Southern District of Mississippi

Gulfport, Miss. –  Charles Chandler Smith, 43, of Sumrall, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to five years’ probation for filing a false tax return,  announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office.  Smith was also ordered to pay a $494,444 in restitution. 

Smith pled guilty before Judge Starrett on December 14, 2020.  According to the facts revealed at this plea hearing, Smith took advantage of a tax deduction strategy suggested by a financial adviser to deduct money on his tax return and thereby reduce his taxable income.  Smith admitted to transferring a total of $1,305,090 from an account held by his business, Lil Mad, to another company and falsely claiming it as a business expense deduction on his 2014 tax return.  Smith falsely claimed that his income with Lil Mad was only $143,070.  Smith admitted to knowing this act was unlawful or deliberately blinded himself to suspicious aspects of the deduction, particularly the fact that the money was soon transferred back to an account that was available to Smith for his personal use.

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI.  It was prosecuted by DOJ Health Care Fraud Trial Attorney Sara Porter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Dempsey “Bryan” Levi, 51, and Jeffrey Wayne Rollins, 44, of Ocean Springs, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett for their role in a multi-million dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving U.S. military, veterans, and their family members, as well as private health care benefit programs, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. 

Both Levi and Rollins were sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and pay $16,333,583 in restitution to Medicare, Tricare and Express Scripts. Additionally, the government received a forfeiture of $924,114.40.

Rollins and Levi previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. At their guilty plea hearings, the defendants admitted to operating The Gardens Pharmacy, LLC, an open-door retail pharmacy that specialized in the production of compound medications, and in their positions, they solicited recruiters to obtain prescriptions for high-adjudicating compounded medications that were often ordered with numerous refills.  The recruiters were paid a percentage of the reimbursements that health care benefit programs paid to the pharmacy, including for Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries, even though it is unlawful to pay commissions to distributors on referrals to federal programs.  Rollins and Levi assisted in formulating compound medications that were targeted to maximize reimbursements, irrespective of medical necessity.  They  also admitted to soliciting and incentivizing doctors to authorize prescriptions for the high-adjudicating compounded medications. 

The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk, and Trial Attorneys Dustin Davis and Sara Porter from the DOJ Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

Jackson, Miss. – Donte Ramon Nelson, 41, of Compton, California, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 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 targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and cocaine from California using the United States Postal Service.  It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Madison County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Jacob Daniel Williams, 26, of Laurel, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to being a felon in possession of multiple firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

On October 19, 2019, Williams was found in possession of four firearms while passing through a checkpoint being operated by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.  The firearms included three shotguns and a pistol.  Williams had been convicted of drug possession felonies in Jones County in 2016.

Williams was originally indicted for this offense on June 23, 2020.  He will be sentenced before Judge McNeel on June 23, 2021.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Raymarcus Hollimon, also known as “Smoke Loc,” 30, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

On January 16, 2019, Hollimon was encountered by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hattiesburg Metro Narcotics Task Force during a narcotics detail.  Hollimon was found in possession of over 190 tablets containing methamphetamine and other drug distribution paraphernalia.

Hollimon was indicted for this offense on June 10, 2020.  He will be sentenced before Judge McNeel on June 23, 2021.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.

Jackson, Miss. – Megan Mariah Patrick, 36, of Terry, Mississippi, has been charged in a federal indictment with unauthorized representation of claims against the government and false statements to a federal agency, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Dax Robertson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent in Charge Rodregas Owens of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General - Atlanta Field Division.

The indictment, handed up by a federal grand jury on March 16, 2021, charges Megan Mariah Patrick, a Rural Development Loan Specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture in Jackson, with three counts of unauthorized representation of claims against the United States, and three counts of false statements to a federal agency.    

“Those who disregard the conflict of interest laws and their duty of loyalty to their employer for easy profit at the expense of the taxpayer, will find themselves standing before a court of law to answer for their wrongs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.

According to the indictment, from August 2017 through March 2019, Patrick acted as an attorney, outside her official duties as Rural Development Loan Specialist, to represent claimants before the Social Security Administration seeking increased federal benefits.  In each case where she entered her appearance as an attorney representing the claimant before the Social Security Administrative Law Judge, Patrick filed an official form with the Social Security Administration, stating that she was not disqualified or otherwise prohibited as a federal employee from representing the claimant.  In fact, as Patrick then knew, such statement was false, because, as an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, she was prohibited by law and regulation from representing claimants against the United States in the Social Security Administration.

Patrick appeared for arraignment on March 22, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge LaKeysha Greer Isaac in Jackson.   She was released on conditions of bond pending trial.

If convicted, Patrick faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of unauthorized representation, as well as for each count of false statements.

The case has been set for trial on May 3, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson in Jackson.

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents of the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, who investigated the case.  The Byram, Mississippi, Police Department assisted with the arrest.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.

The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jackson, Miss. – Christopher Michael Cockrell, 45, of Bentonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 15 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Cockrell was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.  Judge Reeves imposed an additional 10-month prison sentence due to Cockrell’s violation of the terms of supervised release.

On September 2, 2020, the United States Probation Office discovered that Cockrell had possession of cell phone which contained a video showing a firearm in a hunting blind.  Cockrell had been previously convicted in federal court in the Western District of Missouri for a Human Trafficking Offense.  After having served a lengthy prison sentence, Cockrell was released from prison and came to live in Mississippi.  Cockrell was then placed under the supervision of the United States Probation Office in the Southern District of Mississippi.

The United States Probation Office informed the ATF that they believed there was evidence that Cockrell had possessed a firearm.  As a convicted felon it is against federal law for the Cockrell to possess a firearm.  ATF agents investigated, and Cockrell eventually admitted that he had possessed firearms for hunting purposes.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bert Carraway and Charles W. Kirkham.

Jackson, Miss. – Darren Nickey, 31, a former employee of the Pearl River Resort – Silver Star Casino was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 36 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft by an employee of a gaming establishment on Indian lands, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.  Nickey was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $18,340.

From March 2016 through May 2016, on three separate occasions, Nickey embezzled over $1,000 at a time from cash recyclers in the Casino.  Because he worked as a cashier in the retail store on the premises, Nickey had access to the cash recycler to stock his cash register.  He also made use of colleagues’ log-in passwords to hide the cash thefts.  Further investigation revealed that Nickey had repeated the thefts to total $18,340 in over 40 withdrawals.

Nickey was indicted on December 12, 2018 on three counts of theft from the Silver Star Casino.  He pled guilty before Judge Wingate on February 19, 2019. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca stated, “Federal law imposes severe penalties for crimes committed in licensed gaming establishments.  The great potential for misconduct in these settings calls for constant vigilance and self-discipline of those entrusted with the casinos’ operation.” 

