims was sentenced to the statutory maximum prison term for his crimes.

James Henry Norris, 38, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced to serve a total of 720 months in prison (360 months for each count) to be followed by 25 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands today after he pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual assault material. In addition, Norris will have to register as a sex offender for life upon his release from federal prison. There is no parole.

The plea agreement in this case remains sealed for the protection of the minor victims at the request of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“Law enforcement is committed to doing everything in our power to combat the exploitation and sexual assault of children,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “To that end, our office will pursue the maximum punishment allowed under law for those caught producing child sexual assault material.”

"The families of the minor victims and the victims themselves in this case could never find justice in any sentence Norris could have received," said Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will work tirelessly with our partners to protect our children against those who seek to harm them.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was investigated by FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting this case.

COLUMBUS, Ga. – A Florida man was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday afternoon on all counts of a three-count indictment charging him with the armed distribution of methamphetamine and heroin.

Constantine Varsamas Varazo, II, 31, of Pensacola, Florida, was convicted of one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Sept. 20. The verdict was reached following a two-day trial that began on Sept. 19 before U.S. District Judge Clay Land. Varazo faces a maximum of life imprisonment and a maximum $10,000,000 fine. Co-defendants Robert Louis Perkins, 38, and Taylor F. Perkins, 33, both of Pensacola, previously pleaded guilty on Aug. 18 and Aug. 16, respectively, to possession with intent to distribute heroin. They each face a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing for the defendants is scheduled for Dec. 13.

“The defendant did everything he could to evade justice by dumping multiple bags of dangerous controlled substances and a weapon out of a car window as his co-defendant attempted to flee law enforcement at high speeds; thankfully no one was injured as a result of the defendants’ reckless decisions,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to acknowledge the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Unit, the Quitman County Sheriff’s Office and the Eufala Police Department for preventing greater harm to citizens and ultimately stopping some of the most addictive and deadly drugs from hitting the streets.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, a Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop on the night of March 15, 2020, on a car driven by defendant Robert Perkins; defendant Taylor Perkins was in the passenger seat and Varazo was seated in the back. The traffic stop started on Highway 82 at mile post 17 in Randolph County, Georgia; Perkins initially began to slow down, but increased his speed to over 140 miles per hour. As the vehicle was fleeing, the deputy radioed for assistance as objects were being thrown out of the window of Perkins’ car by Varazo. The chase continued through Quitman County, Georgia, and then into Eufaula, Alabama, where a Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputy, with assistance from Eufaula PD, conducted a PIT maneuver, blocking Perkins’ car from escape.

Law enforcement, K-9 Officer Nitro and a citizen ultimately located three bags thrown from the car which contained quantities of suspected ecstasy and marijuana. The suspected ecstasy later tested positive for 4.5 grams of methamphetamine. A fourth bag contained a handgun, 190.47 grams of methamphetamine distributed in seven bags, 27 grams of heroin, a set of scales and Varazo’s cell phone. Varazo paid the Perkins to transport him from Florida to Cordele, Georgia, to purchase drugs.

The case was investigated by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Unit with assistance from the Eufala, Alabama, Police Department, Quitman County Sheriff’s Office and DEA.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Chief Shanelle Booker is prosecuting the case.

ALBANY, Ga. – A man who has been on the run from authorities since 2013 for his role in distributing kilograms of cocaine in Southwest Georgia has pleaded guilty in federal court for his crimes.

Juan Tello, 34, of Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on Sept. 20. Tello faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Tello’s sentencing is expected to occur within 90 days.

“After nearly a decade on the run—and thanks to a U.S. Marshal’s fugitive operation that brought him into custody—Tello is being held accountable for his role in the distribution of many kilograms of controlled substances in Southwest Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “I want to commend our law enforcement partners at every level for their collaboration in this case, and helping us bring a wanted fugitive to justice.”

“This case is a shining example of how DEA and its law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to pursue the far stretching tentacles of drug traffickers who seek to run from justice,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “Now that this defendant has been apprehended, he will ultimately spend well-deserved time in prison.”

“Although this cocaine trafficker eluded authorities for years, we are reminded that there is no expiration date on justice. Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the DEA, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service for their partnership and for seeing this case through,” said GBI Director Michael Register.

According to court documents, a 2010 wiretap investigation of Tello and other named and unnamed co-conspirators into the distribution of cocaine resulted in a controlled buy in Albany on Aug. 8, 2010; agents observed individuals negotiating the price of cocaine and providing a sample eight-ball to a cooperating individual (CI). During later recorded calls between Tello and the CI, Tello stated that he had one kilogram of cocaine ready for immediate delivery and could have another three kilograms within a few days. In additional recorded meetings, Tello complained to the CI that his unnamed co-conspirators had been robbed of approximately ten kilograms of cocaine. A few months after the Aug. 2010 meeting, agents learned co-conspirators were responsible for distributing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine in Georgia and to whom. Agents also learned that a co-conspirator arranged for others to commit an armed assault on another co-conspirator transporting eight kilograms of cocaine. Tello was released on bond in Jan. 2013, and failed to appear at court proceedings. In 2022, he was arrested in Texas resulting from a fugitive investigation undertaken by the United States Marshal Service (USMS). Tello is being held accountable for distributing between five and 15 kilograms of cocaine.

