Southern District of Georgia

Multi-Agency Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests for Child Exploitation Offenses

SWAINSBORO, GA:  United States Attorney Meg Heap announced today that after a multi-agency investigation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the District Attorney’s Office for the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia (MJC), the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office, the Swainsboro Police Department, the Savannah Police Department, and the Sandy Springs Police Department, four individuals were arrested and charged by federal complaint with various offenses against children, including sex trafficking of a child, the production of child sexual abuse images, and enticement of a minor.

The complaints name the following defendants:

• Jhirmichael Williams, a 34-year-old male, charged with sex trafficking of a minor and production of child pornography.
• Bryon Willis, a 53-year-old male, charged with sex trafficking and attempted sex trafficking of a minor, enticement and attempted enticement of a minor, and possession of child pornography.
• Samantha Reese, a 35-year-old female, charged with the production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting.  
• Samantha Bradford, a 30-year-old female, charged with the production and attempted production of child pornography, and aiding and abetting.

“This investigation is a great example of multi-agency cooperation leading to the identification and arrest of those who sexually exploit children and to ensuring no continued harm came to their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to partner with our federal, state, and local counterparts to ensure perpetrators are identified and children saved from further unspeakable sexual acts.”

“Few crimes are more disturbing than those that target children,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The exploitation these victims endured is heartbreaking, but these arrests show what can be accomplished when dedicated law enforcement partners come together to protect the most vulnerable among us. The FBI will continue to stand with our partners and our communities to ensure those who harm children are held accountable.”

“There is no greater purpose as District Attorney than protecting children from abuse,” said MCJ District Attorney Tripp Fitzner. “This case was a textbook example of multi-agency cooperation and demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together. My sincere thanks to United States Attorney Heap and her Assistant United States Attorneys and the FBI for their dedication to assisting us in protecting children in Emanuel County and beyond.”

“When MJC DA Fitzner and I were briefed by our staff, we realized this investigation would span several jurisdictions. Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Meg Heap and the FBI were contacted. They immediately responded with all their resources, uncovered a tremendous amount of evidence, and arrested four individuals quickly. I appreciate their willingness to respond and their speed in resolving this case,” said Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Brewer. “These are horrendous acts against innocent children who have absolutely no control over their circumstances. These acts carry a lifetime of devastating consequences for these children. There will be no tolerance for this!”

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

The investigation continues. The FBI urges anyone with information about this case, or similar activities, to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. 

Defendant possessed more than 50,000 digital files containing child porn

AUGUSTA, GA:  On September 25, 2025, a Columbia County resident was sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography. 

Perry Jason Ward, 27, of Evans, Georgia, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for possessing images of sexual exploitation of children, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Ward to register as a sex offender, pay $96,000 in restitution, pay $200 in special assessments, and serve15 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term.

“Protecting our children means stopping the creation and distribution of any materials that sexually exploits them,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, Defendant Ward is being held responsible for his reprehensible actions.”

As described in court documents and at sentencing, Defendant Ward used the internet to obtain 45,792 images and 4,609 videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).  The CSAM in his possession included images of infants, toddlers, and pre-pubescent children, some of which were subjected to bondage and other horrific acts of abuse. 

The CSAM was discovered after the Columbia County Sherriff’s Office received multiple CyberTips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and using that information, obtained and executed a search warrant on Ward’s residence in October of 2023.  Ward faces additional charges for other conduct in Columbia County Superior Court.  

“Crimes that exploit children are among the most disturbing cases we investigate,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This sentence reflects our commitment to pursuing those who traffic in child sexual abuse material and ensuring they are held accountable. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect children and remove predators from our communities.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. Blanchard.

Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.

AUGUSTA, GA: On September 25, 2025, a Richmond County man who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business in Augusta, Georgia, has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for defrauding the IRS.

Allen Brown, 41, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Brown to pay $1,003,631 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

As described in court documents and at sentencing, in 2022 and 2023, Brown and several individuals operated a “ghost” tax preparation business at 1850 Gordon Highway, Suite C, Augusta, Georgia, and at two other Augusta locations including a church and Brown’s residence.  Brown operated as a “ghost” preparer because, contrary to IRS requirements he failed to identify himself as a paid preparer on the federal income tax returns that he prepared and filed for his clients. As a “ghost” preparer, Brown fabricated income to qualify his clients for tax credits, claimed fake deductions to boost the size of the refund, and charged clients a fee based on a percentage of the tax refund. Brown did not provide his clients with a copy of the tax returns he prepared, nor did he review the returns with clients before electronically filing them with the IRS.  Brown and other “ghost” preparers who worked with him falsified 63 federal income tax returns for clients, causing the U.S. Department of Treasury to issue $1,003,631 in false tax refunds.  The tax fraud scheme Brown executed entailed offering clients two filing options, the “Standard” option or the “I’m Not Scared” option.  The “Standard” option generally resulted in a fraudulent tax refund of $2,000 - $9,000.  The “I’m Not Scared” option resulted in a fraudulent tax refund of $14,000 - $30,000.  For the “I’m Not Scared” option, Brown instructed his “ghost” preparers to falsely claim Fuel Tax Credits and falsely report gross income and other expenses on Schedule C and medical and dental expenses on Schedule A with the tax returns.  For the “Standard” option, Brown instructed “ghost” preparers to falsely claim Sick and Family Leave Credits and other false items.  Brown required his clients to pay him a ten-percent fee of each refund obtained.

“Tax preparers have a responsibility to accurately prepare tax returns on behalf of their clients.  Brown undermined the American tax system and the trust of taxpayers relying on his expertise,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.  “The sentence imposed by the Court reflects the serious nature of Brown’s conduct.  The criminal tax laws are designed to protect the integrity of the nation’s tax system and to obtain and preserve funds needed for public services. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia works closely with our partners at IRS Criminal Investigation to protect the law-abiding American public and the treasury by stopping this fraud.”  

“Every year around tax season, ghost tax preparers like Allen Brown and other unscrupulous preparers open up shop to take advantage of unsuspecting taxpayers by convincing them into taking credits and benefits for which they don’t qualify,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are working to protect taxpayers from these unethical tax preparers by investigating and holding them accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs, III.

For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422. 

Business Owner Failed to Report $266,048 in Income

STATESBORO, GA:  Jonathan Mann (39) of Vidalia, Georgia, pled guilty in April 2025 to filing a false tax-related document for the 2018 tax year. On September 18, 2025, the Honorable J. Randal Hall, United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Georgia, sentenced Mann to 12 months of imprisonment, followed by 1 year of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Mann was also ordered to pay $84,638 in restitution representing the amount of tax he owed on the unreported income.

As described in court documents and at sentencing, Mann failed to inform his tax preparer of $266,048 in income received by his construction business between 2017 and 2019. Instead, Mann deposited these checks in his bank account or cashed them at the bank upon which the check was drawn. Mann’s conduct resulted in him paying $84,638 less in federal income tax over that 3-year period.

“My office is committed to pursuing individuals that knowingly seek to avoid contributing their share of federal taxes and instead shifting to their fellow citizens the burden of keeping our government functioning,” said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant United States Attorney John P. Harper III.

Defendant made videos of minors using tanning bed

STATESBORO, GA:  On September 18, 2025, the former owner of a Toombs County fitness and tanning business was sentenced to federal prison for the sexual exploitation of teenagers ranging from 13 to 17 years old. 

Walter Joey Drew, 43, of Kite, Ga., was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison for sexual exploitation, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randall Hall also ordered Drew to register as a sex offender, pay a $1,500 fine, pay $800 in special assessments, and serve 20 years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term.

“Drew used his behind-the-scenes access to surreptitiously capture sexually exploitive images and videos of minor children innocently using his gym and visiting his home,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the work of our law enforcement partners, Defendant Drew is being held responsible for his reprehensible actions.”

As described in court documents and at sentencing, the Defendant used his smartphone to produce images and videos of minor children. This included recording a 13-year-old girl identified in the indictment as Minor Victim 5, while drying off nude with a towel in a bathroom of his home in Toombs County, Georgia. He then captured a screenshot from the video depicting the victim’s breasts and genitals and uploaded it to his Apple iCloud account. Minor Victim 5 was a friend of the Defendant’s teenage children.

The Defendant also recorded a video of Minor Victim 5 in various stages of undress in a private tanning-bed room at the now-closed Legacy Performance Center in Lyons, Georgia, where Drew was an owner. He saved multiple sexually exploitive screen captures from the video and uploaded them to his iCloud account.

The Defendant was accused of recording at least 6 other teenage children in the federal case and faces related state charges in Toombs County. He also faces additional charges for separate conduct at a previous residence in White County, Georgia.

“This case is a disturbing reminder of the lengths predators will go to exploit children,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The GBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that those who commit these crimes are held fully accountable.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason W. Blanchard.

Anyone with information on suspected child sexual exploitation can contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678, or https://report.cybertip.org/.

AUGUSTA, GA: Two Richmond County men were sentenced to federal prison for using a United States Postal Service key to steal mail, commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.  

Cameron Martinas Curry, 22, and Quavaun Enreco Rhodes, 22, both of Augusta, were sentenced to 120 months in prison respectively, along with substantial financial penalties and supervised release each upon completion of the prison term. U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen Jr. ordered Curry to pay a $2,000 fine, $400 in special assessments, and to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.  Judge Bowen also ordered Rhodes to pay a $2,000 fine, $400 in special assessments, and to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

As described in court documents and at sentencing, the Defendants obtained a U.S. Postal Service collection key and used that key to steal mail, including business checks, from collection boxes in the Augusta, Georgia area.  The Defendants then altered the business checks, deposited the altered checks into the bank accounts of co-conspirators, and withdrew the money.  The money was withdrawn and stolen before the banks realized the checks were fraudulent.  The Defendants tried to steal more than $550,000 through his fraudulent scheme.

“There were hundreds of citizens of this District who were victimized by these two Defendants.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting and defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use and aggressively pursuing those who would commit fraud in this district.  With the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, fraudsters who use the mail to steal will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.

“Stealing from the U.S. Mail and defrauding financial institutions are serious crimes that erode public trust,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who abuse federal systems and victimize our communities for personal gain.”

“I am very grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Southern District of Georgia. These individuals defrauded multiple citizens and businesses in our community, and that is simply unacceptable. Working together, we will continue to protect our residents and businesses from fraud, theft, and other crimes that undermine trust and financial security,” said Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI and prosecuted for the United States by First Assistant United States Attorney David H. Estes and Assistant United States Attorney Patricia Rhodes.

For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422. 

Savannah man sentenced to 37 months imprisonment for the illegal possession of a machinegun

SAVANNAH, GA:  Javon Edwards (31) of Savannah, Georgia, pled guilty to the Illegal Possession of a Machinegun in April 2025.

On September 11, 2025, Edwards was brought before Chief Judge R. Stan Baker for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia for sentencing. Edwards was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“Sadly, we have seen an unfortunate uptick in criminals possessing illegal conversion devices that transform semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons of war.  We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to apprehend these criminals and ensure they are brought to justice,” stated Margaret Heap, United States Attorney.

