Southern District of Mississippi

Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

According to court documents, John Willie Henderson, Jr. a/k/a Dirt, 48, was indicted for aiding and abetting in the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to an individual on February 23, 2018.  He was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019, and pled guilty on December 7, 2020.

The case is the result of an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, “Fire and Ice,” which began as an operation targeting illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations,   Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, Madison Police Department,  Ridgeland Police Department, and Rankin County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton prosecuted the case.

Gulfport, Miss.– A Biloxi man pled guilty to conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Malyk Harveston, 20, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.

According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2020, the DEA and Gulfport Police Department began investigating a local drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of oxycodone, marijuana, alprazolam (“Xanax”), methamphetamine, and pressed fentanyl pills. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that various members of the organization, like many drug traffickers, possessed firearms to protect themselves, their drugs, and the proceeds from their drug sales.  

Through their investigation, officers determined that Harveston was a member of the drug trafficking organization. Officers determined that he was principally a street level trafficker of marijuana and alprazolam, which he would obtain from other members of the conspiracy and then redistribute.  However, he also had a source for fake oxycodone pills.  The investigation also revealed messages between Harveston and other members of the conspiracy in which they discussed the acquisition of firearms.  Furthermore, another member of the conspiracy advised Harveston to invest the proceeds from his drug sales in firearms.

Ultimately, in late May of 2021, local law enforcement officials arrested Harveston.  Harveston subsequently admitted to purchasing an American Tactical Rifle which was found in a vehicle registered to his mother.  During the investigation, officers were able to determine that Harveston had acquired at least 5 different firearms.

Harveston is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 

The DEA, Gulfport Police Department, and Biloxi Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

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

Jackson, Miss.  – A Meridian man was sentenced to 92 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

According to court documents, Lakennth J’Darrious Smith, 30, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Meridian Police Department on August 28, 2019, during the execution of a search warrant.  Smith had a 7.62x39mm caliber pistol in his bedroom.  Smith has two prior felony convictions.  As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Smith to possess any firearm.

The Meridian Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss.  – A Lucedale man pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

According to court documents, Scott Randall Harris, 49, received through the mail firearms suppressors at his residence in Lucedale.  The deliveries dated back to June of 2019.  Agents obtained a search warrant and served it in January of 2020 at the Lucedale residence of Harris. Agents recovered multiple firearms and miscellaneous ammunition. Harris was a previously convicted felon as a result of a narcotics conviction in George County. 

A federal grand jury indicted Harris on April 14, 2021. Harris is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case, with assistance from U. S. Customs and Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones is prosecuting the case.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Jefferson Davis County man pled guilty to illegally possessing firearms while under a domestic violence protection order, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.    

Victor Joseph Schexnayder, 49, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Hattiesburg.  

According to court records, on September 8, 2021, a firework was placed inside of an AT&T Digital Transmission Site, blowing up a hub of Digital Subscriber Lines internet and phone connectivity in Jefferson Davis County.  A subsequent investigation led agents to a search of Victor Joseph Schexnayder’s residence where they discovered multiple firearms.  At the time, Schexnayder was the subject of a domestic violence protection order, issued in the Chancery Court of Harrison County, which prohibited him from possessing firearms. Overall, seventeen firearms were collected during the course of the investigation. 

Schexnayder will be sentenced on June 23, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  A federal district judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Eichner is prosecuting the case.

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

Jackson, Miss. –  A Jackson man was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Inspector in Charge Scott Fix of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 

According to court documents, Marco Darby, 26, was indicted for discharging a firearm during the assault and robbery of a United States Postal Service mail carrier in Jackson on June 2, 2021. 

Darby pled guilty on December 9, 2021.

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Murray prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. –  A Jackson man pled guilty to escape from federal custody, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.  

According to court documents, Henry Steverson, 51, was indicted for failing to report to a halfway house in Jackson as a condition of his pending release from federal custody with the Bureau of Prisons.  His failure to report resulted in his classification as an escapee from federal custody.

Steverson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2022, and faces a sentence of not less than five years in prison.  A federal district judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The United States Marshal’s Service investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Murray prosecuted the case.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A former Hattiesburg resident was sentenced to 13 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

According to court records, in 2017, ATF agents learned that Donston Lamar Noel, 41, was selling narcotics and firearms in the Hattiesburg area. Agents conducted a sting operation netting several grams of cocaine and methamphetamine from Noel on July 27, 2017. Again, on September 7, 2017, agents obtained sold several dosage units of oxycodone and hydrocodone as well as a Palmetto State Armory PA-15, 5.56 mm caliber pistol from Noel. 

