Southern District of Georgia

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Florida man who operated a durable medical equipment company has been sentenced to federal prison for participating in a commercial bribery conspiracy that involved a health care program.

Patrick Wolfe, 48, of Belleair Beach, Fla., the operator of Wilmington Island Medical Inc., which does business as WI Medical Inc., was sentenced to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Wolfe also is ordered to pay $549,476.17 in restitution, and after completion of his prison term must serve three years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“After ripping off taxpayer-provided health care benefits to fuel his own greed, Patrick Wolfe had the audacity to flaunt his ill-gotten gains by fueling up and driving around in a Maserati,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “A stint behind bars will put the brakes on this conspiracy.”

In pleading guilty to Conspiracy, Wolfe admitted paying kickbacks in return for “leads,” which were in actuality signed orders from physicians and nurse practitioners, and then billing those orders to a Medicare Advantage plan using WI Medical.

The financial total for orders facilitated through this scheme is alleged to be in the millions of dollars. Medicare beneficiaries were located in the Southern District of Georgia and elsewhere.

“This sentence will hold Wolfe accountable for the damage he caused to Medicare and every taxpayer in this country,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Government-subsidized programs like Medicare help protect the healthcare needs of deserving Americans, and the FBI is determined to stop people like Wolfe from illegally profiting off of them.”

“This sentence is a warning to those who enrich themselves through fraud scams at the expense of taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to crack down on such schemes, which waste taxpayer funds designed to care for vulnerable patients.”

“Our nation’s healthcare system cannot tolerate kickbacks to physicians and pharmacies while criminals line their pockets with taxpayer-funded healthcare dollars, particularly in light of our nation’s current struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Savannah Resident Agent in Charge Glen M. Kessler, U.S. Secret Service. “Cases of this magnitude can only be tackled using a strategy that recognizes that the most effective way to fight these large criminal networks is by combining the strengths, resources, and expertise of our federal agencies.”

The Southern District of Georgia has now charged 31 individuals and companies as part of the nationwide crackdown on fraudulent genetic testing, and prescribing of orthotic braces and pain creams, identifying more than $1.5 billion in losses to Medicare and Medicaid for defendants charged int the Southern District alone.

This investigation is ongoing. As telemedicine becomes an increasing part of our healthcare system, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, vigilance in ensuring that fraud and kickbacks do not usurp the legitimate practice of medicine by electronic means is more important than ever. If you are aware of any fraud or kickbacks relating to telemedicine, including COVID-19 fraud, please call the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

This particular prosecution resulted from a joint investigation of multiple agencies and offices. Acting U.S. Attorney Estes acclaimed the hard work of the investigatory team, led by FBI - Savannah, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the United States Secret Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Porter prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

WAYCROSS, GA:  An indictment recently unsealed in U.S. District Court alleges a drug trafficking conspiracy was responsible for distributing deadly addictive drugs that led to overdoses.

As alleged in USA vs. Hayes, et. al, the indictment charges six people with participating in the conspiracy to distribute a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin, said Acting U.S. Attorney David H. Estes. The indictment includes sentencing enhancements for two of the defendants that could mean up to life in prison upon conviction, and there is no parole in the federal system.

“As the number of victims of opioid addiction continues to rise, our office will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to identify and disrupt the illegal networks that distribute these drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “We are committed to ending this deadly crisis.”

As described in the indictment, the indictment alleges the drug trafficking conspiracy started as early as March 2020 in Pierce and Ware counties, and that “serious bodily injury resulted from the distribution of the controlled substance.” Those charged in the indictment include:

• Eric LeShawn Hayes, a/k/a “Pee Wee,” 27, of Blackshear, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute a Controlled Substance (40 grams or more of a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin);  Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; three counts of Distribution of Fentanyl; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl;
• Davey Green, a/k/a “Little Dave,” 35, of Waycross, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute a Controlled Substance (40 grams or more of a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin); two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl;
• Cyrlus LaShawn Hayes, a/k/a “Dubo,” 44, of Waycross, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute a Controlled Substance (40 grams or more of a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin); 
• Renalba Jamar Green, a/k/a “Reno,” 34, of Waycross, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute a Controlled Substance (40 grams or more of a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin); 
• Crystal Champagne, 33, of Waycross, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute a Controlled Substance (40 grams or more of a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin); and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl; and,
• Preston Connor Luke, 26, of Blackshear, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute a Controlled Substance (40 grams or more of a mixture of Fentanyl and heroin).

Because of specific prior felony convictions, Eric LaShawn Hayes, Cyrlus LaShawn Hayes, and Renalba Jamar Green each face enhanced punishment if convicted on any one of the drug charges alleged in the indictment which could result in additional prison time for these defendants, including sentences of up to life imprisonment if they are convicted on the Conspiracy charge.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

“DEA and its law enforcement partners will continue to expend its time, energy and resources in an effort to stem the tide against the growing opioid epidemic,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division, Robert J. Murphy. “These defendants are alleged to have delivered countless doses of poison to the Waycross community. DEA and its law enforcement partners stand united to protect our communities from the scourge of drug abuse.”

The cases are being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Blackshear Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank M. Pennington II and Noah J. Abrams.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Savannah man who admitted killing the wife of a deployed U.S. Army soldier on post at Fort Stewart has been sentenced to nearly 60 years in federal prison.

Stafon Jamar Davis, 28, was sentenced to 700 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Premeditated Murder and Possession of a Firearm, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison term, Davis will be required to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Stafon Davis is a cold-blooded murderer who shot and killed the wife of a deployed soldier in her sleep and burned her car to cover his tracks,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “Army CID, the FBI and the Savannah Police did an exemplary job of bringing this cowardly killer to justice.”

Abree Boykin, 24, was a resident of post housing at Fort Stewart Army Reservation, married to SGT Shawn Boykin, a member of the U.S. Army who was assigned to Fort Stewart’s 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. At the time of the murder, SGT Boykin was deployed in South Korea. Davis, who had known Abree Boykin since childhood, was a fugitive from federal supervised release after having served a nearly eight-year federal prison sentence for armed robbery.

In pleading guilty to the murder, Davis admitted to shooting and killing Abree Boykin as she slept in her post residence in the early morning hours of July 9, 2018. Davis then fled Fort Stewart in her vehicle. He gave the murder weapon to an acquaintance who later sold it, and engaged the assistance of an accomplice to burn the vehicle in a remote area outside Hardeeville, S.C.

“Although glad to see today’s sentencing, it will never bring back Abree Boykin, the wife of a deployed soldier when she was killed.  She was needlessly gunned down in her sleep by this career criminal,” said Army CID Special Agent Joseph Thompson, who was the CID agent in charge at the time of the murder. “We sincerely appreciate all the hard work and cooperation from our fellow law enforcement agencies on this lengthy investigation.”

“The tireless work of the FBI Savannah Resident Agency, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and other law enforcement partners has brought this tragic and senseless case to a conclusion that will hopefully provide some solace to Abree Boykin’s family,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Justice has been served.”

Two other defendants also are implicated in the case:

• Jenard Patilla, 36, of Savannah, was found in possession of the murder weapon, a 9mm Taurus PT111 semi-automatic handgun, and was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He pled guilty and was sentenced May 28, 2020, to 45 months in federal prison and ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
• Devin Ryan, 30, of Hardeeville, S.C. awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Use of Fire in Commission of a Federal Felony. Ryan, who met Davis while the two were in a halfway house serving federal supervised release, admitted helping Davis destroy Abree Boykin’s 2018 Honda Accord by dousing the interior with gasoline and setting it on fire. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and Army CID, and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer G. Solari and Katelyn Semales with assistance from Trial Attorney Jared Hosid of the U.S. Department of Justice Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section, and Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Investigative Analyst Karen Hartley.

By virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act, David H. Estes is officially Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. He formally served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney prior to the departure Feb. 9 of then-U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine.

SAVANNAH, GA:  Ten people have been charged in a federal indictment alleging a conspiracy to obtain and sell large amounts of opioids through fraudulent prescriptions.

The indictment charges eight men and two women with taking part in a scheme to use forged and fraudulent prescriptions to obtain large amounts of the highly addictive opioid Oxycodone, said David H. Estes, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. All 10 defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone, which carries a possible prison term of up to 20 years upon conviction.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“As the opioid addiction crisis continues to rage across our nation, law enforcement agencies welcome the assistance of vigilant prescribers and pharmacists in detecting potentially illegal activity,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Estes. “This cooperation is vital in battling the damage from illegally obtained opioids.”

A pharmacist in Savannah first raised an alarm in April 2020 when she questioned the authenticity of a prescription for Oxycodone-Acetaminophen and contacted the Savannah Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Savannah Tactical Diversion Squad.  As alleged in the indictment, the conspiracy involves the defendants forging the signatures of at least seven doctors on prescriptions and then filling these fraudulent prescriptions in at least three counties across Georgia – Chatham, Richmond and Columbia.  The indictment alleges that defendants filled more than 25 fraudulent prescriptions to procure in excess of 2,000 pills.

The defendants named in the indictment, and their charges, are:

• Raheem Hardy, 28, of Lithonia, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone);
• Ke’Vontae Jenkins, 23, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone);17 counts of Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge; two counts of Attempt to Acquire Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge; Possession of a Stolen Firearm; and Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon;
• Denzil Shaw, 24, of Beech Island, S.C., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone); seven counts of Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge; two counts of Attempt to Acquire Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Antonio Wideman, 27, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone);
• Ronald Clements, 29, of Lithonia, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone);
• Darien Grant, 27, of North Augusta, S.C., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone);
• Kentrell Thomas, 20, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone); and two counts of Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge;
• Marquaill Leverett, 22, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone); and Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge;
• Destiny Thompson, 20, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone); two counts of Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge; and one count of Attempt to Acquire Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge; and,
• Kitana Long, 22, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substance (Oxycodone); and three counts of Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Atlanta Division said, “Addressing the country’s opioid addiction continues to be a top priority for DEA. In this case, the pharmacist’s vigilance was an integral part of this investigation. DEA, its law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will not stand idly by and allow criminals to profit off of the addictions of others.”

“The opioid crisis in this country is real and we are experiencing the harmful effects in this area firsthand.  The alleged actions of these 10 individuals to use forgery and fraud to illegally obtain prescription medication and then funnel those toxins into our community is despicable,” said Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team Director Michael G. Sarhatt. “CNT remains dedicated to identifying and investigating the individuals who are illegally supplying these highly addictive substances to our community. We are working closely with our partner law enforcement agencies to use our collective resources to stem the tide of the addiction crisis impacting this area.”

The case is being investigated by the DEA, the Chatham Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, the Pooler Police Department, and the Savannah Police Department, with assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew A. Josephson and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.

SAVANNAH, GA:  Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announces his resignation from the presidentially appointed position where he has served since Nov. 22, 2017. Christine will return to the private practice of law in the Augusta, Ga., area.

The resignation, previously announced internally, is effective Tuesday, Feb. 9.

“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the people of the 43 counties of the Southern District as their chief federal prosecutor and law enforcement officer,” said Christine. “I am proud to have worked alongside an unparalleled team of lawyers and staff in assisting our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.” 

Leaders in the law enforcement community offered accolades regarding Christine’s service.

“I want to thank U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine on behalf of FBI Atlanta and our resident agencies in the Southern District of Georgia for his dedication and partnership in our efforts to protect and serve the citizens of his district,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “His commitment and accomplishments are something Georgians and all Americans can be proud of. It has been an honor and privilege to work with him and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

“The citizens of the Southern District of Georgia were well-served by U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine,” said Robert Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Bobby epitomizes public service. He is guided by the principles of doing what is right and making the community a safer place. Bobby worked hand in hand with law enforcement on a daily basis to make sure we were bringing to justice those who preyed on our community. I am honored to have had a chance to work alongside Bobby, but more importantly I am proud to call him a friend. I wish Bobby well in all of his future endeavors. I look forward to working with him in the future in service of this great nation.”

“U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine has done much to reduce violent crime in our Southern Georgia communities. He has served with honor and distinction because at his core, he values faith, honor, family and commitment above all else,” said Arthur D. Peralta, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “As the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia, U.S. Attorney Christine has inspired all of us to go further and do more with the resources we have. Our mission to reduce violent crime will continue unabated, due in large part to the path that U.S. Attorney Christine has put us on. I join all members of the ATF Atlanta Field Division in wishing U.S. Attorney Christine all the best.”  

“I have known Bobby Christine for more than 20 years in his capacity as prosecutor/judge and consider him a great friend,” said Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree. “U.S. Attorney Christine has been a consummate professional in every position that he has ever held, and I look forward to what the future has in store for him. We all know that he will continue to be a great advocate for law enforcement and the justice system. Again, I want to thank U.S. Attorney Christine for his many contributions.”  

“Shortly after being appointed U.S. Attorney three years ago, Bobby Christine visited our office in Thomson to let us know that he was ready to use the resources of the federal government to help make our communities a safer place to live, work and raise a family,” said William Doupe, District Attorney for the Toombs Judicial Circuit. “Through Bobby’s cooperative venture program of Prosecutor to Prosecutor, we were able to send some of the most violent convicted felons who still chose to illegally possess firearms in our circuit to federal court where they received lengthy sentences without parole. Without a doubt, this program saved lives. These prosecutions also allowed our office to try the cases with victims who were anxiously awaiting resolution. Thank you, Bobby, for all you have done for the citizens of the Toombs Circuit.” 

As U.S. Attorney, Christine implemented the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program, or P3, a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, state and local law enforcement, and the 11 state District Attorneys’ offices that intersect the Southern District. The U.S. Attorney’s Office under Christine generated a dramatic increase in prosecutions – including the pursuit of felony illegal firearms charges against an additional 650 defendants in three years. Coupled with invigorated efforts to combat violent crime, the last three years has witnessed the office consistently being among the most productive in the nation per lawyer in prosecution of violent crime.

Christine lauds the success of the office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Division in pursuing civil proceedings against criminal defendants in recovering nearly $160 million in taxpayers’ money lost to fraud or other misconduct.  The office’s Criminal Health Care Fraud Unit rose to third-ranking status among the nation’s 94 U.S. Attorney’s Offices as it prosecuted a ring of more than 30 defendants responsible for more than $1.5 billion in fraudulent health care claims. By cutting staff sections and unifying leadership, Christine created the Asset Recovery Unit, resulting in the recovery of additional tens of millions of dollars for victims and the United States.