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, who investigated the case.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore Cooperstein and Kevin Payne.

Jackson, Miss. – Nancy W. New, 67, of Jackson, Mississippi, and her son, Zachary W. New, 38, were indicted by a federal grand jury in a seventeen-count indictment charging them with conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and money laundering, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca; Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi; Derrick Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Anthony Mohatt, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; Rafiq Ahmad, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Shad White, Auditor, Mississippi Office of the State Auditor.

According to the indictment, Nancy New and Zachary New submitted fraudulent reimbursement claims for the salaries of teachers at New Summit School in Jackson to the Mississippi Department of Education under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program.  As a result, New Learning Resources, Inc., a for-profit company owned by Nancy New and Zachary New, fraudulently obtained in excess of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to which it was not entitled.  Nancy W. New and Zachary W. New personally benefited from this scheme to defraud.

As set forth in the indictment, these fraudulent reimbursement claims included:

1. false claims that individuals who no longer worked at New Summit School had continued to work there as teachers;
2. false claims that individuals who were working at New Summit School in another capacity were working as teachers;
3. a false claim that at least one individual who had never worked at New Summit School worked as a teacher there;
4. false claims that the experience level and certification level of teachers at New Summit School were higher than they actually were, resulting in reimbursement at an artificially higher salary level;
5. false claims that students who no longer attended New Summit School continued to attend school there; and
6. false claims that individuals who had never attended New Summit School in Jackson were full-time students attending school at New Summit School.

The indictment alleges that, in one instance, Nancy New and Zachary New laundered approximately $250,000 of the fraudulently obtained reimbursement money through different bank accounts they controlled before finally using the proceeds to purchase a house.

Nancy New and Zachary New had their initial court appearance before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball in Jackson today at 1:00 p.m.  The News are scheduled for trial in May before United States District Judge Carlton W. Reeves in Jackson.  If convicted, they each face up to 210 years in federal prison and up to a $4,000,000 in fines.

The case was investigated by agents with the FBI Jackson Division; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.

The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jackson, Miss. – Royric “Roy” Benamon, 27, a former officer with the Meridian Police Department,  was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to a prison term of 12 months and one day, followed by two years of supervised release, for extortion under color of right, also known as the federal Hobbs Act, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

In April 2020, then-Officer Benamon on two separate occasions pulled over drivers in the middle of the night in Lauderdale County, and received from each of them cash payment in exchange for not issuing the driver a ticket. 

Benamon was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2020 on two counts of extortion under color of right.  On December 2, 2020 Benamon entered a guilty plea to one count of the indictment. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca stated, “One of the worst possible betrayals of the public trust is the abuse of power for personal gain by armed police officers.  We are determined to root out those bad actors who abuse their position of trust in this way, as they both endanger the community and besmirch the reputation of all honorable officers who follow their duty to protect and to serve.” 

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.

Jackson, Miss – Damien Hayes, 24, of Natchez, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a stolen firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On March 22, 2019, ATF agents and state and local law enforcement officers were conducting a detail in Natchez and the surrounding area in response to complaints of criminal activity.  Officers smelled burning marijuana and approached Hayes who tossed a marijuana blunt onto the ground.  When officers frisked Hayes, they discovered a .45 caliber pistol tucked into his pants.  Further investigation revealed the firearm had been stolen from a local firearms dealer.  

On January 29, 2020, Hayes was charged in a federal indictment with possessing a stolen firearm.  Hayes pled guilty on October 27, 2020.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Natchez Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Jackson, Miss – Roy Ray III, 20, of Natchez, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III to possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On August 1, 2019, Adams County Sheriff’s deputies went to a Natchez home in search of a wanted person.  At the home, the deputies encountered Roy Ray III.  While not the person deputies were looking for, Ray was arrested based on a warrant that had been issued for him over probation violations.  After Ray was placed in custody, deputies discovered he possessed a revolver.

Ray was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 15, 2020, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Ray is currently in custody and will be sentenced on June 15, 2021, by Judge Bramlette.  He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Gulfport, Miss. – Jose Ceferino Guardado-Reyes, 38, and a citizen of Honduras who had been living in Texas, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to transporting an illegal alien within the United States, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. 

Guardado-Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on June 16, 2021, at 9:30 a.m.  He faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and $5,100 in special assessments. 

On January 26, 2021, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 white Ford F-150 on Interstate 10 eastbound near Mile Marker 50, in Jackson County. During the encounter, the Border Patrol Agent, who was speaking Spanish, determined that Guardado-Reyes and both of his passengers all were unlawfully present in the U.S.  It also was determined that Guardado-Reyes was unlawfully transporting or smuggling his two passengers from Texas to Florida.

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case. 

Jackson, Miss. – Tyra Latrice Clark, 22, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to serve a total of 108 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

Beginning on January 1, 2018, and continuing through January 5, 2018, Clark and co-defendant Courtney Tremel Louie were actively involved with the sex trafficking of a minor they had transported from Tennessee to Jackson. The minor was forced to perform commercial sex acts with men for money at various hotels.  Clark and Louie placed ads on Internet websites for the commercial sex. The Jackson Police Department rescued the minor on January 5, 2018, from a locked apartment on Bailey Avenue in Jackson.

The defendants were indicted on March 7, 2018 and both pled guilty before Judge Jordan on August 17, 2018.  Louie was sentenced on June 21, 2019, to serve a total of 141 months for his involvement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jackson Police Department and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office jointly investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Gulfport, Miss. – Montrecus Jaworski Campbell, 40, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 262 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”). Campbell was also ordered to pay a $10,000.00 fine.

In June of 2020, DEA Special Agents discovered that Campbell received shipments of methamphetamine at his home in Louisiana before providing the methamphetamine to co-conspirators to distribute in the Southern District of Mississippi. Agents were able to intercept one of the packages and determine that it contained nearly 3 kilograms of 99% pure methamphetamine.

Campbell was indicted on August 11, 2020 and he pled guilty before Judge Guirola on November 24, 2020.

This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

Gulfport, Mississippi – Joseph Benjamin Posey, Jr., 19, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of multiple firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi. Posey was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.

On September 2, 2020, Biloxi Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Posey was a passenger.  As a result of the stop, officers located two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen.  Posey subsequently admitted that he obtained the guns three days before the traffic stop.  He also admitted that he was a member of local gang and that he used marijuana daily.  