Noel pleaded guilty on December 2, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the case.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.

The case was prosecuted as part of the federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program.  The centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s crime reduction efforts, PSN is an evidence-based program proven effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together and develop comprehensive solutions. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Wiggins man was sentenced to serve 60 months in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for transporting visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Restitution to the victims was also ordered.

According to court documents, Charles Ezekiel Spangler, 38, was identified by the FBI when they received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he uploaded pictures of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct via the internet to his Tumblr account in June of 2018.   

Spangler was indicted by a federal grand jury and he pled guilty on December 2, 2021.

The case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Division.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Honduran national was sentenced to 15 months in prison for unlawful reentry by an alien removed after felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.    

According to court documents, Wilmer Josue Pavon-Hercules, 40, was arrested on September 12, 2021, following a traffic stop by a Picayune Police officer on Interstate 59 in Pearl River County.  Pavon-Hercules did not have a driver’s license and provided only a Honduran identification card. The officer was assisted on-site by a deputy of the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department.  While officials were attempting to arrest Pavon-Hercules for careless driving and driving under the influence (DUI), he attempted to flee law enforcement and then bit the police officer while being handcuffed.  Pavon-Hercules was taken into custody and transported to Pearl River County Jail.  Later, he escaped from the Pearl River County Jail and was recaptured by deputies.  

Picayune officials contacted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) regarding the immigration status of Pavon-Hercules.  HSI determined through electronic database queries that Pavon-Hercules was a citizen of Honduras who was previously deported from the United States to Honduras. Immigration Records revealed that Pavon-Hercules had been removed from the U.S. on August 23, 2012.  He returned to the U.S. and was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana in 2017 for reentry by an alien following removal.  He was again returned to his home nation of Honduras.

Pavon-Hercules pled guilty on December 14, 2021, to unlawful reentry by an alien removed after felony conviction.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Picayune Police Department, and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case.

Gulfport, Miss.  – An El Salvadoran national pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of unlawful return of an alien removed after felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Kenneth Blanchard.

According to court documents, Yohalmo Eliseo Pineda-Cruz, 46, of El Salvador, was arrested on October 6, 2021, by the U.S. Border Patrol on Interstate 10 in Jackson County.   A Border Patrol K9 Agent, assigned to the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team (MET) was patrolling on Interstate-10 near Ocean Springs, when a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle driven by Pineda-Cruz.  Pineda-Cruz did not have a driver’s license and had an extensive criminal/immigration arrest history.

Record checks revealed that Pineda-Cruz, a/k/a Eliseo Hernandez-Diaz, had been arrested on several occasions by the Border Patrol and had been officially deported or removed from the U.S. in 2012.  Since 2012, Pineda-Cruz had returned and been removed from the U.S. on multiple occasions. Official records also revealed that Pineda-Cruz had been convicted of the federal felony offense of unlawful return after removal, under his alias name of Eliseo Hernandez-Diaz, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona in May 2019.  After serving his prison sentence, Pineda-Cruz’s prior removal order was reinstated and he was again physically removed from the United States in late 2019. 

Pineda-Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2022.  He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Colorado man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for selling a firearm to a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court documents, Terence Darnelius Hinton, 38, of Colorado Springs, sold a Harrington and Richardson 20-gauge shotgun and narcotic pills to an individual at a Hattiesburg apartment.  Hinton had been previously advised by the individual that he was a convict and was not supposed to possess the firearms. The Court imposed sentencing enhancements for Hinton’s conduct which included those for the number of firearms involved, the possession or attempt to possess a semiautomatic firearm that is capable of accepting a large capacity magazine, and for engaging in the trafficking of firearms.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.    

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. – A Vicksburg man was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

According to court documents, on November 15, 2019, Vicksburg Police officers and FBI Task Force officers apprehended Hakeem Burnett, 31, in Vicksburg pursuant to a warrant for violating the Hinds County, Mississippi Drug Court program.  Burnett was in possession of a firearm at the time he was apprehended.  Burnett has previous convictions for house burglary and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

The FBI and Vicksburg Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent

crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Jackson, Miss. – A Utica man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

According to court records, on August 12, 2020, Dennis Mitchell, 40, sold 208 grams of methamphetamine to an individual. 

Mitchell pled guilty on October 29, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Hailstorm” targeting illegal drug trafficking in the Jackson area.  The Operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Jackson Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.

Jackson, Miss. –  A Tucker man was sentenced today to 450 months in federal prison for the sexual assault and murder of a child on the Choctaw Indian Reservation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Field Office. 

