Southern District of Mississippi

Gulfport, Miss. – Alejandro Menera Martinez, 36, an illegal alien from Mexico, and Casimiro Cardona Chacon, 23, of Norcross, Georgia, were sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Menera Martinez was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin. He pled guilty to the charge on February 23, 2018. Menera Martinez organized a negotiated deal in which two kilograms of fentanyl were to be sold to undercover agents. He was arrested while delivering the drugs, but after laboratory analysis, it was determined that the drugs were actually heroin, not fentanyl.

Cardona Chacon was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute heroin. He pled guilty to the charge on March 1, 2018. Cardona Chacon was the courier in the deal negotiated by Menera Martinez.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Joseph Shaw, 35, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate for possession of a weapon within a federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

In 2004, Shaw was sentenced to a term of 295 months by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida after being convicted of carjacking with intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. He was assigned to serve his sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

On June 21, 2017, during a routine search, federal correctional officers found Shaw in possession of a 5.5 inch shank that had been made by sharpening a piece of plastic. Shaw pleaded guilty on January 25, 2018. Today, Shaw was sentenced to serve 26 months in federal prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Shaw will serve this new sentence after he completes his earlier sentence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Special Investigative Section. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Woelke Leithart.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Carlos Manuel Legra-Ramirez, age 43, a citizen of Cuba and a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States living in Georgia, pled guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.

Legra-Ramirez is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ozerden on September 7, 2018. Legra-Ramirez faces a potential maximum 10 years imprisonment, not more than 3 years supervised release, a maximum $250,000 fine, and special assessments that could total $5,100. He also will be subject to immigration removal proceedings.

On February 6, 2018, on Interstate 10 east bound in Harrison County, the United States Border Patrol conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), displaying a Georgia license plate registered to Legra-Ramirez. The SUV contained 10 illegal aliens, for a total of eleven occupants (including the driver) even though the Toyota Highlander SUV had seatbelts to lawfully seat only seven occupants.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials positively identified four of the passengers as aliens who had been previously deported or removed and who had unlawfully returned to the United States. Each of those four passengers were prosecuted for the felony offense of violating Title 8 U.S.C., Section 1326(a)(2), Unlawful Re-Entry into the United States by a Removed Alien. Each of the four passengers pled guilty to that offense and were convicted.

Further investigation also revealed that on August 27 2013, a vehicle registered to Legra-Ramirez was stopped in Mobile, Alabama. The vehicle was driven by a different Cuban national, who said he had recently purchased the vehicle, and admitted to smuggling the 9 illegal aliens who were passengers in his vehicle. Additionally, on August 31, 2013, Legra-Ramirez had been stopped on I-10 east bound near Lake City, Florida, driving a vehicle with 6 illegal alien passengers.

U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the Department of Homeland

Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris is the prosecutor for the case.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Justin Stabler, 31, of Harrison County, Mississippi, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve 90 months in federal prison as a result of his pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Just before 7:30 a.m. on September 1, 2017, officers from the Jackson Police Department responded to 911 calls from the Belhaven Heights neighborhood concerning a man walking down the street brandishing a firearm. Several officers responded to the area of Moody and Quinn Streets in Jackson, and shortly thereafter, officers spotted Justin Stabler walking down the street carrying a revolver in his hand. Stabler was taken into custody without incident, and officers quickly determined that he was a convicted felon who was on parole and residing at a halfway house in another area of Jackson. Because Stabler was a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing either a firearm or ammunition under federal law. The firearm Stabler possessed was a large caliber Taurus "Judge" revolver loaded with five .410 gauge shotgun shells. The firearm was later determined to have been stolen.

Stabler had previously been convicted of multiple state felony offenses in Harrison County, Mississippi and Jackson County, Mississippi, including burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of counterfeit currency.

The case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Demetrius Darnell Mason, 40, of Moss Point, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to serve 292 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Stephen G. Azzam with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Mason was also ordered to pay a $7,500 fine.

On November 29, 2017, after receiving information involving drug trafficking activity, DEA agents observed FedEx deliver a package to a residence in Biloxi, Mississippi. Mason retrieved the package from the residence and then led police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood. DEA agents arrested Mason and found almost a kilogram of methamphetamine in the package.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.

Jackson, Miss. - On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.

In the largest increase in decades, the U.S. Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.  

In the Southern District of Mississippi, four of these Assistant United States attorneys will focus on violent crime and one on affirmative civil enforcement. 

“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.'  When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”

“I want to thank Attorney General Sessions for these new federal prosecutors, which will allow us to do even more good work under Project EJECT in the City of Jackson and will help us expand our crime fighting abilities exponentially throughout the Southern District of Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.  “The addition of a new civil prosecutor will also help us go on the offensive in attacking the opioid crisis here at home, as well as holding those who defraud the American taxpayer accountable in our courts.  Today is a great day for our state and our nation, as these actions will greatly increase the safety of our neighborhoods, enrich the lives of our citizens, and safeguard the American pocketbook.”

In December 2017, U.S. Attorney Hurst launched Project EJECT, a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in the City of Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together.”  Project EJECT is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood (“PSN”), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. 

During the first six months of Project EJECT, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicted over 50 criminals in the City of Jackson, ranging from carjacking to business robberies to felons illegally possessing firearms to illegal drugs. According to recent statistics released by the Jackson Police Department, the violent crime numbers for the City of Jackson have significantly decreased, dropping almost 25% from this same time last year.