"The illegal possession of machineguns is not just a violation of the law; it endangers our communities, and we will continue to pursue those who threaten public safety,” said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent Robert Davis.

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.

The case was being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Savannah Police Department. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese. 

SAVANNAH, GA:  Ra’Quavius Rawls (24) of Savannah, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

On July 24, 2024, officers with the Savannah Police Department responded to an anonymous tip that Ra’Quavius Rawls, an individual on “Savannah’s Top Ten Most Wanted” list was at a local gas station. As officers arrived, Rawls exited the property by vehicle. The officers then conducted a traffic stop and identified Rawls as a passenger. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm in the passenger side glove box.

“Removing illegally possessed firearms from convicted felons play a key role in reducing violent crime in our communities,” said Margaret Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to prioritize taking these tools of violence out of the hands individuals who are prohibited from possessing them.” 

"The collaboration between the ATF and local law enforcement is essential in identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety, particularly those on lists like 'Savannah's Top Ten Most Wanted’,” said Acting Assistant Special Agent Robert Davis.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Savannah Police Department. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.

All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SAVANNAH, GA: Charles Harmon Porter, 54, of Savannah, Georgia, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison plus three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

As described in court documents and at sentencing, on the night of May 29, 2023, Porter—a three-time convicted felon with prior convictions for offenses including terroristic threats, possession of cocaine, and obstruction of law enforcement—used a handgun to shoot his female roommate during a domestic dispute at their residence on Alma Street in Savannah. After the shooting, Porter fled the residence and discarded the handgun at an unknown location, ensuring that it would never be found. Officers with the Savannah Police Department responded immediately to the scene of the shooting and quickly identified Porter as the perpetrator. They obtained a warrant for his arrest, located him at another residence in Savannah, and took him into custody within hours of the shooting. While Porter was being booked at the Chatham County jail, a single round of ammunition was found in his pocket. An ammunition examiner with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) determined that the round had been manufactured outside of the state of Georgia, which made Porter’s possession of the round a federal crime. Porter was indicted in federal court for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year.

At Porter’s September 4 sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence proving that Porter possessed the round in connection with the shooting, which the Court agreed amounted to attempted murder.

“The sentencing of Charles Harmon Porter reaffirms that this office will vigorously prosecute violent criminals who illegally possess firearms or ammunition down to the very last bullet as part of our commitment to public safety. We wish the victim the best in her continued recovery,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.

"Every bullet represents a potential threat to public safety; we will continue to work diligently to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands," said Acting ASAC Robert Davis.

The case was investigated by the ATF and the Savannah Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy P. Dean.

A related state charge of aggravated assault remains pending against Porter in Chatham County Superior Court.

SAVANNAH, GA- A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, indicted a pastor connected to the House of Prayer Christian Church of America (HOPCC) for various sex offenses involving a minor.

On September 10, 2025, a federal court unsealed a five-count indictment.  The indictment charges:

BERNADEL SEMEXANT, age 35, of Hinesville and Savannah, Georgia, with Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography.

“Our law enforcement partners work relentlessly to protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm and exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “This indictment demonstrates the continued success of those efforts.”

“The allegations in this indictment reflect a profound betrayal of trust by an individual in a position of spiritual authority. The FBI is committed to pursuing those who exploit children and ensuring they are held accountable”, said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.  “We urge anyone with information about Pastor Semexant or others in positions of trust within HOPCC to come forward—your voice matters, and you may help protect other potential victims.”

The maximum penalties for Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity are not less than 10 and up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for Sexual Abuse of a Minor are up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor are up to 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not less than 3 years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for Receipt of Child Pornography are up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for Possession of Child Pornography are up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not less than 5 years of supervised release.

Each count also requires registration as a sex offender and mandatory restitution.

Pastor Bernadel Junior Semexant may have worked at multiple HOPCC locations around the United States. HOPCC has locations in the following areas: Hephzibah, Georgia; Hinesville, Georgia; Savannah, Georgia; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Tacoma, Washington; Waco, Texas; and Clarksville, Tennessee; among others.

If you and/or your minor dependent(s) are actively being victimized, please immediately notify local law enforcement or call 911.

The FBI and the United States Attorneys Office are seeking additional information.  If you and/or your minor dependent(s) have information concerning Pastor Bernadel Junior Semexant or any other individual serving in a position of trust for HOPCC, or have any information relevant to this investigation, please fill out this short form at https://fbi.gov/SEMEXANTHOPCC.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Assistant United States Attorneys Frank M. Pennington, II and Sherri A. Stephan are prosecuting the case.

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

AUGUSTA, GA: A federal grand jury, presiding in the Southern District of Georgia, indicted eight individuals connected to the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America (HOPCC) for various fraud schemes and tax charges.

On September 10, 2025, a federal court unsealed a 26-count indictment.  The indictment charges:

• FNU LNU (First Name Unknown, Last Name Unknown) aka RONY DENIS, age unknown, of Hinesville, Georgia, West Palm Beach Florida, and Martinez, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, and Aiding and Assisting in Filing a False Tax Return.
• ANTHONY OLOANS, 54, of Hinesville, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Bank Fraud.
• JOSEPH FRYAR, 51, of Hinesville, Georgia and Martinez, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Bank Fraud.
• DENNIS NOSTRANT, 55, of Hinesville, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Bank Fraud.
• GERARD ROBERTSON, 57, of Hinesville, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
• DAVID REIP, 52, of Hinesville, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Bank Fraud.
• MARCUS LABAT, 42, of Hinesville, Georgia, with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud.
• OMAR GARCIA, 40, of Palm Bay, Florida, with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud.

The maximum penalties for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Bank Fraud are up to 30 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and not more than 5 years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud are up to 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not more than 3 years of supervised release.

The maximum penalties for Aiding and Assisting in the Filing of a False Tax Return are up to 3 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and not more than 1 year of supervised release.

According to the indictment, the group’s leader posed as “Rony Denis,” an identity he allegedly stole in 1983. Using that identity, he became a U.S. citizen in 2002 and went on to establish HOPCC and its affiliate House of Prayer Bible Seminary (HOPBS).

The indictment alleges that Denis and his close associates — Anthony Oloans, Joseph Fryar, Dennis Nostrant, Gerard Robertson, David Reip, Marcus Labat, and Omar Garcia — used their leadership positions to exert extreme control over congregants. The indictment alleges that members were manipulated into turning over personal information, pressured into marriages and divorces arranged by church leaders, and forced to live in properties tied to the defendants that generated rental income.

The defendants are also accused of exploiting military personnel by recruiting them into the church, directing them to enroll in HOPBS, and then using their Veterans Administration benefits to funnel money into church-controlled accounts. Leaders allegedly disguised payouts to themselves as “expense reimbursements,” “love offerings,” and similar terms, while also using fraudulently gained funds to pay credit card bills for the defendants.

The indictment further describes how leaders maintained a list of “ex-HOPCC traitors,” humiliated members for perceived rule violations, and restricted contact with family members who left the church.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking for additional victims (see more below).

Bank Fraud Scheme

According to the indictment, in 2004 until the present, defendants Rony Denis, Anthony Oloans, Joseph Fryar, Dennis Nostrant, Gerard Robertson, and David Reip, along with others, engaged in a long-running conspiracy to defraud financial institutions.

The defendants allegedly recruited members of their organization to serve as “straw buyers” in real estate transactions, concealing the true buyers’ identities. They falsified loan applications and closing documents, used forged powers of attorney, and created limited liability corporations to acquire and transfer properties. After seizing control of these properties, they converted them into rental homes, collecting more than $5.2 million in rental income between 2018 and 2020.

Funds from the scheme were allegedly used to pay mortgages on the properties, cover personal expenses, and benefit members of the conspiracy, while leaving some of the straw buyers with damaged credit and foreclosures.

The Fraudulent Veterans Affairs Education Benefits Scheme

The indictment alleges that beginning no later than 2011 and continuing through 2022, Rony Denis, Omar Garcia, Marcus Labat, and Gerard Robertson conspired to defraud the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. military veterans of millions in education benefits.

According to the indictment, the defendants fraudulently obtained a religious exemption from state regulators in Georgia to operate two of the five locations of HOPBS. This exemption required that Georgia seminaries not receive federal funds. Nevertheless, the Georgia HOPS applied for and accepted VA education benefits, making it ineligible to maintain the exemption. HOPBS received more than $3 million in education benefits for its Georgia locations and more than $23.5 million for all five locations.

From 2013 through 2021, HOPBS officers fraudulently submitted false certifications to Georgia regulators that claimed the seminary did not receive federal funds, despite receiving millions in VA payments each year. The scheme funneled funding from VA education benefits to its seminary and related church accounts, enriching the defendants while exhausting some veterans’ benefits, often without students completing their programs.

Filing False Tax Returns

The indictment also charges Rony Denis with aiding in the preparation and filing of false income tax returns for calendar years 2018, 2019, and 2020. According to the indictment, Rony Denis falsely reported a total income of $165,601 in 2018, $155,408 in 2019, and $247,433 in 2020, despite knowing those figures were false.

The FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office are seeking additional victims whose personally identifiable information (PII) may have been misused by HOPCC. If you, your family member, or anyone you know has had contact with HOPCC and would like to report a crime, please complete this online questionnaire: fbi.gov/HOPCCVictims.

“This indictment alleges a scheme in which individuals betrayed the trust of church members for self-enrichment at the members’ expense,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We commend the work of our law enforcement partners in unraveling this fraudulent operation.”

“The defendants are accused of exploiting trust, faith, and even the service of our nation’s military members to enrich themselves,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This indictment makes clear that using coercion, manipulation, and fraud under the guise of religion will not shield wrongdoers from accountability.”

“Safeguarding Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit funds reserved for deserving veterans remains a priority and our investigators are working diligently in the field to ensure these programs are not exploited for financial gain and greed,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “These indictments are a clear warning that the VA OIG, alongside our partners, will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to defraud these vital VA benefits.”

“The defendants are accused of fraudulently receiving VA education benefits intended for those who honorably served in our country’s armed forces, along with committing other financial crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are diligently investigating those who commit financial fraud on the U.S. government and law-abiding taxpayers.”

“Those who abuse the housing finance system for fraud will be held accountable,” said Edwin S. Bonano, Special Agent in Charge at the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG). “FHFA-OIG is proud to stand with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and safeguard the integrity of the housing finance system.”

“Today’s coordinated arrests of individuals connected to the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America and House of Prayer Bible Seminary effectively disrupts a calculated scheme to defraud our military service members and veterans of their hard-earned VA benefits,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor of the Department of Army Criminal Investigative Division’s Southern Field Office.  “This investigation underscores CID’s unwavering commitment to protecting those who have served, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to exploit their trust and sacrifice.”

“USCIS will hold those that perpetrate immigration fraud accountable, and we will support any DOJ efforts to denaturalize this criminal, who used a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship,” said Sarah Posvar, Associate Portfolio Director, with USCIS' Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.”

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Housing Finance Authority, the Department of the Army, CID, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia G. Rhodes and George J.C. Jacobs, III are prosecuting the case.