According to court documents, Brett K. Hickman, 28, of Tucker, sexually assaulted and murdered a 2-year-old female on June 8, 2019, in the Tucker Community of the Choctaw Indian Reservation.

Hickman pled guilty in U.S. District Court on July 13, 2021, before U.S. District Judge David Bramlette.    

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin J. Payne prosecuted the case.

Gulfport, Miss. – Two El Salvadoran nationals pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of unlawful transportation of an alien within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Chief Patrol Agent Jason E. Schneider of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. 

According to court documents, Jairo Levi Rivera-Ayala, 27, and Herberth Anton Rodriguez-Ayala, 34, both  of El Salvador, were arrested on September 14, 2021, on Interstate 10 in Harrison County.  A Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a vehicle stop and identified the driver as Jairo Levi Rivera-Ayala.   Herberth Anton Rodriguez-Ayala was the front seat passenger, and later identified as a co-driver.

The vehicle contained ten additional passengers for a total of twelve people in a vehicle designed, and with seatbelts, for only seven people.  The U.S. Border Patrol responded to the scene and determined that all twelve occupants of the SUV were illegally present in the United States.  Officials determined that this  was an illegal alien smuggling event, and all twelve vehicle occupants were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport for processing.  Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations also responded to and investigated the case.

Both Rivera-Ayala and Rodriguez-Ayala pleaded guilty to unlawful transportation of an alien within the United States.  Rivera-Ayala pleaded guilty on February 22, 2022 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2022.  Rodriguez-Ayala pleaded guilty on December 16, 2021 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, 2022.  Each man faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of Supervised Release as well as a $100 special assessment and a $5,000 additional special assessment.  After completing any sentence of incarceration, each man also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Greensburg, Louisiana man was sentenced today to 152 months in prison for attempted enticement of a minor following his arrest in a Marion County Human Trafficking operation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. 

Brandon Brumfield, 25, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel.  Brumfield’s sentence also included a special assessment of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and a lifetime term of supervised release following his release from confinement.  He will also register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, during an operation being conducted by law enforcement in Marion County in December 2020, Brumfield engaged with an undercover online chatter posing as a 14-year-old on the online dating website “Plenty of Fish.”  While chatting, Brumfield expressed his desire to have sex with the 14-year-old and stated he would drive to Columbia, Mississippi from Greensburg, Louisiana to do so.  Upon arrival in Columbia, Brumfield was arrested by law enforcement with condoms in his vehicle.  Brumfield subsequently admitted to law enforcement that his intent was to have sex with a 14-year-old he had met on “Plenty of Fish.”.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Columbia Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew W. Eichner prosecuted the case.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Jefferson Davis County felon was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 77 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The sentence also included a fine of $2,000 and a term of three years of supervised release following his release from confinement.

According to court documents, Delmus Stubbs, 42, was found in possession of multiple firearms during a safety checkpoint in Collins, Mississippi.  Stubbs had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, with his most recent conviction being for possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.

Stubbs pled guilty on November 23, 2021 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mississippi Highway Patrol, and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew W. Eichner prosecuted the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss. – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of unlawful return of an alien after deportation or removal, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Chief Patrol Agent Jason E. Schneider of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

According to court documents, Jorge Osvani Diaz-Mendez, 21, of Guatemala, was arrested on September 12, 2021, on Interstate 10 in Jackson County.  A U.S. Border Patrol Agent, who also is a member of the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle which had a total of 11 occupants, all of whom were illegal aliens to the United States.  Homeland Security Investigations agents responded, and the driver of the vehicle is being separately prosecuted for illegal alien smuggling.

A passenger in the vehicle was identified as Jorge Osvani Diaz-Mendez, a citizen and national of Guatemala with no legal right to enter or remain in the United States.  At the Gulfport Border Station, Diaz-Mendez’s fingerprints were electronically scanned into Homeland Security databases and were automatically matched by computer to his fingerprints in his prior immigration records.  Diaz-Mendez’s identity was positively confirmed, and record checks revealed that he had been lawfully removed from the United States in 2019 and that he had not received consent or permission to apply for readmission or to reenter the United States. 

The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. 

Diaz-Mendez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2022, at 9:30 a.m.  He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Gulfport, Miss. – A former Florida resident who moved to Mississippi, pleaded guilty to the federal felony offense of failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and U.S. Marshal Mark Shepherd. 

According to court documents, Jason Marvin Kent, 43, was arrested on July 22, 2021, by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department in Moss Point on a failure to register arrest warrant issued out of Walton County, Florida.  An investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Kent relocated from Florida to Mississippi in early 2021 to avoid being arrested on the Florida warrant. 