Posey was indicted on October 6, 2020, and he pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on December 8, 2020.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Oliver McNair, 30, of Petal, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).  McNair was also ordered to pay a $5000 fine.

On August 31, 2019, McNair was found in possession of over 60 grams of methamphetamine in Petal.  Pursuant to forensic analysis by the DEA, the methamphetamine was determined to be approximately 97% pure.  McNair also had a firearm at the time of his arrest.

Prior to the instant offense, McNair had previously been convicted of two armed robberies in and around Hattiesburg.  As a result of his criminal history, he was sentenced as a career offender.

McNair was originally indicted for this offense on January 15, 2020.  He pled guilty on October 21, 2020.

Jason Denham, Resident Agent in Charge of the ATF Gulfport Field Office, provided the following statement in response to McNair’s sentencing: “This investigation just illustrates how the partnership between federal and local law enforcement can be effective at removing a violent, career offender from a community and provide an immediate impact to public safety.”

Connie Keene, Captain of the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigative Division, stated as follows: “The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is committed to working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as a participant in Project EJECT to ensure that violent habitual offenders are brought to justice as exhibited by the sentence imposed on Mr. Oliver McNair.  In the present case, at his arrest Mr. McNair was not only a convicted career criminal at that time, but in possession of distribution-level methamphetamine, and a stolen firearm as further evidence as to the extreme danger he presented to the community.  The FCSO is committed to continuing to seek out, investigate and bring to justice career criminals as part of Sheriff Charlie Sims’ commitment to serve the citizens of Forrest County courteously, respectfully and professionally in order to prevent crime and enhance safety.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.

Gulfport, Miss. – Erick Edgardo Amaya, 42, an illegal alien from Honduras, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.  Amaya is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. by Judge McNeel, and faces a potential maximum of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and removal proceedings.

In September 2020, the U.S. Border Patrol began investigating activities of Amaya following receipt of information indicating he had been officially removed from the United States, and had unlawfully returned to the Biloxi area. On November 11, 2020, a Border Patrol agent conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Amaya.  A second Border Patrol agent arrived on the scene and the agents confirmed Amaya’s identity.  He was arrested and transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station.  

Further investigation revealed that Amaya had been previously arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in Biloxi in 2008.  He had been lawfully removed to his home nation of Honduras on June 12, 2008 and had unlawfully returned to the United States.

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case. 

Jackson, Miss. – Lovepreet Singh, 27, a former Jackson resident who is an alien from India, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan to money laundering and unlawful possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton,  Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Field Office.

A federal criminal l indictment naming ten defendants in the United States and abroad,  returned by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2019, charged Singh, an Indian national then residing and working as an interstate truck driver based in Indianapolis, IN, with acts supporting a conspiracy defrauding multiple victims as part of an international tech support and telemarketing fraud scheme. 

According to the indictment and testimony in court, beginning in January 2015, and continuing through December 20, 2018, Singh conspired with nine other defendants, located  across the United States and in India, to commit the federal offenses of wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud, in addition to offenses of money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and passing fictitious obligations.

Conspirators in Mississippi and elsewhere would obtain the telephone numbers and email addresses of computers belonging to various individuals throughout the United States. They engaged telephone calling centers in India, which would place calls to the United States numbers that  appeared to be coming from United States-based toll-free numbers. The conspirators established and operated various business entities such as World Tech Assistance and US Support Inc., in Mississippi and elsewhere in the United States. 

Conspirators would call victims in the United States, advising the victims that malware and ransomware were infecting the victims’ computers and devices, and that the victims should contact the conspirators for assistance.  Conspirators misrepresented themselves as “Apple Support” or “Microsoft” or other legitimate and known technical support services, and offered their assistance to remove the software, in return for payment.  

Victims responded to the conspirators’ phone calls and pop up messages to send monies and payments, by wire, check and other means.  Victims also granted conspirators access to the their bank accounts and computers, permitting the conspirators to further enrich themselves by fraudulent appropriation and taking of the money and property of the victims.  Victims sent money and payments to conspirators in Mississippi and to conspirators in India.  Conspirators in Mississippi would also send payments and monies to their conspirators in India.

Singh will be sentenced on July 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan in Jackson.  He faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for money laundering  and 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm.  Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000. 

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with HSI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case, and the United States Marshals Service who assisted with the nationwide search and arrests of defendants.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.

Jackson, Miss. – Stephney Clark, 47, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 180 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Smith was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine. 

On April 10, 2018, Clark was observed conducting a drug transaction in Jackson.  Federal agents arrested Clark and seized approximately 38 grams of methamphetamine which was 100% pure. 

Clark was charged in a federal criminal indictment and he pled guilty before Judge Wingate on December 3, 2020.

This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Fire and Ice,” which targeted illegal methamphetamine distribution in central Mississippi.  The investigative agencies included 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 took part in the investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Wansley and Keesha Middleton.

Hattiesburg, Miss. - Randy James, 56, the former City Clerk of Bay Springs in Jasper County, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel, for the federal crimes of money laundering and making false statements on a federal tax return, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office, and Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.  James pled guilty to the charges on  October 7, 2020, before Senior U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett.

James was sentenced to serve a total of 50 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $265,561.84 to the Office of the Mississippi State Auditor on behalf of the City of Bay Springs, as well as $95,000 in restitution to the IRS and $60,000 in restitution to RLI Surety, which was the bonding surety company for the City of Bay Springs.  James was also ordered to pay $30,200 in fines and special assessments.

During 2017 and 2018, Randy James was employed by the City of Bay Springs, Mississippi, as City Clerk, and had control over certain financial aspects of the city.  During this time, James embezzled just over $300,000 from Bay Springs between August 2017 and April 2018 by creating fraudulent invoices from fictitious companies for the costs of false services that were never approved or incurred by the city.  James diverted city funds by obtaining checks from the City of Bay Springs, cashing the checks at a local bank, and wiring those funds overseas to international scammers in the hope of winning money in a lottery scheme.  James also made false statements on his personal 2018 Federal Income Tax Return by under-reporting gross receipts by $193,331.00.

The State Auditor’s Office previously issued a demand letter to James for $325,562 which included the amount of his embezzlement, plus interest and investigative costs.  In his publicly filed plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, James agreed to pay a total of $420,562 in restitution. 

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the federal, state and local law enforcement cooperation displayed in this case.  The case was investigated by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.   