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

Defendant faces a minimum of 30 years imprisonment

SAVANNAH, GA: A former Army soldier was sentenced on Thursday, September 4, 2025, after sexually abusing two children on Fort Stewart Military Reservation in Georgia.

Austin Michael Burak, 32, Oak Harbor, WA, was convicted of abusive sexual contact of a child and aggravated sexual abuse of a child following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Meg E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker sentenced Burak to lifetime imprisonment for each of the two minor victims.

“There are appropriately severe consequences for sexually assaulting children,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who prey on the most innocent among us. The community is safer now that a sexual predator will spend the rest of his life imprisoned.”

As described in courtroom testimony, in August of 2017, Burak sexually abused and raped two minor boys while they slept in the safety of their own beds. Three other witnesses testified at trial to being sexually assaulted by Burak when they were minors, including one recounting years of sexual abuse at his hands.

“The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to protect our most vulnerable—our children,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence ensures that Austin Burak will never again have the opportunity to harm another child, and it demonstrates the dedication of our agents and law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to bring justice to survivors of these heinous crimes.”

“The sentencing of Austin Burak represents a significant outcome in the pursuit of justice for the victims in this horrific case,” said Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Western Field Office. “Army CID worked diligently alongside our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this case, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to protecting our communities.”

The case was investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sherri A. Stephan and Michael Z. Spitulnik. 

Aujawan Hymon, 20, of Savannah, Georgia was indicted by a federal grand jury this week for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun.

Aujawan Hymon was one of six suspects involved in the shooting that occurred in the Oglethorpe Mall on July 2, 2025. The investigation revealed that Hymon was in possession of a firearm with an extended magazine and an affixed machinegun conversion device during the shooting. Officers were able to successfully recover the machinegun during the investigation.

Hymon is not a convicted felon.

“We are working with our law enforcement partners to stop the illegal possession of machineguns. Let me be clear- if you possess a glock switch, or any device that converts a firearm into a machinegun, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” stated United States Attorney Margaret E. Heap.

"Machinegun conversion devices are fueling a deadly uptick in gun violence, turning routine firearms into weapons of war," said ATF Acting ASAC Robert Davis. "This case is yet another example of why ATF is committed to aggressively identifying and removing these illegal devices from our communities."

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Savannah Police Department. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Deputy Criminal Chief Greg Gilluly.

All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.

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Ellabell, Georgia, Southern District of Georgia:  On September 4, 2025, hundreds of federal agents executed a federal search warrant at the HL-GA Battery Company, LLC, in Ellabell, Georgia, searching for evidence related to the unlawful employment of illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. Upon execution of the criminal search warrant, several people attempted to flee the location.  For example, a handful of people ran into a sewage pond located on the premises.  Agents used a boat to fish them out of the water.  One of the individuals swam under the boat and tried to flip it over to no avail.  These people were captured and identified as illegal workers.

Over the course of the day, federal, state, and local law enforcement executed the search warrant and identified hundreds of illegal workers. Law enforcement identified over 475 people who were unlawfully working at the location. 

United States Attorney Margaret E. Heap states: “This was a significant undertaking with substantial results. Over 400 agents participated in this massive event, and over 400 illegal workers were identified and detained. The goal of this operation is to reduce illegal employment and prevent employers from gaining an unfair advantage by hiring unauthorized workers. Another goal is to protect unauthorized workers from exploitation.”

This investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations,  U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, United States Marshal Service (USMS), and Georgia State Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Tania Groover, Ryan Bondura, Kelsey Scanlon, and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr., are investigating this case. 

The investigation is ongoing.  All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422. 

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SAVANNAH, GA:  A Hinesville man has been found guilty at trial for making threatening phone calls to the Department of Veterans Affairs in December 2024. 

Alexis Beatles, 44, of Hinesville, was convicted after a two-day jury trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Interstate Communications with Threats to Injure Another, said Margaret E. Heap, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The convictions subject the Defendant to up to a total of 10 years of imprisonment, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Beatles was arrested on a criminal complaint in January and was later formally indicted by a federal grand jury.  Savannah Police Department SWAT and EOD Teams assisted the FBI with making the arrest.  As described at trial, on December 18, 2024, Beatles called a Department of Veterans Affairs hotline and made demands to the phone operator wherein he threatened to kill federal employees and others if his demands were not met.  Beatles made numerous threats, including threatening to crash his car into the Savannah VA Clinic, to “destroy” U.S. citizens, to rig his home with explosives to kill any police officers that came to his home, and to kill the children of any officers who attempted to arrest him.

“Those who make threats against members of our community in violation of federal law will be held accountable, as we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who seek to intimidate and instill fear in our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.

“VA personnel and the veterans they serve should feel safe while working and receiving care within VA facilities,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and stopping threats of terrorism and violence against VA personnel and operations.”

“Threats of violence against federal employees and our communities will never be tolerated,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners to protect those who serve the public and to hold accountable anyone who seeks to cause fear and harm through threats.”

The case was being investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Savannah Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant United States Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner and Darron Hubbard.

Defendant possessed over four pounds of 100% pure Methamphetamine

BRUNSWICK, GA:  On August 28, 2025, in Brunswick, Georgia, the Honorable Lisa Godbey Wood sentenced the defendant, Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, Georgia, to a term of 215 months of imprisonment for Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine.

The sentencing followed a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, where the Defendant was found guilty of possessing and attempting to possess with the intent to distribute over four pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system.

During testimony and evidence presented during the trial, the Government established that on September 12, 2024, the Defendant attempted to receive a package directly from Mexico containing what was described as a horse saddle. Upon further inspection, law enforcement found methamphetamine hidden inside. Before the package was delivered, law enforcement agents removed the saddle and the over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine that had been hidden inside. The evidence revealed that this horse saddle seemed to have been constructed around the package of drugs, a sophisticated method of importing illegal drugs into the United States. The package was then delivered to the Defendant by law enforcement under the ruse of an actual package delivery by the United States Postal Service. The Defendant accepted the package from law enforcement, brought it inside his residence to store before distributing, and was subsequently arrested by law enforcement.

“Methamphetamine destroys lives, families, and communities.  This amount of methamphetamine could have devastated the community.  I am pleased to work with such great law enforcement partners.  It takes a network of law enforcement professionals to dismantle a network of criminals,” stated United States Attorney Margaret E. Heap.

“The sentencing of Delgado-Celis underscores the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama Steven N. Schrank. “Smuggling pure methamphetamine hidden in a horse saddle and shipping it across the country is not only brazen but deeply harmful to the safety and well-being of our communities. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who seek to flood our streets with dangerous drugs are held accountable. We will continue to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate.”

“Using a shipping service to traffic dangerous drugs not only threatens our communities but also places unsuspecting workers at risk,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA investigators remain committed to intercepting these packages and stopping the poison before it reaches the streets.”

“Postal Inspectors will continue to support our law enforcement partners in the removal of lethal and dangerous drugs to keep communities safe,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, and the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief E. Greg Gilluly, Jr.

AUGUSTA, GA: A Richmond County man was sentenced to federal prison for using a United States Postal Service key to steal mail, commit bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft.   

Earl Demetrius Overton, 32, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randall Hall also ordered Overton to pay a $2,000 fine, $300 in special assessments, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

As described in court documents and at sentencing, Defendant obtained a U.S. Postal Service collection key and used that key to steal mail, including business checks, from collection boxes in the Augusta, Georgia area.  Defendant then altered the business checks, deposited the altered checks into bank accounts, and withdrew the money.  The money was withdrawn and stolen before the banks realized the checks were fraudulent.  Defendant tried to steal more than $400,000 through his fraudulent scheme.  Defendant, who was already a felon, was also caught with a firearm and a loaded 15-round magazine, along with the stolen bank checks, cash, financial documents, and debit cards. 

“There were hundreds of citizens of this District who were victimized by the Defendant’s conduct.  Our District is committed to protecting and defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use.  With the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, fraudsters who use the mail to steal will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to safeguard the U.S. Mail.”   

“The sentencing of this defendant sends a clear message to anyone who decides to exploit the mail system for their own personal profit,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those individuals who engage in fraudulent activity and demonstrate no regard for the financial impact that their crimes have on victims.”

“By using a U.S. Postal Service key to steal mail, forge checks, and commit identity theft, Overton jeopardized the safety and financial security of countless victims,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence serves as a reminder that the FBI will not tolerate criminal conduct, particularly when it involves someone in a position of trust defrauding individuals and institutions using stolen government property.”

“We will not tolerate those who victimize our community through crimes like these. The citizens of Richmond County deserve to feel secure, and we will continue working closely with our federal partners to ensure that offenders are held fully accountable. We are grateful for the collaboration that brought justice in this case and for the support provided to those who suffered because of this individual’s actions.” – Sheriff Eugene Brantley

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Richmond County Sheriff’s office, and prosecuted for the United States by First Assistant United States Attorney David H. Estes. 

SAVANNAH, GA: A commissioned officer in the United States Army awaits sentencing after pleading guilty in federal court to theft and sale of government property.

As described in the plea agreement and in information presented in court proceedings, JACOB SUENKEL, 32, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, stole valuable equipment from various units at Fort Stewart on multiple occasions extending from late 2024 through May of 2025, all while serving as a captain in the United States Army. The stolen equipment included costly items such as skid-steer loaders, UTVs, trailers, generators, welders, commercial grade hand tools, and a tractor. After stealing these items, Suenkel would then market them for sale on social media and sell them to unsuspecting buyers.

As part of the plea agreement, Suenkel admitted that the total amount of financial loss caused by his actions exceeded $150,000, produced an initial payment of $50,000 to go toward the monetary component of his sentence, and agreed to be discharged from the Army with an adverse characterization of service, which will result in the loss of veterans’ benefits.

“Jacob Suenkel violated the trust of his employer and unsuspecting buyers, and is being held accountable for his theft,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap. “This guilty plea offers assurance that those who commit theft will be brought to justice.”

“Stealing from the Army isn’t simply about lost property; it’s a matter of national security and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” said Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor. “The Army CID, Fort Stewart Resident Agency was instrumental in the recovery of the stolen equipment and securing this prosecution. Suenkel betrayed not only the US Army, but also the trust placed in him by the American people.”

At sentencing, the potential penalties include up to ten years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Suenkel will be ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes.

This case was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Richmond Hill Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy P. Dean. The United States Attorney’s Office extends its thanks to the military attorneys of the Third Infantry Division’s Office of the Staff Judge Advocate for their coordination and assistance with this matter.

AUGUSTA, GA: A Richmond County woman who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business in Augusta, Georgia, has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for defrauding the IRS.

Kim Brown, 40, of Augusta, Georgia, was sentenced to 22 months in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Filing of False Income Tax Returns, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Brown to pay $541,912 in restitution and to serve one year of supervised release upon completion of her prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system. 

“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we continue to pursue those who defraud the government,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Kim Brown stole money from taxpayers, and this sentence holds her accountable.”

“Not signing off on a tax return is just one of the signs someone is acting as a ghost preparer,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Today’s sentencing of Kim Brown is an example of IRS Criminal Investigation special agents working diligently to protect taxpayers from dishonest tax preparers and a notification to the public of just one scheme utilized by ghost tax preparers.”