In 2002, Kent had been convicted in Walton County, Florida of lewd or lascivious conduct, sentenced to three years of probation, and was classified as a sex offender.  Florida is a lifetime registration state and, in 2015, Kent was convicted of failure to register in Florida, for which he was sentenced to three years of probation.  In addition to failing to update his registration in Florida before moving to Mississippi, official records showed that Kent had failed to register as a sex offender in the State of Mississippi.

Kent pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender which is a federal felony under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), commonly known as the Adam Walsh Act.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and he faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Walton County Florida Sheriff’s Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Gulfport, Miss. –   A Kiln, Mississippi man pled guilty to wire fraud related to the COVID pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

According to court records, on August 3, 2020, Trevon S. Evans, 25, was arrested by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office in relation to two stolen vehicles.  At the time of his arrest, Evans was in possession of multiple identification cards with different names.  Further investigation revealed that Evans had taken advantage of elderly neighbors by convincing them to give him their personal identifying information so that he could help them receive benefits related to the COVID pandemic.  Evans then used that information to apply for unemployment insurance under the Economic Security (CARES) Act benefits in the victims’ names and had them sent to him at his residence.  The benefits totaled over $7,000 and were used by Mr. Evans at casinos along the Gulf Coast.  

Evans will be sentenced on June 23, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose.

The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization that expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man pleaded guilty to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to court documents and information presented to the Court, on October 23, 2021, Booker Timothy Jackson, 45, was stopped for a traffic violation by officers working with the Gulfport Police Department.  Officers searched the vehicle and located suspected methamphetamine, suspected marijuana, cocaine residue, and a 9mm pistol. Jackson was taken into custody and admitted to selling narcotics to support his drug addiction.

On November 6, 2021, Jackson was stopped again.  This time officers found a stolen firearm in his possession. Jackson admitted that he purchased the gun. He also admitted to smoking cocaine multiple times a week.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. 

The DEA and Gulfport Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss. – A Charleston, South Carolina man pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

Kendrell O’Mars Sheppard, 31, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.  

According to court documents and information presented to the Court, on May 11, 2020, an officer with the Biloxi Police Department conducted a traffic stop on an F-150 pickup truck traveling eastbound on I-10 in Harrison County. Kendrell O’Mars Sheppard was a passenger in the truck.  During the stop, officers obtained consent to search the truck.  They discovered two Smith and Wesson firearms and approximately $7,000.00 in cash.  While interacting with Sheppard, officers noticed a bulge in one of Sheppard’s socks.  Sheppard admitted the bulge was cocaine.

Sheppard was taken into custody.  Post Miranda, he admitted that the guns belonged to him, that he was a felon, and that the cocaine belonged to him. 

Sheppard is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.  However, if he is determined to be an armed career criminal, he faces from 15 years to life imprisonment. 

The FBI and Biloxi Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Hattiesburg man was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a combined total of 139 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition while on federal supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The sentence also included a fine of $10,000 and a term of three years of supervised release following his release from confinement.

According to court documents, Jakobe McCray Woullard, also known as BadAzz, 21, possessed a single round of ammunition in his pocket on June 13, 2021, following an earlier federal felony conviction.  Woullard had previously been convicted of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and was on federal supervised release at the time he committed the new offense.  A review of Woullard’s social media accounts showed he was also in possession of multiple firearms in the three-month period since his release from imprisonment following his original federal conviction.  Woullard was also involved in an attack on another inmate while pending sentencing in the immediate case.

Woullard was sentenced to 115 months of confinement on his new offense and 24 months for violating his federal supervised release.  The two terms of imprisonment are set to run consecutive to one another for a total of 139 months of confinement.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew W. Eichner prosecuted the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Raheem Olajuwon Lane, 28, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.   

According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2020, the DEA and Gulfport Police Department began investigating a local drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of oxycodone, marijuana, alprazolam (“Xanax”), methamphetamine, and pressed fentanyl pills. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that various members of the organization, like many drug traffickers, possessed firearms to protect themselves, their drugs, and the proceeds from their drug sales.  Through their investigation, officers determined that Raheem Olajuwon Lane was a member of the drug trafficking organization. Officers determined that he was distributing fentanyl, alprazolam, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and marijuana.  He also transferred firearms to and received firearms from other members of the conspiracy.

On May 12, 2021, officers executed a search warrant at Lane’s residence.  They discovered hundreds of alprazolam pills, pressed fentanyl pills, suspected methamphetamine, suspected oxycodone, and marijuana. They also recovered three firearms, a Taurus 9mm handgun, a Smith and Wesson handgun, and an Intratec Model AB-10. 