Jackson, Miss – Darren Antonyo Mazie, 35, of Vicksburg, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Michelle Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

On March 28, 2020, at 3:30 a.m., Mazie was driving during a city-wide curfew when he encountered a Vicksburg Police officer at an intersection. Mazie motioned for the officer’s assistance. The officer approached Mazie’s car and observed a firearm on the front passenger seat.  For safety purposes, the officer secured the firearm with Mazie’s permission.  Mazie told the officer that just moments earlier someone shot at his house and that he was out looking for that person.  However, 911 received no reports of a shooting.  The officer followed Mazie to his home to investigate and there the officer learned Mazie was a convicted felon.

Mazie was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 9, 2020, for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm.  Mazie is currently in custody and will be sentenced on by Judge Johnson on June 9, 2021.  He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

This case was investigated by the Vicksburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Demethius Dixon, also known as Deezy, 29, of  Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for carrying and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, resulting in the firearm being discharged, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).   Dixon was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.  

On June 26, 2016, Dixon and his co-defendant, James Windham, met with a third party at a Hattiesburg Mugshots restaurant in order to sell two ounces of marijuana.  Dixon was brought along by Windham as an armed enforcer and as backup in case the drug deal turned sour.  During the drug transaction, Dixon discharged a firearm multiple times, ultimately resulting in the death of the third party.

Following the shooting, Dixon and Windham fled from the scene, at which time they discarded the marijuana and all firearms associated with the shooting.  Due to the diligent police work of Hattiesburg Police Department, the marijuana and firearms were all recovered shortly after the shooting.

Dixon and Windham were originally indicted for this offense on June 25, 2019.  Both defendants pled guilty on September 24, 2020.

Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca commented, “The United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute these violent criminals with the full arsenal of federal laws it has at its disposal. Guns and illegal drug distribution are a deadly combination. I want to thank the DEA, the Hattiesburg Police Department and the Office of District Attorney Hal Kittrell for their unwavering commitment and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.”

“Nothing is more important than keeping our communities safe. DEA and our local law enforcement partners will continue to utilize our combined resources to target individuals trafficking drugs and guns, threating the safety of our citizens in Mississippi and beyond, committing heinous violent acts. This sentence should send a strong, unified message that this violent criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities, and that those accused of committing these offenses will be brought to justice," stated DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Gaddy.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hattiesburg Police Department investigated the case.  District Attorney Hal Kittrell and the 15th Circuit District Attorney’s Office were instrumental in guiding early investigative steps in the matter and involving federal partners.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.

Gulfport, Miss. – Ivis Enemecio Ortiz-Reyes, 38, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Taylor McNeel to unlawful return of an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. 

Ortiz-Reyes is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McNeel on June 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.  in Gulfport.  He faces a potential maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings.

On January 14, 2021, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Interdiction Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle bearing a temporary Texas license plate near Exit 38 in Gulfport.  The driver had no driver’s license or other identification, and the agent noticed that there were two passengers with the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.  

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the driver fled on foot, and Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputies, who were assisting, attempted to locate the driver but were unsuccessful.  Meanwhile, the Border Patrol Agent located narcotics hidden in a bag in the back seat and both passengers were detained.  One of the passengers was arrested in connection with the narcotics which is the subject of a separate, state case.

The other passenger was Ivis Enemecio Ortiz-Reyes, who was determined to be merely a passenger.  However, Ortiz-Reyes was confirmed as an illegal alien from Honduras who had been officially removed from the United States to his home nation of Honduras on February 3, 2017, via an Immigration & Customs Enforcement Air Charter from Harlingen, Texas. Officials also determined that Ortiz-Reyes had not received official permission to return to the United States. 

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the cooperation of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case. 

Jackson, Miss. –  Edmond Dewayne Miller, 23, of Meridian, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, to 51 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.  Miller was also ordered to pay a $1,500.00 fine.

On July 4th, 2019, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office responded to a noise complaint concerning loud music and multiple episodes of gunfire at Miller’s residence.  Miller’s neighbors told the deputies that there had been consistent gunfire over a period of several days.  One neighbor said that he had heard bullets pass near him while he was on his tractor in a pasture that bordered Miller’s property.

Two deputies went to Miller’s residence and spoke with him concerning the loud music and gunfire.  The deputies cautioned Miller concerning the use of firearms in the area of other houses and asked him to turn down the music.  At that time the deputies were unaware that Miller had a prior felony conviction for Aggravated Assault.  Miller agreed to turn down the music and indicated he would be more careful where he and his friends and family fired their weapons.

After leaving Miller’s residence the deputies were contacted by the same neighbors who told them that the music had been turned back up.  One deputy returned to Miller’s residence and found Miller heading through the wood line in the direction of the complaining neighbor’s residence with a .40 caliber pistol in his waistband.  The deputy stopped Miller and took custody of the firearm. 

The deputies soon discovered that the firearm was stolen and that Miller was a convicted felon. 

Miller was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 6, 2019.  He pled guilty before Judge Jordan on January 7, 2020.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Jackson, Miss. – Gunner Nathaniel Speed, 25, of Wesson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

On November 15, 2019, Speed was stopped by the Flowood Police Department for a traffic violation. He was found to have over 150 pictures and videos portraying children having sex and simulated sex with adult males on his cell phone.

Speed was charged in a federal criminal indictment on June 10, 2020. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.   

The case is part of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Flowood Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

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.

Gulfport, Miss. – Moss Point Mayor Mario King, 33, and his wife, Natasha R. King, 32, of Moss Point, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to commit wire fraud relating to the Mayor’s Gala held in 2019, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Mario King and Natasha R. King began soliciting funds in late 2018 for a Gala to be held on March 23, 2019, in Moss Point.   The written solicitation stated that the “gala honors and supports organizations that are making a difference for the mental health community.  Proceeds support the efforts of mental health in the City of Moss Point with a focus on the Moss Point School District, converting spaces into a therapeutic and innovative learning environment.”

On March 4, 2019, Mario King and Natasha R. King appeared together on WLOX television and described the event, stating that funds from the Gala were to be used to create safe spaces for mental health counseling in the Moss Point School District.

It was the understanding of those contributing to the Gala, either in the form of tickets purchased or contributions, that the proceeds from the Gala would go to the Moss Point School District. Some of the funds were used to pay for the cost of the Gala, but the remaining proceeds did not go to the Moss Point School District.  Instead, the defendants used the proceeds for personal purchases, including the down payment on the purchase of a vehicle, cash withdrawals and the payment of credit card debts involving charges to complete the purchase of a personal pet.

As part of the plea agreement, Mayor King will immediately resign his position as Mayor of Moss Point.  The plea agreement with Natasha King includes a recommended sentence of probation.  The Defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2021 and face up to five years on the conspiracy charge and a maximum fine of $250,000.  