As described in court documents and at sentencing, Brown operated a tax preparation business out of her Augusta, Georgia, residence in 2022 where she acted as a “ghost preparer” of income tax returns.  Brown operated as a “ghost” preparer because, contrary to IRS requirements she failed to identify herself as a paid preparer on the tax returns that she prepared and filed for her clients. As a “ghost” preparer, Brown fabricated income to qualify her clients for tax credits, claimed fake deductions to boost the size of the refund, and charged clients a fee based on a percentage of the tax refund. Brown did not provide her clients with a copy of the tax returns she prepared, nor did she review the returns with clients before electronically filing them with the IRS.  Brown and another individual “ghost” prepared false tax returns that caused the U.S. Department of Treasury to issue $541,912 in false tax refunds.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs, III. 

Defendant was sentenced to the maximum for each charge

SAVANNAH, GA: A former Army Soldier was sentenced on Tuesday after sexually abusing a child and requesting a sexually explicit photograph from a different child.

Cedrick Demon Robinson, 42, Oxford, MS, was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Attempted Production of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker sentenced Robinson to life imprisonment. Judge Baker also ordered Robinson to pay a $50,000 fine and $10,200 in special assessments.

As described in courtroom testimony, in December of 2013, Robinson sexually abused a minor by fondling the child’s genitals when the child was merely nine years old. Later, in 2017, Robinson requested that another child text him a sexually explicit photograph when the child was fifteen years old.

“Protecting children from those who would abuse them and seeking justice for sexual predators remains one of our District’s highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to seek justice for those who would victimize our most vulnerable citizens.”

"This conviction represents a decisive step toward justice for the victims and underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Stewart. “We’re proud of the collaborative efforts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Georgia, whose partnership was instrumental in securing this outcome."

The case was investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Stewart and prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Z. Spitulnik and Darron J. Hubbard. 

SAVANNAH, GA:  Margaret “Meg” Heap took the oath of office at 11:00 a.m. today, administered by U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall, to become the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Mrs. Heap as the interim U.S. Attorney effective August 18. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the United States Courthouse in Augusta.

“I am incredibly honored to serve as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “I look forward to working with our partners in law enforcement to make this a safer place to live and raise our children.”

Before her appointment, Heap served as the Chairman and Vice Chair of Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles.  Mrs. Heap was appointed to the Board on January 19, 2021, by Governor Brian Kemp.  In 1986, Heap began her legal career as a Volunteer Coordinator and Victim Advocate with the Chatham County District Attorney’s Victim-Witness Assistance Program. After attending Mercer University Law School, she received her Juris Doctor in 1992 and went on to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, where she prosecuted felonies in the Superior and Juvenile Court.

From 1995-2010, Mrs. Heap served the citizens of the Eastern Judicial Circuit as an Assistant District Attorney and later served two terms as the District Attorney. As the District Attorney, she was named “2019 District Attorney of the Year” by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia.

As U.S. Attorney, Heap is the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Georgia, which covers 43 of Georgia’s 159 counties with a population of more than 1.6 million people and includes the cities of Savannah, Augusta, and Brunswick. She leads a team of approximately 70 attorneys and staff in prosecuting federal crimes in the district and defending the United States in civil cases brought in U.S. District Court. Learn more about the district at www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/about-district.

For any questions, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.    

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Savannah man has been found guilty at trial for possession of ammunition by a prohibited person following an October 2021 shooting.

Charlie Sapp, 58, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on the charge of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The conviction subjects the Defendant to 10 years imprisonment, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

As described at trial, on October 8, 2021, Sapp pointed a firearm at another individual and pulled the trigger three times. An eyewitness to the shooting immediately called 911. Savannah Police Department officers responded within five minutes and located two 9mm Luger shell casings at the scene. An expert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives analyzed the shell casings and determined they qualified as ammunition under federal law and that they were not manufactured in the State of Georgia, making this a federal crime. The United States was able to prove that the shell casings found at the crime scene were fired from the firearm Sapp used during the shooting. Sapp was prohibited from possessing ammunition because of previous felony convictions in the Superior Court of Chatham County.

Sapp was previously tried for this conduct in November 2022 by the Chatham County District Attorney’s Office. That trial did not result in a conviction.

ATF SAC Benjamin Gibbons stated, “Our commitment to public safety is unwavering. The prosecution of individuals who unlawfully possess firearms and ammunition is critical in our efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities."

“This is a win for all law enforcement involved,” said Lenny B. Gunther, Savannah Chief of Police.  “I would like to especially thank the men and women of the ATF for their hard work and diligence in this case.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
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.

The case was being investigated by the ATF, Savannah Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Special Assistant United States Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura.
 

A federal grand jury returned a sixteen count Indictment charging Romanian nationals Bogdan Alexandru Gherghevici, 26, and Viorel Cristea, 33, with federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.  

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, Gherghevici and Cristea, beginning at least as early as March 2025, and up to and including May 2025, participated in an extensive fraudulent scheme falsely claiming to do business in the Southern District of Georgia. This scheme involved selling fictitious farming equipment to Victims across the country, and resulted in a total loss of over $600,000 from the Victims.

Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Steven Schrank of the HSI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

“This case highlights the commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to aggressively pursue individuals who exploit others through fraudulent schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama Steven N. Schrank. “The defendants allegedly orchestrated a complex operation targeting victims nationwide, resulting in significant financial losses. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to ensure those who engage in such criminal activities are held accountable and brought to justice.”

Gherghevici and Cristea face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, and a mandatory 2 years in prison consecutive to any other potential sentence for the Aggravated Identity Theft charge. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The HSI Savannah Field Office is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bondura for the Southern District of Georgia is prosecuting the case.

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

Ft. Stewart Army Base, Liberty County, GA:  A federal grand jury, in the Southern District of Georgia, indicted a husband and wife for murdering their child, Vyolet Kelley, by depriving her of adequate nourishment and medical care.

On August 8, 2025, a federal court unsealed a federal indictment charging Brandon M. Kelley, 29, and Stacey D. Kelley, 26, of Ft. Stewart, GA, with several charges related to the unlawful death of their child.  The federal grand jury indicted them for Felony Murder and two counts of Second Degree Murder, all counts alleging that the child died because she was deprived of adequate nourishment and medical care while living at Fort Stewart Military Reservation.  The family lived at Fort Stewart because Brandon Kelley was an enlisted soldier during the time outlined in the indictment.

“The allegations in this case are heartbreaking on many levels. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons.

The case was investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigative Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy P. Dean and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr.  Upon conviction, the Kelleys face potential penalties up to life in prison.  There is no parole in the federal system.

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

For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.

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WASHINGTON — On Aug. 5, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned a two-count indictment charging former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips with violating the constitutional rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of harm to an inmate, resulting in his death.  The indictment further charges Roberson with falsifying a logbook to cover up his misconduct.  

The indictment alleges that on Oct. 28, 2020, Roberson and Phillips became aware of a smoldering fire in an inmate’s cell, and, rather than extinguish the smoldering fire, evacuate the inmate from his cell, remediate the smoke from the cell, or call a fire emergency over the radio, they willfully disregarded the substantial risk of serious harm to the inmate by leaving him in his locked cell for several hours while he slowly died from smoke inhalation.  

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Augusta Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Augusta Resident Agency is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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

On Aug. 5, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia returned a two-count indictment charging former Augusta State Medical Prison Correctional Officers Robert Roberson and Marcus Phillips with violating the constitutional rights of an inmate by showing deliberate indifference to a substantial risk of harm to an inmate, resulting in his death.  The indictment further charges Roberson with falsifying a logbook to cover up his misconduct.  

The indictment alleges that on Oct. 28, 2020, Roberson and Phillips became aware of a smoldering fire in an inmate’s cell, and, rather than extinguish the smoldering fire, evacuate the inmate from his cell, remediate the smoke from the cell, or call a fire emergency over the radio, they willfully disregarded the substantial risk of serious harm to the inmate by leaving him in his locked cell for several hours while he slowly died from smoke inhalation.  

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia, and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Atlanta's Augusta Resident Agency is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Perras and Trial Attorney Briana M. Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

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

SAVANNAH, GA:  A federal grand jury returned a thirteen count Indictment charging current Camden County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Buck William Aldridge, 42, of St. Mary’s Georgia, with deprivation of rights under color of law and falsifying records.  

According to the allegations contained in the indictment, Aldridge, while working in his capacity as a Deputy Sheriff with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), used excessive force on arrestees on four separate occasions. In addition to the use of excessive force, the indictment alleges Aldridge prepared multiple misleading CCSO reports to justify his use of force.

Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia and Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown of the FBI Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.

Aldridge faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation, and 20 years in prison for each false report. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with the authority to uphold the law—not to break it. When that trust is violated, the FBI will act. No badge puts anyone above the Constitution,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “We remain committed to investigating civil rights violations and holding accountable those who abuse their power.”

The FBI Brunswick Field Office is investigating the case. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

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

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Savannah resident has been sentenced to 595 months imprisonment following his convictions for drug, firearm, and jury tampering charges.

Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. During said trial, McKenzie attempted to contact a juror, through a third-party, to offer the juror payment for a not guilty verdict. This attempt was identified, and the juror was never contacted by McKenzie or any other party. Following McKenzie’s conviction at trial, and an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), McKenzie entered a guilty plea to a one-count information charging him with Obstruction of Justice by Endeavoring to Influence a Juror for this conduct.

On July 22, 2025, McKenzie was brought before Chief Judge R. Stan Baker of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia for sentencing on both cases and was sentenced to serve a cumulative 595 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Chief Judge Baker ordered that the sentences in both cases run concurrent to each other, but consecutive to the 71-month sentence McKenzie is currently serving for an earlier drug trafficking conviction, and an 18-month sentence McKenzie received for violating the terms of supervised release following a federal conviction in 2019. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Malik McKenzie is a repeat offender who refuses to learn from his past mistakes,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This time, he tried to undermine our entire judicial system by attempting to bribe a juror in his trial. We are thankful for our federal and local partners for stopping this attempt and helping put this criminal behind bars for the next 49 plus years.”

“Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation.”

"This case exemplifies the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. By working together, we can effectively combat the threats posed by drug traffickers and keep our neighborhoods safe from violence and illegal firearms," said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, ATF.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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.

The case was being investigated by the ATF, DEA, FBI, and the Hinesville Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson.

For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422. 

BRUNSWICK, Ga.–A former deputy sheriff and Jail Corporal with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for assaulting a pretrial detainee, identified by the initials J.H. 

Ryan Robert Biegel, 27, of Kingsland, Georgia, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Lisa G. Wood on Jan. 28 to one count of using unreasonable force against the detainee.  According to the plea agreement, on Sept. 3, 2022, Biegel and two other correctional officers entered a holding cell in which J.H. was being detained.  Upon entering the cell, two other correctional officers restrained J.H.’s arms and pushed him against a wall.  Biegel admitted that he punched J.H. five times in the back of the head, which he knew was not reasonable or necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and then struck J.H. in the head and body an additional twenty-two times with his fists and knees. 