The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah McEwen is prosecuting the case.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Four former supervisory and deputy correctional officers at Valdosta State Prison in Valdosta were sentenced today in federal court in the Middle District of Georgia for their roles in orchestrating, administering and then seeking to conceal the beating of a handcuffed inmate in their custody. Lieutenant Geary Staten, 31, Sergeant Patrick Sharpe, 30, and Deputy Correctional Officers Brian Ford, 25, and Jamal Scott, 35, were each sentenced to periods of incarceration for their respective roles in the incident. Sharpe was also sentenced for beating a different inmate during a separate incident. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary for the Middle District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley for the FBI Atlanta Field Division made the announcement.

“This case serves as a reminder that individuals — no matter their status — will be held accountable for their crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Leary. “When sworn officers do violence against inmates, they damage society’s trust in law enforcement and tarnish the reputation of the many worthy individuals who accept the dangerous responsibility of policing our prisons.”

“These officers’ efforts to organize, execute, and then cover up a retaliatory assault on a handcuffed, compliant inmate are an egregious abuse of power,” said Assistant Attorney General Clarke. “These sentences make clear that no one is above the law, and that when officers violate the civil rights of people under their supervision – through violence or obstruction – they will be held accountable.”

“By violating their oaths, these officers betrayed everyone in law enforcement who works the dangerous jobs behind prison walls,” said Special Agent in Charge Farley. “These sentences should serve as a warning the FBI will always pursue charges against anyone who takes an oath but then lowers themselves to the same level as the criminals they are sworn to protect.”

According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearings, on Dec. 29, 2018, Sgt. Sharpe, while on duty, instructed his subordinate officers – Ford and Scott – to assault a handcuffed inmate in retaliation for an earlier altercation between that inmate and a female officer at the prison. Specifically, Sharpe, along with Ford, Scott and several other correctional officers, escorted the handcuffed inmate to an outdoor area on the grounds of the prison for the purpose of assaulting him. Scott and Ford, carrying out a directive from Sharpe, took the inmate to the ground and struck him multiple times in the body. The inmate was handcuffed and compliant at the time of the assault. Following the assault, Lt. Staten, who was aware that officers had used unlawful force on the inmate, then took steps to conceal the offense, instead of reporting or otherwise notifying law enforcement. Specifically, Staten expressly directed the involved officers not to write any report regarding the unlawful use of force, and failed to write such a report himself, despite knowing such a report was required.

Patrick Sharpe was also sentenced in connection with a second incident, involving the beating of a different inmate that took place several months earlier. Specifically, on Sept. 24, 2018, while on duty as a correctional officer, Sharpe assaulted a handcuffed inmate in retaliation for an earlier interaction between the inmate and a different female officer. While escorting the inmate across the prison grounds, Sharpe wrapped a pair of handcuffs around his fist and punched the inmate three times – twice to the inmate’s face and once to the back of his head. As a result of the assault, the inmate briefly lost consciousness and suffered lacerations to his face and head. The inmate was restrained and compliant at the time of the assault.

At the sentencing hearing, the government noted the substantial assistance provided by Ford and Scott during the investigation, and requested that they receive a lesser sentence as a result of their notable willingness to take responsibility for their conduct and provide honest and helpful information concerning the incident. Federal District Court Judge Hugh Lawson sentenced Patrick Sharpe to 48 months in prison; Geary Staten to 14 months in prison; Jamal Scott to 12 months and a day in prison; and Brian Ford to 12 months and a day in prison for their respective roles in the offense(s).

The FBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Katherine G. DeVar and Nicole Raspa of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

MACON, Ga. – A Macon resident with a criminal history to include an armed robbery conviction admitted in court that he possessed with the intent to distribute heroin as a result of a federal investigation into drug trafficking in Middle Georgia.

Adrian Howard, 46, of Macon, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin before U.S. District Judge Marc T. Treadwell on Sept. 19. Howard faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison to be followed by at least three years of supervised release and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing will occur within 90 days.

“Individuals with lengthy criminal pasts who choose to continue engaging in illegal activities which harm our communities will find their cases elevated to the federal level,” said U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary. “Holding repeat violent offenders accountable for their crimes is one part of a larger strategic effort by local, state and federal law enforcement to reduce crime in every city across the Middle District of Georgia.”

“The distribution of heroin and methamphetamine continue to plague many communities, but DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting our communities,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “This guilty plea is a direct result of what can be achieved when DEA works tirelessly to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug distribution networks. This guilty plea is a ‘win’ for the Macon, Georgia, community because this criminal has been removed from the streets.”

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) became aware through a confidential source (CS) in Feb. 2021 that Howard was dealing methamphetamine in Middle Georgia. Two controlled buys of methamphetamine from Howard occurred at a rental home he occupied on Eveline Avenue in Macon in Feb. and March 2021. After the two controlled buys, DEA obtained and executed a search warrant at 1728 Eveline Ave. on March 18, 2021. At the time the search warrant was executed, ten individuals were present at the address, located both inside and outside the residence, including Howard. Agents found two black safes in Howard’s bedroom that were observed in the same location during a previous controlled buy from Howard. The safes contained  quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, empty plastic bags, drug related paraphernalia and $2,179 in cash. Underneath a black pillow on Howard’s bed, agents found a stolen handgun. Additional bags containing controlled substances were located throughout the bedroom. Howard admitted in federal court to knowingly possessing with intent to distribute heroin on March 18, 2021.

Howard has a lengthy criminal record that includes a prior felony conviction of armed robbery in Crawford County, Georgia, Superior Court.

The case was investigated by DEA.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joy Odom is prosecuting the case.