Lane is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, and a maximum of life in prison for the possession charge. 

The DEA and Gulfport Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss. – An Ocean Springs woman pleaded guilty today to conspiring to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Mary Matthews (also known as Mary Wells), 20, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.   She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 

According to court documents and information presented to the Court, in 2020, the DEA and Gulfport Police Department began investigating a local drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of oxycodone, marijuana, alprazolam (“Xanax”), methamphetamine, and pressed fentanyl pills. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that various members of the organization, like many drug traffickers, possessed firearms to protect themselves, their drugs, and the proceeds from their drug sales.  

Through their investigation, officers discovered evidence that Mary Matthews was a member of the drug trafficking organization and carried a firearm when she dealt. During the conspiracy, she and a co-conspirator repaired her firearm for use in the dealing of drugs.

The DEA and Gulfport Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

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

Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. 

According to court records, on April 28, 2019, Stephen Donald Baucum, Jr., 32, entered the Bancorp South Bank at Canton Mart in Jackson and demanded money. Baucum told the tellers to put their hands up and instructed a teller to put the money in the bag he provided. He quickly left and fled in a silver Toyota Camry, which was later found to be stolen. Baucum was identified as the suspect and ultimately arrested on June 21, 2021. At the time of arrest, Baucum was found in possession of a firearm.  

Baucum pled guilty to bank robbery on October 7, 2021, in U.S. District Court in Jackson.

In addition to his prison term, Baucum was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,943 to Bancorp South Bank.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson Police Department investigated the case.

Deputy Chief Erin Chalk prosecuted the case.

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

Jackson, Miss.- A Dallas, Texas man was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

According to court documents, from November 2014 through March 2018, Brandon Deshanta Miller, 35, conspired with others to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Texas into central Mississippi. This case is the result of an extensive investigation dubbed “Operation Highlife,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.        

This OCDETF case is the result of an extensive investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Louisville Police Department, and Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Attorney Erin Chalk and Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.

Jackson, Miss.  – A Madison man was sentenced to 6 months in prison for embezzlement by a bank officer, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.  

According to court documents, Thomas King Robb, Jr., 37, used his position as a loan officer at a bank to approve fraudulent loans, and used the proceeds from those loans for his own benefit.  Robb created false documents using his knowledge and experience as a loan officer and created fraudulent loans in the names of other people.  Robb then used the money from those loans to pay off previous loans and to keep his personal business afloat.

In addition to his prison sentence, Robb will be required to pay restitution as well as a monetary forfeiture.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David H. Fulcher and Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. – A Pelahatchie woman pled guilty to using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire, announced United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Field Office.

According to court records, Jessica Leeann Sledge, 40, pled guilty this morning before United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves.  Sledge admitted that, between September 2021 and November 1, 2021, in the Southern District of Mississippi, she used facilities of interstate commerce with the intent to hire an assassin to murder an individual in Mississippi. Sledge used the internet, her cell phone and the “Whatsapp” application to arrange a murder-for-hire.  Unknown to Sledge, the “hitman” she hired via the internet to commit a murder was in fact an FBI Special Agent. On November 1, 2021, Sledge met in Brandon, Mississippi, with the individual she thought was the assassin she had hired in order to provide an additional payment and to provide additional information concerning her intended victim. The intended victim was ultimately unharmed.  Following her arrest, Sledge waived her rights and admitted to her role in the murder-for-hire plot.

Sledge will be sentenced on May 16, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Florida man was sentenced to 107 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

According to information presented to the Court, on February 24, 2021, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle driven by Vincente Aguirre, 30, in Jackson County, Mississippi.  There was also a passenger, Ross Alger Medlin, in the vehicle.  The vehicle was stopped for following too closely. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over 400 grams of suspected methamphetamine.  Aguirre and Medlin were taken into custody. 

The investigation revealed that Aguirre and Medlin had traveled to Texas from Florida to obtain the methamphetamine and were returning to Florida at the time of the traffic stop. The suspected methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Lab for analysis.  The analysis indicated that the substance was in fact methamphetamine.

Aguirre pled guilty on September 28, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Medlin also pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on April 12, 2022.

The FBI and Ocean Springs Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced to 103 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).

According to court records, on September 29, 2020, Gulfport Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by Marcus Deshun Agee a/k/a ABK-Spurt, 31, of Gulfport. After initially fleeing in his vehicle, Agee continued to flee on foot and successfully eluded law enforcement officers.  Officers secured the vehicle and recovered approximately 200 grams of marijuana packaged in 67 separate packages.  They also recovered a Glock 17 pistol in the vehicle.  Officers determined that Agee had multiple prior felony convictions.