The FBI Brunswick RA Field Office investigated the matter along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer J. Kirkland for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

Scheme caused IRS to issue over $1.5 million in fraudulent tax refunds

AUGUSTA, GA: A truckdriver who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business on the side in Union City, Georgia, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to executing a mail fraud scheme to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

Dantavious Jackson, 39, of Union City, Georgia, pled guilty to mail fraud, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Jackson now faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 

As described in the plea agreement, Jackson owned and operated a trucking business in Union City, Georgia.  On the side, Jackson also prepared tax forms for others for a fee.  Any individual who prepared and assisted in preparing federal tax returns for a fee was required to obtain a preparer identification number (“PTIN”) from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  A paid preparer was required to place his or her PTIN on each tax return he or she prepared for a fee to identify the preparer of that return.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, provided for an employee retention credit (“ERC”), a refundable tax credit, which was designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The ERC was claimed by an employer by filing an IRS Form 941, “Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Returns” (“Forms 941”) with the IRS for the relevant quarter.

Between June 2022 and August 2023, Jackson executed a scheme to defraud the United States by preparing and filing thirty-five IRS Forms 941 for himself and two clients that falsely claimed they were entitled to receive $4,112,297 in tax refunds based on fraudulently claimed ERCs. The Forms 941 Jackson prepared and filed with IRS were false and fraudulent because they listed employees and wages that did not actually exist.  Jackson’s use of fake employees and wages to claim ERCs induced the U.S. Treasury to mail $1,567,855 in fraudulent tax refunds to himself and his clients.

Jackson prepared and filed the tax returns as a “ghost preparer,” meaning that he did not identify himself through a PTIN or by any other self-identifying information in the “Paid Preparer Use Only” section on the returns he filed for clients.    

“Jackson’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to those who committed fraud on programs under the CARES Act that they will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are still opening cases and investigating those who stole funds that were intended for American workers, families, and small businesses.”

STATESBORO, GA:  A Waynesboro resident was sentenced to federal prison for 10 commercial armed robberies that he committed in Bulloch, Burke, Chatham, Emanuel, Glascock, Jenkins, and Ware Counties.

Cordell Cobb, 24, of Waynesboro, was sentenced to 318 months in prison after pleading guilty to ten counts of Interference With Commerce by Robbery and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Cobb to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay $12,081 in restitution to the various victimized businesses.

There is no parole in the federal system.

As described in court documents and testimony, on ten different occasions from January 2023 through June 2023, Cobb entered commercial establishments throughout the Southern District of Georgia and brandished weapons before demanding money. Employees in all ten locations provided United States currency to Cobb to avoid physical harm and Cobb left the locations with his ill-gotten proceeds. Following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), Glascock County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Waycross Police Department (WPD), Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO), Cobb was apprehended and ultimately admitted to committing all ten robberies.

“This sentencing reflects the serious consequences of violent crime and the strength of coordinated law enforcement” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Communities across Georgia are safer today because of the tireless work of our local, state, and federal partner agencies in bringing this armed robber to justice.”

"We applaud the collaborative efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation. Together, we have sent a strong message that armed robbery will not be tolerated, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," said Thomas Crawford, ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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.

The case was being investigated by the ATF, GBI, CCPD, GCSO, JCSO, WPD, BCSO, ECSO and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Henry W. Syms, Jr.

UPDATE: Davion Chelsea Easterling and Corey Jamario Gunter are scheduled to appear before U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall for sentencing on Thursday, September 25, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. at the U.S. District Court, Augusta Division, located at 600 James Brown Boulevard, Augusta, Georgia 30901. Victims and the public are welcome to attend.    

AUGUSTA, GA:  Five Richmond County residents face various terms of years in prison after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a master key for postal service mailboxes and other felony counts occurring in 2023.  This investigation is on-going.

Davion Chelsea Easterling, 26, and Corey Jamario Gunter, 24, both of Augusta, await sentencing after pleading guilty to Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Stolen Mail Key. The plea agreements subject each defendant to a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Cameron Martinas Curry, 22, and Quavaun Enreco Rhodes, 22, both of Augusta, await sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Stolen Mail Key, Possessing Stolen Mail Matter, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The plea agreements subject each defendant to a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Earl Demetrius Overton, 32, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft related to stolen mail. The plea agreement subjects the defendant to a statutory penalty of up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and up to five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

As described in court documents and testimony, Easterling was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and shared a residence with Gunter. An investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, led to a search of their residence pursuant to a state search warrant, where investigators found large quantities of stolen mail and multiple postal bins, along with a master key used to access postal service boxes.  The investigation revealed that mail was stolen from a USPS Blue Box, located at the U.S. Post Office, 3108 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, Georgia.

The plea agreements concede that the number of mail-theft victims in the case is greater than 10, and the defendants abandoned any claim to the mail so it could be returned to individual senders. Gunter also agreed to forfeit a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol seized during the search.

U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing hearings for Easterling and Gunter upon completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services. 

Pertaining to Curry and Rhodes, as described in court documents and testimony, the defendants were detained by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic stop after suspecting that the defendants had stolen mail from a USPS Blue Box, located at the U.S. Post Office, 125 Commercial Boulevard, Martinez, Georgia. Upon contact with the defendants, the deputies observed what appeared to be stolen U.S. Mail inside the vehicle.  An investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service determined that there was no forced entry on the USPS Blue Box.  The vehicle was searched but no key was found.  After canvassing the area, a pair of U.S. Postal Master Keys were found less than thirty yards from the vehicle. 

As the investigation continued, a federal search warrant was obtained for both defendant’s phones and agents found several check images with a face value totaling $485,000.   Additionally, numerous text messages and screenshots revealed that they were in the business of stealing checks from the mail and depositing, altering, or selling them for the purpose of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft. 

U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen will schedule sentencing hearings for Curry and Rhodes upon completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services.

Pertaining to Overton, as described in court documents and testimony, the defendant was arrested by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, pursuant to an arrest warrant, while driving a vehicle.  The defendant was found to be in possession of a firearm and is a prohibited person because of a previous felony conviction. 

A follow up search warrant of the defendant’s home revealed numerous stolen checks, stolen mail, and various debit cards belonging to other people. Additional investigation revealed that Overton was stealing checks from the mail and depositing, altering, or selling them for the purpose of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft. 

U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule a sentencing hearing for Overton upon completion of pre-sentence investigations by U.S. Probation Services.     

“Mail theft has become an epidemic, and it is exceptionally costly to individuals and businesses victimized by these illegal activities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons. “These prosecutions hold accountable these defendants – including one who betrayed the trust granted by her U.S. Postal Service employment.”

“These cases are examples of individuals who made a decision to engage in criminal misconduct involving the U.S. mail that will not go unpunished,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting our customers and preserving the integrity of the mail.”

“The vast majority of U.S. Postal Service employees are honest, hardworking individuals who would never violate the public trust in this manner,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “But for those who do, our special agents, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail. These guilty pleas are a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to steal arrow keys and betray the public’s trust.”

“Possessing stolen mail keys and engaging in the theft of personal and private correspondence is not only a breach of trust but a crime against the public,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “These convictions send a clear message: law enforcement will not tolerate the theft of our nation's mail, and those who abuse their position of trust will be held accountable.”

These cases were investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Kyle Davis and David Estes.

The United States Attorney’s Office urges the public that if you believe you are a victim of mail theft from the Martinez Post Office, or the  Peach Orchard Road Post Office between the dates of March 1, 2023 and November 30, 2023, and you have not been contacted by the United States Attorney’s Office, please file a report by June 30, 2025, with the United States Postal Inspection Service at USPIS.gov/report, referencing USPIS Case Numbers 4183320-MT and 4207963-MT  Mail theft victims who have been contacted by the United States Attorney’s Office are encouraged to submit victim impact statements as outlined in their notice and/or appear at future sentencings.  As these defendants are not currently scheduled for sentencing, the United States Attorney’s Office intends to post hearings dates and times on its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdga/pr.  

Defendant falsely denied divorce from deceased veteran

SAVANNAH, GA:  The ex-wife of a deceased U.S. Army veteran was sentenced Monday after fraudulently receiving spousal benefits. 

Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Miranda Rachel Briggs, a/k/a “Miranda Rachel Fisher,” 34, of Rincon, Georgia, pled guilty to Wire Fraud on January 15, 2025. On Monday, June 2, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood sentenced Briggs to two months imprisonment.  Judge Wood also ordered Briggs to pay more than $129,000 in restitution to the Veterans Administration, and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term.

The key events began in November 2015 when Briggs married G.B., a U.S. Army veteran, keeping her maiden name “Fisher.” Less than a year later, Briggs filed for divorce. Two weeks after the divorce was final, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs granted G.B.’s request to remove Briggs as a recipient of G.B.’s benefits.

Briggs filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January 2018, certifying that she and G.B. were divorced. In January 2018, G.B. died and within weeks, Briggs filed for VA benefits, falsely claiming to be G.B.’s surviving spouse. In April 2018 she also claimed to be G.B.’s spouse when applying for benefits from the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA benefits).

After the VA’s initial decision to deny her claim to G.B.’s VA survivor benefits, Briggs submitted additional paperwork claiming she and G.B. were married until his death in 2018. Based on this claim, the VA granted her the benefits. She then filed a petition in Chatham County Superior Court, changing her name from Miranda Rachel Fisher to Miranda Rachel Briggs, and in June 2018, the court granted the name change.

In April 2021, Briggs filed a petition to become the administrator of G.B.’s estate after claiming in Chatham County Probate Court to be G.B.’s surviving spouse. In December 2021, the Probate Court granted that petition.  One week later, Briggs filed suit against the United States seeking more than seven million dollars in damages for G.B.’s death.  During the pendency of this suit, lawyers for the United States discovered that Briggs’s fraudulently claimed to be G.B.’s spouse, and the lawsuit was dismissed.

In March 2023, the Chatham County Probate Court removed Briggs as administrator after finding that she was divorced from G.B. at the time of his death and not eligible to act as an administrator of his estate.

As a result of her falsely claiming to be the widow of G.B., Briggs received approximately $49,000 for medical care, and approximately $80,000 in benefits from the VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Program.  The Court noted at the sentencing hearing, that Briggs spent thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgeries after she began receiving the CHAMPVA benefits.

“Programs that financially benefit surviving family members of deceased veterans are designed to provide a safety net to those survivors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “This sentence sends the appropriate message that those not entitled to these benefits will be called to answer for their crimes.”

“This sentence sends a clear message that individuals who steal VA benefits will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to identify and eliminate fraud by seeking prosecution of those who swindle VA benefit programs that are intended to help veterans, their families, and caregivers. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this investigation.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and prosecuted for the United States of America by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia G. Rhodes and Michael Z. Spitulnik.

Defendant faces a minimum of 30 years imprisonment

SAVANNAH, GA: A jury convicted a local man previously stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, at trial for victimizing two children.

Austin Michael Burak, 32, Oak Harbor, WA, was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, or Attempt and Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, or Attempt following jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker presided over the four-day trial.

“We are committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we will strive to keep our children and our communities safe.”