The case was investigated by the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

Gulfport, Miss. – Gerber Estif Pineda-Sierra, 34, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful reentry by an alien deported or removed after conviction of a felony, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector. 

Pineda-Sierra will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on May 11, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. and faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, in addition to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  He also faces Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proceedings regarding removal from the United States following the completion of any prison sentence.

On November 11, 2020, Gerber Estif Pineda-Sierra was arrested by U.S. Borter Patrol agents after an investigation determined that he had been previously removed from the U.S. and was residing in the Gulfport area.  Record checks documented that in 2018, Pineda-Sierra had been physically removed from the U.S. after being ordered removed by a U.S. Immigration Judge.  He later reentered the U.S. and was convicted in the Northern District of Florida in 2019, for the felony offense of illegal reentry into the U.S. of a previously deported alien.  He was again removed from the U.S. in October 2019.  In January 2020, he was arrested by the Border Patrol, and was returned to Guatemala in February 2020. 

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the investigative work of the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

Jackson, Miss. – Kenneth R. Britt, Jr., 51, of Wesson, Tony Grant Smith, 26, of Wesson, Barney Leon Bairfield, III, 28, of Brookhaven, and Dustin Corey Treadway, 28, of Brookhaven, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette for violating federal wildlife laws.

Britt, Smith, and Bairfield were sentenced for conspiring in 2018 to kill in excess of the legal limit of Kansas wild turkeys while unlicensed and transporting the wild turkeys across state lines to Mississippi. In addition, Treadway was sentenced for aiding and abetting similar federal violations in 2017, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca,  Assistant Director Edward Grace of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Colonel Steve Adcock of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).

The defendants’ unlawful activities took place in Kansas and Nebraska. In 2018, Britt, Smith and Bairfield killed over 25 wild turkeys without the required hunting licenses and over the limit of two per person per season, in violation of Kansas law.  They returned to Mississippi with trophy spurs and beards of the illegally-killed turkeys. Treadway killed wild turkeys in Kansas in 2017 without a proper license and over the limit. He also returned to Mississippi with the trophy spurs and beards. Under the federal Lacey Act, it is unlawful for any person to transport across state lines any wildlife taken in violation of state law.

Judge Bramlette sentenced Britt to 5 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $25,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 5 years; Smith to 4 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $15,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 4 years; Bairfield to 2 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $3,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 2 years; and, Treadway to 2 years of probation under the supervision of the United States Probation Service, a fine of $5,000, and a worldwide prohibition from hunting of any type for 2 years. The prohibition of hunting also prohibits accompanying anyone in hunting or being present at a hunting camp during any hunting season. A violation of the hunting prohibition or any other term of probation will subject each to a term of imprisonment by Judge Bramlette.

“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the Lacey Act and other federal laws to protect our wildlife resources,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca.   “This office will continue to work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to enforce the Lacey Act.  It is my hope that this prosecution sends a strong message that the wanton, indiscriminate killing of the American Wild Turkey, or any animal for that matter, will be met with debilitating and just consequences.”

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Ed Grace stated, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement is committed to conduct criminal investigations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in an effort to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats.  The Office of Law Enforcement takes violations of the Lacey Act seriously.  The yearlong investigation involving the four defendants responsible for the unlawful harvest and subsequent transportation in interstate commerce of 26 wild turkeys from Kansas and Nebraska is no exception.  We will continue to work closely with our state partners to conduct these important joint investigations.”

MDWFP Colonel Steve Adcock stated, “The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, will continue to work diligently, to find and prosecute those persons who steal from our valuable natural resources.  The primary mission of the MDWFP Law Enforcement Bureau is to detect and hold accountable those persons who jeopardize our rich hunting heritage by committing lawless acts such as these.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It is being prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca.

Gulfport, Miss. – Edward Lee Thomas, 48, of Perkinston, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve the statutory maximum of 600 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for producing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.  Assessments were also imposed on Thomas in the amount of $5,000 under the Justice for Victims of Tracking Act of 2015, and $20,000 under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018.

In March, 2020, HSI Gulfport received 95 images and 2 videos of child sexual abuse from The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The investigation led agents to a residence in Forrest County, Mississippi, where sexual abuse images of two minors had been taken.  Agents executed a federal search warrant at the residence of Edward Lee Thomas in Perkinston.  The seizure and forensic examination of electronic devices taken from Thomas’ residence revealed over 4,000 images and 700 videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

A superseding indictment charging the production and possession of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct was returned by a federal grand jury on June 10, 2020. Thomas pled guilty to the production count on October 22, 2020.  He faced a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in prison. However, Thomas’s 2004 Mississippi state conviction for sexual battery of a child was determined to be a qualifying prior conviction for an enhanced statutory penalty, and as such he faced a maximum penalty of not less than 25 years nor more than 50 years, and a $250,000 fine.  

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.           

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.

Jackson, Miss. –  Kevin Edwards, 48, of Walnut Grove, a former member of the Tribal Council for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and his wife, Sheena A. Edwards, 45, pled guilty yesterday to a Superseding Indictment charging them with money laundering conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca and  Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

A superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on September 10, 2019, charges the former lawmaker and his wife with defrauding the Tribal government, as well as misleading a federally insured bank with intent to obtain loans. 

Between March 2015 and June 2017, the husband and wife are alleged to have forged hotel bills and receipts, and to have submitted those documents to the Tribal government in claims for reimbursement for official business travel by Kevin Edwards.  Edwards is a former Member of the Tribal Council who left office in June 2017.  After receiving the unlawful payments from the tribal government, the two defendants cashed and transferred the payments to multiple bank accounts and paid off personal loans in the name of Sheena Edwards. 

“As long as public corruption continues to be an issue in our state, I can promise you that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be here to root it out, prosecute it, and ensure that justice is done.  I want to personally thank the agencies involved for working with us to catch those who violate our corruption laws,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.

Kevin Edwards and Sheena Edwards each entered a plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to launder money, which carries a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment.  Each defendant can also face a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release.  Sentencing hearings for both Kevin Edwards and Sheena Edwards are set to take place before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate on May 11, 2021, at the Thad Cochran U.S. Courthouse, in Jackson, Mississippi.

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents with the FBI’s Jackson Division who investigated the case. The Leake County Sheriff’s Office assisted with arrests. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.

Jackson, Miss. – Landon Marquale Dupree, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, pled guilty  yesterday before U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Jack P. Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

Although Dupree had previously been convicted of selling cocaine in Neshoba County, Mississippi, he again sold and distributed drugs (methamphetamine) in Philadelphia on July 15, 2019.