DEA agents obtained a federal arrest warrant for Agee based upon the September 29, 2020, traffic stop. On November 3, 2020, law enforcement officers saw Agee driving the same vehicle and attempted to make another traffic stop.  Again, Agee refused to comply and attempted to flee.  When Agee eventually stopped the vehicle, he again fled on foot but was apprehended. 

Agee pled guilty on June 16, 2021 to possessing the Glock 17 pistol that was located in the vehicle during the first stop. He was sentenced on January 28, 2022, in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.

The DEA investigated this case with assistance from the Gulfport Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.

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

Jackson, Miss. – A Meridian man was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court records, on August 10, 2019, Reginald D’Mond Kelly, 44, was arrested by officers of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office for pending charges related to the sale of narcotics.  During the course of the arrest, Kelly’s vehicle was searched, and the officers found methamphetamine and a 9mm caliber handgun in the vehicle’s trunk. 

Kelly pled guilty on September 14, 2021, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss. – A Mexican national pled guilty to the federal felony offense of Fraud or Misuse Involving a Visa, Permit or Other Document.

U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi, Jason E. Schneider, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, and Special Agent in Charge David L. Denton of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans made the announcement. 

According to court documents, Jesus Alberto Charqueno-Hernandez, 26, was arrested on October 25, 2021, by Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies after they responded to a 911 call request for assistance. Deputies responded to the location of the 911 call near the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 57. They found probable cause to search the vehicle and found residue that field tested positive for cocaine in a plastic baggie.  Charqueno-Hernandez was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance and DUI other substance. The Border Patrol was contacted and, based on record checks, an immigration detainer was issued for Charqueno-Hernandez.

Several forms of identification were found in Charqueno-Hernandez’ possession, including a Florida state identification card bearing another person’s name with a photo of Charqueno-Hernandez.  Further, what appeared to be a Social Security Card was found which bore the name and Social Security Number of the person named on the Florida Identification Card who was determined to be a victim of identity theft.  Knowing that the name and SSN were not his own, he unlawfully used the victim’s information to fill-out and support a federal Form I-9 for the purpose of gaining employment. 

Immigration records checks revealed that Carqueno-Hernandez had been previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico and had illegally returned to the United States.

Charqueno-Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of Supervised Release.  After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Darren J. LaMarca, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, announced today that Clayton Deardorff (“Deardorff”) and his company, Stepping Stones Healthcare, LLC (“SSH”), have agreed to pay $589,000 to resolve allegations that they engaged in an illegal kickback arrangement with a Mississippi Critical Access Hospital (“CAH”) in violation of the False Claims Act (“FCA”).

Medicare designated CAHs are small rural hospitals limited to 25 beds that operate in medically underserved areas.  Medicare reimburses most acute care hospitals under a fixed prospective payment system based on a patient’s diagnosis or treatment.  However, to encourage hospital coverage in rural, underserved areas, Medicare exempts CAHs from this fixed prospective payment system and instead reimburses 101% of actual allowable costs of providing Medicare beneficiaries with outpatient, inpatient, laboratory, ambulance, and post-acute care services.

This settlement resolves allegations that were brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam whistleblower provisions of the FCA, 31 U.S.C. § 3730(b), by Mitchell Monsour and Stephen Vaughan.  The FCA permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to receive a share of any recovery.  The FCA permits relators, like Monsour and Vaughan, to continue with the FCA litigation on behalf of the government as they did here after the United States filed a notice of non-intervention.  In this case, the United States continued its investigation and settlement negotiations with Deardorff and SSH and is a signatory on the settlement agreement.  Monsour and Vaughan will receive $159,000 of the settlement proceeds.

As alleged in Relators’ complaint, Deardorff and SSH submitted, or cause to be submitted, false claims for payment to the Medicare Program as the result of a kickback arrangement with Franklin County Memorial Hospital, a CAH located in Meadville, Mississippi, for the recruitment and referral of intensive outpatient therapy (“IOP”) patients.  In addition to a monthly fixed fee payment arrangement, Relators contend that beginning in 2010 Deardorff and SSH illegally charged Franklin County Hospital 10% of gross charges billed for IOP services (“deferred fees”).  These “deferred fees” are alleged to constitute illegal remuneration in exchange for the recruitment and referral of IOP patients.

The FCA claims settled are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.  

Gulfport, Miss. – A Lucedale man pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the   Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

According to court records, Justin Lee Miller, 32, was arrested on September 23, 2021, after fleeing a traffic stop resulting in a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, the deputy noticed Miller throw a firearm from car. The firearm, later determined to be a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, was recovered. Miller has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.  