With the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and an NSA facility located on Fort Gordon in the Southern District, Christine was honored in 2017 to be amongst the first of a small group of U.S. Attorneys to be named to help lead the U.S. Attorney General’s Advisory Committee on Cyber and Intellectual Property. Christine has participated in providing essential guidance and counsel to the U.S. Department of Justice relative to cyber initiatives during his entire tenure.

A graduate of Georgia Military College (Milledgeville), the University of Georgia, Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, and the U.S. Army War College, Christine worked for a decade in the District Attorney’s Office in Augusta, where he became the first Chief of the Columbia County Division. He is one of only a few prosecutors in modern Georgia to win a conviction for murder in a case where the body of the victim has never been located.

Appointed Judge of Columbia County Magistrate Court in 2005, he held that post continuously until his appointment as U.S. Attorney, serving as Chief Magistrate from 2009-2012. From 2005 to 2017, Bobby also maintained a private practice concentrating in domestic, probate, personal injury, and criminal litigation.

Bobby has been an Army reservist since the age of 17, both as a Combat Engineer and a Judge Advocate. It is in uniformed military service where Christine first received education in cyber legal issues. A Brigadier General in the Army National Guard with duty at the Pentagon, he currently serves as the National Guard Advisor to the Judge Advocate General and Assistant to the General Counsel of the National Guard Bureau. He is a veteran of the war in Iraq.

He and his wife Sheri, an elementary school teacher for Columbia County where they make their home, have two daughters and one son.

AUGUSTA, GA:  A U.S. Army major assigned to the U.S. Army Cyber Command at Fort Gordon, Ga., has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

Jason Michael Musgrove, 41, of Grovetown, was sentenced to 360 months in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Musgrove also was ordered to pay restitution of $9,000 to the victims and to register as a sex offender.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“While the timing is entirely coincidental, it nonetheless bears noting that Musgrove’s sentence comes just days after two FBI agents in Florida were killed while attempting to search the home of a child pornographer,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “The disturbing and despicable nature of such predators only increases their danger to the community, and Musgrove’s long sentence immediately makes the community safer.”

At the time of his December 2019 arrest, Musgrove was an Integrated Threat Operations Officer with Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information clearance, assigned to the Army Cyber Joint Headquarters at Fort Gordon. Musgrove currently is facing administrative separation from the U.S. Army.

According to court testimony and documents, Musgrove admitted that he produced and attempted to share child pornography on the internet. His crimes were uncovered by the FBI. 

“It is beyond comprehension that someone in a position sworn to protect American citizens would take advantage and traumatize vulnerable children,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is committed to protecting our children by identifying and apprehending predators who commit such abhorrent crimes.”

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons.

SAVANNAH, GA:  Seven defendants face federal felony firearms charges after indictment by a U.S. District Court grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia. 

All of those charged are prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions or illegal drug use. The cases are being investigated under the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement agencies.

“Getting illegally possessed firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is a high priority of our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “This collaborative effort to enforce existing law makes our streets safer.”

In the past three years, more than 650 defendants were federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for carrying a firearm after having been convicted of a previous felony. The charge carries a penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system. Nationwide, more than 14,200 defendants were charged with federal firearms violations in the past year – 180 of them in the Southern District.

Those named in federal indictments from the February 2021 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:

• William Thomas Nealous III, 30, of Martinez, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Methamphetamine.
• Julian Theophilus Moffett, 39, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Robert Kenneth Williams, 32, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  
• Timothy Mario Mitchell, 23, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  
• Deonte Brown, 26, of Port Wentworth, Ga., charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Burney Cobb, 40, of Port Wentworth, Ga, charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm; and two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Clifford Pevey, 39, of Gainesville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon carries a possible penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

In addition to these cases, at least three defendants recently have appeared in court on firearms charges, including:

• Dominque Johnson, 32, of Augusta, sentenced to 60 months in prison, fined $1,500 and ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Ivan Hughes, 35, of Augusta, sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Patrick Allen Scott, 28, of Hephzibah, Ga., who pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and awaits sentencing; and,
• Matthew Kyle Brazell, 34, of Grovetown, Ga., who pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, related to a prior conviction for domestic violence. Brazell awaits sentencing.

These cases also are investigated under the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program (P3), in which federal and state prosecutors collaborate to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecuting crimes.

In addition to the ATF, agencies investigating the cases include the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; the Rincon Police Department; and the Port Wentworth Police Department.

The cases are being investigated for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Project Guardian Coordinator Henry W. Syms; Jennifer Stanley; Alejandro V. Pascual IV; John Harper; and Noah Abrams.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. 

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Garden City, Ga., clinic owner and CEO has been indicted for operating a clinic that provided a base from which a notorious “pill mill” doctor dispensed massive amounts of controlled substances.

In a five-count indictment returned by a U.S. District Court grand jury, Jamesetta Whipple-Duncan, 58, of Savannah, is charged with Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Solicitation and Receipt of Kickbacks; False Statements in a Loan and Credit Application; Falsification of Records; and False Statements, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible sentence upon conviction of up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to four years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system. 

“The fight against the opioid addiction crisis must attack the full illegal supply pipeline, from street-corner dealers, to white-coated prescribers, to enabling businesses providing storefront space,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “With our law enforcement partners, we will bring unrelenting pressure to every avenue that fuels the illegal drug trade.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Whipple-Duncan, as owner of the now-closed Georgia Laboratory Diagnostics LLC, in Garden City, Ga., was an employer of Dr. Frank Bynes Jr., 69, of Savannah, who was sentenced in February 2020 to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay $615,145 in restitution to Medicare, Medicaid and Tricare after being found guilty by a federal jury on 13 counts of Unlawful Dispensation of Controlled Substances and three counts of Health Care Fraud.

As noted in the indictment, from approximately January 2017 to September 2017, Whipple-Duncan “profited significantly from this clinic, both in the form of cash from many addicted patients and kickbacks paid to Whipple-Duncan from a laboratory that processed the clinic’s urine tests. Whipple-Duncan used the proceeds of the pill mill for her own use and enjoyment; yet, when Whipple-Duncan filed for bankruptcy protections shortly after the pill mill was shut down, Whipple-Duncan concealed the fact (that) she received the pill mill income and kickbacks she received, while making a series of false statements to the United States and others.”

With Bynes prescribing thousands of controlled substances, including the “Holy Trinity” drug cocktail favored by opioid addicts, Whipple-Duncan and Georgia Diagnostics Laboratory accepted only cash for office visits and refused to accept insurance, requiring Bynes’ patients to pay hundreds of dollars per visit – yet facilitated payments from the patients’ health care benefit programs for prescriptions and lab tests. Whipple-Duncan “obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars” as part of the clinic’s proceeds, according to the indictment.

The indictment also alleges that Whipple-Duncan solicited and received kickbacks by falsely claiming to be an employee of an Oklahoma laboratory that paid Whipple-Duncan to submit referrals for urine tests that the laboratory then billed to Medicare and Georgia Medicaid for nearly $500,000.

Regarding the financial crimes counts, the indictment alleges that on Sept. 27, 2017, Whipple-Duncan applied for and later received a $75,000 loan from a Savannah-based credit union, claiming income of “$10,000 monthly” from Georgia Diagnostic Laboratory despite knowing that the clinic already had been shut down following the execution of a federal search warrant. Whipple-Duncan later filed for federal bankruptcy protection, claiming that during that same period her income was $13,262 – despite her prior claims of making “$10,000 monthly” from Georgia Diagnostic Laboratory.

“In this case, the dispensing of addictive prescription pain medication (often-times opiate-based) under the guise of a doctor’s care, was not about the good of the community or an individual’s specific health needs; it was about the alleged greed of a clinic owner and CEO,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Atlanta Field Division. “This clinic owner was indicted for soliciting kickbacks and related financial crimes. DEA and its law enforcement partners will continue to investigate allegations of misconduct by clinic owners.  If the allegations are found to be true, these unlawful acts fuel our country’s raging opioid epidemic.”

“The OIG will continue to pursue cases against those who fraudulently profit from the nation’s opioid epidemic,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG). “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that society’s most vulnerable are protected from such nefarious schemes.”  

“After allegedly profiting from the illegal dispensation of large amounts of controlled substances, Whipple-Duncan is accused of obtaining loans based on lies,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to bring the full extent of the law to bear on such alleged illegal actions.”

“Jamesetta Whipple-Duncan is essentially charged with hiding behind what appeared to be a legitimate medical business in order to profit off of the illegal distribution of poisonous drugs by Dr. Bynes.  The indictment also alleges Whipple-Duncan participated in various forms of fraudulent activity involving the clinic she owned,” said Michael G. Sarhatt, Director of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team.  “The type of behavior Whipple-Duncan has been accused of violates the trust of our citizens and CNT is committed to investigating those who take advantage of our community in this fashion.  I am thankful for the cooperation of our law enforcement partners in investigating all aspects of this case, as well as the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting the case.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the DEA, HHS-OIG, the FBI, the Georgia Medicaid Control Fraud Unit, and CNT, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Porter.

AUGUSTA, GA:  A Graniteville, S.C. man has been charged in a federal complaint alleging he transported a minor across state lines for sex.

Jonathan Eugene Grantham, 45, of Graniteville, S.C., appeared today in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Brian K. Epps after his arrest on a federal complaint charging him with Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Grantham is employed as a teacher at Ridge Spring-Monetta High School in Ridge Spring, S.C.

As described in court testimony, Grantham is accused of knowingly picking up a minor in Columbia County on or about July 20, 2019, and taking the minor across state lines to engage in prostitution.

Grantham remains in custody pending a detention hearing before Judge Epps.

A criminal complaint is only a charge; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator Tara M. Lyons

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Georgia man has been sentenced after admitting he attempted to sell 50 million non-existent facemasks to a foreign government.

Paul Penn, 64, of Johns Creek, Ga., was sentenced to five months and 29 days of home confinement by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Judge Baker also fined Penn $1,500 and ordered him to serve three years of probation. 

“If not for the vigilance of the U.S. Secret Service, Paul Penn and his co-conspirators likely would have lit the fuse on an international scandal by ripping off a friendly foreign government for more than $300 million,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Instead, they halted the scheme before the criminals got a dime, and prevented these crooks from profiting from pandemic fear.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Penn, through his company, Spectrum Global Holdings, LLC, agreed with unnamed co-conspirators to act as a middleman in the attempted sale of 50 million 3M Model 1860 Respirator Masks that he and his co-conspirators did not actually possess. Under the deal, Penn was to broker the sale in exchange for a cut of the $317 million sales price, which was more than 500 percent higher than the previous normal market value for N-95 masks.

Based on representations from Penn and others, the buyer, a foreign government, wired the funds to complete the purchase, which was disrupted by the U.S. Secret Service just before the transaction could be completed. All of the funds were returned to the foreign government.

“This case should serve as a strong deterrent to those considering exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich themselves through fraud. The nation’s citizens, businesses and our international partners are counting on the U.S. Secret Service and its federal law enforcement and private sector partners to safeguard it and maintain the public trust,” said Glen M. Kessler, Resident Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Savannah Office. “Tackling the threat of cyber-enabled COVID-19 scams requires an immediate response to safeguard our nation during these unprecedented times.”

Please report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline at (866) 720-5721, or go to justice.gov/disastercomplaintform.

U.S. Attorney Christine acclaimed the hard work of the investigatory team, led by the U.S. Secret Service, for disrupting the scheme.

The case was prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

BRUNSWICK, GA:  Seven people have been charged in a drug trafficking conspiracy in an indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court.

Operation Jump's Start, an investigation under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, took aim at distribution of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs in south Georgia, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Each defendant in the 12-count indictment is charged with conspiracy, which carries upon conviction a penalty of up to 20 years in prison – and there is no parole in the federal system.

“Opioids – particularly synthetic analogues like fentanyl – are highly addictive and frequently deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We are proud to collaborate with our network of law enforcement partners to target those who would distribute this poison in our communities.”

The investigation began in early 2019 when a source for the Glynn County Sheriff's Office identified distributors of heroin, cocaine and prescription pills in the Glynn and McIntosh County area.

With assistance from other law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), investigators conducted controlled purchases of drugs, searched homes and vehicles, and charged seven defendants in the now-unsealed indictment. Each of the seven defendants in U.S.A. vs. Joseph, et. al, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine. The defendants, and any additional charges, include:

• Nickson Joseph, a/k/a “Cujo,” 55, of Brunswick, also charged with three counts of Distribution of Heroin; Distribution of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam (Xanax); Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
• Edwuardo Moran, 56, of Townsend, Ga., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Danielle Moran, 43, of Brunswick, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam;
• Yasmine Joseph, a/k/a “Midget,” 30, of Miami, Fla., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Alprazolam;
• Kirk Westberry, 28, of Brunswick, Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl;
• Kelsey Little, 26, of Evans, Ga., Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Fentanyl; and,
• Tina Kalter, 42, of St. Simons Island, Ga.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Each of the defendants has had an initial appearance hearing in U.S. District Court and awaits further legal proceedings.

“It was through hard work and dedicated law enforcement. I am proud of the operation Jump's Start between the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office and DEA to bring these individuals to justice,” said Glynn County Sheriff E. Neal Jump. “We cannot allow individuals to sell drugs in our community. The joint operation was a success and I promise the citizens of Glynn County that we will continue to be proactive in our duties to protect and serve.  As your Sheriff, I am very proud of my deputy assigned to DEA, our relationship with DEA, and the citizens who call and give us information to combat drugs in our county.”

“The dangerous substance Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin. The combination of these deadly substances has claimed many lives,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the true spirit of law enforcement cooperation, we will halt the distribution of these dangerous and potentially deadly substances.”

“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”  

Operation Jump's Start 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. The case is being investigated by the DEA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the GBI, the Georgia State Patrol, the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, and the Darien Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Noah J. Abrams and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.

STATESBORO, GA:  A tax preparer has been sentenced to probation after she admitted preparing fraudulent federal income tax returns that resulted in illegally excessive refunds for multiple clients.

Shawree A. Hagins, 59, of Millen, Ga., was sentenced to three years’ probation by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Fraud and False Statements Related to Tax Filings, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Hagins also was ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution.

“Tax preparers have a responsibility to legally and accurately prepare tax returns on behalf of their clients,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Shawree Hagins instead scammed all American taxpayers to enrich herself by illegally inflating the amount of tax refunds due to her clients, and will pay the price for that fraud.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Hagins prepared at least 36 tax returns on behalf of 12 clients, fraudulently claiming deductions in excess of the amount to which the taxpayers were entitled. The fraudulent claims resulted in a loss of $75,000 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“Unscrupulous return preparers truly undermine the American tax system and the trust of taxpayers relying on their expertise” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “Don’t just look at the refund or the amount you owe, always ask questions and review your entire tax return with your return preparer.  As we approach tax filing season, those who might consider preparing false tax returns should be aware there will be consequences as evidenced today.”