Dupree is scheduled for sentencing on May 12, 2021 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $8,000,000 fine.   

This OCDETF operation is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed "Operation Highlife", which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of methamphetamine.  The distribution network encompasses the States of Texas and Mississippi.

The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. 

The case is part of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from 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 Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

Gulfport, Mississippi – Kevin Jaquan Willis, 23, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).

On October 7, 2020, Gulfport police officers stopped a vehicle driven by Willis and discovered in the vehicle 98 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, and a Smith and Wesson M&P 15, assault style rifle.  The rifle was loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition.

Willis admitted to regularly smoking marijuana since he was 15 years old. He also indicated that he smoked about an ounce of marijuana per day.  Finally, Willis admitted to possessing both the marijuana and the rifle.  

Willis will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on May 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.   

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Gulfport Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Gulfport, Mississippi – Marquise Deshun Spanks, 30, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michele Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) in Mississippi.

On October 20, 2020, Biloxi police officers stopped a vehicle being driven by Spanks and discovered he possessed two firearms in the vehicle, one of which was reported stolen. Spanks was previously convicted of a felony drug offense.  

On November 4, 2020, a federal grand jury indicted Spanks for possessing the firearms after having been convicted of a felony.  He will be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on May 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the offense.  If the Court determines that Spanks is an Armed Career Criminal, he will face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Jackson, Miss – Eddie Terrell Adams, 39, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kristi H. Johnson to 46 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

On March 10, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department stopped a car with an expired license plate.  During the traffic stop, Adams became agitated and told officers they would have to catch him. Adams then fled from the traffic stop. After a brief car pursuit, Adams attempted to run inside of an apartment but was stopped and apprehended by police at the front door.  Just before he was apprehended, Adams opened the apartment door and tossed a handgun behind the door.  Officers soon determined that Adams was previously convicted of aggravated assault and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On January 25, 2019, Adams was charged in a federal criminal indictment with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime.  Adams pled guilty on October10, 2019.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Jackson, Miss – Marlandow Johnson, 45, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 27 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On July 2, 2018, Jackson Police officers responded to a disturbance at Studio 7 hotel.  Upon arrival, officers observed objects being thrown from a vehicle leaving the parking lot of the hotel.  Officers stopped the vehicle and, while speaking with the driver, they observed a handgun on the front passenger seat.  The driver was identified as Marlandow Johnson and officers discovered that he had been previously convicted of accessory after the fact to murder.

On October 24, 2018, Johnson was charged in a federal criminal indictment with possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony crime.  Johnson pled guilty before Judge Wingate on April 16, 2020.

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

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Jackson, Miss. – Todrian Kwame Laphand, 27, of Meridian, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On July 10, 2019, Laphand, who was under surveillance by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, purchased 40 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition from a pawn shop in Meridian Mississippi.  Laphand also purchased a large sheath or holster for a large semi-automatic pistol capable of firing .223 caliber ammunition.  After Laphand left the pawn shop, in the company of three other people, officers of the Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop and took Laphand into custody.

Laphand was found in possession of the ammunition he purchased, along with a firearm and the sheath that contained that firearm.  Also found in the vehicle were two other firearms and several different suspected controlled substances. Laphand has prior felony convictions for felony fleeing from a law enforcement officer, sale of marijuana and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  As a convicted felon, it is contrary to federal law for Laphand to possess any ammunition.

Laphand was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 19, 2019.  He is currently in custody and will be sentenced on May 12, 2021 by Judge Jordan.  Laphand faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and up to a $250,000.00 fine.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Ivan Cano-Elvira, 34, an illegal alien from Mexico, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Taylor B. McNeel to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Diane Witte, Field Office Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO) in New Orleans, and Special Agent-in-Charge Kurt Thielhorn, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Cano-Elvira is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge McNeel on May 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.  Cano-Elvira faces a potential maximum of 10 years imprisonment, plus 3 years of supervised release and a maximum $250,000 fine.  He also faces being removed from the U.S. to his home nation of Mexico, following the completion of any prison sentence.

On October 2, 2020, ICE/ERO arrested Cano-Elvira, who was being held by Jones County officials on a state charge after his arrest for felony domestic violence.  On September 7, 2020, Jones County deputies had been dispatched to a domestic disturbance at Cano-Elvira’s residence.  When deputies arrived, they were told Cano-Elvira had a rifle in the residence.  Although Cano-Elvira had fled on foot, deputies found a Remington, Model 597, .22 caliber rifle, readily accessible in the unlocked closet of his bedroom.  Deputies confiscated the firearm, and Cano-Elvira was arrested the following day when he surrendered to deputies at his residence. The Remington rifle later was turned over to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). 

After further ICE investigation, Cano-Elvira was identified as a deported or removed alien.  He had been removed from the U.S. to Mexico in April 2014.  Thereafter, he illegally reentered the United States and was encountered by Homeland Security officials on May 3, 2014.  His original order of removal was reinstated, and he was again physically removed from the United States to Mexico on May 31, 2014.  At the time of his last removal in 2014, Cano-Elvira was prohibited from entering, attempting to enter, or being in the U.S. for 20 years.  

Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the cooperation of the Department of Homeland Security; the ATF; and the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.                      

Jackson, Miss. –  Marco Bisa Hawkins Moran, 45, of Clinton, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 120 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to commit health care fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi, Special Agent in Charge James Dorsey of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce of Defense Criminal Investigative Services (DCIS) Southeast Field Office, and Director Steven Maxwell of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN).   

Moran was also ordered to pay a monetary judgment of $12,195,740, restitution in the amount of $22,096,697, and a $20,000 fine.

Between 2014 and 2016, Moran, as co-owner of Medworx Compounding and Custom Care Pharmacy, participated in a scheme to defraud TRICARE and other health care benefit programs, including those that provided coverage to employees of the City of Jackson, Mississippi.  In total, the pharmacies submitted $22,068,144 in fraudulent claims to Tricare and other health care benefit programs.  As part of the scheme, Moran and his co-conspirators, among other things, adjusted prescription formulas to ensure the highest reimbursement, paid marketers and physicians kickbacks and bribes to obtain prescriptions for high-yield compounded medications irrespective of whether they were medically necessary, and routinely waived and/or reduced the collection of copayments.

Moran was charged in a Criminal Information and pled guilty before Judge Starrett on September 13, 2018.

The FBI’s Jackson Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the IRS-CI, DCIS, and MBN.  Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. – Xavier D. Cooper, 27, of Canton, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge David C. Bramlette III to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Cooper was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.