Miller pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.  However, if the Court determines that he is an armed career offender, he faces a minimum of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of life. 

The ATF and George County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court documents, Andre Rene Williams, 53, pawned a stolen firearm on December 16, 2017.  Williams has twelve prior felony convictions for both violent and non-violent offenses.  As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Williams to possess any firearm. 

Williams pled guilty on June 28, 2021, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The case was investigated by the ATF, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Copiah County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Yazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham is prosecuting the case.

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

Jackson, Miss. – U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Field Office announce today regional support for the FBI’s Violent Gun Reduction and Interdiction Program (VGRIP) employed to combat the increase in violent crime in the City of Jackson.   

According to the Jackson Field Office of the FBI, local law enforcement with a presence in the tri-county area have agreed to devote officers to the effort of VGRIP. These additional officers will supplement the work of the Jackson Police Department (JPD) and assist JPD in the investigation of violent crimes occurring in the City with a view toward prosecution in federal court. Those local law enforcement agencies committed to assisting are Byram Police Department, Reservoir Patrol, Simpson County Sheriff’s office, Hinds County Sheriff’s office, Madison Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s office, Ridgeland Police Department, Alcohol Beverage Control of the Mississippi Department of Revenue, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. More local law enforcement agencies are anticipated to join in this effort.  

United States Attorney Darren LaMarca stated, “The additional manpower these metro area law enforcement agencies bring to VGRIP cannot be overstated. The residents of Jackson and its surrounding communities will benefit from this support. We at the United States Attorney’s office will prosecute those cases brought to us by VGRIP to deter, punish and prevent the next act of violence.”

Gulfport, Mississippi – On Thursday, January 20, 2022, a federal jury convicted a Gulfport man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration

According to Court documents and evidence presented at trial, on August 8, 2021, Decorie Deshun Bates, 33, was arrested after the Gulfport Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance 911 call.  Prior to officers’ arrival at the scene, Bates left the residence on foot.  However, the caller took photos of Bates while he was leaving the residence. These photos depicted Bates carrying a firearm.

Bates was apprehended nearby unarmed.  However, a firearm, matching the firearm depicted in the photographs, was found along his suspected route of travel.  After being taken into custody, Bates admitted to purchasing the firearm approximately two weeks before the incident.  A special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives testified that the gun was manufactured outside of the state of Mississippi.  Bates had prior felony convictions for Aggravated Assault, Credit Card Fraud, and Burglary of a Dwelling.

Bates is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie are prosecuting the case.

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

Gulfport, Mississippi – A Gulfport man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to court documents and proceedings, on July 27, 2021, law enforcement officers observed what they believed to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction between an individual and occupants of a car parked in the street.  Officers detained the occupants of the vehicle and the individual who approached the vehicle.  Michael Hamilton, 27, was the driver of the vehicle.

Hamilton admitted to officers that he was in possession of pain pills and relinquished 14 dosage units of Oxycodone to the officers.  Hamilton did not have a prescription for the medication. Hamilton was also in possession of a 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition.  Hamilton was taken into custody. Post-Miranda, he admitted to being a habitual user of prescription pain medication and marijuana.

Hamilton pled guilty on October 20, 2021 to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

The DEA and Gulfport Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner prosecuted the case.

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

Gulfport, Miss.  – A Saucier man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court documents, on April 20, 2020, Christopher Michael Gelston, 40, knowingly possessed a Ruger 9mm pistol after having been previously convicted of a felony.  Gelson pled guilty on September 28, 2021, to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Gelston’s prior felony convictions included a December, 2012 conviction in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Towson, Maryland, on one count of firearm possession with felony conviction and one count of rifle/shotgun possession with felony conviction. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss.- A Jackson man was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

According to court records, in January, 2020, Antonio Demond Doss, 27, purchased and distributed various quantities of cocaine, crack and marijuana from his do-defendant, Marcus Guice.  Doss pled guilty on September 8, 2021, to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.     

The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Hailstorm,” which began as an operation targeting illegal drug trafficking in the Jackson, Mississippi area.

Operation Hailstorm is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Jackson Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Mexican national pled guilty to the federal felony offense of Unlawful Return of an Alien After Deportation or Removal, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Jason E. Schneider, Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. 

According to court documents, Fernando Hernandez-Zavala, 39, of Mexico, was arrested on October 8, 2021, on Interstate 10 in Harrison County.  A Harrison County Sherriff’s Deputy conducted a vehicle stop near Mile Marker 29 on Interstate 10 eastbound for speeding. 