“Hagins showed a complete disrespect for the law with her flagrant actions and abused her position of trust for her own personal greed,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this sentencing be a warning with tax season approaching, that claiming money that doesn't belong to you at the expense of every American taxpayer will not be allowed.” 

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations and the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons.

SAVANNAH, GA:  Seven defendants face federal felony firearms after their indictments by a grand jury in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.  

All of those charged are previously convicted felons, which prohibits them from possessing firearms. The cases are being investigated under the umbrella of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with local law enforcement agencies and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).

“It couldn’t be more clear: Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing firearms - period,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to enforce existing law.”

In the past three years, more than 650 defendants were federally charged in the Southern District of Georgia for illegal firearms offenses – most often for carrying a firearm after having been convicted of a previous felony. The charge carries a penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system. Nationwide, more than 14,200 defendants were charged with federal firearms violations in the past year – 168 of them in the Southern District.

Those named in federal indictments from the first 2021 term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:

• April Nina Hawthorne, 32, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Jamerson Brandon Turner, 27, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Blake McDuffie, 26, of Winder, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.   
• James Stallings III, 28, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Kenneth Wayne Jones III, 26, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Joseph Edward Palmer, 28, of Thomson, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Marquise Grant, 31, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

The charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon carries a possible penalty upon conviction of up to 10 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

These Project Guardian cases also are investigated under the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program (P3), in which federal and state prosecutors collaborate to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecuting crimes.

In addition to the ATF, agencies investigating the cases include the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pooler Police Department.

The cases are being investigated for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Project Guardian Coordinator Henry W. Syms; Patricia G. Rhodes; Frank Pennington III; Edwin Caban; and Steven Lee.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. 

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.    

WAYCROSS, GA:  Nearly 50 people have been indicted in a drug trafficking investigation that targeted violent gang members distributing methamphetamine and other drugs in the Coffee County area.

Dubbed Operation Sandy Bottom, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation centered in the Sand Ridge neighborhood on the east side of Douglas, Ga., in an area known as “the bottoms,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The 57-count indictment alleges that the conspiracy, controlled by a subset of the violent Gangster Disciples street gang, used guns, violence and fear to control methamphetamine trafficking operations throughout the community and to enable contraband distribution inside Georgia prisons.

“This operation once again demonstrates the success of our relentless pursuit of criminal street gangs and their violent, illegal activities,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, drug traffickers are getting the message that they have no place to operate in the Southern District of Georgia.” 

“Operation Sandy Bottom is another example of the FBI’s willingness to respond when our partners in law enforcement and their communities ask for help,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “When we team our resources with the resources of our local, state and federal partners, gang members better beware. The removal of drugs, weapons and gang members from the streets of Douglas and surrounding communities immediately makes those communities safer.”

“ATF will continue to dedicate federal resources in pursuit of eradicating firearms related violent criminal activity in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“The Georgia Department of Corrections maintains a zero-tolerance policy for individuals who perpetrate criminal activity from behind the walls of our facilities and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety,” said Corrections Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “We appreciate the support of our state and federal partners in ensuring that justice is served on these individuals.”

The investigation began in 2018 when the Coffee County Drug Unit, responding to complaints about the increasing level of violence and drug activity in the Sand Ridge neighborhood, enlisted the assistance of the FBI and the Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy controlled multiple “trap houses” to store and distribute illegal drugs, primarily methamphetamine, coordinated by leaders of a violent street gang who distributed drugs throughout Coffee, Bacon, Emanuel, Jeff Davis, Pierce and Wheeler counties, along with other parts of Georgia.

Investigators infiltrated the operation, intercepting multiple kilograms of drugs and nearly two dozen illegally possessed firearms, along with seven vehicles and more than $12,000 in cash identified as drug-trafficking proceeds.  

The operation also identified and charged at least three Georgia state correctional officers alleged to have worked with gang members to smuggle contraband cell phones and illegal drugs to inmates affiliated with the conspiracy. In some cases, contraband phones were used from inside prisons to facilitate drug trafficking operations.

Multiple law enforcement agencies on Tuesday, Jan. 12, conducted raids to arrest defendants who were not already in custody. Initial appearance hearings for the defendants are scheduled today and Thursday, Jan. 13 and 14, in U.S. District Court in Waycross.

Each of the defendants in Operation Sandy Bottom is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Marijuana, Eutylone (Bath Salts), and Alprazolam (Xanax). The charge carries a possible penalty upon conviction of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.

The defendants, and any additional charges, include:

• Jackie Kavaskia McMillan, a/k/a “Bijay,” 40, an inmate at Dooly State Prison;
• Christina Veronda Alexander, 40, of Atlanta, also charged with Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Marijuana and Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Micah Jason Ivey, a/k/a “Scorpio,” 44, an inmate in the Coffee County Correctional Facility, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Brad Nikita Vickers, 33, of Douglas, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; Distribution of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Crack Cocaine, Eutylone, Marijuana, and Alprazolam; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; two counts of distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Eutylone; and 19 counts of Unlawful Use of Communication Facility, a charge that refers to the use of a telephone for illegal drug distribution;
• Shanazia Shazane Brock, a/k/a “Nan,” 25, of Douglas, also charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Cocaine; Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Marijuana and Eutylone; and Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Joshua Demond McGinty, a/k/a “Oou,” 33, of Douglas, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
• James Lamar McGinty, a/k/a “Gang Gang,” 36, of Douglas,  also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
• Anthony Qashawn Killiebrew, a/k/a “Luk,” 25, of Douglas, also charged with Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Antion DeWayne Byrd, a/k/a “Rabbit,” 42, of Nichols, Ga., also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Phillip Lloyd Morgan, a/k/a “Tree Top,” 37, of Douglas, also charged with Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Tabitha Nicole Wheldon, a/k/a “Pink,” 27, of Douglas, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
• Leo Vonza Pender, a/k/a “Metro,” 38, of Alma, Ga., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Coty Keatron Bailey, a/k/a “Codeen,” 39, of Willacoochee, Ga., also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms; and Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Ellis Lowe Jr., a/k/a “Bukk,” 38, of Douglas;
• Robert Lee Peak IV, a/k/a “Peako,” 35, of Valdosta, Ga., also charged with Distribution of Cocaine;
• Daniel Laronn Lowe, a/k/a “Boochie,” 33, of Douglas, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry or Possess Firearms;
• Javarra Deshon Vickers, a/k/a “Shon,” 36, of Pembroke, Ga.;
• Alfonzo Jerrod Brewton, 32, of Douglas, also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Montel Jermaine Jackson, a/k/a “Teezy,” 25, of Pearson, Ga., also charged with two counts of Unlawful use of Communication Facility;
• Ana Lisa Maria Garcia, 29, of Douglas, also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• George William Reliford, 55, of Douglas, also charged with two counts of Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Brenda Lynn Sloan, 55, of Douglas, also charged with two counts of Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Jeffrey Brian Voorhees, 37, of Douglas, also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Gloria Jean Vickers, 56, of Douglas, also charged with two counts of Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Rodney Antonio Shaw, a/k/a “Black,” 32, of Douglas, also charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine;
• Kenric Jamal Lott, a/k/a “Big Lott,” 44, of Blackshear, Ga., also charged with two counts of Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Marquis Jerome Jacques, a/k/a “Joc,” 29, of Nicholls, Ga., also charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine; two counts of Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Distribution of 50 Grams or More or Methamphetamine;
• Montana McGinty, 35, of Douglas, also charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine;
• Amos Tyrone Brantley III, 38, of Ambrose, Ga., also charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Avie Ann Wright, 31, of Douglas, also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Erick Eugene Hunter, 39, of Douglas, also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Eden Dianne Wright, a/k/a “E,” 33, of Douglas, also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Richard Young, 54, of Hazlehurst, Ga.;
• Reggie Raynard Johnson, a/k/a “Twin,” 43, of Douglas;
• Alexander Reyes Tyson, 44, of Douglas;
• Ricardo Leon, a/k/a “Migo,” a/k/a “Ricky,” 29, of Swainsboro, Ga.;
• Michael Latrella Scott, a/k/a “Micah Scott,” a/k/a “Mike G,” 35, of Tifton, Ga.;
• Naiyah Nicole Williams, 30, of Hazlehurst, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an amount of Marijuana and Alprazolam; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Tomika Nicole Evans, a/k/a T-Dog,” 37, of Lakeland, Ga.;
• Michael Anthony Thomas, a/k/a “Big Mike,” of Savannah, also charged with two counts of Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Zachary Brian Rodrigues, 29, of Douglas, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Christopher Downing Stone, 32, of Broxton, Ga., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Idalis Qua Dazia Harrell, 24, of Douglas, a guard at Coffee County Correctional Facility, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; s
• Jessica Azaelae Burnett, a/k/a “The Madam,” 41, of Douglas, a senior guard at Coffee County Correctional Facility, also charged with Unlawful Use of Communication Facility;
• Ebony Desiree Smiley, a/k/a “Baby Girl, 24, of Vidalia, Ga., a guard at Wheeler State Prison;
• Nathan Fabron Irving, 24, of Forsyth, Ga. an inmate a Wheeler State Prison;
• Makarosi Maurice Walker, a/k/a “Jazz,” 26, of Douglas; and,
• Ronnie Dale Moore, a/k/a “Guap,” 36, of Douglas, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, Marijuana and Alprazolam.

Altogether, the 48 defendants are charged with 129 felonies.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case 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. It is being investigated by the FBI and the FBI Coastal Georgia Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the Coffee County Drug Unit; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office; Pierce County Sheriff’s Office; Bacon County Sheriff’s Office; Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office; Lanier County Sheriff’s Office; the Blackshear Police Department; Nicholls Police Department; Douglas Police Department; Alma Police Department; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; the Swainsboro Police Department; and the Coffee County Department of Family and Children Services.

The cases is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph McCool, Frank Pennington II and E. Greg Gilluly, with asset forfeitures coordinated by Xavier A. Cunningham, Section Chief of the Asset Forfeiture Recovery Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

STATESBORO, GA:  Four people have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to operating a methamphetamine distribution ring throughout Bulloch County.

The four defendants were indicted in January 2020, and three of them pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of a Substance Containing Methamphetamine, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall sentenced the defendants to prison terms, including:

• Clifton Pittman, 51, of Statesboro, sentenced to 240 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and fined $1,500;
• Hope Mitchell, 45, of Statesboro, sentenced to 162 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and fined $1,500;
• Clarence Johnson, 56, of Statesboro, sentenced to 97 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and fined $1,500; and,
• Joy Leigh Horton, 36, of Metter, Ga., who pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, was sentenced to 50 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and fined $1,500.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“This successful operation represents the best of law enforcement working together with citizens to remove bad elements from the community,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “When nearby residents voiced concerns about suspicious activities at Johnson’s residence, officers responded – and shut off a pipeline pouring poison into Statesboro.”

The investigation began in after residents in 2016 complained about late-night traffic at Johnson’s home, where Pittman and Mitchell also resided. After members of the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office Crime Suppression Team saw evidence of suspected drug activity, they served a search warrant at the residence and seized kilos of methamphetamine and paraphernalia for distribution.

As described in court documents and testimony, the four members of the conspiracy admitted regularly transporting large amounts of methamphetamine into Bulloch County from an Atlanta supplier. The drugs then were sold to local distributors to resell in the Statesboro area.

“The sentencing of these defendants is a shining example of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s effort to confront, engage and eliminate drug distribution networks,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Because of the collaborative effort between DEA and its law enforcement partners, these defendants will spend well-deserved time in prison.”

“Georgians deserve to live in a safe and drug-free environment. Citizens can take an active role in assisting law enforcement by providing valuable tips, as demonstrated by this case,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vic Reynolds. “We will continue to work diligently with all of our partners, including citizens, to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of our communities.”

The case was investigated by the DEA, the GBI, and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank M. Pennington II and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.

WASHINGTON: A federal court entered a permanent injunction barring a Georgia company from selling unapproved vitamin D products touted as treatments for COVID-19, the Department of Justice announced today.

In a civil complaint and accompanying court papers filed Nov. 23, 2020, in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the United States alleges that Matthew Ryncarz and his Alpharetta, Ga., based companies, Fusion Health and Vitality LLC dba Pharm Origins, and Fusion Ionz LLC dba Pharm Origins, sold and distributed products the defendants claimed would cure, mitigate, or treat COVID-19 and other diseases. According to the government’s complaint, the defendants sold several products that purportedly contained vitamin D3, such as “Immune Shot,” “Immune Boost,” and “Core,” through websites maintained by the defendants. The complaint alleges that none of the products were generally recognized as safe and effective by qualified experts for any of the uses promoted by the defendants.

“The Department of Justice will not allow individuals to take advantage of consumers during a public health emergency by making unproven claims about unapproved drugs to profit from public panic,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel J. Feith. “We will continue to work closely with the Food and Drug Administration to halt such conduct.”

“In challenging times, we must be especially vigilant on behalf of the most vulnerable,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “Our office and our law enforcement partners take very seriously our responsibility to help protect consumers, and we will identify and shut down such attempted financial and emotional exploitation.”  

“Americans expect and deserve medical treatments that have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective. Making claims that unproven drugs can cure or prevent diseases, including COVID-19, places consumers’ health at risk,” said U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Chief Counsel Stacy Amin. “We remain committed to pursuing and taking swift action against those who attempt to subvert the regulatory functions of the FDA by repeatedly disregarding the law and distributing unapproved products.”

According to the complaint, the defendants violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by introducing unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce. The complaint alleges that the defendants’ disease-related treatment claims lacked support from any well-controlled clinical studies or other credible scientific evidence. The complaint also asserts that such claims made in absence of any clinical data caused the products to be misbranded under the FDCA. Ryncarz and his company, Fusion Health, pled guilty on Sept. 29, 2020, in a separate but related criminal case in which Ryncarz admitted that labeling for his “Immune Shot” product falsely claimed it would lower the risk of contracting COVID-19 and that the product was misbranded under the FDCA.

The civil enforcement action against Ryncarz and Fusion Health is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Claude Scott of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Porter of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, with assistance from FDA Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Jennifer Argabright.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, consumers may visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO websites.

The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov. For more information about the Justice Department’s efforts to stop illegal COVID-19-related activity, visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

STATESBORO, GA:  A former Bulloch County sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to prison for possession of child pornography.