As described in courtroom testimony, in August of 2017, Burak sexually abused a minor by fondling the child’s genitals when the child was merely nine years old. On the same night in 2017, Burak anally raped another child who was only thirteen years old. The trial was held on May 12-15, 2025.

Burak awaits sentencing upon the U.S. Probation Services completing a presentence investigation.

“This sends a clear message: Army CID and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate these heinous acts,” said Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka of the Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Western Field Office.  “We are committed to aggressively investigating all crimes, establishing the facts, and supporting the legal process against those responsible.”

“No child should have to experience this heinous abuse. The FBI is committed to tracking down and holding accountable people like Burak who prey on children,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “We will ensure that criminals engaged in this depraved conduct are held accountable in a court of law.”

The case was investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Sherri A. Stephan and Michael Z. Spitulnik. 

AUGUSTA, GA: A man who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business in Augusta, Georgia awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Allen Brown, 41, of Augusta, Georgia, pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Brown now faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 

As described in the plea agreement, in 2022 and 2023, Brown and several other individuals operated a “ghost” tax preparation business at 1850 Gordon Highway, Suite C, Augusta, Georgia, and at two other Augusta locations including a church and Brown’s residence.  Brown operated as a “ghost” preparer because, contrary to IRS requirements he failed to identify himself as a paid preparer on the federal income tax returns that he prepared and filed for his clients. As a “ghost” preparer, Brown fabricated income to qualify his clients for tax credits, claimed fake deductions to boost the size of the refund, and charged clients a fee based on a percentage of the tax refund. Brown did not provide his clients with a copy of the tax returns he prepared, nor did he review the returns with clients before electronically filing them with the IRS.  Brown and other “ghost” preparers who worked with him falsified 63 federal income tax returns for clients, causing the U.S. Department of Treasury to issue $1,003,631 in false tax refunds.  The tax fraud scheme Brown executed entailed offering clients two filing options, the “Standard” option or the “I’m Not Scared” option.  The “Standard” option generally resulted in a fraudulent tax refund of $2,000 - $9,000.  The “I’m Not Scared” option resulted in a fraudulent tax refund of $14,000 - $30,000.  For the “I’m Not Scared” option, Brown instructed his “ghost” preparers to falsely claim Fuel Tax Credits and falsely report gross income and other expenses on Schedule C and medical and dental expenses on Schedule A with the tax returns.  For the “Standard” option, Brown instructed “ghost” preparers to falsely claim Sick and Family Leave Credits and other false items.  Brown required his clients to pay him a ten-percent fee of each refund obtained.     

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs, III. 

AUGUSTA, GA: A woman who operated a “ghost” tax preparation business in Augusta, Georgia awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to preparing and filing false income tax returns, IRS Forms 1040, for clients.

Kim Brown, 40, of Augusta, Georgia, pled guilty to two counts of Aiding and Assisting in the Preparation and Filing of False Income Tax Returns, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Brown now faces a possible sentence of up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each of the tax fraud counts to which she has pleaded guilty, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. 

As described in the plea agreement, Brown operated a “ghost” tax preparation business out of her Augusta, Georgia, residence. Brown operated as a “ghost” preparer because, contrary to IRS requirements she failed to identify herself as a paid preparer on the tax returns that she prepared and filed for her clients. As a “ghost” preparer, Brown fabricated income to qualify her clients for tax credits, claimed fake deductions to boost the size of the refund, and charged clients a fee based on a percentage of the tax refund. Brown did not provide her clients with a copy of the tax returns she prepared, nor did she review the returns with clients before electronically filing them with the IRS.  Brown and another individual “ghost” prepared 22 false tax returns that caused the U.S. Department of Treasury to issue $541,912 in false tax refunds.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J.C. Jacobs, III. 

WASHINGTON – An eight-count indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia charging 30 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and related firearm and drug trafficking crimes.

According to court documents and statements in court, SMM members and associates engaged in extreme violence to retaliate against fellow members for perceived violations of gang rules. For example, SMM members killed one member who wanted to leave the gang and attempted to kill another by repeatedly stabbing him for alleged homosexual activities while in jail. SMM members profited from trafficking large amounts of deadly drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, throughout the Savannah metropolitan area. They also made money participating in sophisticated fraud schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief and unemployment benefit programs that resulted in intended losses of over $850,000.

“As alleged, the Sex Money Murder gang, a derivative of the nationally known Bloods gang, brutally enforced its purported rules, killing a 19-year-old member, and engaged in rampant drug trafficking and federal program fraud to enrich themselves,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will not rest until every criminal organization like SMM that wreaks havoc on our streets and prison systems and exploits programs meant to support vulnerable populations are dismantled. Thank you to every federal, state, and local law enforcement agency that came together to dismantle this criminal enterprise.”

“Today’s indictment is an important step in ending gang violence on our streets and in our prisons,” said Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons. “My office will continuously work with our law enforcement partners to ensure public safety.”

“The violence and crime this gang committed across our region contributed to an epidemic in our nation. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who suffer because of this gangs’ activities,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI works with our law enforcement partners every day to crush violent crime in Georgia and our nation.”

“This case demonstrates the relentless coordination and commitment among our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal enterprises like Sex Money Murder,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “ATF is proud to have played a critical role in targeting the illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking that fueled this gang’s deadly reach both inside and outside prison walls.”

“This indictment represents a significant step forward in our continued efforts to dismantle violent criminal enterprises operating within Georgia communities and correctional facilities,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Hosey. “The GBI remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to hold gang members accountable and protect the safety and wellbeing of all Georgians.”

“The use of contraband cell phones as a tool to carry out gang activity and other crimes from behind prison walls will not be tolerated and we are proud of our Agents for their role in assisting our law enforcement partners in stopping these individuals from jeopardizing the safety of the public and the operations of our facilities,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “This indictment is a great example of partnerships at every level, ensuring the job of public safety remains paramount.”

According to court documents, on February 24, 2020, Byron Hopkins and other SMM members intercepted a young victim a few hours after he stepped off his school bus. They drove him to a rural residential neighborhood where Hopkins shot him to death. The victim had reportedly expressed a desire to leave the gang after accusing Hopkins of having sexual relations with a minor female who became pregnant. To lure the victim, his, “big brother” in the gang – a person he trusted – sent him a text message claiming there was an important gang meeting he needed to attend. Believing this, the victim willingly got into the vehicle, unaware he was being taken to the site of his execution. This is just one example of SMM’s deadly violence against a member that questioned authority or violated gang rules.

According to court documents and statements made in court, SMM is a subset of The Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Georgia, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails. The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM members, including inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, attempted robberies, drug trafficking within and outside of GDOC facilities, and wire and bank fraud. Seven of the defendants allegedly committed or ordered the charged crimes from prison.

If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison or death for the murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm in the commission of a murder; up to life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy; up to 30 years for the wire fraud conspiracy; and up to 20 years for the conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Georgia Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia State Patrol, Hinesville Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham County Police Department, Chatham Couty Counternarcotics Team, Savannah Police Department, McRae-Helena Police Department, Police Department, DeKalb Police Department, Brunswick Police Department, and Richmond Hill Police Department.

Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Pennington III for the Southern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.

The indictment is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. OCDETF synchronizes and incentivizes prosecutors and agents to lead smart, creative investigations targeting the command-and-control networks of organized criminal groups and the illicit financiers that support them. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

May 12, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. 

Two individuals were arrested in the Southern District of Georgia. To date, both have been charged federally. 

Michael Alexander James, 44, of Waynesboro, GA and Martin Lindner, 52, of Augusta, GA were both charged in newly unsealed federal indictments with one count of Possession of Child Pornography, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”

“Possessing child pornography perpetuates the victimization of child sexual abuse survivors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “As exemplified in Operation Restore Justice, we will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to protect our most vulnerable citizens.”

Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.

In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.

This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.

The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

Other online resources:

Electronic Press Kit

Violent Crimes Against Children

How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids

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

Illegal Alien and Mexican National Convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Kilograms of Methamphetamine

Defendant possessed over four pounds of 100% pure Methamphetamine

BRUNSWICK, GA:  A jury convicted a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, Georgia at trial for receiving a package from Jalisco, Mexico containing over two kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine.

Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, of Mexico, was convicted of Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The Defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

During testimony and evidence produced during the trial the Government established that on September 12, 2024, the Defendant attempted to receive a package directly from Mexico containing what was described as a horse saddle. Before the package was delivered, law enforcement agents removed the saddle and discovered over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine that had been hidden inside. The package was then delivered to the Defendant by law enforcement under the guise of a United States Postal delivery. The Defendant accepted the package from law enforcement and brought it inside his residence.

“This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.”

“This conviction sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, we were able to disrupt a major methamphetamine trafficking operation and hold the perpetrator accountable.”

“This conviction highlights the critical role Customs and Border Protection plays in disrupting the transnational flow of deadly narcotics,” said Zachary Thomas, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP Atlanta. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at every level to safeguard our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, and the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief Greg Gilluly.

SAVANNAH, GA: A jury convicted a local man previously stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, at trial for victimizing two children.

Cedrick Demon Robinson, 42, Oxford, MS, was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Attempted Production of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct following jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker presided over the two-day trial.

“Protecting children from those who would abuse them and seeking justice for sexual predators remains one of our District’s highest priorities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “We will continue to seek justice for those who would victimize our most vulnerable citizens.”

As described in courtroom testimony, in December of 2013, Robinson sexually abused a minor by fondling the child’s genitals when the child was merely nine years old. Later, in 2017, Robinson requested that another child text him a sexually explicit photograph when the child was fifteen years old.

Robinson awaits sentencing upon the U.S. Probation Services completing a presentence investigation.

"Mr. Robinson's conviction is a testament to the diligent work of our special agents and prosecutorial partners at the United States Attorney's Office," said Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Steven Ausfeldt. "Army CID will aggressively pursue anyone who would abuse or exploit our children."

The case was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fort Stewart Office and prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Z. Spitulnik and Darron J. Hubbard. 
 

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Savannah resident has been found guilty at trial of drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Malik Javier McKenzie, 27, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The convictions subject McKenzie to a statutory minimum penalty of 30 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

As described at trial, McKenzie was the driver of a motor vehicle that recklessly avoided police after an attempted traffic stop. Following a crash of McKenzie’s vehicle, McKenzie led law enforcement on a foot chase that resulted in a physical struggle. A search of McKenzie’s person following the struggle revealed a Glock handgun in his pants pocket and a fanny pack containing distributable quantities of Cocaine, Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and Methamphetamine. 

Later testing by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirmed the presence of the various controlled substances. Testimony at trial noted that Carfentanil is a more potent, and dangerous, version of Fentanyl. Testing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) revealed that the recovered handgun bore a “machinegun conversion device” (commonly referred to as a “Glock switch”) which illegally allowed the firearm to function as a machinegun in that it expelled multiple rounds of ammunition with one sustained pull of the trigger.

McKenzie was prohibited from possessing any firearm because of previous convictions in both the U.S. District Court and the Superior Court for the Eastern Judicial Circuit of Georgia.