The passenger in the vehicle was identified as Fernando Hernandez-Zavala, a citizen of Mexico with no legal right to enter or remain in the United States.  At the Gulfport Border Station, Hernandez-Zavala’s  identity was positively confirmed, and record checks revealed that he had been lawfully removed from the United States in 2004 and again in 2010. 

Hernandez-Zavala is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.  He faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 1 year of Supervised Release.  After completing any sentence of incarceration, he also is subject to Department of Homeland Security proceedings to remove him from the United States.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Hattiesburg man pled guilty to unlawfully obstructing, delaying, and affecting commerce by using actual force or violence to steal a firearm from Academy Sports + Outdoors, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

On November 6, 2021, Cody Jerome Cooley, 22, visited Academy Sports + Outdoors in Gulfport. Cooley approached the gun counter, where he was served by a store clerk. He then asked to see one of the handguns, a Springfield Armory XDM Elite.  The clerk gave Cooley the firearm to examine. Cooley later motioned towards another handgun in the display case. When the clerk turned his head to look at the gun, Cooley looked both ways, struck the clerk in the face with the Springfield Armory handgun, and fled from the store. This was all captured on surveillance footage.

After he fled from the store with the stolen handgun, armed civilians apprehended Cooley in a nearby restaurant parking lot. Post Miranda, Cooley admitted to taking the gun and striking the clerk.  The Springfield Armory handgun was recently shipped by Academy Sports and Outdoors from out of state to Mississippi to be sold at the store. The clerk that was struck by Cooley had to receive medical care for his injuries.

Cooley pleaded guilty to unlawfully obstructing, delaying, and affecting interstate commerce by robbery. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gulfport Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner is prosecuting the case.

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

Jackson, Miss. – Jordan Thomas, 24, of Vidalia, Louisiana, pled guilty today to possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

According to court documents, on April 13, 2020, sheriff deputies in Adams County, Mississippi stopped a car for a traffic violation.  Due to the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, sheriff’s deputies identified the passenger as Jordan Rashard Thomas who possessed a firearm concealed in his waistband under his sweatshirt. Thomas had previously been twice convicted of burglary in Concordia Parish, Louisiana.

Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.  A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway is prosecuting the case.

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

Jackson, Miss.- A Louisville, Mississippi man was sentenced to 175 months in prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Vernon “Jeb” Bison, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

According to court documents, from November 2014 through March of 2018, Tray Beamon, 32, conspired with others to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Texas into central Mississippi. During the investigation, a search warrant was executed at his residence where 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 11 kilograms of marijuana, and numerous firearms were recovered. This case is the result of an extensive investigation dubbed “Operation Highlife,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This OCDETF case is the result of an investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution led by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Philadelphia Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, Neshoba County District Attorney’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Flowood Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, Carthage Police Department, Union Police Department, Louisville Police Department, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Attorney Erin Chalk and Assistant United States Attorney Keesha Middleton.

Gulfport, Miss. – A Saucier man was sentenced to serve 12 months in federal prison for stealing government property, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey A. Breen of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General, South Central Field Office.

Chad Jacob, 55, was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine and $23,584 in restitution to the VA.

According to court documents, Jacob stole personal protective equipment (“PPE”), electronics, and medical equipment while working as the Assistant Chief of Supply Chain Management for the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.  Starting in 2019 and continuing to December 2020, Jacob stole items belonging to the VA and resold them to local pawn stores and on his personal eBay account.  In total, Jacob made more than $50,000 selling the stolen N-95 masks and over $9,000 selling stolen iPads and iPhones. 

The case was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. – A Brandon man was sentenced to 120 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release and $2,250 in restitution, for distributing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

According to court documents, on December 21, 2020, Joshua Rashad Brown, 31, possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This OCDETF case is the result of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Attorney Erin Chalk.

Jackson, Miss. - A Toomsuba man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court documents, on July 27, 2020, Kristopher Calvin Branch, 44, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department during an unrelated investigation concerning trespassing.  Branch has four prior felony convictions.  As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Branch to possess any firearm.

The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.

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

Jackson, Miss.  – A Meridian man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to court documents, James Ricky Stewart, Jr., 44, was found in possession of a firearm by officers of the Meridian Police Department on June 15, 2020 during a traffic stop.  Stewart had a .40 caliber pistol in his car.  Stewart has four prior felony convictions.  As a convicted felon it is contrary to federal law for Stewart to possess any firearm.

U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Kurt H. Thielhorn of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.

The ATF and the Meridian Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham prosecuted the case.

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