Travis Tuenge, 44, of Statesboro, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and fined $1,500 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to one count of Possession of Child Pornography, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison sentence, Tuenge must serve five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Travis Tuenge’s deviant behavior victimized innocent children, even as he violated the public trust as a law enforcement officer,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We applaud the citizen who reported Tuenge’s crime, and the law enforcement agencies for their quick action in bringing him to justice.”

According to court documents and testimony, Tuenge – who served as a Bulloch County Superior Court security officer – came under investigation after the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office received a report of Tuenge sending text messages in which he discussed victimization of children. With assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, investigators discovered images of child pornography on Tuenge’s cell phone.

“It is of utmost importance that public officials, especially sworn law enforcement officers, committing crimes be held accountable for their actions,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the GBI. “The GBI remains committed to working with our local and federal partners to ensure that these type cases are aggressively investigated and prosecuted in order to maintain the faith and trust of the public.”  

The case was investigated by the GBI and the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua S. Bearden and Marcela C. Mateo.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A total of 29 defendants face multiple federal felony charges in a drug trafficking investigation targeting a violent Savannah-area network that distributed cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

Investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), Operation Deadlier Catch involved multiple federal agencies who traced a major source of cocaine distributed in Chatham County to a drug trafficking organization that channeled drugs from Mexico through a California supplier, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“This investigation represents yet another significant infiltration and disruption of a violent, gang-related drug distribution network in the Southern District,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our dedicated law enforcement partners continue to demonstrate our shared commitment to target and eliminate those who would spread poison and fear in our communities.”

In Operation Deadlier Catch, investigators from the FBI, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT), and the Savannah Police Department monitored and infiltrated the drug trafficking network to trace the source of supply and points of distribution in the greater Savannah area, and to identify and eliminate sources of violent crime in the community. In a series of searches, investigators seized more than 24 kilograms of cocaine, more than 180 pounds of marijuana, 3 kilos of heroin, and at least 14 firearms – many of them in the possession of previously convicted felons.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia also has initiated civil forfeiture proceedings for the firearms and $1.5 million in cash and other assets including vehicles and jewelry, along with two homes in Savannah that are alleged to have been used as part of the drug distribution network.

“There is no better example of the value of our partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies than ‘Operation Deadlier Catch’,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The removal of drugs, guns and alleged gang members immediately makes the streets of Savannah safer, thanks to those partnerships.”

Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division stated,  “DEA places the highest priority of not only removing dangerous drugs from the street, but also on seizing the ill-gotten gains of illegal drug trafficking. DEA's intent clearly is to put drug traffickers out of business by using every available resource. This case was successful because of the collaborative efforts of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office.”

“The United States Postal Inspection Service was proud to play a role along with its local, state and federal partners in this operation, to target individuals trafficking in illegal narcotics in the Savannah region,” said Antonio Gomez, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division. “Criminals that traffic in narcotics and its associated violent crimes will continue to be targeted by these law enforcement agencies, and will face their day in court.”

“CNT is proud to work with the United States Attorney’s Office, and our many law enforcement partners, in pursuit of our mission to target drug traffickers in this community.  The importance of prosecution led, multi-agency investigations, such as this one cannot be understated,” said CNT Director Michael G. Sarhatt. “Our Chatham County community is safer when we combine our efforts to remove the criminal organizations bringing drugs into this area.”

A 27-count indictment unsealed in U.S.A. vs. Bulloch, et.al, alleges multiple felony charges against 29 defendants. Each of the defendants is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine, and an Amount of Marijuana, a charge that carries a maximum penalty upon conviction of up to life in federal prison. Those charged and any additional charges include:

• Joseph Bulloch, a/k/a “Lil Joe,” 32, of Savannah, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and two counts of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Ildelfonso Sanchez-Inzunza, a/k/a “Jessie,” 29, of Savannah, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine, 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Kashif Collins, a/k/a “Sheef,” a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 34, of Savannah, also charged with Possession With Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine and An Amount of Marijuana; and two counts of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; 
• Jontae Keel, a/k/a “Biyha” 29, of Savannah, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Kilograms or More of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and two counts of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Rashamel Brown, a/k/a “2Stiff Respeckk,” 25, of Savannah, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms;
• Bernard Carter, a/k/a “Nard,” 28, of Savannah;
• Jarnard Williams, a/k/a “June,” 30, of Savannah;
• Charles Collins, a/k/a “Greg,” 66, of Savannah, also charged with Distribution of Cocaine; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Craig Scott, a/k/a “Major Flavor,” 26, address unknown, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms;
• Lamar Harris, a/k/a “Foolie,” 19, of Savannah, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and an Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Yusef Scott, a/k/a “Self,” a/k/a “Bolton St Self,” 21, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; Using and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and an Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Jermaine Robbins, a/k/a “Juggy,” a/k/a “Jug Love,” a/k/a “Chicken Man,” 41, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and an Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Barshalai Jones, a/k/a “Paidfully AK,” 19, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine, and an Amount of Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Crime; and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Shakeem Douse, a/k/a “G Street NBA,” a/k/a “Pothead,” 26, of Savannah, also charged with Conspiracy to Use, Carry, or Possess Firearms; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Andre Woolford, a/k/a “Hoggie,” 27, of Savannah, also charged with Distribution of Cocaine;
• Temperance Fennell, 37, of Pooler, Ga., also charged with Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• Joseph Parrish, a/k/a “Wifi,” a/k/a “Wee Wee,” 29, of Savannah, also charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and two counts of Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises;
• David Fuentes, a/k/a “Shaggy,” 31, of Pooler, Ga., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Kilograms or More of Marijuana;
• Javontae Parrish, a/k/a “Vontae,” 30, of Savannah, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Kilograms or More of Marijuana;
• Jashavious Keel, a/k/a “Bub,” 27, of Savannah, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
• Thomas Holland, a/k/a “White Boy,” 37, of Savannah, also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Kilograms or More of Marijuana;
• Joann Keel Robinson, a/k/a “Ma Dukes,” 53, of Savannah;
• Gumecindo Ramirez-Perales, 46, of Bakersfield, Calif., also charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Kilograms or More of Marijuana;
• Omar Alejandro Gonzalez, 41, of Bakersfield, Calif.;
• Jose Joel Elicier Christophers, 38, of Bakersfield, Calif.;
• Tyreik Watson, 42, an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Yazoo City Low, in Yazoo City, Miss.;
• Darin Smith, a/k/a “Evil Twin,” 49, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center;
• Morissa Pollard, 34, of Savannah, also charged with Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises; and,
• Michael Simmons, a/k/a “Unc,” 57, of Savannah.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case 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. It is being investigated by the FBI, the DEA, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, CNT, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Savannah Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank M. Pennington and Noah Abrams, with asset forfeitures coordinated by Xavier A. Cunningham, Section Chief of the Asset Forfeiture Recovery Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Gary Purvis, Asset Litigation Financial Analyst.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Bryan County man who admitted attempting to coerce a child into sexual activity has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Michael Wilson, 38, of Richmond Hill, Ga., was sentenced to 180 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Moore Jr. after pleading guilty to Attempted Coercion of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Wilson also is required to pay $100,000 each to two minor victims in restitution, and after completion of his prison term will be required to serve 15 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.

There is no parole in the federal system.

Wilson’s wife, Lori Wilson, a/k/a “Loretta Lightningbolt,” 35, of Richmond Hill, Ga., previously was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to Tampering with a Victim or Witness. While Michael Wilson was under investigation, Lori Wilson tried to persuade a victim to recant accusations that he attempted to coerce the minor to engage in illegal sexual activity from 2017 through early 2019.

“Victimization of vulnerable children rightly deserves harsh penalties, and we applaud our law enforcement partners for their difficult work in bringing this despicable pair to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “These horrific crimes have earned a significant sentence.”

Michael Wilson, an active duty member of the military, also is charged with seven violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Article 120(b), Rape and Sexual Assault of a Child. These charges are pending and relate to multiple minor victims.

“This sentence wraps up a traumatic chapter in a young child’s life after being taken advantage of by an adult,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “No matter how severe the sentence it will never wipe away the scars left on this innocent child, but it will hopefully send a deterrent message to anyone contemplating similar predatory activity.”

 “This prison sentence punishes Wilson for his conduct and serves as a clear warning to those considering similar abhorrent conduct that Army CID, and our federal law enforcement partners will fully investigate such allegations and seek incarceration and restitution,” said Chris Grey, spokesman for Army Criminal Investigation Command.

The cases are being investigated by the FBI and by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katelyn Semales and Jennifer G. Solari.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has been sentenced to nearly 30 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

David Tang, 34, of Port Wentworth, was sentenced to 350 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Production of Child Pornography, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Tang also was ordered to pay $2 million in restitution to the victims in the case, and after completion of his prison term must serve 20 years on supervised release and register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system.

“The most vulnerable members of our community are safer today because David Tang and his co-defendants are locked away,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We’re grateful for those who reported these horrific crimes, and for the law enforcement agencies who brought these predators to justice.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Tang and a co-defendant, Melanie Smith, a/k/a “Melanie Small,” 31, of Rincon, Ga., produced sexually explicit videos of minor children that were later shared with others by Holly Clayton, 34, of Port Wentworth, Ga. Smith later pled guilty to Production of Child Pornography and is serving a 360-month sentence in federal prison, while Clayton pled guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography and is serving a 144-month federal prison sentence.

All three defendants also face related state charges.

“This sentencing not only removes a serial predator from our community, it also sends a message to others engaged in this filth that we are serious about finding, arresting and prosecuting them,” said Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Savannah Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcela C. Mateo and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Semales.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A former federal inmate has admitted to helping destroy evidence in the murder of the wife of a Fort Stewart soldier.

Devin Ryan, 30, of Hardeeville, S.C., pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Use of Fire in Commission of a Federal Felony, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison, followed by a period of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“A man with no involvement other than previous time behind bars with an admitted killer needlessly complicated a murder investigation by destroying a significant piece of evidence,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Rather than stay a free man and hang up the phone when called, Devin Ryan helped cover up a murder – and that choice has earned him more hard time behind bars.”

Stafon Jamar Davis, 28, of Savannah, pled guilty to Premeditated Murder and to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in the July 9, 2018 shooting death of Abree Boykin, 24, a resident of post housing at Fort Stewart Army Reservation.

As described in court documents and testimony, after killing Boykin by shooting her twice in the head, Davis contacted Ryan – who previously served prison time with him – for help in “getting rid of a car.” Ryan provided directions to a location in Hardeeville, S.C., where the two men met. Ryan brought a container of gasoline with him, and the two poured gas inside Boykin’s 2018 Honda Accord and set it on fire. The car exploded, and the burned vehicle later was hauled to a salvage yard and ultimately scrapped before investigators could track it down.

Both Ryan and Davis were on federal supervised release at the time of the crimes, and both are in custody awaiting sentencing.

“Ryan’s attempt to cover up a murder made an investigation more difficult, but because of the determination of FBI and Army Criminal Investigation Command investigators, the case was solved and he will go back to prison,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.

 “Today’s plea by the defendant is proof of the level of detail our special agents and our law enforcement partners will go to, to solve a crime,” said Chris Grey, spokesman for the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command. “Destroying crucial evidence from such a horrific crime is unconscionable.”

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Army Criminal Investigation Command, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer G. Solari and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron J. Hubbard.

AUGUSTA, GA:  Four illegal aliens have been sentenced to prison terms for returning to the U.S. after prior deportation, and five others have made U.S. District Court appearances on similar charges.

Most of the defendants have been removed previously, most twice or more, before returning illegally, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“These illegal aliens have previously been removed, only to return to the United States illegally and commit additional crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “When illegals are caught, local law enforcement agencies can count on our office to prosecute and remove them.”

Since 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia has prosecuted 225 defendants for Reentry After Removal/Deportation.

Those sentenced include:

• Silvano Marroquin-Bravo, 49, a citizen of Mexico who resided in Pooler, Ga., sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Reentry After Removal/Deportation. After Marroquin-Bravo was arrested by Garden City, Ga., police in May on traffic and on outstanding warrants for domestic violence and weapons-related state offenses, an immigration check determined he previously was deported in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and returned illegally to the United States.
• Jose Louis Amezquita-Montenegro, 41, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to Reentry After Removal/Deportation, followed by one year of supervised release. Amezquita-Montenegro was arrested by Grovetown Public Safety officers Jan. 28, 2020, and found to have been deported in 2014 after an arrest in Columbia County; in 2016 after an arrest in Jefferson County; and was to have been transferred to federal custody in preparation for deportation after being sentenced to state prison in 2017 on an assault charge in Columbia County. Instead he was released to probation on April 30, 2019, and arrested in Grovetown nine months later on state charges of theft by receiving stolen property and obstruction of an officer.
• Cristian Eduardo Flores-Garcia, 32, a citizen of Honduras, sentenced to 18 months in prison by Chief Judge Hall after pleading guilty to Reentry After Removal/Deportation, followed by one year of supervised release. Flores-Garcia, who previously was deported twice in 2012 from Walesco, Texas, after illegally entering the United States, was arrested Jan. 26, 2020 by Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies responding to a report of an armed altercation in a restaurant parking lot.  
• Ezequiel Guarda-Lopez, 59, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty before Chief Judge Hall to a charge of Reentry After Removal/Deportation and was sentenced to time served. Guarda-Lopez, who previously was deported in 1998 and 2002, was arrested by Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies after an Aug. 20, 2020, traffic stop. He is now subject to deportation.

Five other defendants indicted on charges of Reentry After Removal/Deportation made initial court appearances this week before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Christopher L. Ray:

• Juan Pablo Alvarado-Valadez, 41, a citizen of Mexico. Alvarado-Valadez, previously deported in 2017, was arrested after a traffic stop in Statesboro, Ga., in April 2019.
• Victor Martinez-Luna, 32, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested on state charges including burglary on Oct. 11, 2020, by Garden City, Ga., police, and found to have been deported previously in 2019.
• Walter Godinez-Perez, 32, a citizen of Guatemala, was discovered to be illegally present in the United States after his Oct. 22, 2020, arrest in Garden City on state charges. Godinez-Perez previously was deported in 2011, 2012 and 2015. 
• Gabriel Solis, 43, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested May 28, 2019, by Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies and later convicted on state family violence charges. He was previously deported in 2018.
• Jesus Villasenor-Lopez, 25, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested on traffic charges including driving under the influence on Oct. 17, 2020, by Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies and was discovered to be in the country illegally after having been deported in 2013.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The cases were investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations; and by local law enforcement agencies, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro V. Pascual IV and Joseph McCool.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Savannah man faces a minimum of 87 years in prison if convicted of a series of armed robberies of convenience stores in which a co-defendant has pled guilty.