 

            To see more information on the locations of the 311 Assistant United States Attorney positions, please visit www.justice.gov. 

Jackson, Miss. – Estelle Cook, Jr., 28, of Pickens, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Cook was also ordered to pay nearly $16,000 in restitution to the gun store victim in this case.

Around 2:30 a.m. on July 28, 2014, Estelle Cook and co-defendant Corey Hughes tore a hole in the side of Central Mississippi Firearms, a gun store in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and stole 41 guns. Cook, Hughes, and others sold at least a dozen of the stolen firearms in Durant and Lexington, Mississippi. Cook led the sale of at least ten of the stolen guns to seven different buyers at a home in Durant.  He sold those guns for cash, pocketing $100 per gun.

On October 3, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Estelle Cook, Corey Hughes, Darnell Branch, and Frederick Russell for their unlawful conspiracy to possess and sell stolen firearms. All four defendants pled guilty.

At Cook’s sentencing hearing yesterday, Judge Reeves imposed the maximum sentence allowed under the law – 10 years in prison. He also ordered Cook to reimburse the gun store victim for its nearly $16,000 in losses.

Co-defendant Frederick Russell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2018. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Co-defendants Corey Hughes and Darnell Branch are scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2018. Hughes faces maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Branch faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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

 

Jackson, Miss. - Eleven individuals are facing federal drug charges in multiple indictments unsealed on Wednesday targeting a large, multi-state drug trafficking operation in East Central Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and John M. Dowdy, Jr., Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

The indictments unsealed yesterday resulted from an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF") investigation dubbed "Operation Highlife," which targeted illegal narcotics distribution in East Central Mississippi. This drug network involved the distribution of over 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 3 kilograms of cocaine and over 100 pounds of marijuana. The distribution network encompassed multiple states, including Texas, California, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

The following individuals have been indicted as a result of Operation Highlife:

Brandon Deshanta Miller, 32, of Dallas, Texas, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $30.25 million fine.

Shandlette Hudson, 42, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.

Dijon James Seales, a/k/a "DJ," 28, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Seales faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $25.5 million fine.

Lorenzo Dyrell Hickman, 32, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams or more of cocaine. If convicted, Hickman faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.

Latrice Cherrrell Boler, 29, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Boler faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.

Chaddis Demond McAfee, 36, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10.5 million fine.

Courtny Orlando Campbell, 27, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Campbell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.

Danny L. Drake, 43, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Drake faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.

Kevin Ashley Wells, a/k/a "Big 50," 37, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Wells faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.

Jimmie Terrell Harrison, 43, of Forest, Mississippi, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Harrison faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000.00 fine.

Tray Beamon, 32, of Louisville, Mississippi, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Beamon faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.

"Illegal drugs are killing our youth, destroying families, and fueling violent crime across our state and our country. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement officers for coming together to take down this criminal element plaguing our communities. Yesterday’s arrests are a result of the commitment and tenacity that our law enforcement brethren have to dismantling criminal organizations wherever they may be found. Because of this work, our streets, neighborhoods and citizens in East Central Mississippi are safer today," said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

"Methamphetamine has devastated countless communities due to the dramatic health and public safety consequences that typically accompany its introduction into an area," said Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. "Today’s arrests mark the culmination of an extensive joint effort by HSI, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to dismantle a drug trafficking organization that decimated parts of Mississippi and Alabama with methamphetamine smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. This operation is a testament to the seamless partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement, which HSI sincerely appreciates in the combined effort to improve the lives of law-abiding residents throughout Mississippi and Alabama." Miles oversees a five-state area of operations to include Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

"The arrests announced today are another great example of the cooperative efforts between MBN and our federal law enforcement partners to rid our communities of the parasites that try to latch on to our children and family members with the peddling of their poison," said MBN Director John Dowdy. "As a result of these arrests, Mississippi is a safer place to live, work and raise a family."

Philadelphia Police Chief Grant Myers stated: "I am really pleased with multiple agencies coming together to work an investigation of this size. This criminal organization is responsible for a significant portion of the illegal narcotics coming into not only Philadelphia but East Central Mississippi as well. Almost all of the crimes we deal with, from assaults to thefts, and everything in between, can be traced back to illegal narcotics. Taking down an organization of this size will have a significant impact on crime in our area."

The OCDETF operation is a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assisting agencies include the 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisville Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, United States Attorney=s Office Southern District of Mississippi and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.

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.

Arraignments are scheduled for tomorrow, June 1, 2018, before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball at 9:00 a.m. and before United States Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson at 9:30 a.m.

A criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jackson, Miss. - Eleven individuals are facing federal drug charges in multiple indictments unsealed on Wednesday targeting a large, multi-state drug trafficking operation in East Central Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and John M. Dowdy, Jr., Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

The indictments unsealed yesterday resulted from an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) investigation dubbed AOperation Highlife,@ which targeted illegal narcotics distribution in East Central Mississippi. This drug network involved the distribution of over 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 3 kilograms of cocaine and over 100 pounds of marijuana. The distribution network encompassed multiple states, including Texas, California, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

The following individuals have been indicted as a result of Operation Highlife:

Brandon Deshanta Miller, 32, of Dallas, Texas, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $30.25 million fine.

Shandlette Hudson, 42, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.