On May 22, 2017, during a traffic stop in Clinton, Mississippi, Clinton Police Department officers discovered Cooper was in possession of a Romarm/Cugir semi-automatic pistol, coupled with an extended magazine and a round “drum” magazine.  Cooper had been previously convicted of felonies in both Copiah and Hinds Counties.

Cooper was indicted on March 5, 2019 and pled guilty before Judge Bramlette on October 27, 2020. 

This case was investigated by the Clinton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew W. Eichner.

This case was part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

Gulfport, Miss. – Moises  Joaquin-Antonio, 33, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on January 28, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to time served (3 months and 18 days imprisonment) and one year of supervised release for unlawful reentry by an alien after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, and Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.  Joaquin-Antonio will also face Homeland Security removal proceedings.  Joaquin-Antonio pled guilty on December 18, 2020 before Judge Ozerden.

On October 13, 2020, two U.S. Border Patrol Agents were assigned to targeted enforcement operations regarding aliens who had been officially removed from the United States and were suspected to have unlawfully returned to the local area.  While conducting surveillance on Joaquin-Antonio’s suspected address in Biloxi, an agent reported that he observed Joaquin-Antonio get into a vehicle and leave the residence.  The agent followed Joaquin-Antonio, and a second agent responded in a marked Border Patrol vehicle. 

A traffic stop was conducted and Joaquin-Antonio was placed under arrest.  He was transported to the Gulfport Border Patrol Station for further processing.  At the Border Patrol Station, Joaquin-Antonio’s fingerprints were scanned through Department of Homeland Security electronic computer database systems.  Joaquin-Antonio’s identity was confirmed through computer matches of his fingerprints with his earlier federal immigration records.  The databases also produced prior photographs and other record information. 

Joaquin-Antonio was positively identified as an alien who had been removed from the US. on four different occasions before returning and being arrested in South Mississippi.  Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca praised the efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol and the Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.                

Jackson, Miss. – Andrew Walker, 70, of Jackson, Miss., pled guilty today in Federal District Court before Judge Kristi Haskins Johnson to having illegally discharged industrial waste into the Jackson Sewer System, announced Jean E. Williams, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division, Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca, Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  Region 4; and Special Agent in Charge Michelle A. Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.  Walker was charged in a two count criminal Information filed by the United States Attorney’s Office in September 2020.

Andrew Walker, the owner of Rebel High Velocity Sewer Services of Jackson, Mississippi, (“Rebel”) admitted to having entered into a conspiracy with the generators and transporters of industrial waste illegally to discharge the waste into the Jackson Sewer System in order to avoid the expense of treating the waste to reduce pollutant concentrations, as required by law, and to evade sewer usage fees and the cost of disposing of the waste at legal off-site facilities. 

According to the two counts of the Information and statements made in open court, in October, 2016, state and municipal authorities discovered that a local manufacturing company had been discharging large quantities of its industrial waste directly into the sewer serving its facility.  Government agencies ordered the company to stop this illegal dumping and to ship the waste off site for legal treatment and disposal.  Yet, from November 2016 through October 2017, Mr. Walker and his coconspirators evaded this order, arranging for the illegal disposal of this untreated industrial waste, first by misrepresenting the industrial waste to be domestic waste and dumping it at Jackson’s treatment plant, and then by discharging hundreds of truckloads of industrial waste into a city sewer pipe they excavated at Rebel.  By the time this illegal waste disposal was discovered by state officials, the defendant and his coconspirators had discharged over three million gallons of untreated industrial waste into the same Jackson sewer system to which they had already been prohibited from dumping. 

“Those who disregard the health and safety of our community to pollute our natural resources and waterways for easy profit will find themselves standing before a court of law to answer for their wrongs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney LaMarca.

"The defendant illegally disposed of more than 3.5 million gallons of industrial waste into the City of Jackson's sewer system in violation of the Clean Water Act," said Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno of EPA's Criminal Investigation Division in Atlanta, GA.  “Today’s charges demonstrate that anyone who intentionally disregards the laws designed to protect the environment will be held responsible for their actions.”

“The Clean Water Act is in place to not only protect the environment, but to safeguard our communities and residents from the risks of industrial waste,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin. “Circumventing the law to improperly dispose of waste in order to make a profit is a crime that the FBI and our partners take seriously. Criminal investigations into those who benefit from putting our communities’ health at risk will remain a priority for the FBI.”

Walker appeared for the change of plea hearing today before United States District Judge Kristi H. Johnson in Jackson.  He remains released on conditions of bond pending a sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.  Walker faces maximum penalties of 5 years in prison for the count of conspiracy, and 3 years in prison for the count of discharging industrial waste.  Each count also can merit a fine of up to $250,000.  

Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca commended the work of the Special Agents of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the FBI’s Jackson Division, as well as the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, who investigated the case.  The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Jeremy Korzenik of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of DOJ, and Assistant United States Attorney Theodore Cooperstein.

WASHINGTON – A Mississippi businessman was charged with defrauding the United States and other health care providers in a $1.8 million scheme related to acquiring and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and price gouging health care providers, including numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in critical need of PPE.

Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Darren J. LaMarca, Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Mississippi, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, Michael J. Missal, Inspector General of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

Kenneth Bryan Ritchey, 57, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged in an indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit hoarding of designated scarce materials, and hoarding of designated scarce materials. The defendant made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Myers of the Southern District of Mississippi.

The indictment alleges that after the first U.S.-confirmed case of COVID-19, Ritchey participated in a scheme to defraud health care providers, including the VA, of more than $1.8 million by acquiring PPE and other designated materials from all possible sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers, and ultimately hoarding the same. The indictment alleges that due to nationwide PPE shortages and COVID-19-related fears, Ritchey directed sales representatives to solicit health care providers, including the VA, to purchase PPE and other designated materials at excessively inflated prices through high-pressure sales tactics and through misrepresenting sourcing and actual costs. It is alleged that Ritchey sold PPE to health care providers desperate to acquire the same at incredible markups. For instance, the indictment alleges that Ritchey sold N-95 masks to the VA and other health care providers for as much as $25.00 per mask, despite acquiring such masks at much lower prices.  

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

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, VA-OIG, and ICE HSI. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

The public is asked to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit The Department of Justice’s NCDF website.

A Mississippi businessman was charged with defrauding the United States and other health care providers in a $1.8 million scheme related to acquiring and hoarding personal protective equipment (PPE) and price gouging health care providers, including numerous U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in critical need of PPE.

Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Darren J. LaMarca, Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Mississippi, Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson, Mississippi Field Office, Jeffrey A. Breen, Special Agent in Charge of the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) South Central Field Office, and Jack Stanton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI), New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

Kenneth Bryan Ritchey, 57, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was charged in an indictment in the Southern District of Mississippi with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit hoarding of designated scarce materials, and hoarding of designated scarce materials. The defendant made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Myers of the Southern District of Mississippi.

The indictment alleges that after the first U.S.-confirmed case of COVID-19, Ritchey participated in a scheme to defraud health care providers, including the VA, of more than $1.8 million by acquiring PPE and other designated materials from all possible sources, including home improvement stores and online retailers, and ultimately hoarding the same. The indictment alleges that due to nationwide PPE shortages and COVID-19-related fears, Ritchey directed sales representatives to solicit health care providers, including the VA, to purchase PPE and other designated materials at excessively inflated prices through high-pressure sales tactics and through misrepresenting sourcing and actual costs. It is alleged that Ritchey sold PPE to health care providers desperate to acquire the same at incredible markups. For instance, the indictment alleges that Ritchey sold N-95 masks to the VA and other health care providers for as much as $25.00 per mask, despite acquiring such masks at much lower prices.  

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

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Field Office, VA-OIG, and ICE HSI. Principal Assistant Deputy Chief Dustin M. Davis and Trial Attorney Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk of the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Health Care Fraud Strike Force.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

The public is asked to report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s (NCDF) National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or visit The Department of Justice’s NCDF website.

Gulfport, Miss. – Timothy Frank Ross, 54, formerly of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, to serve 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to commit mail theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Chris Cave with the U. S.  Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Southern Area Field Office.  Ross was also ordered to pay outstanding restitution to a victim in the amount of $594 and a $2,000 fine.

From September 2016, through March 2017, Ross and co-conspirators stole mail from victims’ residences and their mailboxes in the Gulfport and Bay St. Louis areas.  Ross and his co-conspirators cashed checks from the stolen mail and made deposits with stolen checks into a bank account controlled by a co-conspirator.

Ross was indicted on July 24, 2019.  He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on October 22, 2020. 

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.                                  

Jackson, Miss – Dvonte Amir King, 23, of Vicksburg, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee to 12 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer and putting false information on an official form, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 

On June 4, 2018, King attempted to purchase a firearm from a local Vicksburg retailer.  King filled out and signed ATF Form 4473, the standard form for background checks.  On the form, King marked that he had never been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence whereas in truth and in fact, he had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.  Approximately six months prior, on November 28, 2017, King had pled guilty to misdemeanor domestic assault in the Municipal Court of the City of Vicksburg.  Persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence are prohibited from purchasing firearms under federal law and it is a federal offense to put false information on the firearm form.

King was charged in a federal criminal indictment.  He pled guilty before Judge Lee on September 10, 2020.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bert Carraway.

Gulfport, Miss. – Lawrence Lavoy Jackson, 36, of Pascagoula, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 45 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for  being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Kurt Thielhorn, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Jackson was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.

On September 2, 2019, Moss Point Police officers encountered Jackson in a vehicle parked in front of a store in Jackson County. The vehicle was running, with the reverse lights on, and Jackson appeared to be asleep at the wheel of the vehicle. The police tapped on the window several times to get Jackson to respond. The officer had Jackson step out of the vehicle and found a 9 mm pistol in his waist band and 7 rounds of ammunition. Jackson had previous felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Jackson was indicted on September 2, 2019.  He pled guilty before Judge Ozerden on October 21, 2020.

The case was investigated by The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Moss Point Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.         

This case is part of Project EJECT, an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.        

Gulfport, Miss. –  Cameron Malik Dajon Payton, 19, of Harrison County, Mississippi, pled guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

On September 2, 2020, law enforcement officers with the Biloxi Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Payton.  As a result of the stop, officers located two loaded handguns, one of which was stolen, beneath the passenger seat. One of the firearms was a Glock 42 .380 caliber pistol. Additionally, officers found a Glock 42 pistol magazine loaded with 5 rounds of .380 ammunition and a single .380 round on Payton.  Further investigation revealed that Payton was an unlawful user of marijuana, a controlled substance.

On October 6, 2020, Payton was charged in a federal criminal indictment with being an unlawful user of a controlled sustance in possession of a firearm. 

Payton will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on April 28, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Biloxi Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner.

Jackson, Miss. - Mark Coleman, 57, a former Jackson Police Officer, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to obstruction of a federal investigation by destroying and concealing text messages and images of a minor female, announced Acting United States Attorney Darren LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Michelle Sutphin with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

Upon learning that a 16 year old female with whom Coleman had a relationship had been reported as a runaway, Coleman attempted to delete text messages and images of the female from his phone in an attempt to prevent federal investigators from connecting him to the runaway. His attempt at concealing his relationship failed, and Coleman was arrested.  He was charged in a federal criminal indictment on July 14, 2020.

Coleman’s sentencing hearing is set for April 29, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.  He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 

The case was investigated by the The Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Glenda R. Haynes is prosecuting the case.

Jackson, Miss. –United States Attorney Mike Hurst announced that, upon his resignation at the end of today, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca will begin to serve as Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, effective January 20, 2021.

“Darren LaMarca is a dedicated public servant and will serve the people of the Southern District with honor, integrity and distinction. His background in both the private and public sector, including his leadership in this office, makes him the perfect individual to assume the role of Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for over half of our state.  He is well-respected by law enforcement, the defense bar and our community, and he will do an outstanding job as Acting U.S. Attorney.  I want to personally thank him for his wise counsel and his character, and I wish him all the best in this role. He will do an incredible job for our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

“I want to thank Mr. Hurst for his outstanding leadership and relentless pursuit of justice over these past three plus years. The Office of the United States Attorney will continue this relentless pursuit until a new presidentially appointed United States Attorney is confirmed.,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca.

Mr. LaMarca is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and the Mississippi College School of Law. He began his law career in 1986 as a law clerk to Justice Roy Noble Lee of the Mississippi Supreme Court. He then worked as an attorney with a private law firm in Jackson for four years before opening his own practice in Clinton. During his sixteen years in private practice in Clinton, he also served as Municipal Judge for the City of Clinton from 2002 to 2007. In May 2007, he joined the United States Attorney’s Office prosecuting organized drug trafficking, financial crimes, and public corruption. While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. LaMarca has served as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, Chief of the Criminal Division, and First Assistant United States Attorney.

The Vacancies Reform Act (VRA), 5 U.S.C. § 3345(a)(1), provides that when a presidentially appointed U. S. Attorney resigns, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney (“FAUSA”) of that office automatically becomes Acting U.S. Attorney, unless otherwise directed by the President of the United States.