Garnell Dewitt Quarterman, 30, of Savannah, made his initial appearance in federal court Monday, Dec. 7, after a federal grand jury charged him with Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery; 12 counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery; 12 counts of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Several of the charges carry a penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.  U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Christopher L. Ray ordered Quarterman be detained in custody.

“The armed robbery of a business is an especially dangerous crime, and often is traumatic or even deadly for the victims,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners for putting an end to this series of violent crimes.”

As described in the 26-count indictment, Quarterman is charged with 12 armed robberies or attempted armed robberies in which a firearm was brandished.  The armed robberies spanned from November 9, 2019 through January 6, 2020, and they occurred at the Marathon gas station at 2511 Skidaway Road, the Savannah Mart at 1300 E. DeRenne Avenue, the Sunoco gas station at 7261 Skidaway Road, the Pump-N-Go Food Mart at 2016 Skidaway Road, the Gemco at 4906 Paulsen Avenue, the Discount Market at 1516 Montgomery Street, the Waters Market at 4402 Waters Avenue, the Circle K at 8900 White Bluff Road, and the Chu’s Convenience Mart at 2606 Highway 80 in Garden City.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Quarterman’s co-defendant, Malic Stephens, 26, of Savannah, pled guilty on November 9, 2020, to one count of Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery and awaits sentencing. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Savannah Police officers identified and arrested Quarterman at a residence on Jan. 17; Stephens was arrested Jan. 23 at his residence. Both men remain in custody.

“Any time an individual takes a gun into a place of business to rob it, victims are traumatized and there is a potential for tragic consequences,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “If convicted, Quarterman faces significant prison time, thanks to the combined efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners.”

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Georgia Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Savannah Police Department, Garden City Police Department, and Chatham County Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

BRUNSWICK, GA:  A Wayne County man has been sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison after a drug arrest in which a deputy was seriously injured.

Derrick Morris, a/k/a “Butta,” 33, of Jesup, Ga., was sentenced to 168 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 or More Grams of Methamphetamine, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Morris also must serve five years of supervised release after completion of his prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“As Morris’ arrest amply illustrated, drug trafficking can quickly turn into violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “It’s infuriating that the officer was seriously hurt during the altercation, and ultimately the community will benefit from another poison pusher being removed from the streets.”

As described in court documents and testimony, on June 27, 2019, investigators from the Appling County Sheriff’s Office stopped Morris’ vehicle after a drug deal. During the arrest, Morris fought with an Appling County deputy who was injured and later hospitalized while placing Morris in custody. A search of Morris’ vehicle and hotel room discovered additional drugs, along with drug sales paraphernalia and cash. Morris has prior felony convictions for possession and sale of illegal drugs.

“Methamphetamine poses a clear and present danger to the health and safety of communities,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “The chemicals used to manufacture this toxic drug are dangerous. This defendant will no longer be able to manufacture and distribute this insidious drug and will spend well-deserved time in prison.”

 “This is another offender we have worked closely with our local and federal partners to put away for a long time. He not only was dealing poison to South Georgia communities, but also was violent towards a law enforcement officer,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Vic Reynolds. “This sentence should be a warning to others committing these felonies that they will be investigated and prosecuted.”

“This case abundantly illustrates that the simple refusal to follow lawful commands can change the life of both the offender and a law enforcement officer,” said Appling County Sheriff Mark Melton. “Because of Derrick Morris’ illegal actions, he’ll spend 14 years behind bars, while our deputy faces a long road to a complete recovery.”

The case was investigated by the DEA, the GBI, and the Appling County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A series of federal indictments unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia charges more than 60 defendants with felonies targeting interrelated, gang-affiliated transnational drug trafficking conspiracies that provided a pipeline of illegal drugs to coastal and south Georgia.

The investigation and indictments grew from recent drug trafficking prosecutions in Operation Vanilla Gorilla, which sent 43 felons to federal prison, and Operation Who’s Laughing Now, with 19 felons sentenced to prison, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The investigations and prosecutions, under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, targeted widespread, gang-related drug trafficking organizations in the Southern District and beyond.

“The relentless, deliberate and systematic focus on large drug-trafficking rings, particularly those that use criminal street gangs to funnel narcotics from drug cartels into the Southern District, continues to disrupt and dismantle these poison-peddlers in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “It takes a network to defeat criminal gangs, and the collaboration with our law enforcement partners provides a powerful and effective network.”

The indictments in Operation Krack Down I and II, and Operation Stranded Bandit, allege the drug trafficking schemes began as early as 2017, and operated in Chatham, Liberty, Bryan, McIntosh, Wayne, Glynn, Tattnall, Effingham and Long counties, and in surrounding communities. The conspiracy transported illegal drugs into the Southern District from Mexico and Atlanta, aided by multiple criminal street gangs. In addition to the violent white supremacist Ghost Face Gangsters, gang affiliations among the defendants include the Chicago-based Almighty Simon City Royals; La Raza/SUR 13; Bloods; Vice Lords; Gangster Disciples; and Aryan Brotherhood.

As described in court documents, the defendants – many of them previously convicted felons – used their gang affiliations to aid in drug distribution while promoting “a climate of fear.” Some of the defendants, while incarcerated on state charges at the Georgia Department of Corrections Coastal Transition Center in Savannah, recruited others to the conspiracy and planned trafficking operations.

Led by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), investigators from the Chatham County Police Department, the Savannah-Chatham Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies seized multiple kilograms of methamphetamine, along with large amounts of heroin and cocaine. Investigators also seized more than 60 illegally possessed firearms, with 19 of the defendants indicted on a total of 37 firearms-related offenses.

The investigation also developed information expected to aid in the investigation of a June 2019 murder that occurred during a Chatham County home invasion.   

“This long-term investigation was a concerted, collaborative effort on the part of ATF and its federal, state and local partners to target criminal gang activity in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “The resulting indictments are a great example of how you leverage law enforcement resources to target the offenders driving crime in the region.”

“Residents in a number of south Georgia communities can sleep better tonight knowing that the violent gang-related drug traffickers in this case can no longer peddle poison on the streets,” said Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “This case demonstrates how DEA and its law enforcement partners present a united front to disrupt, dismantle and destroy drug distribution networks.”

“This series of indictments is the direct result of the effective partnership between our local, state, and federal agencies,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds. “We will work tirelessly together to hold accountable gang members and drug dealers who terrorize our neighborhoods. The GBI is dedicated to thoroughly investigate violent offenses to lead to successful prosecution.”

“Our detectives know that one crime is often linked to another, and they worked diligently to get several of these defendants into custody,” said Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley. “We do not leave stones unturned, and look forward to our continued cooperation with fellow law enforcement agencies as we work together to put a stop to these dangerous criminal operations.”

A 40-count indictment in the Savannah Division in Operation Stranded Bandit names 35 defendants:

• Greg Baker, 31, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA (Ecstasy), and Alprazolam (Xanax), a charge that carries a penalty of up to life in prison; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Jason Barker, 31, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Tiffany Barton, a/k/a “Bozar,” 37, of Ellabell, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;  
• Victor Blanco Lopez, a/k/a “Victoriano,” 50, an inmate at the Clayton County, Ga., Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Joseph Joshua Boring, a/k/a “Josh,” a/k/a “JB,” 31, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Leroy Bozarth, a/k/a “Jack Turtlehead,” 37, an inmate at the Sheridan Correctional Center in Sheridan, Ill., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA;
• Edward Evan Branen, 38, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
• Marquise Byrd, 29, an inmate at the Effingham County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; four counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
• Nathan Coughlin, 35, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Alprazolam;
• Jacqueline Echols, a/k/a “Jackie,” 35, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Danielle Edgerton, 34, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Lee Allen Edwards, 38, of Fleming, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
• Thomas Logan Edwards, 38, of Fleming, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Yesica Garcia, 28, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Joshua Griffin, a/k/a “Dough Boy,” 35, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• William Hamilton, a/k/a “Hambone,” 40, of Guyton, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• April Hardy, 36, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Holly Heddle, a/k/a “Goldie Locks,” 27, of Pooler, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and three counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; 
• Christopher Grass, a/k/a “Chris Lane,” a/k/a “Joker,” 36, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Dustin Lax, a/k/a “Wingnut,” a/k/a “Tyrone White,” 45, an inmate at Wilcox State Prison,  charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Craig Mitchell, a/k/a “Rojo,” 46, an inmate at Georgia Department of Corrections Milledgeville, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Pratt Mitchell, 40, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Ruth Monje, a/k/a “CC,” 28, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Jesse Myers, 37, of Bloomingdale, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Ashley Renee Parrish, a/k/a “Kickin Renee,” 35, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and two counts of Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Justin Path, a/k/a “JP,” a/k/a “Sherm,” 29, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Jonathan Richardson, a/k/a “G,” 37, of Savannah, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• David Hamilton Sharpe, a/k/a “David Dukkedoff,” 27, of Pembroke, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Michael Brandon Sharpe, 44, of Pembroke, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Kristin Sheppard, a/k/a “Kristin Shine,” a/k/a “K Shine,” 30, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Heather Sloan, a/k/a “Honey,” a/k/a “Penny,” a/k/a “Marie,” 34, an inmate at the Chatham County Detention Center, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam;
• Austin Tyler Todd, a/k/a “Mario,” 31, an inmate at Lee State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin;
• Reannon Warnock, 25, an inmate at the Chatham County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Michael Travis Williams, a/k/a “Trap,” 37, an inmate at Lee State Prison, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam; Possession with Intent to Distribute MDMA; Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and,
• Jose Zepeda, 35, an inmate at the Jones County Jail, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin, MDMA, and Alprazolam.

A 24-count indictment in the Savannah Division in Operation Krack Down I charges 17 defendants:

• Beth Roberson, 35, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine, a charge that carries a penalty of up to life in prison;
• William Carl Roberson, a/k/a “CJ,” 44, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;
• Dodge Roberson, 43,  of Midway, Ga., charged with  Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine;
• Elizabeth Ashlee Rayman, 28, of Ludowici, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Deron Hopkins, a/k/a “Big D,” 33, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User;
• Trevor Blount, 30, of Fleming, Ga., charged with  Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and National Firearms Registration (alleging possession of an unregistered, sawed-off shotgun);
• Michael Haggerty, 34, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Almon Drew Burchfield, a/k/a “Drewdog,” 46, of Ludowici, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and Quantities of Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine;
• Zachary Taylor, 36, of Glennville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Kelly Taylor, 39, of Glennville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• John Hope Jr., 26, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; and with Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. The latter charges stem from the Jan. 3, 2020, armed robbery of the El Cheapo Gas Station in Riceboro, Ga.;
• Cruz Lawson, 33, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine;
• Byron Anderson, 48, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine;
• Myra Prevatt, 34, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Cocaine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and three counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; 
• Steven Odum, 34, of Florala, Ala., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Rosaleen Behnke, a/k/a “Leena,” 40, listed as homeless, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; and,
• Tyler Marshall, 26, of Townsend, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, and a quantity of Heroin and Cocaine; and with Interference with Commerce by Robbery in relation to the Jan. 3, 2020, armed robbery of the El Cheapo Gas Station in Riceboro, Ga.

A nine-count indictment in the Brunswick Division in Operation Krack Down II charges eight defendants:

• Kayode Davis, a/k/a “Yodi,” 30, of Atlanta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin, Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime;
• Bradley Harrison, 25, of Brunswick, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; False Statements During Purchase of a Firearm; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Tyler Woodcock, 26, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin;
• Bradley Scott, 28, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydromorphone;
• Jesse Grossman, 34, of Jesup, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; and,
• Brittney Goodbread, 35, of Brunswick, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin; False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and Transfer of a Firearm to a Convicted Felon.

Four additional defendants were indicted on separate federal charges related to the investigations, including:

• Brian Sasser, 42, of Richmond Hill, Ga., charged with two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
• Brittny Hilton, 24, of Fleming, Ga., charged with two counts of False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and two counts of Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.
• Amanda Orrell, 40, of Savannah, charged with False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm; and Transfer of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person.
• Dederick Bryant, a/k/a “Hinesville D,” a/k/a “D,” 33, of Hinesville, Ga., charged with Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This cases are 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. It is being investigated by the ATF, DEA, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, GBI, CNT, the Chatham County Police Department, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia Department of Corrections; sheriff’s offices from Effingham, Bryan, Jones, Clayton, Liberty, Chatham, Long, Glynn and Wayne counties; and police departments from Pooler, Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pembroke, Hinesville, and Glynn County. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo, and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl Knoche, E. Greg Gilluly Jr., and Jennifer Kirkland, in coordination with the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office, the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Clayton County Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

DUBLIN, GA:  Seven men have now been indicted on federal charges involving a dog-fighting operation broken up in 2018 in Dodge County.

The indictments in the Southern District of Georgia were secured in a federal grand jury session by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Rock, the district’s dedicated animal cruelty prosecutor, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The 67-count indictment targets the owner of a site used for dog fighting and individuals alleged to have participated in fights at the facility.

“Contests of animal cruelty not only are illegal, but also are cesspools of associated criminal activity including gambling, drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We won’t tolerate it, and with our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate this barbaric practice.”

The lead defendant in the case, James Lampkin, a/k/a “Pookie,” 45, of Eastman, Ga., is charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act; and 63 counts of Possessing and Training a Dog for Purposes of an Animal Fighting Venture, related to the 63 dogs seized on his property where the dog fights were alleged to have taken place. The charges all are felonies, each carrying a possible penalty upon conviction of up to five years in prison. Lampkin also is charged with Attending an Animal Fighting Venture, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. Also charged are:

• Benjamin Shinhoster III, 40, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act; Transporting and Delivering a Dog for Purposes of an Animal Fighting Venture; Sponsoring and Exhibiting a Dog in an Animal Fighting Venture; and Attending an Animal Fighting Venture;
• Deveon Hood, 33, of Tennille, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act; and Attending an Animal Fighting Venture;
• Xavier Simmons, 34, of Sandersville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act; and Attending an Animal Fighting Venture;
• Andre Archer, 23, of Sandersville, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act; and Attending an Animal Fighting Venture;
• Joe Ford, 32, of Elgin, S.C., charged with Conspiracy to Violate the Animal Welfare Act, and Attending an Animal Fighting Venture; and,
• Dwight McDuffie, 44, of Eastman, Ga., charged with Attending an Animal Fighting Venture.