Dijon James Seales, a/k/a “DJ,” 28, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Seales faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $25.5 million fine.

Lorenzo Dyrell Hickman, 32, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams or more of cocaine. If convicted, Hickman faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.

Latrice Cherrrell Boler, 29, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Boler faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.

Chaddis Demond McAfee, 36, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams of methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10.5 million fine.

Courtny Orlando Campbell, 27, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Campbell faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $10 million fine.

Danny L. Drake, 43, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Drake faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.

Kevin Ashley Wells, a/k/a “Big 50,” 37, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, is charged with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Wells faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and up to a $5 million fine.

Jimmie Terrell Harrison, 43, of Forest, Mississippi, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Harrison faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000.00 fine.

Tray Beamon, 32, of Louisville, Mississippi, charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, Beamon faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and up to a $20 million fine.

“Illegal drugs are killing our youth, destroying families, and fueling violent crime across our state and our country. I commend our federal, state and local law enforcement officers for coming together to take down this criminal element plaguing our communities. Yesterday’s arrests are a result of the commitment and tenacity that our law enforcement brethren have to dismantling criminal organizations wherever they may be found. Because of this work, our streets, neighborhoods and citizens in East Central Mississippi are safer today,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

"Methamphetamine has devastated countless communities due to the dramatic health and public safety consequences that typically accompany its introduction into an area," said Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. "Today’s arrests mark the culmination of an extensive joint effort by HSI, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to dismantle a drug trafficking organization that decimated parts of Mississippi and Alabama with methamphetamine smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico. This operation is a testament to the seamless partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement, which HSI sincerely appreciates in the combined effort to improve the lives of law-abiding residents throughout Mississippi and Alabama." Miles oversees a five-state area of operations to include Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

"The arrests announced today are another great example of the cooperative efforts between MBN and our federal law enforcement partners to rid our communities of the parasites that try to latch on to our children and family members with the peddling of their poison," said MBN Director John Dowdy. "As a result of these arrests, Mississippi is a safer place to live, work and raise a family."

Philadelphia Police Chief Grant Myers stated: "I am really pleased with multiple agencies coming together to work an investigation of this size. This criminal organization is responsible for a significant portion of the illegal narcotics coming into not only Philadelphia but East Central Mississippi as well. Almost all of the crimes we deal with, from assaults to thefts, and everything in between, can be traced back to illegal narcotics. Taking down an organization of this size will have a significant impact on crime in our area."

The OCDETF operation is a result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assisting agencies include the 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Louisville Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, United States Attorney=s Office Southern District of Mississippi and the United States Marshal Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.

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.

Arraignments are scheduled for tomorrow, June 1, 2018, before United States Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball at 9:00 a.m. and before United States Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson at 9:30 a.m.

A criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Jackson, Miss. – Jermaine Griffin, 31, of Kosciusko, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to 10 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a stolen gun, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Griffin bought a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol off the street—even though he suspected the gun was stolen—because the gun was new and only cost $100. Griffin later learned that the man who sold him the gun had recently burglarized Central Mississippi Firearms, a gun store in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Griffin then sold the stolen pistol in Durant, Mississippi.

On October 3, 2017, a federal grand jury indicted Griffin. The grand jury also indicted the men who burglarized the gun store and who helped sell the stolen guns in Durant, Pickens, and Lexington. Those men are Estelle Cook, Jr., Corey Hughes, Darnell Branch, and Frederick Russell.  All of the defendants have pled guilty.

At Griffin’s sentencing hearing today, Judge Lee imposed a 10-month sentence. Estelle Cook, Jr. was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday. The other defendants will be sentenced in June.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Jackson, Mississippi.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Oscar Alfredo Burgon-Urrea, 39, an illegal alien from Honduras, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., for the crime of Unlawful Re-entry By a Removed Alien Previously Convicted of a Felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and David Rivera, Field Office Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for the Department of Homeland Security, in New Orleans. Burgon-Urrea pled guilty to the offense on March 7, 2018.

Burgon-Urrea also was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release upon completion of prison term, and will face removal proceedings by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If Burgon-Urrea were to return again to the United States, after removal and during the term his supervised release, he could face a separate term of imprisonment in addition to any other penalty.

On December 4, 2017, during Department of Homeland Security criminal alien program duties at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") Deportation Officer arrested Burgon-Urrea, an illegal alien from Honduras. He was being held by local officials for public drunkenness, after the Moss Point Police Department found Burgon-Urrea by the side of Interstate 10 in an intoxicated condition.

Further investigation revealed that Burgon-Urrea had been lawfully removed from the United States in 2005, and had illegally re-entered the United States on six subsequent occasions. In 2011, Burgon-Urrea had been convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Del Rio Division, of the offense of Re-entry by a Deported Alien, a felony. It also was learned that the defendant had been known by multiple variations of his name including Oscar Alfredo Burgos-Urrea, Oscar Alredo Burgos Ureea, Oscar Alfredo Burgos, Oscar Burgos and Oscar Alfredo.

U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Moss Point Police Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.

Gulfport, Miss. – Oscar Alfredo Burgon-Urrea, 39, an illegal alien from Honduras, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., for the crime of Unlawful Re-entry By a Removed Alien Previously Convicted of a Felony, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and David Rivera, Field Office Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for the Department of Homeland Security, in New Orleans. Burgon-Urrea pled guilty to the offense on March 7, 2018.