“I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case,” said Tracey Howard, Hinesville Chief of Police. “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. McKenzie is being held accountable for his actions.”

“Machinegun conversion kits are turning up more and more in our streets and at crime scenes,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “These conversion devices are illegal, dangerous, and pose a serious threat to the community. ATF is working closely with our law enforcement partners to keep these devices off our streets.”

“Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

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. 

The case was being investigated by the ATF, DEA, and the Hinesville Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah N. Brettin.
 

AUGUSTA, GA:  The Grand Jury for the Southern District of Georgia returned an indictment against a man for his role in making threats against an employee of the Augusta National Golf Club.

Joseph Armand Zimmer, 48, of North Dakota, is charged with Threats in Interstate Communication, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.  Zimmer was arrested on April 8, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He appeared in federal court in the District of Nevada on April 9, 2025, for an initial appearance. He will be required to appear in the Southern District of Georgia to answer to the charge.   

“Those who make threats against members of our community in violation of federal law will be held accountable, as we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who seek to intimidate and instill fear in our citizens,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons.

As described in court, Zimmer made a phone call on February 18, 2025, to the Augusta National Golf Club, during which he made numerous violent threats to the individual who answered the call.  These threats included that he would “throw [the individual] in a cell and have [her] set on fire,” and that he would “blow [her] head off.”

Zimmer faces up to 5 years imprisonment on the charge.  There is no parole in the federal system.

“The FBI treats threatening communications with the utmost seriousness and will dedicate all available resources to locating and prosecuting those responsible for such actions,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "We trust that this indictment sends a clear message to anyone contemplating making threats, whether genuine or fabricated, through electronic means."

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

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patricia G. Rhodes.

Defendant illegally removed documents from secure facility

AUGUSTA, GA:  A former employee of a U.S. Department of Defense component agency was sentenced to federal prison for mishandling sensitive documents.

Margaret Anne Ashby, 26, of Henderson, Nevada, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and a fine of $15,000 after pleading guilty to Unauthorized Removal/Retention of Classified Documents, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Ashby to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“This sentence should serve as a reminder to all personnel who handle sensitive government documents that their proper handling is of paramount importance,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “Margaret Ashby is being held accountable for violating the laws that govern those entrusted to work with these materials.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Ashby was hired in March 2020 as a civilian employee of a Department of Defense component agency located in the Southern District of Georgia. As required for her employment, Ashby possessed a Top Secret security clearance.

From February 2022 to May 2022, Ashby, without authority, knowingly removed documents and materials containing classified information described in the plea agreement as “concerning the national defense or foreign relations of the United States.” She did so “with the intent to retain them at unauthorized locations, including her residence in the Southern District of Georgia and in digital files saved via a personal computing device located in the Southern District of Georgia.”

“Certain responsibilities are mandatory to individuals with access to Top Secret information and when the trust placed on them to protect our national intelligence is violated, they put our country at risk,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We will continue work with our partners to protect the American people and uphold the constitution by safeguarding our country's classified information.”

The case was investigated by the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys L. Alexander Hamner and Darron J. Hubbard, and Trial Attorney David J. Ryan with the U.S. Department of Justice Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

AUGUSTA, GA:  A U.S. Army spouse at Fort Eisenhower awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to the stabbing murder of her infant son.

April Evalyn Short, 31, of Fort Eisenhower, pled guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The negotiated plea agreement subjects Short to a sentence of 20 years in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and five years of supervised release following her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“The plea agreement in this disturbing case represents a difficult but appropriate resolution to this tragic and shocking homicide,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons.

As described in the plea agreement, on Nov. 15, 2023, at Fort Eisenhower, Short killed her 11-month-old son “willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with malice aforethought,” using a knife.

Short remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall will schedule sentencing upon completion of a presentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services.

“This plea is a testament to the outstanding investigative efforts of our Army CID personnel, particularly the child forensic interview team, as well as the dedication of the DOJ prosecution and Victim Advocacy teams, and is indicative of our commitment to ensure justice for victims of heinous crimes such as this,” said Steven Ausfeldt, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Southeast Field Office. “Army CID will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to pursue those who would harm the most innocent members of our communities, and to hold them fully accountable for their actions.”

“April Short will now have 20 years to think about her heinous actions,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This plea cannot undo that tragedy and loss, but brings another measure of justice to those who knew and loved the child during his short life.”

The case is being investigated by Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Henry W. Syms Jr. and Patricia G. Rhodes.

For any questions, please call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422. 

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has been sentenced to federal prison for the armed robbery of a grocery store employee that left two people wounded.

Jordan Richardson, 25, of Savannah, was sentenced to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Richardson to pay $23,793 in restitution and to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Jordan Richardson wounded two people during his brief but violent criminal outburst,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “His crime illustrates the importance of keeping our community safe by taking guns out of the hands of those who are prohibited from possessing them.”

As described in court documents and testimony, in July 2022, Richardson waited outside the Jones Red and White Food Store on Ogeechee Road in Savannah for an employee to exit the business with a cash deposit. Richardson brandished a pistol and attempted to rob the employee, who drove away as Richardson fired a shot. Richardson, in his own vehicle, then chased the employee and fired at least six times at the employee’s vehicle when it stopped at an intersection, wounding the employee and a nearby worker. Richardson then took the deposit bag and fled.

Several days later, Savannah police officers captured Richardson after an extended vehicle chase through neighborhood streets in which he crashed into two patrol cars. During searches subsequent to the robbery, investigators found the Glock pistol used in the robbery and shootings.

At the time of the robbery, Richardson was on probation for a prior state conviction that included robbery and gun possession. His probation was revoked after his arrest, and Richardson was remanded to custody in the Georgia Department of Corrections pending federal sentencing. 

“The blatant violence Richardson committed against these store employees followed by the complete disregard for the safety of the public and the police officers during the commission of his crimes is completely reprehensible,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is proud to work with our local partners to convict repeat offenders, like Richardson, at the federal level, where he faces a stiff penalty with no opportunity for parole.”

“I am extremely proud of our officers, investigators, and our federal partners involved in this case,” said Lenny B. Gunther, Savannah Chief of Police. “Due to their hard work and expertise, Mr. Richardson is being held accountable for his actions.”

The case was investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the FBI, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson. 

SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include charges alleging felons illegally possessed firearms, while other defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. 

“Removing guns from those who are prohibited from carrying them is a vital part of fighting violent crime,” said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners in keeping our streets safe.” 

The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

Those indicted in March include:

• D’Vonta Ealy, 30, of Thomson, Georgia, charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Oxycodone; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Shawn Hakeem Sibert, 33, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl; and Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime; and,
• Rashaud Johnson, 41, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

• Kenyatta Dunn Nero, 40, of Augusta, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found a pistol in Nero’s vehicle during a July 2023 traffic stop. Nero has multiple previous criminal convictions on state charges that include illegal gun possession.
• Jacorey Rivers, 32, of Savannah, was sentenced to 180 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Machinegun, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Rivers was on supervised release when he fled from a traffic stop and crashed. Officers found a Glock pistol in his possession that had been converted to automatic fire.
• Jordan Beverly Howard, 37, of Augusta, was sentenced to 72 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, while a co-defendant, Joshua Robert Ward, 45, of Augusta, was sentenced to 188 months in prison and fined $2,500 after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Ward was on parole on state drug trafficking charges when Richmond County sheriff’s investigators searched the residence Howard and Ward shared and found drugs and two pistols.
• O’Kere Shields, 22, of Savannah, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found a pistol in Shields’ residence while investigating a report of gunfire.
• Raquan Williams, 23, of Savannah, was sentenced to 45 months in prison after pleading guilty to False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm. Williams attempted to purchase a shotgun from a Chatham County firearms dealer in June 2023, falsely claiming he was not under indictment at the time on state charges for armed robbery and aggravated assault.
• Christopher Jeramy Blair, 44, of Pembroke, Ga., was sentenced to 38 month in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon. Acting on a tip, investigators from the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives seized 11 handguns, rifles, and shotguns during a search of Blair’s residence.
• Eddie Leonard Tolbert, 39, of Augusta, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Grovetown police found a pistol in Tolbert’s possession during a traffic stop.
• Wesley Travis Bolding, 43, of Decatur, Georgia, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun. Wrens police officers found a pistol in Bolding’s vehicle during a traffic stop, and determined the gun had a device installed that converted it to automatic fire.
• Tommy Lee Porter, 55, of Augusta, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Columbia County deputies found two rifles in Porter’s possession during a traffic stop.
• Daniel Blount Cates, 50, of Waynesboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Cates, who was sentenced in federal court to probation on an illegal gambling charge in 2021, was sentenced in June to 15 months in prison after U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall ruled that Cates had violated the terms of his probation by possessing firearms. Investigators seized 44 firearms from Cates’ home, vehicle business during a search in May 2024.
• Luke Bunyun Jr., 46, of Waynesboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In June 2024, Richmond County deputies found Bunyun in possession of a 9mm pistol during the investigation of a domestic violence complaint.
• Jack Anthony Bragg, 44, of Statesboro, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Statesboro police found a rifle in Bragg’s vehicle in May 2024 while checking on a suspicious-person call at the Bulloch County Recycling Center.
• Darrell DeMarcus Golden, 31, of Lakeland, Ga., awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found a pistol in Golden’s backpack during an investigation at an arcade in downtown Savannah.
• Jakeem Bryant, 29, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found Bryant in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop.
• Courtland Perry, 32, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, referring to a sawed-off shotgun. Savannah police found a short-barrel .410 shotgun in a bag Perry was carrying while arresting him on a state warrant for aggravated assault.

The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls 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 from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473

STATESBORO, GA:  Two men who supplied kilograms of cocaine for a major drug trafficking conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison.

Pedro Castro-Vasquez, a/k/a “Chipo,” 53, of Puerto Rico, and Sonic Torres-Garcia, 27, of Kissimmee, Florida,  were each sentenced after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, Cocaine, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall sentenced Castro-Vasquez to 180 months in prison and a fine of $1,500, followed by three years of supervised release, and sentenced Torres-Garcia to 180 months in prison, consecutive to other pending state and federal cases, and a fine of $2,500, followed by three years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“The conspiracy identified in this multi-year investigation was responsible for importing and distributing large quantities of drugs in the Southern District,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “Multiple law enforcement agencies persisted through this lengthy investigation in identifying the key players in this drug trafficking operation, holding them accountable for spreading misery in the Southern District.”

As described in the 49-count indictment unsealed in November 2022, Operation Carpet Ride identified a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Bulloch, Burke, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Richmond, and Tattnall counties, and elsewhere, from as early as January 2016. Led by Daniel Morales-Jimenez, a/k/a “Danny Hill,” 48, of Puerto Rico, the conspiracy imported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs from and through Puerto Rico, into Florida and the Southern District. Morales-Jimenez pled guilty to federal conspiracy charges in both the Southern District and in Puerto Rico and awaits sentencing.