The animals were seized and the defendants identified on March 17, 2018, when Georgia State Patrol troopers and Georgia Department of Natural Resources game wardens responding to reports of a dog fight being held in the area performed traffic stops in Eastman, discovering a dog in one of the vehicles that appeared to have been injured while fighting. The 63 dogs were later seized at Lampkin’s residence after investigators serving a search warrant found the animals chained in the back yard.

While the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office initiated a civil forfeiture action, an animal rescue operation took custody of the dogs and evaluated them for adoption. After a favorable ruling in the forfeiture case, with the exception of one animal diagnosed with cancer, all of the dogs were adopted.

“The vicious pastime of pitting animals against each other in a fight to the death has no place in a civilized society,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Williams of USDA-OIG.  “The outstanding work of the USDA-OIG agents who investigated this case and the prosecutors of the U.S. Attorney’s Office made it possible to bring these operators of a major animal fighting venture to justice.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, and prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Rock.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has admitted deliberately setting the May 3, 2020, blaze that extensively burned the city of Savannah’s Code Enforcement Office.

Stephen Charles Setter, 19, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Arson, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a minimum possible sentence of five years in prison, up to 20 years, along with substantial financial penalties, and up to three years of supervised release after completion of any prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Deliberately set fires are a clear danger to the community, and to the firefighters who protect it,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Considering the massive damage to the Code Enforcement building, it’s fortunate that no one was harmed by this destructive act.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Setter admitted starting the fire at the Code Enforcement Office at 1700 Drayton Street in downtown Savannah shortly after 3 a.m. on May 3, 2020. Setter started the fire that quickly spread into the attic and roof of the building, causing damage estimated at nearly $1 million.

Setter also told investigators that he activated a fire alarm at the Landings marina that same night, requiring the Chatham County Fire Department to respond, and while the station was unoccupied he then stole a fire department radio so he could listen to fire department communications. 

Setter will remain in custody until sentencing at a later date.

“As part of our mission, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will continue to work with our state and local counterparts to investigate the crime of arson,” said Lenwood S. Reeves, Resident Agent in Charge of the Savannah Field Office of the ATF. “Arson is a crime of violence that not only endangers the general public but our first responders and firefighters. This case is another example of how teamwork between agencies brought an arsonist to justice.”  

“We are pleased with the positive result of the joint investigation between Savannah Fire and the ATF,” said Fred Anderson, Savannah Fire Department Chief Fire Investigator. “It is good to know that this individual is no longer on the streets.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Savannah Fire Department Arson Unit, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tania D. Groover.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A new statewide, interagency task force focused on combatting unemployment insurance (UI) benefit fraud in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is supporting investigating agencies and encouraging citizens to report suspected UI fraud.

The Georgia Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force’s mission is to combat fraud schemes targeting the UI benefits program, which is funded by both the federal and the state governments and is administered by the Georgia Department of Labor. In response to the devastating negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law in March 2020. Among many benefits for citizens and businesses, the CARES Act includes a provision of temporary benefits for individuals who have exhausted their entitlement to regular unemployment compensation, as well as coverage for individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation, are self-employed or have limited recent work history. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fraudsters have perpetrated numerous lucrative UI fraud schemes at a significant rate. State and local law enforcement agencies are at the forefront in uncovering these schemes. The Georgia UI Fraud Task Force supports these agencies by providing assistance with evidence collection, offering guidance investigating complex fraud schemes, and referring cases for federal prosecution, among other needs. Representatives from agencies including the Georgia Department of Labor, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General, FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and all three of Georgia’s U.S. Attorney’s Offices serve on Georgia’s UI Fraud Task Force.

“Every dime of taxpayer money diverted into the pockets of scam artists is less money available to help citizens who truly need assistance during difficult times,” said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We’re confident that with the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, we will identify and shut down those who would steal from these programs.”

“The sole purpose for unemployment insurance is to support people suffering during this unprecedented time in our nation’s history. It is unconscionable that individuals are corrupting the unemployment insurance system by essentially stealing benefits from our neighbors who are most in need at this time,” said Charlie Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “My hope is that this task force will support law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to quickly identify scammers and bring them to justice, while protecting the integrity of the unemployment benefit system.

“Unemployment insurance provides a lifeline to many Americans facing economic hardships and job losses,” said Byung J. “BJay” Pak, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. “This type of fraud victimizes not only the intended recipients, but also the employers who pay into the program. Through our partnerships, these criminals will be extradited and prosecuted.”

“We place a huge emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the unemployment insurance program and welcome the support of law enforcement agencies across the state to assist in identifying and prosecuting those committing fraud,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “These criminals are not only harming those they are taking benefits from but are also slowing down the process for the many Georgians depending on payments to make ends meet during this pandemic.”

“At a time when many American citizens have lost their jobs, or are temporarily out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is disheartening to think that anyone would fraudulently take advantage of the government funds they deserve,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will fight this criminal behavior, along with our many partners in law enforcement, to stop anyone who attempts to profit off the backs of those in need.”

“So many Georgians have suffered hardships due to unemployment since the start of the pandemic. The CARES Act was passed to provide relief; however, fraudsters have used this opportunity to steal from the government. The GBI is a proud member of this Task Force and will work diligently to ensure that those who choose to abuse these benefits are investigated and prosecuted,” said GBI Director Vic Reynolds.

“The Secret Service is proud to partner with so many agencies who are committed to eliminating these fraud and identity theft schemes,” said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Atlanta Field Office. “This task force is particularly important during these unprecedented times when those stolen funds should have been used to help unsuspected victims when they need it most.”

“This taskforce will truly prove that crime doesn’t pay,” said Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI Atlanta and its partners are committed to hunting down these criminals that are stealing the resources and benefits that have been set aside to help people in our communities.”

Georgians are encouraged to be vigilant, as fraudsters often make use of unsuspecting victims’ bank accounts and logins to funnel illegally obtained unemployment payments. The Georgia UI Fraud Task Force advises the public to exercise caution when receiving emails promising “easy money” or unsolicited online requests to open personal bank accounts and share those account numbers online. Elders and prior victims of identity theft or email compromise are especially vulnerable targets of these schemes.

People can report UI abuse with the Georgia Department of Labor by visiting https://www.dol.state.ga.us/public/uiben/fraud/reportType. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report potential scams to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling 866-720-5721 or by visiting https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man who threatened a woman with a sawed-off shotgun has been sentenced to nearly a decade in federal prison.

Anthony Polk, 32, of Savannah, was sentenced to 115 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his sentence, Polk will be required to serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Anthony Polk’s long history as a criminal on our streets ends with this prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “In federal courts, gun crimes earn hard time.”

Polk was arrested by Savannah Police officers in October 2018 after a woman reported Polk pointed a firearm at her. She had agreed to give him a ride in exchange for $10, and when she later asked for the money he instead brandished a gun. She was able to contact police, who found Polk in her vehicle with a loaded, sawed-off shotgun in his backpack.

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) considers Savannah Police Department a critical partner in its long-term mission of removing criminals from our communities,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF.

This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer, and was coordinated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF) and the Savannah Police Department. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney and PSN Coordinator Tania D. Groover.

BRUNSWICK, GA:  Nine defendants have been accused in a federal indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court of operating a drug trafficking operation in multiple south Georgia counties.

The indictment includes charges of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of cocaine and marijuana, along with illegal firearms charges, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.

Once the indictment was unsealed, seven of the nine defendants were remanded to custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after arraignment before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Benjamin Cheesbro. Of the other two defendants, one is a fugitive, and one was physically unable to appear in court, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine.

“This operation represents not only the mop-up from a previous drug trafficking prosecution in south Georgia, but also serves as a warning to those who distribute poison in our communities: We’re coming for you,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our law enforcement partners continue to perform exemplary work in identifying, infiltrating and dismantling these multi-jurisdiction drug trafficking operations.”

As described in court documents and testimony, the operation targeted an organization that transported methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from the Atlanta area into Appling, Coffee and Telfair counties, and other areas in south Georgia, for street-level distribution from at least April 2018 through May 2020.

Each of the nine defendants is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and an amount of cocaine and marijuana. Those named in the indictment and their additional charges are:

• James Lamount Graham, a/k/a “JT Money,” a/k/a “James Livingston,” 47, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; and 34 counts of Use of Communication Facility, a charge that describes using telephones to facilitate the drug-trafficking conspiracy;
• James Diangelo Gibbs, a/k/a “Big Lope,” 46, of Baxley, Ga., also charged with Distribution of Marijuana; and four counts of Use of Communication Facility;
• Sandrell Maurice Hobbs, 35, of Douglas, Ga., also charged with two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; and four counts of Use of Communication Facility;
• Deandra Laroy Graham, a/k/a “Bird,” 35, of McRae, Ga., also charged with six counts of Use of Communication Facility;
• Montoya Latse Eady, a/k/a “Mon,” 40, of McRae, Ga., also charged with four counts of Use of Communication Facility;
• Robert Livingston, 53, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and one count of Use of Communication Facility;
• Angela Leroy Livingston, 51, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with two counts of Use of Communication Facility;
• Willie Lee Batten, 59, of Jacksonville, Ga., also charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and seven counts of Use of Communication Facility; and,
• Darrell Lynn Veal, 55, of Helena, Ga., also charged with two counts of Use of Communication Facility.

Sandrell Maurice Hobbs currently is a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

“Methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana are dangerous drugs that pose a clear and present danger to the community,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Field Division. “Because of collaborative partnerships between DEA and its law enforcement partners, these defendants can no longer poison communities in south Georgia and elsewhere.”

“Illegal drugs have no place in Georgia. They are dangerous and threaten the safety of our communities,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We will continue to work diligently along with our local and federal partners to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case 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. It is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Appling County Sheriff’s Office, the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office, the McRae Police Department, and the Douglas Police Department. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Harper and Karl Knoche.

AUGUSTA, GA:  A nearly quarter-million-dollar award from the U.S. Department of Justice will address the need for resources to prevent at-risk youth in Richmond County from becoming involved in street gangs.

Awarded for the support of Richmond County Juvenile Court, the $230,000 grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention 2020 Comprehensive Anti-Gang Programs for Youth is aimed at supporting the Richmond County Youth Aiming for Success, or YAS, program, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“Voices across the Augusta area echo what we know to be true: that children in our community are increasingly involved in street gangs and criminal activity, and both are a dead end,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “This DOJ award will provide a solid, accountable base of support for court and community programs aimed at strengthening families while undermining the malignant influence of gangs.” 

Under the grant, Richmond County Juvenile Court is charged with using juvenile justice programs to promote youth and families; to encourage family structures through socially controlled activities; to deter youths from gang involvement through community-based mentoring programs; and demonstrate that the practices and services delivered through the program are supported by research. The court’s activity tracking system will be used to measure the program’s success.

For more information on Grant No. 2020-PB-BX-0023, contact the Office of Justice Program’s Office of Communications at 202-307-0703.

SAVANNAH, GA:  An Effingham County man has been sentenced to more than a decade in federal prison for a scheme to buy and sell illegal drugs online and through the U.S. Mail.

Sheldon Kennedy, 32, of Springfield, Ga., was sentenced to 135 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker after pleading guilty to Possession With Intent to Distribute Tapentadol, a synthetic opioid; Use of a Communications Facility (U.S. Mail); and Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison term, Kennedy must serve three years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Sheldon Kennedy clearly didn’t learn his lesson the first time he went to prison as an illegal drug distributor,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Years behind bars will protect the community from his poison.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Kennedy – who previously spent time in prison after his conviction for drug trafficking via the notorious Silk Road site on the dark web – attracted the attention of Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in August 2019 because of suspicious domestic and international shipments routed through various addresses, airports and drop boxes.

Kennedy was arrested during a traffic stop on Sept. 16, 2019, and during a subsequent search of his residence, investigators seized thousands of miscellaneous pills, along with computers and memory devices, an AR-style rifle and ammunition, and materials for packaging and shipping. Agents also intercepted multiple packages of controlled substances shipped through post offices in Springfield and Savannah.

“This case highlights that if the mail is involved, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners will tirelessly work to track down suspects near and far, even through the perceived anonymity of the Dark Web, to bring them to justice,” said Antonio Gomez, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

“Criminals can’t hide from justice even on the dark web,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Kennedy’s tangled web that distributed poison, helping fuel the opioid crisis, is thankfully dismantled and I am proud of the great work done in this case by HSI and its federal, state and local partners.”

 “This case provides a prime example of the results of collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who all have a common goal of protecting the American public,” said Donald F. Yando, Atlanta Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations. “CBP is proud to be involved in these efforts to keep drugs off the streets.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Pennington and Organized Crime Drug Task Force Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Vidalia, Ga., man has been indicted on a federal charge for calling in a bomb threat to a Port of Savannah facility.

Elliott Sherman, a/k/a Amir Turner, 32, is charged with Explosive Materials – Willfully Making a Threat, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties, followed by a period of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Bomb threats, whether real or hoax, are dangerous and disruptive to work environments,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “This one was especially inexcusable as it was made on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.”

According to the indictment, Sherman is accused of calling the California Cartage CFS 2 building on Sept. 11, 2020, with a bomb threat. Sherman is assigned to the facility by his employer.

“Calling in a bomb threat, even as a hoax, wastes resources, disrupts commerce and terrifies potential threatened victims,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “That’s why the FBI takes them seriously and the penalties are severe.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer G. Solari and Joshua S. Bearden.