Burgon-Urrea also was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release upon completion of prison term, and will face removal proceedings by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. If Burgon- Urrea were to return again to the United States, after removal and during the term his supervised release, he could face a separate term of imprisonment in addition to any other penalty.

On December 4, 2017, during Department of Homeland Security criminal alien program duties at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) Deportation Officer arrested Burgon-Urrea, an illegal alien from Honduras. He was being held by local officials for public drunkenness, after the Moss Point Police Department found Burgon-Urrea by the side of Interstate 10 in an intoxicated condition.

Further investigation revealed that Burgon-Urrea had been lawfully removed from the United States in 2005, and had illegally re-entered the United States on six subsequent occasions. In 2011, Burgon-Urrea had been convicted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Del Rio Division, of the offense of Re-entry by a Deported Alien, a felony. It also was learned that the defendant had been known by multiple variations of his name including

Oscar Alfredo Burgos-Urrea, Oscar Alredo Burgos Ureea, Oscar Alfredo Burgos, Oscar Burgos and Oscar Alfredo.

U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the cooperation exhibited by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Moss Point Police Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.

Jackson, Miss.  – U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and other federal, state and local law enforcement officials will hold a press conference on THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. to announce the results of an extensive multi-level law enforcement investigation dubbed “Operation Highlife” targeting illegal narcotics distribution in East Central Mississippi.

 

WHEN:          THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018

                        10:00 A.M.

 

WHERE:       United States Attorney’s Office

                   Fourth Floor Conference Room

                   501 East Court Street

                   Jackson, MS  39201

 

Jackson, Miss. – Velma White, 32, of Jackson, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to serve a total of 170 months in federal prison for a murder-for-hire plot to kill a family member, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. White was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.

On August 23, 2017, White contacted, via text messages from her cellular telephone, an undercover officer whom she believed to be a "hit-man." During a phone call, White explained to the undercover officer that she wanted her family member murdered, and she agreed to pay the undercover officer approximately $10,000 for the murder. Over the next few days, White and the undercover officer discussed and planned out the murder of White’s family member, with White given multiple opportunities to back out. However, White only affirmed her commitment to the murder scheme. White revealed that she was attempting to murder her family member in order to collect the proceeds of a $50,000 life insurance policy for which she was the sole beneficiary. White agreed to pay the undercover officer once she collected the life insurance money. White also expressed to the undercover officer her willingness to assist in other murder for hire plots in exchange for money.

"Today, the public is safer and our communities are more secure because this criminal will be going away for a long time. She not only threatened the life of a family member but also offered to help murder others in exchange for money, and she will now spend the next several years paying for and having a lot of time to reflect on her criminal actions. Our office and our law enforcement community will not rest until all of those who threaten human life are brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pearl Police Department, the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark is prosecuting the case.

 

Jackson, Miss. - Micah Daniel McCree, 19, of Flowood, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

On July 25, 2017, while seeking to arrest McCree on an outstanding warrant for armed robbery out of Lee County, Mississippi, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force encountered McCree at the New Way Halfway House in Jackson, Mississippi, sleeping on a bed. McCree was taken out of the bed and asked to verify his identity. After verifying his identity, McCree informed officers that there was a pistol under the mattress. Officers located a 9mm caliber pistol between the mattress and box spring of the bed where McCree had been sleeping. The pistol was loaded with ammunition in the magazine and a round in the chamber. Marshals also found a plastic bag with several loose rounds of 9mm ammunition alongside the pistol.

McCree was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Rankin County for of Receiving Stolen Property and Burglary of a Commercial Building. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with three years suspended for the felony offense of Receiving Stolen Property; and to seven years imprisonment with five years suspended and five years supervised probation for the felony offense of Burglary of a Commercial Building. McCree was on probation for this offense at the time of his arrest.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha D. Middleton.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Terrence Bernard Williams, 50, of Biloxi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 217 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Williams was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations received information that Williams and his girlfriend, Andrea Sawyer, were distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine in Biloxi, Mississippi. On November 1, 2017, a confidential source made contact with Sawyer and discussed purchasing 6 ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for money. Sawyer met with the confidential source, and upon her arrest, agents located six ounces of methamphetamine. A search warrant was executed at the Williams’ apartment in Biloxi. During the execution of the warrant, agents located more methamphetamine, marijuana, cash and a stolen firearm. The confidential source stated that both Williams and Sawyer previously distributed methamphetamine on several occasions from the Biloxi apartment.

Williams pled guilty on January 18, 2018. Sawyer was sentenced on May 2, 2018, by Judge Ozerden to 160 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, and she was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Jeremy Jerome Fletcher, 28, of Jackson, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On or about December 13, 2017, Jackson Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Highway 80 near Valley Street in Jackson, Mississippi, of a vehicle occupied by three individuals. The front seat passenger was Jeremy Jerome Fletcher. Upon running a check, it was determined that the driver had active warrants out of Carroll County and both Fletcher and the rear passenger had warrants for traffic violations. All were arrested and an inventory of the vehicle revealed a loaded .22 caliber revolver inside a yellow towel underneath the front passenger seat. A records check revealed that on April 21, 2014, Fletcher had been sentenced in the Circuit Court of Rankin County, Mississippi, to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, with twelve (12) years suspended, and five (5) years of supervised probation, for the felony offense of robbery. Fletcher was on probation at the time of the subject traffic stop.