Castro-Vasquez was identified as a kilo-quantity distributor who obtained cocaine from Morales-Jimenez, arranging importation into the continental United States for distribution in the Southern District. Torres-Garcia supplied kilos of cocaine to Demarr Clayton Lee, 55, of Miami, Florida, while also arranging to deliver cocaine to the Southern District using members of his family. Lee, who pled guilty in the conspiracy, is serving a sentence of 98 months in federal prison, while 26 other defendants in Operation Carpet Ride are serving sentences of up to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty. 

“This case represents the continued commitment of the Drug Enforcement Administration to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service employs a whole-of-government approach to combatting illicit drugs in the mail,” said Steven Hodges, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division. “This case, and our partnerships, illustrate our strategy in action. Protecting the American public through criminal investigations like this is a top priority of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). 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 was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Puerto Rico State Police; the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office; the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office; the Evans County Sheriff’s Office; the Barceloneta Police Department; the Claxton Police Department; and the Glennville Police Department; and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank M. Pennington II and OCDETF Coordinator Marcela C. Mateo. 

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Chatham County man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges that include planting and exploding a bomb that badly damaged a woman’s home.

Stephen Glosser, 38, of Savannah, was sentenced to 240 months in prison after pleading guilty to Stalking and Use of an Explosive to Commit Another Felony Offense, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker also ordered Glosser to pay $507,781 in restitution to two victims in the case, and to serve three years of supervised release up completion of his prison term.

There is no parole in the federal system.

“The level of malevolent violence in this case is astounding, and it’s truly fortunate that there were no deaths as a result of this horrific crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “This successful prosecution is a credit to the outstanding investigative work of the ATF and our state and local law enforcement partners.”

As described in court documents and testimony, Bryan County emergency services personnel responded Jan. 13, 2023, to a reported explosion that extensively damaged a Richmond Hill home with two people inside. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Glosser and a co-conspirator, and to a March 2024 federal indictment.

Glosser’s guilty plea in the case describes his efforts to communicate with his co-conspirator to “create a plan to kill, intimidate, harass, or injure” the owner of the home. “This included conspiring to acquire and shoot arrows into the victim’s front door, acquire and release a large python into the victim’s home to eat the victim's daughter, acquire and mail dog feces to the victim’s home, acquire and mail dead rats to the victim’s home, to scalp the victim, and to blow up the victim’s home,” as spelled out in the guilty plea.

Glosser located the victim’s residence using internet searches on his cell phone based on an image the victim had previously shared with Glosser. His co-conspirator purchased exploding targets online, and the two used the explosive material to construct a bomb that Glosser and his co-conspirator used to blow up the victim’s home. After the bombing, Glosser hired a cleaning service to clean the carpets in his residence to hide traces of the bomb-making materials.

Glosser’s co-conspirator, who was taken into custody in Louisiana on unrelated charges, is awaiting prosecution in the Southern District of Georgia. He is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

“This case demonstrates the devastating impact of violent criminals who stop at nothing to terrorize their victims. ATF, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who use explosive devices as tools of destruction,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

“This case serves as a stark reminder that those who use terror and threats to intimidate others will face the full force of the law,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey. “We are fortunate that no lives were lost, and I commend the tireless efforts of the ATF and our local partners for their dedication in bringing this dangerous individual to justice. Our commitment to ensuring public safety remains steadfast, and we will continue to work together to protect our communities from such acts of violence.”  

The case is being investigated by Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services, the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and its K-9 unit, the Savannah Fire Department, and the Grant Parish (Louisiana) Sheriff’s Office, and Prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner.

SAVANNAH, GA: Newly returned indictments in the Southern District of Georgia include charges alleging felons illegally possessed firearms, while other defendants have been sentenced to federal prison or await further proceedings after pleading guilty to federal gun charges. 

“Getting guns out of the hands of those who can’t legally possess them is a vital part of the effort to reduce violent crime,” said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. “We applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligent work in keeping our communities safe.”  

The cases are prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI, to reduce violent crime with measures that include targeting convicted felons who illegally possess guns.

Those indicted in February include:

• Taron Charleston, 20, of Dublin, Georgia, charged with Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun;
• Shanan Lee Grover, 35, of Wrightsville, Ga., charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Timothy Lee Cheeks, 37, of Augusta, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and,
• Charles Harmon Porter, 54, of Savannah, charged with Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

Also previously indicted are:

• Stephen Joseph Sala, 33, of Augusta, charged with Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (referring to a short-barreled rifle); and,
• Jahmz Ransom, 24, of Savannah, charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

All indicted defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Defendants recently adjudicated on federal firearms charges include:

• Nathan Sparks, 27, of Savannah, was sentenced to 130 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found a pistol in Sparks’ waistband during a traffic stop.
• Darnell Harold Miller, 25, of Savannah, was sentenced to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police in January 2024 found Miller in possession of a pistol while investigating a domestic disturbance.
• Barry Christopher Carpenter, 44, of Gainesville, Ga., was sentenced to 84 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Carpenter was arrested on state charges in Columbia County during a burglary investigation and found to be in possession of two firearms.
• Corinthian Lamar Colonel, 26, of Savannah, was sentenced to 70 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Officers from the Savannah Police Department and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision found two firearms in Colonel’s residence during a September 2023 search.
• Maleak J. Parrish, 24, of Savannah, was sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police fund a pistol in Parrish’s possession during a traffic stop.
• Eddie Robertson, 30, of Savannah, was sentenced to 52 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers found Robertson in possession of a handgun after a December 2023 traffic stop and foot chase.
• Anthony Orlando Jones, 34, of Augusta, was sentenced to 46 months in prison and fined $1,500 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies and the U.S. Marshals found Jones in possession of a semiautomatic pistol in November 2023 while serving him with an arrest warrant on a state felony charge.
• Pedro Walker, 24, of Savannah, was sentenced to 46 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police officers investigating a reported disturbance found Walker had been in possession of a pistol.
• Willie Dunbar, 45, of Villa Rica, Georgia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Machine Gun. During a January traffic stop, Wheeler County deputies found Dunbar in possession of a Polymer80 “ghost gun” fitted with a device converting it to automatic fire.
• Deleon Alexander Jackson, 23, of Augusta, was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Richmond County deputies found Jackson in possession of a rifle while investigating a reported disturbance at an Augusta store.
• Stanley Hall, 22, of Savannah, was sentenced to 71 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Savannah police found Hall in possession of a handgun while investigating a reported attempted vehicle break-in.
• Lemar Neil Robinson, 36, of Savannah, awaits sentencing after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Georgia state troopers and Savannah police found Robinson in possession of a pistol after a vehicle chase and traffic stop.

The cases are being prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual to possess a firearm if he or she falls 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 from the ATF on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atfw-form-4473

WAYCROSS, GA: A newly unsealed federal indictment alleges dozens of defendants, many of them in prison, participated in an extensive drug trafficking operation spanning several south Georgia communities.

The indictment in USA v. Brinson, et al., names 37 individuals in the Coffee, Atkinson, and Bacon County area as conspirators, charging them with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, and Marijuana, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Conviction on the charge carries a maximum penalty of up to life in prison for most defendants, along with substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. 

There is no parole in the federal system.

“This operation makes it clear that rural communities aren’t immune from the scourge of drug trafficking,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lyons. “We applaud the diligent work of our law enforcement partners in this investigation.”

As described in the indictment, the defendants are alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to import and distribute large amounts of illegal drugs in the Douglas, Georgia, community and surrounding counties. Much of the conspiracy was directed from inside Georgia state prisons using contraband cell phones. The 60-count indictment includes the seizure of 21 illegally possessed firearms and more than $17,000.

Those named in the indictment include:

• Litarus Brinson, a/k/a “Ben Brokebefore,” 26, an inmate at the Jenkins Correctional Center;
• Christopher Brockington, a/k/a “Chris Brock,” 44, of Douglas;
• Keevon Bussey, a/k/a “Guado Gettinguap Gomez,” 26, of Douglas;
• Stacey Daniels, 32, of Douglas;
• Kenneth Davis, 62, being held in the Coffee County Jail;
• T’Kiya Eady, 24, of Lagrange, Georgia;
• Patrick Ellis, 42, of Atlanta;
• Anthony Gaskin Jr., 35, of Pearson, Georgia;
• Dacia Gaskins, a/k/a “Sheree Gaskins,” 31, of Douglas, a former Georgia state corrections officer;
• Ernest Goodman, 42, an inmate of the Ware County Jail;
• Christopher Hawkins, a/k/a “Rayshon Hawkins,” 30, of Douglas;
• Qudarious Hawkins, a/k/a “Don Esclobar,” 25, of Douglas;
• Breanna Henderson, 34, of Douglas;
• Corey Hill, 34, of Ambrose, Georgia;
• Demarcus Holland, 32, of Douglas;
• Wanda Hollinger, 57, of Douglas;
• Zarionna Holloway, a/k/a “Channel Parker,” 23, of Douglas;
• Roger Jenkins, 27, a/k/a “Glee Jenkins,” a/k/a “WMG Glee,” of Alma, Georgia;
• Marquan Jenkins, a/k/a “Anna Brooke,” a/k/a “Mary Thompson,” 30, an inmate at Macon State Prison;
• Richard Jewell, 51, of Douglas;
• Aaron Kahn, 49, of Douglas;
• James Lander, 35, Douglas;
• Jeffrey Maxwell, a/k/a “EBK Kokaine,” 28, an inmate of Wilcox State Prison;
• Darien McDaniel, 35, of Waycross, Georgia;
• Antarious McTear, 30, of Douglas;
• Adrian Munford, a/k/a “Jugg King,” 41, of Waycross
• Ferlonzo Newton, a/k/a “Lonzie Newton,” a/k/a “Kell Newton,” 28, of Douglas;
• Reginald Powell, a/k/a “Yetti Glock,” 36, of Douglas;
• Patricia Raven, a/k/a “Ms. Pat,” 65, of Valdosta, Georgia;
• Marcus Reynolds, a/k/a “Marc Marc,” 44, an inmate at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison;
• James Robinson, 33, an inmate at Telfair State Prison;
• Sedarrien Smith, a/k/a “Slug Da Menace,” 24, of Douglas;
• Billy Toombs Jr., 32, of Douglas;
• Dequatte Tucker, a/k/a “Deshawn Tucker,” a/k/a “Esco,” a/k/a “Freeband Esco,” 33, an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility;
• Travis Tucker, 33, of Douglas;
• Assyria Watts, a/k/a “Jefe Cain,” 29, of Douglas; and,
• Brian Wright, 48, of Alma, Georgia.

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

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners were able to achieve today’s arrests and seizures because all of us never stopped working together, combining our resources, and advocating for a safer place to live for everyone in this community,” said FBI Atlanta Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Ozden. “And we will not rest until we bring back to our community a sense of security and law and order that is so greatly needed.”

“This operation was only successful because of the collaborative effort of the various agencies,” said Coffee County Sheriff Fred T. Cole. “As the sheriff, it is my mission to eliminate the spread of illegal drugs in our community. This operation highlights the importance of community safety and the lasting effects it has on our community.”

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.

The case also was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

Agencies conducting the investigation include the FBI, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southeast Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Douglas Police Department, the Bacon County Sheriff’s Office, the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Waycross Police Department, the Marion County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville (Florida) County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Joshua K. Davis.