<p><b>AUGUSTA, GA:</b>&nbsp; Six individuals have been indicted on felony charges and nearly $400,000 seized in the Southern District of Georgia relating to the alleged submission of fraudulent loan applications for pandemic disaster relief funds.</p>

<p>In response to the devastating negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide and/or guarantee loans specifically designed to keep small businesses afloat during the unprecedented financial challenges brought on by the pandemic. Charges in the Augusta area announced today allege that individuals exploited these programs for their own financial gain and sought relief payments through a series of false and fraudulent representations regarding their businesses’ existence, gross revenue, and number of employees in order to receive Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and/or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.</p>

<p>According to the indictments, these individuals made false representations to the SBA and/or financial institutions about small businesses each purportedly owned in the Augusta area. The indictments allege that each of the defendants fraudulently obtained relief funds earmarked for small businesses that were suffering the negative economic impacts of the pandemic:</p>

<ul>
<li><b>Whitney Adwan Mack</b>, 33, of Louisville, Ga., the alleged owner of four different businesses, is charged with wire fraud and misuse of a social security number for making false representations to the SBA regarding her businesses’ gross revenue, number of employees, and using a Social Security number that did not belong to her.</li>
<li><b>Jada S. Nelson</b>, 20, and <b>Sonya Barnes,</b> 41, both of Augusta, are charged with wire fraud and aiding and abetting for making false representations to the SBA regarding their businesses’ existence, gross revenue, and number of employees.</li>
<li><b>Rose Mary Coleman</b>, 57, of Augusta, is charged with wire fraud for making false representations to the SBA regarding her business’s gross revenue and number of employees.</li>
<li><b>Orell Plummer</b>, 41, of Augusta, is charged with wire fraud for making false representations to the SBA regarding the gross revenue and number of employees in his business.</li>
<li><b>Darryl T. Williams, Sr.</b>, 52, of Augusta, is charged with wire fraud for making false representations to the SBA and to a financial lender regarding the gross revenue and number of employees of his businesses.</li>
</ul>

<p>In addition, in a separate matter, the United States has filed a forfeiture complaint to recover $383,456.21 in funds that have been seized and are alleged to be the fruits of fraudulent SBA loan submissions.</p>

<p>“In the midst of the pandemic, millions of Americans were suffering devastating economic situations,” said United States Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “It’s unconscionable that some would seek to profit off of that devastation by creating fake businesses and fabricating financial information. This office will continue to devote significant resources to stopping those pandemic-profiteering fraudsters.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This nation’s citizens and businesses are counting on the U.S. Secret Service and its federal law enforcement, as well as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, to safeguard it and maintain the public trust,” said Resident Agent in Charge Glen M. Kessler of the Secret Service Savannah Office. “These criminal cases brought today should serve as a strong deterrent to those considering exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enrich themselves through fraud.&nbsp; These defendants took money that was earmarked for legitimate businesses that could have greatly benefitted from the funds supplied by the U.S. government but instead were used to enrich themselves.&nbsp; Tackling the threat of cyber-enabled COVID-19 scams requires an immediate response to safeguard our nation during these unprecedented times.”</p>

<p>“The pandemic has been a burden on so many Georgians,” said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “Defrauding the government of funds earmarked for hardworking business owners is inexcusable. The GBI is committed to working with our partners to investigate these crimes.”</p>

<p>Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.</p>

<p>These cases are being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Social Security Administration, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. Schwedler, J. Thomas Clarkson, Jonathan A. Porter, and Jennifer A. Stanley, and the seizure and forfeiture action was brought by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Asset Recovery Unit Chief Xavier A. Cunningham.</p>

SAVANNAH, GA:  An Effingham County resident has been indicted on federal charges for aiming a powerful laser at commercial aircraft.

Roger Floyd Hendricks, 48, of Rincon, was indicted by a U.S. District Court grand jury on three counts of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Each count carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison and substantial fines, followed by a period of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Pointing a laser at an aircraft is not a prank; it’s incredibly dangerous and stupid,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “The FBI did an outstanding job of locating and stopping this threat to hundreds of Savannah air travelers.”

The Federal Aviation Administration contacted the FBI in February for assistance in locating the source of three separate green laser strikes on aircraft inbound to the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport. According to the indictment, those strikes included:

• A Nov. 27, 2019 strike on Commutair flight 4935 from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145, has a capacity of more than 50 passengers and crew and landed safely.
• A Dec. 8, 2019 strike on Delta flight 697 from Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, has a capacity of up to nearly 200 passengers and crew and landed safely. And,
• A Jan. 14, 2020 strike on NetJets flight 385 from Chicago Midway International Airport. The aircraft, a Cessna Citation Sovereign, has a capacity of eight passengers plus crew and landed safely.

Hendricks was charged after he was identified in the FBI investigation.

In the past year, the FAA reports that nationwide there were more than 6,000 laser strikes on aircraft in United States airspace.

“Aiming a laser at an airplane is not a game, it’s a federal felony and something the FBI takes very seriously,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “These alleged actions placed the lives of innocent air travelers and commercial airline crews in danger and must be prosecuted.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the FBI, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer G. Solari and Joshua S. Bearden.

SAVANNAH, GA:  Twelve defendants face federal felony charges related to illegal firearms possession after their indictments by a grand jury in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.  

Those charged include multiple convicted felons, many of them on state probation for previous weapons or drug charges. The cases are investigated under the umbrella of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal firearms, and in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF).

“Our office continues to hammer home a message that we will not tolerate illegal firearms possession, particularly by convicted felons, drug traffickers and gang members,” said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. “In collaboration with the ATF and other law enforcement partners, we will work to make our communities safer.”

Those named in federal indictments from the November term of the U.S. District Court grand jury include:

• Marcus Joseph Everett, 42, of Augusta, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Everett was charged May 8, 2020, after Richmond County Sheriff’s investigators found cocaine, marijuana and two pistols during a search of his apartment.
• Matthew Kyle Brazell, 33, of Grovetown, Ga., charged with Possession of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User; and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, a charge resulting from Brazell’s prior conviction on a crime of domestic violence. Brazell was charged after a traffic stop June 30, 2020, when Grovetown Department of Public Safety officers found drugs and a firearm in his vehicle.
• Joe Lewis Hills, a/k/a “Polo,” a/k/a “David Owens,” 32, and Edward Albert Brown, 28, both of Augusta. Hills is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, while Brown is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana, and Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. Both were arrested July 29, 2019, after Richmond County Sheriff’s investigators searched their vehicle and a hotel room rented to Hills and found drugs, two pistols and an AR-15 rifle.
• Nasir Perez, 18, of Orlando, Fla., charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Drug User. Georgia State Patrol troopers stopped Perez for driving more than 100 mph at about 2 a.m. July 22, 2020, while northbound on I-95 in Pooler, Ga. While searching Perez’s vehicle, troopers found drugs and drug sales paraphernalia, five pistols, more than 1,000 bullets, more than $3,300 in cash, and a bullet-proof vest.
• Jervario Melton, 28, of Kingsland, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Melton was found in possession of a firearm during an Aug. 28, 2020, traffic stop by Port Wentworth police.
• Michael Alvin Jackson, 43, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Jackson was charged Aug. 11, 2019, when a pistol fell from his waistband as he fled from Savannah Police officers.
• Curtavious Bonner, 29, of Thomson, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Bonner was charged July 17, 2019, when Thomson Police officers checking on suspicious activity outside a residence found two pistols in Bonner’s vehicle.
• Dequan Beniman, 26, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah Police officers investigating a disturbance at a grocery store arrested Beniman after a brief foot chase and found two pistols in his possession.
• Cameron Wills, 27, of Claxton, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Wills was charged June 20, 2020, when Evans County Sheriff’s deputies and Claxton Police officers investigating a domestic disturbance at Wills’ residence heard a gunshot and found him in the yard holding a pistol.
• Tyron Newman, 38, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was charged Oct. 30, 2019, by Chatham County Police officers.
• Bryant Young, 25, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was arrested July 16, 2019, by Savannah Police officers responding to a report of a man with a firearm  

“Gun violence has negatively impacted the lives of far too many people in the Southern District of Georgia,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “This type of violence is more likely to happen when guns are in the hands of individuals willing to obtain and/or use them illegally. This inter-agency collaboration and the resulting arrests go a long way to toward addressing gun violence by removing from our streets firearms and those willing to obtain them illegally and potentially use them.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Two additional defendants have been sentenced to federal prison terms for crimes including illegal firearms possession.

• Raphael Smith, 26, of Savannah, was sentenced to 110 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Smith, a member of the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang who had two pistols in his possession, was arrested Sept. 2, 2019, during a traffic stop by Port Wentworth Police officers, and subsequently charged in regard to a Savannah Police Department investigation several days earlier in which Smith was suspected of firing shots into a man’s residence. At the time of his arrest, Smith was on state probation after his release from a prison sentence on charges of robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.  
• Devonte Brown, 28, of Augusta, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Brown, a member of the Bolt Drive Alley Boyz criminal street gang, was arrested Dec. 4, 2019, during a traffic stop when Richmond County Sheriff’s deputies found him in possession of a pistol. Brown has multiple prior felony convictions including charges involving drugs and firearms.
• Phillip Dayan Burke, 23, of Savannah, was sentenced to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. Burke was arrested July 24, 2019, when Savannah Police officers found a pistol in his waistband during a traffic stop. Burke at the time was under indictment on state charges for fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, and possession of a weapon in a school zone. Those charges are pending.  

These Project Guardian cases also are investigated under the Prosecutor to Prosecutor Program (P3), in which federal and state prosecutors collaborate to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecuting crimes.

In addition to the ATF, agencies investigating the cases include the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Georgia State Patrol; the Savannah Police Department; the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office; the Evans County Sheriff’s Office; the Claxton Police Department; the Port Wentworth Police Department; the Grovetown Department of Public Safety; the Pooler Police Department; and the Thomson Police Department.

The cases are being investigated for the United States by Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Assistant U.S. Attorneys, including Project Guardian Coordinator Henry W. Syms; Alejandro V. Pascual IV; Jennifer G. Solari; Joshua Bearden; Jennifer Stanley; Steven Lee; Jennifer Kirkland; Joseph McCool; John P. Harper III; and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Darron Hubbard.

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon; illegal alien; or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to purchase – firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, also is a federal offense. 

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.    

SAVANNAH, GA:  An Oklahoma man is in custody after being charged with stalking a former acquaintance who moved to Savannah for safety.

Brannon Jeffries, 34, of Tulsa, Okla., has been charged with one count of Cyberstalking after his indictment by a U.S. District Court grand jury, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and substantial financial penalties upon conviction, and there is no parole in the federal system.

“The near-infinite reach of the internet has opened vast avenues for legitimate commerce and communication,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “But we will pursue anyone who uses those tools to stalk and harass innocent victims.”

According to court documents, the victim, then a Kansas resident, entered a romantic relationship with Jeffries in November 2018 after connecting with him online. She later terminated the relationship.  Following the break-up, the complaint alleges, Jeffries created social media pages and websites in her likeness, posted intimate photos to them, and attempted to contact the victim and her family from the imposter accounts. Additionally, Jeffries used the United States mail to harass and intimidate the victim.

Based on a criminal complaint preceding the indictment, Jeffries was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and is awaiting further court proceedings.

“It is alleged that this defendant tried to hide in the shadows of the internet to harass and create immense trauma and pain to the victim and her family,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “By prosecuting this abhorrent behavior, the FBI and U.S. Attorney are hoping to bring some semblance of peace to those victims.”

Anyone with knowledge of any incidents or cases that might be related to this investigation is asked to email the Savannah FBI Office at JeffriesTips@fbi.gov. 

Indictments and criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Pennington.

BRUNSWICK, GA:  An inmate at the Camden County Detention Facility has been charged with providing the drugs resulting in another inmate’s death by overdose.

Joshua Swing, 35, of Woodbine, Ga., is charged in a federal indictment with Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. The charge carries a possible penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.

“Fentanyl is a deadly, highly unpredictable drug that increasingly fuels the nation’s opioid addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “It’s particularly disturbing to learn of this poison’s presence as contraband in a detention facility.”

The investigation began May 17, 2020, when an inmate at the Camden County Detention Facility identified as J.D. was found unresponsive in his cell. He later died, and a subsequent autopsy found that his cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity. The indictment alleges that Swing provided the fentanyl to J.D.

“The death of any person is a tragedy, but a death caused as a result of illegal narcotic distribution is even more terrible for the families of victims, said Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk. “I was honored the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office was able to work with our law enforcement partners to bring this case forward and help in providing closure for the affected families.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office at the request of the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Josephson and E. Greg Gilluly Jr.

AUGUSTA, GA:  Two Burke County men have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges for operating an illegal pill factory.

Cedrick Gabriel Brown, a/k/a “Pop,” 47, and Telly Savalas Carswell, 46, both of Midville, Ga., are charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and To Distribute More than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin; Possession of More than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine and a Quantity of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; and Maintaining or Using a Drug Involved Premises, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible penalty upon conviction of up to life in prison and substantial financial penalties, followed by up to five years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Deadly, addictive and illegal drugs – especially opioids and methamphetamine – are ripping asunder small towns and rural communities throughout our country,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “With our law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate these poisons from our streets.”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation in January 2020, and with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, DEA agents conducted a search of the home on May 7, 2020, and found a pill press, along with methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs; nearly $9,000 in cash; and paraphernalia related to drug trafficking.

“Criminals rely on pill presses to create dangerous counterfeit medications which contain toxic substances such as methamphetamine, heroin and other dangerous and potentially deadly drugs,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe from dangerous drugs.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the DEA and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Josephson.  

AUGUSTA, GA:  A Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for organizing a scheme that paid workers to solicit elderly and low-income residents for information used to fraudulently bill government medical programs.

Patrick Siado, 39, of Houston, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $50,075 in restitution by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison sentence, Siado must serve three years of supervised release.

“Of the nearly three dozen defendants prosecuted in the past year for health care fraud in the Southern District of Georgia, Patrick Siado represents a hands-on example of exploiting vulnerable and elderly people for illicit profit,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We’re grateful for the work of law enforcement partners, especially the Augusta District Attorney’s Office and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, for their work in protecting the citizens and their public safety net.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Siado admitted that he and unindicted co-conspirators hired individuals to solicit information and take DNA swabs from low-income and elderly residents. The individuals were paid $150 for each “patient,” with the information used by other conspirators to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Siado would then receive an illegal kickback ranging from $100 to $575 per test accepted for billing, which typically generated a claim to Medicaid of more than $30,000 each.

“There are many losers, to include every single taxpayer in this country, when individuals like Siado scheme to bilk government subsidized programs like Medicare and Medicaid,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “In this case the biggest losers were the vulnerable low-income and elderly who are entitled to those funds. Along with our federal, state and local partners we are making it a priority to uncover this sort of abuse.”

“Today’s sentencing is yet another instance in which an unscrupulous player thought he could fortify his bank account at the expense of taxpayers, but he was decidedly wrong,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Our office, along with our dedicated partners, will continue in the fight to safeguard all federally funded health care programs.”    

 “It is unacceptable that there are those in our society who will sink to a level so low and use Georgia citizens, specifically older, at-risk adults, as pawns for their financial gain,” said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. “I commend the Augusta District Attorney’s Office and Burke County Sheriff’s Office for their work in protecting our most vulnerable. Our Office, through the Medicaid Fraud Division, will continue to work collaboratively with U.S. Attorney Bobby Christine’s Office and all other law enforcement to safeguard our healthcare system and those that depend on it.” 