After being Mirandized and waiving his rights, Fletcher gave a confession that the .22 caliber revolver was his and stated when they drove past the police officer, he placed the gun under his seat (the front passenger seat). He further stated he purchased it approximately one month prior for $65.00.

Fletcher is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Lee on August 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keesha Middleton.

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). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Tambra Brown, 30, of Grenada, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, Jr. to 175 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith. Brown was also ordered to pay a $3,000.00 fine.

During the investigation of a drug conspiracy ring, DEA agents learned through cooperating sources that Brown was involved in transporting narcotics from Texas to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. At least three cooperating sources identified Brown and provided information about her participation in the conspiracy. According to the sources, Brown would travel from Grenada, Mississippi, to Houston, Texas, where she would pick up the methamphetamine, cocaine or large amounts of United States currency and then then travel to the Gulf Coast. During another individual’s arrest, agents located some of the methamphetamine that was involved in the conspiracy, which had a 90% purity level.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Gulfport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Horace M. Rutledge, Jr., 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

Rutledge admitted he brought a .50 caliber rifle, a multi-caliber rifle with two 30-round magazines, and a multi-caliber pistol to a confidential informant as the second down payment for cocaine on September 23, 2017. On August 27, 2017, Rutledge brought $27,500 to Gulfport as a down payment for cocaine. Rutledge and others were part of conspiracy that was attempting to purchase as much as 50 kilos of cocaine from a DEA confidential informant. They wired money to Gulfport along with bringing cash and the firearms. Rutledge has four previous convictions for second degree assault, felony resisting arrest, possession of a firearm, and sale of a firearm as a second offender from Nassau County, New York.

Rutledge faces a potential maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for August 16, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Ulric S. Crossland, 27, of Hattiesburg, pled guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to being a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On July 17, 2017, in Lamar County, Crossland was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. He was arrested at an apartment he was using during a search conducted by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, City of Hattiesburg Police and the Probation Division of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Crossland was found in possession of the following three firearms: a Romarm/Cugir 7.62x39 mm caliber rifle (with a high capacity magazine); a Taurus 9mm pistol, and a Glock .40 caliber pistol. Crossland knew that both the Taurus and Glock pistols were stolen. The Glock had been stolen from a Mississippi Department of Corrections Probation Officer. Crossland was under active supervision by Mississippi State Probation at the time of his arrest. Additionally, methamphetamine belonging to Crossland was found.

On November 2, 2017, in Forrest County, Crossland was arrested again for being a felon in possession of a firearm. During a multi-agency city-wide detail in Hattiesburg, regarding on-going gang activity in the local area, agents of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Metro Narcotics Team, and a Mississippi Department of Corrections Probation Officer were conducting a security check of the Executive Inn Motel. Agents encountered Crossland (who was on probation) standing in the parking lot outside a vehicle with two other men in the car. Agents smelled burnt marijuana, and arrested Crossland for being a convicted felon in possession of a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol. Previously, Crossland had been convicted of felony "possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) while in possession of a firearm."

Crossland will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on September 6, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Southeast Mississippi Safe Streets Task Force in Hattiesburg, which is made up of special agents from the FBI and law enforcement officers from the Office of the Mississippi State Auditor, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Hattiesburg Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.

"One officer death is too many," Attorney General Sessions said. "While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks."

"This week, we honor the bravery, commitment and sacrifice of our men and women in law enforcement. They put their lives on the line every single day for our safety. Let’s use this week to recommit ourselves to do the same by honoring their service all year long and training up the next generation to honor them as well. Their service is steadied and made stronger through our unwavering support and gratitude. Blessed are the peacemakers!" said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.

Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.

For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today.

In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.

During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.

The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.

The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.

For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.

To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Marcus Reese, 38, of Jackson, pled guilty Thursday before United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

On September 8, 2017, law enforcement attempted to execute a search warrant at Marcus Reese’s apartment on O’Bannon Street in Jackson, Mississippi—a place suspected of illegal drug activity. As officers approached the apartment, Reese fled on foot through his apartment and ran out the back door. Officers ultimately stopped Reese and arrested him. They found a loaded Taurus .357 revolver in Reese’s pants pocket.

Reese has a previous conviction in Hinds County, Mississippi, for the felony offense of conspiracy to commit murder.

Reese will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Daniel P. Jordan III on August 21, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with ATF agents and Project EJECT task force members in the investigation of this case.

 

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Michael J. Super, 44, of Hattiesburg, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett for federal tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas J. Holloman III, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.

Super was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. The Court also ordered Super to pay restitution in the amount of $165,075.92.

On February 18, 2018, Super pled guilty to tax evasion for failing to pay federal employee trust fund taxes due on behalf of the employees of his company, Eagle Eye Security Services of Hattiesburg. Super had entered into an agreement with the government to pay these taxes over a period of time, but failed to make any payments. The IRS issued levies against the company, but Super still failed to make any payments. To avoid the IRS levies, Super opened another security business to which he transferred all of the assets and clients of his previous company. When the IRS pursued the assets of the second company, Super again transferred all assets and clients to a third company. The IRS collected some of the employee trust fund taxes due, but Super evaded paying $165,075.92, which he will now be required to pay in restitution as a part of his sentence.

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Toroski Wolfe, 32, of Canton, pled guilty Thursday before United States District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In 2017, Wolfe, a convicted felon, bought a 38-Special revolver from a friend for $100. On December 11, 2017, Wolfe got into an altercation with another man and used the revolver to fire two warning shots into the ground. Jackson Police Department responded, and Wolfe admitted that he possessed and shot the gun.

Wolfe will be sentenced in Jackson by Judge Jordan on August 21, 2018, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with FBI agents and Project EJECT task force members in the investigation of this case.

 

Hattiesburg, Miss. - Jermaine Antonio Newell, 32, of Gautier, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a schedule I controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith. Newell was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

On November 15, 2017, DEA agents executed three search warrants at three locations known to be used by Newell. Based on information obtained showing online purchases, agents believed there would be evidence of drug trafficking activities at the properties. As agents executed one of the search warrants in Soso, Mississippi, a Jones County Deputy saw Newell drive by the property and begin throwing bags from the van’s window. Newell threw a bag containing 951 grams of heroin, along with various pills, cocaine, marijuana, a digital scale and approximately $11,000 in cash. Shortly after seeing Newell throw the items, he was stopped and arrested. Newell admitted to conspiring to possess the heroin and intending to distribute it. He pled guilty on January 30, 2018.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ellisville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Twenty-three applicants for U.S. citizenship were sworn in today as new citizens during a naturalization ceremony held at the United States District Court in Gulfport, Mississippi.

United States Magistrate Judge Robert H. Walker presided over the ceremony. Judge Walker welcomed family, friends, soon-to-be citizens, and special guests, including Dr. Antoine B. Rizk, a cardiologist with Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. Following a performance of "America the Beautiful" by sisters Chloe and Noelle King and Eric Boutwell of Stone High School, the applicants were presented for citizenship by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Graben on behalf of Jeff Sessions, the Attorney General of the United States.

After Arthur Johnston, Clerk of the U.S. District Court, administered the Oath of Allegiance for citizenship, the honorees recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as U.S. citizens.

Judge Walker congratulated the new citizens and commended them for their hard work to achieve citizenship. He challenged them to make the most of the opportunities now before them as new citizens by continuing to work hard; engaging in civic and community activities; and registering to vote and participating in the electoral process. He also encouraged them to serve on juries when summoned; stay informed about important local, state, and national events; defend the United States if called upon; and obey all laws. On the importance of becoming a citizen, Judge Walker quoted former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, who said, "The only title in our democracy superior to that of President is the title of citizen."

Dr. Rizk, who was born in Lebanon and naturalized as a U.S. citizen fourteen years ago, also addressed the new citizens. He told them that while many opportunities lay ahead for both them and their families, those opportunities will only be realized if they dedicate themselves to becoming the best citizens possible. Dr. Rizk also observed that most of them came from countries that did not afford its citizens the rights, freedoms, and privileges that U.S. citizenship offers. He concluded his remarks by wishing them well.

Judge Walker then presented the new citizens with certificates of citizenship. Representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution Friendship Oak Chapter also presented them American flags.

The new citizens originated from the following 16 countries: Egypt, Philippines, Laos, Costa Rica, Vietnam, Mexico, El Salvador, Jordan, Honduras, Cuba, Canada, India, People’s Republic of China, Yemen, Nicaragua, and Burma.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Fabeon Ah’Keem Minor, 18, of Gulfport, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, announced U. S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Minor faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for August 16, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden in Gulfport.

The case arose during a Gulfport Police Department murder investigation when police searched a home where Minor was living. Officers found the gun with the obliterated serial number in Minor’s bedroom.

The Gulfport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Mario Guadalupe Pecina, age 44, of San Antonio, Texas, pled guilty today before U.S. District U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.

On January 11, 2018, a United States Border Patrol officer stopped Pecina for committing a traffic violation while traveling on Interstate 10 in Harrison County, Mississippi. During the stop, the officer learned that Pecina was previously arrested for smuggling cocaine in 2009. While speaking with the officer, Pecina began displaying signs of nervous behavior. Pecina consented to a search of the vehicle, and upon searching, the officer located 31 packages of cocaine concealed within the door and rear hatch panels of the vehicle.

Pecina will be sentenced on August 16, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. by U.S. District U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Isaiah Galloway, 40, of Moss Point, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 121 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine in Moss Point, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Galloway pled guilty on February 6, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to the investigation, Galloway distributed approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine "ICE" to a confidential source on at least three separate occasions, including September 21, 2016, for which he was charged.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Arthur Lamar Adams, 58, of Jackson, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves to one count of wire fraud for his role in a large, multi-state Ponzi scheme involving more than one hundred million dollars and hundreds of victims spanning a number of years, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.

Restitution is mandatory under federal law, and Adams has agreed to forfeiture of all funds and assets related to the Ponzi scheme.

"Those who prey upon and swindle people out of their hard-earned money, in some cases their life savings and retirements, will be firmly prosecuted by this office and face justice in our courts. This criminal conduct will not be tolerated in our state, and if others were involved, we will continue to dig until all those responsible have been brought to justice," said U.S. Attorney Hurst. "Victims may contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and you can rest assured that we will do everything within our power to ensure victims are assisted, protected and afforded their rights."