The Southern District of Georgia has now charged 30 individuals and companies as part of the nationwide crackdown on fraudulent genetic testing, and prescribing of orthotic braces and pain creams, identifying more than $1.5 billion in losses to Medicare and Medicaid. Those who believe they might have been a victim of such a scheme should contact Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Thomas Clarkson at 912-652-4422.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Thomas Clarkson and Hank Syms, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James P. Mooney.

BRUNSWICK, GA:  A Savannah man who participated in an attempted robbery and armed carjackings across south Georgia has pled guilty to a series of violent crime charges.

Samuel Renardo Chisholm, a/k/a “Chilly Willy,” a/k/a “Pooh,” 29, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to brandishing a firearm during an attempted carjacking in Ware County, and conspiring to use and carry a firearm during a carjacking in Savannah and an attempted armed robbery in Waycross, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges carry a possible penalty of up to life in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.

“These crimes terrorized multiple innocent citizens who shouldn’t have to live in fear of violent attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “We applaud the efforts of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners in investigating these violent crimes.”

As described in court documents and testimony, on July 25, 2019, Chisholm participated in the armed carjacking of a woman in Savannah.  The next day, Chisholm participated in the attempted robbery of a customer outside the TJ Maxx store in Waycross, Ga., and then a short time later, he attempted to carjack a vehicle in Ware County by brandishing a handgun.  He was arrested by Ware County law enforcement shortly after the attempted carjacking and has remained in custody.

“Who knows how many more innocent citizens would have been terrorized if local law enforcement had not made this arrest,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The cooperation between local and federal agencies will lead to a sentence that hopefully will ease the trauma to the victims of these violent crimes.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Savannah Police Department, the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, and the Waycross Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

STATESBORO, GA:  A Jamaican national who assumed multiple identities has been sentenced to federal prison for committing perjury in U.S. District Court.
Patrick Davis, a/k/a Andrew Leadbeater, a/k/a Jamaican Pat, 53, of Statesboro, Ga., was sentenced in U.S. District Court by Chief Judge J. Randal Hall to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to False Declarations Before Court, said U.S. Attorney Bobby L. Christine. Upon completion of his prison term, Davis will be required to serve three years of supervised release and will be subject to deportation as an illegal alien. 
“Patrick Davis wove a bizarre series of lies to the court to maintain a fake identity as he wound his way through the legal system,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Once unraveled the lies have led to his imprisonment.” 
As described in court documents and testimony, Davis was arrested under the name Andrew Leadbeater in September 2014 as part of a federal cocaine trafficking investigation. He was sentenced to prison in November 2015 after pleading guilty, and at the time admitted that he was an illegal alien. The immigration records for Andrew Leadbeater showed a person by that name had been deported from the United States at age 15, and after release from prison, “Andrew Leadbeater” was transferred for deportation processing.
In May 2019, while being interviewed by a Jamaican consulate official, he then claimed his name was Patrick Davis, that he had never been deported, and that he had used the name Andrew Leadbeater for fraudulent purposes. 
When his fingerprints were determined to be different than the Andrew Leadbeater who had a record of deportation from 1985, investigators determined that Davis had assumed the identity of the previously deported Jamaican national named Andrew Leadbeater, while also using eight other alias names, three alias Social Security numbers, and three alias dates of birth. The determination led to Davis being charged with False Declarations before Court for testifying during his 2015 guilty plea hearing that his name was Andrew Leadbeater when he knew that information was false. 
“This alien’s tangled web of schemes and aliases were unraveled and he is now facing the consequences of his lies,” said Thomas Giles, director of ICE’s ERO-Atlanta Field Office. “ICE prioritizes the identification, arrest and removal of dangerous criminal aliens from our community.”
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro V. Pascual IV. 
 

AUGUSTA, GA:  An Augusta man and his daughter have been charged in a 49-count federal indictment with filing fraudulently inflated tax returns on behalf of clients.

Ezra Hatcher Sr., 66, and Sherry Hatcher, 40, both of Augusta, were indicted in U.S. District Court for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Ezra Hatcher also is charged with 31 counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Filing of False Tax Returns, and Sherry Hatcher is charged with 17 counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Filing of False Tax Returns.

The two were arraigned Wednesday, Oct. 28, in U.S. District Court and each granted $25,000 unsecured bonds, and as a special condition of their release Magistrate Judge Brian K. Epps prohibited them from engaging in any business or fiduciary capacity without disclosing the indictment and nature of the allegations.

“The security of our national budget process depends on honest compliance with tax laws, which is a core responsibility of those who provide assistance in filing tax returns,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “With the assistance of the IRS and our law enforcement partners, we will aggressively pursue those who attempt to defraud the system for their personal benefit.”

As described in court documents and testimony, the IRS conducted audits of tax preparation services operated by Ezra Hatcher and Sherry Hatcher. The audit determined that from 2014 to 2018, the two companies filed 57 tax returns on behalf of 15 individuals, “knowing the returns contained false and fraudulent information relating to Schedule C expenses, income, and earned income credits.” Altogether, the returns caused the IRS to issue excess refunds amounting to $167,086.

“The public trusts tax return preparers to properly prepare, review, and file their tax returns,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey. “These charges allege the tax return preparers broke this trust. Always ask to review your return line by line and ask questions if you don’t understand something. Trust but verify.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the IRS, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alejandro V. Pascual IV and Jennifer Stanley.

DUBLIN, GA:  Three men, one of them a prison inmate, have been indicted for attempting to use a drone to smuggle contraband into a Georgia state prison.

George Lo, 27, an inmate currently at Smith State Prison in Glennville, Ga.; his brother, Nicholas Lo, 24, of Dallas, Ga.; and Cheikh Hassane Toure, 24, of Austell, Ga., are charged with Conspiracy, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. George Lo and Nicholas Lo also are charged with Owning an Unregistered Aircraft that was Operated, Attempted to be Operated, or Allowed to be Operated by Another Person; and Nicholas Lo and Toure are charged with Serving or Attempting to Serve as an Airman without an Airman’s Certificate.

“Drone delivered contraband, including cell phones, into correctional facilities, is an emerging threat endangering the safety of those inside and outside the prison walls,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Our office works aggressively with law enforcement partners such as the Georgia Department of Corrections to crash-land these dangerous schemes.”

As described in court documents, George Lo, then an inmate serving a state sentence for armed robbery at Telfair State Prison in McRae-Helena, Ga., as early as July 13, 2019, conspired with Nicholas Lo and Toure, and others, to own and operate a Storm Drone 4 kit-built unmanned aircraft without registration or licensing. The Lo brothers discussed using the drone to deliver contraband to Telfair State Prison, and Nicholas Lo and Toure practiced flying the aircraft. 

At 1:30 a.m., on Aug. 26, 2019, Telfair County Sheriff’s deputies observed an approaching vehicle turn off its lights and park about 100 yards from Telfair State Prison. During a search of the area, Deputies encountered Nicholas Lo and Toure in a wooded area between the road and prison. The pair possessed a large duffle bag containing the drone, a RadioLink AT9S UAS controller, a Spektrum video monitor and a headset. In addition, the bag contained 14 cell phones, at least 74 grams of tobacco, a digital scale, earbud headphones and firearm ammunition. Nicholas Lo and Toure were taken into custody. Nicholas Lo was remanded to the custody of the Georgia Department of Community Supervision on a probation violation and currently is serving the remainder of a state sentence in Hays State Prison, and Toure was arraigned in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, Oct. 27, where he pled not guilty and remains free on bond from his initial arrest.

Federal law requires registration of unmanned aircraft weighing 0.55 pounds or more, and the Storm Drone 4’s weight was in excess of that requirement. Also, federal law requires the pilot of any unmanned aircraft to hold an airman’s certificate when operating the unmanned aircraft for compensation or hire.

“Simply put, the illicit use of drones for the distribution of contraband is dangerous and illegal,” said Todd Damiani, Regional Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “We will continue to partner with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue those who intentionally violate federal regulations for nefarious activities.”

Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John P. Harper III and E. Greg Gilluly Jr.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A second Savannah man has admitted taking part in the March 2019 robbery of a bar that left a U.S. Army serviceman wounded.

Justin Alexander Campbell, 20, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, followed by a period of supervised release. A co-defendant, Anthony Curtis Raife, 24, previously pled guilty to Possessing a Short-Barreled Shotgun in Furtherance of a Violent Crime and awaits sentencing. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Our law enforcement partners have done an outstanding job in tracking down the violent criminals responsible for this robbery and getting them off of our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “A prison sentence will put them where they belong: behind bars.” 

According to court documents and testimony, Campbell and Raife entered the rear door of Brewer’s Sports Pub and Grill on Ogeechee Road on March 24, 2019. Both carried firearms and pointed the weapons at patrons during the robbery.  One of the customers, who was an active-duty U.S. Army serviceman, witnessed the robbery and helped other patrons escape. The serviceman then went unarmed to the rear of the bar and was shot after he punched one of the robbers in the face. Both robbers then fled; the soldier was treated for a bullet wound and recovered.

Raife was located and arrested soon after the robbery, while Campbell was taken into custody in Virginia and returned to Georgia for prosecution.

“We are so fortunate that a brave soldier did not lose his life because of the brazen act of violence,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Thankfully because of his actions and the actions of our local law enforcement partners, neither of these subjects will be able to strike fear in innocent business patrons for a long, long time.”

“Chatham County Police Department officers and detectives were tireless in their efforts to solve this case,” said Chatham County Police Department Police Chief Jeff Hadley. “Criminals should understand that we will pursue every lead, collect every piece of evidence, and work as long as necessary to ensure the safety of our streets and our citizens.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Chatham County Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A previously convicted felon found carrying a gun after a Savannah protest has pled guilty to a federal firearms charge.

Arkeem Collins, 24, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The plea subjects Collins to a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison, and there is no parole in the federal system.

“Protests this spring throughout the Southern District were peaceful,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “As this prosecution demonstrates, we will not tolerate those who violate the law under the guise of exercising constitutional rights.”

According to court documents and testimony, Savannah Police officers on May 31 were enforcing a citywide curfew, declared by the mayor after a protest march in the city. Collins was captured after running from officers, who found a pistol in his pocket. In his plea agreement, Collins admits knowing that as a previously convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

“The defendant had no business carrying a firearm given his previous criminal conduct,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “ATF's partnership with the Savannah Police Department will continue to focus on getting illegally possessed firearms off our streets.” 

“We are pleased with the federal assistance we received in this investigation leading to the prosecution of an armed convicted felon," said Savannah Police Chief Roy W. Minter Jr. "Convicted felons should never be in possession of a firearm. Part of our mission is to aggressively address possession of firearms by persons in our community who are convicted felons.”

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Savannah Police Department, and is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Bearden.

AUGUSTA, GA:  A Columbia County woman has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for her role in a scheme that distributed methamphetamine in the Augusta area.

Bridget Lydell Biggam, 36, of Appling, Ga., was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. She also was fined $1,500 and must serve three years of supervised release after completion of her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 

“Methamphetamine is a deadly, horribly addictive drug that destroys users and endangers communities, and we will relentlessly pursue and shut down those who would distribute this poison in our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Christine.

Biggam was among four defendants named in an eight-count indictment returned by a U.S. District Court grand jury in January 2020, identifying a conspiracy dating back at least to February 2018 that distributed large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the Augusta area.

The investigation, which included controlled purchases and federal search warrants, seized large quantities of methamphetamine, 15 firearms and more than $44,000 in cash.

“The cocktail of deadly chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine are a recipe for  disaster,” said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. “These substances are not only volatile and toxic, but they also destroy families, communities and lives. DEA is committed to protecting our communities from dangerous drugs like meth, and this defendant will spend well-deserved time in prison."

Of the three indicted co-defendants – Christopher Allen Marshall, 33, of Augusta; Bjorn Michael Wiley, 42, of Martinez, Ga.; and John Tillman Durst, 29, of Waynesboro, Ga. – Wiley has entered a guilty plea to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and is awaiting sentencing, while Marshall and Durst are awaiting trial. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the DEA and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry W. Syms Jr.

AUGUSTA, GA:  An Augusta man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to robbing two Augusta banks.

Ronnie Dean Brown, a/k/a “Man,” 28, of Augusta, was sentenced to 252 months in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge J. Randal Hall after pleading guilty to two counts of Bank Robbery, and one count each of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. After completion of his prison sentence, Brown must serve five years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“Ronnie Brown is a violent, unrepentant serial criminal who needlessly threatened the lives of bank employees and customers,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “He’s now learned that in federal court, gun crime earns serious prison time – and our community is safer as a result.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Brown carried an AR-15-style rifle on Dec. 30, 2017, when he threatened a teller at the Fifth Third Bank at 2756 Peach Orchard Road in Augusta and received cash before fleeing in an SUV. Then, on Jan. 16, 2018, Brown and Trivar Marquette Scriven, 35, of Augusta, wielded pistols to rob the Fifth Third Bank at 3007 Pine Needle Road in Augusta before driving away in a sedan.

After the second robbery, a customer who spotted the men leaving the bank followed their vehicle and called 911. Richmond County Sheriff’s Deputies later located the empty vehicle and found the firearms used in the robbery, along with information linked to Scriven. 

Scriven was arrested Feb. 1, 2018 in Massachusetts, and Brown was arrested Feb. 14, 2018 in Atlanta. Scriven previously was sentenced to 106 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to Bank Robbery, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

A related defendant in the case, Bennelle Marquette Evans, 34, of Augusta, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to Misprision of a Felony for having knowledge of the robberies after the fact.

“Carrying weapons into peaceful places of business and terrorizing hard-working citizens is something the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make every effort to prosecute and punish,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “More than 20 years in prison should be a teaching moment for Brown, and some sense of comfort for the victims he terrorized.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro V. Pascual IV.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has admitted that he attempted to hire someone to commit murder on his behalf.

Mark Davis, 60, of Savannah, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Murder for Hire, said Bobby L. Christine, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, in addition to substantial possible fines and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Protecting the life and safety of people in the community is among the most important duties of law enforcement personnel,” said U.S. Attorney Christine. “Detecting and stopping Mark Davis’ heinous murder plot demonstrates our law enforcement partners’ commitment to that effort.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Davis admitted that he attempted to hire someone in May 2020 to kill another person. An undercover agent, posing as a hit man, met with Davis to discuss a price for the would-be murder. Law enforcement officers arrested Davis after he paid the undercover agent an agreed-upon installment in cash.

“This case is another example of the lengths the FBI will go to protect the citizens of this country,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will always work together with our citizens to hold criminals accountable and prevent violence from happening in our communities.”

The case is being investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Port Wentworth Police Department and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, and is being prosecuted for the United States by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.