Over a period of at least 7 years, Adams executed this sophisticated Ponzi scheme using Madison Timber Properties, LLC, a company wholly owned by Adams. From as early as 2011 through April, 2018, Adams’s scheme defrauded investors by soliciting millions of dollars of funds under false pretenses, failing to use the investors’ funds as promised, and converting investors’ funds to Adams’s own benefit without the knowledge of the investors. Instead of investing his clients’ money, Adams used the invested funds for his own personal benefit and for purposes other than those represented to investors, which also included making payments due and owing to other investors, thus perpetuating the Ponzi scheme. During the fraudulent scheme, Adams fraudulently obtained well in excess of one hundred million dollars from more than 250 investors located in at least 14 different states.

As part of his fraudulent scheme, Adams falsely represented to investors that Madison Timber Properties was in the business of buying timber rights from landowners and then selling the timber rights to lumber mills at a higher price. The object of the scheme was to cause individuals to invest in loans that purportedly were for the purpose of financing contracts for the purchase of timber rights to be sold to lumber mills at a higher price. However, neither Adams nor Madison Timber Properties had such timber rights or contracts with lumber mills, except in only a few instances.

Adams entered into fraudulent investment contracts with investors, most often in the form of promissory notes on behalf of Madison Timber Properties. The loans typically

guaranteed investors an interest rate of 12-13%, with the interest to be repaid to investors over the course of 12-13 months. The monthly payments due on these promissory notes were typically due on either the first or the fifteenth of the month.

Adams created false documents causing investors to believe that their investments were secured by sufficient collateral from which they could recover all or part of their investment in the event that Madison Timber Properties defaulted on the loans. Specifically, Adams created false timber deeds purporting to be contracts conveying timber rights from landowners to Madison Timber Properties. Adams forged the signatures of landowners and also created false timber deeds purporting to convey timber rights from Madison Timber Properties to the investors.

Adams will be sentenced by Judge Reeves on August 21, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Hector Serrano-Cruz, age 41, an illegal alien from Mexico living in Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 168 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine in Harrison County, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Serrano-Cruz pled guilty on February 5, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was supplying pound quantities of methamphetamine to a local distributor and was held accountable for distributing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine "ICE."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Eric Jameson Graham, 27, of Gulfport, entered a guilty plea today before District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF").

Graham faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for July 31, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. before Judge Guirola.

The case began with the ATF getting reports of a felon selling firearms and possessing hand grenades. The report led to the search of the Gulfport home of Graham and two other individuals. Twenty-one stolen firearms and methamphetamine were seized. Graham has a prior state felony for grand larceny. The firearms were stolen from the father of Graham’s co-defendant Erin Woods. Graham admitted he was using methamphetamine.

Co-defendant Woods pled guilty in federal court before Judge Guirola on April 25, 2018, to being a user of controlled substances illegally possessing a firearm.

The case was investigated by the ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Nicholas Thames, 20, of Jackson, pled guilty today before United States Chief District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Christopher Freeze, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On October 27, 2017, Jackson Police Department officers responded to the Waffle House restaurant located at 584 Beasley Road in reference to an armed robbery of a business. Employees advised that Thames had come into the restaurant about an hour earlier to eat and returned with a red bandana covering his mouth and brandishing a firearm. Thames demanded money from the clerk and fired one shot before pointing the gun at the clerk as she handed him all of the money in the register. Thames then ran out of the store. Store employees were able to provide a description to Jackson Police Department officers who found Thames in the area, wearing the same clothes described by the employees, including the red bandana he used to cover his face.

Thames was arrested and officers found a large sum of money and a black handgun on his person. Officers also found several other items that the defendant admitted taking from a vehicle that he had broken into in the area.

Thames is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Jordan on August 7, 2018, and faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with FBI agents and Project EJECT task force members. AUSA Abe McGlothin, Jr. is prosecuting the case.

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). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Damien S. Pinkney, 36, of Goosecreek, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea Friday before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to possession of firearms by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced.

Pinckney admitted he brought a .50 caliber rifle, a multi-caliber rifle with two 30-round magazines, and a multi-caliber pistol to a confidential informant as down payment for cocaine on September 23, 2017. Pinckney and others were part of conspiracy that was attempting to purchase as much as 50 kilos of cocaine from a DEA confidential informant. Pinckney and others wired money to Gulfport along with bringing cash and the firearms. Pinckney has three previous convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine in South Carolina.

Pinckney faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 21, 2018, at 9:30 a.m.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Teresa Chism, 48, a former resident of Durant, Mississippi, was arrested Friday on charges of filing fraudulent tax refund claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Ted A. Magee, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s New Orleans Field Office.

According to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in January, Teresa Chism was a tax return preparer doing business under the name Lady T Taxes in Holmes County, Mississippi. Between February 2013 and April 2015, Chism prepared numerous tax false returns for clients which claimed fraudulent refunds. Chism is also charged with preparing a false tax return for an undercover agent. On the tax return, Chism reported false wages and false education expenses, which caused the claimed tax refund to increase to more than double the correct amount.

Chism appeared for arraignment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Ball. The case is set for trial on June 25, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate in Jackson. If convicted, Chism faces statutory maximum penalties of five years in prison on each count of presenting a false claim to the IRS. She also faces monetary penalties and restitution.

The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall and DOJ Tax Division Trial Attorney Robert J. Boudreau.

The public is reminded that an indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Christopher Bryan Smith, age 45, of Biloxi, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to one count of knowingly possessing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New Orleans.

An investigation conducted by HSI with the Wiggins Police Department and the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force resulted in the identification of an internet protocol address belonging to Christopher Brian Smith and his use of a computer file sharing program. Thereafter, a federal search warrant was executed on July 13, 2017, at Smith’s Biloxi residence. Smith’s electronic devices were seized and forensic examinations were conducted. The examination reports, as well as the submissions of the visual depictions found and submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, resulted in a finding that Smith knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, to include visual depictions of a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.

Smith will be sentenced on August 16, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden in Gulfport. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison followed by at least five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Gulf Coast Cyber Crime Task Force, and the Wiggins Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Arthur Lamar Adams, 58, of Jackson, has been charged by Criminal Information for his role in a large multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme that adversely affected hundreds of victims across multiple states over a number of years, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.

Adams will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson today at 2 p.m. for his initial appearance and arraignment on the Criminal Information.

Adams is charged with two counts of wire fraud involving a scheme to defraud investors, and one count of bank fraud, all in connection with a Ponzi scheme using Madison Timber Properties, LLC, a company wholly owned by Adams.

"Greed is not good. Greed drove this individual to lie, cheat and steal from fellow Mississippians, and led him to prey upon others outside our state, simply to personally benefit himself. While this may be one of the largest Ponzi scheme ever committed in our state, our citizens can rest assured that these criminal actions by this defendant sadly affecting so many people will be met with swift and certain justice. I commend the FBI special agents and prosecutor in this case for their diligent work. We will continue to pursue this case and all the evidence until all crimes have been discovered, all criminals have been brought to justice, and all victims have been assisted," said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

As charged in the Criminal Information, beginning as early as 2011 and continuing through April 2018, Adams devised a scheme to defraud investors by soliciting millions of dollars of funds under false pretenses, failing to use the investors’ funds as promised, and converting investors’ funds to Adams’s own benefit without the knowledge of the investors. Instead of investing his clients’ money, Adams used the invested funds for his own personal benefit and for purposes other than those represented to investors, which also included making payments due and owing to other investors, thus perpetuating the Ponzi scheme. During the fraudulent scheme, Adams fraudulently obtained well in excess of one hundred million dollars from more than 250 investors located in at least 14 different states.

As part of his fraudulent scheme, Adams falsely represented to investors that Madison Timber Properties was in the business of buying timber rights from landowners and then selling the timber rights to lumber mills at a higher price. The object of the scheme was to cause individuals to invest in loans that purportedly were for the purpose of financing contracts for the purchase of timber rights to be sold to lumber mills at a higher price. However, neither Adams nor Madison Timber Properties had such timber rights or contracts with lumber mills, except in only a few instances.

Adams entered into fraudulent investment contracts with investors, most often in the form of promissory notes on behalf of Madison Timber Properties. The loans typically guaranteed investors an interest rate of 12-13%, with the interest to be repaid to investors over the course of 12-13 months. The monthly payments due on these promissory notes were typically due on either the first or the fifteenth of the month.

Adams created false documents causing investors to believe that their investments were secured by sufficient collateral from which they could recover all or part of their investment in the event that Madison Timber Properties defaulted on the loans. Specifically, Adams created false timber deeds purporting to be contracts conveying timber rights from landowners to Madison Timber Properties. Adams forged the signatures of landowners and also created false timber deeds purporting to convey timber rights from Madison Timber Properties to the investors. To further lull investors, Adams had many of the documents notarized to make the investments appear legitimate. Adams also required the investors to agree not to record their timber deeds unless Madison Timber Properties defaulted on the loan agreement by failing to make a payment. In many instances, Adams also provided a "timber cruise summary" purporting to state the value of the timber located on a particular parcel of land. These "timber cruise summary" documents were also false and had been created by Adams to induce investors to give money to Adams under false or fraudulent pretenses.

Investors are requested to gather and retain any documents that they have concerning their investments with Madison Timber Properties, LLC and/or Arthur Lamar Adams. Information about developments in this investigation and further instructions on how to provide information to the pertinent authorities will be provided at the earliest possible date. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be reaching out to identified victims shortly.

We know that investors are anxious to learn whatever they can about the status of their investments and the assets of Madison Timber Properties, LLC. Although we cannot provide further details at this time, please be assured that all those involved are working diligently to investigate this matter and to locate and preserve assets that can be used for restitution to defrauded investors.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Fulcher.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Luis Enrique Moran-Vargaz, 36, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 8 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.

As a result of this felony conviction, Moran-Vargas will face removal proceedings by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security upon the completion of his prison sentence. Were he to be removed and unlawfully return to the United States during his period of supervised release, he could face additional penalties. Moran-Vargas pled guilty on January 23, 2018, before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.

Additionally, one of the passengers Moran-Vargaz was transporting, Juan Antonio Martinez-Alonso, 50, also an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced yesterday to nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally re-entering the United States after being lawfully removed following a felony conviction. Martinez-Alonso also will face removal proceedings upon his release from prison. Were he to be removed and unlawfully return to the United States during his period of supervised release, he could face additional penalties. Martinez-Alonso pled guilty on January 23, 2018, before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.

On November 28, 2017, a Dodge Ram pick-up truck driven by Moran-Vargaz, and with Martinez-Alonso as a passenger, was stopped by a City of Gautier Police Officer on Interstate-10 in Jackson County, Mississippi, for speeding in a construction zone. While the Dodge Ram was designed to seat five people, the police officer observed that, in addition to the driver, there were six unidentified passengers for a total of seven occupants in the vehicle. The vehicle occupants provided Mexican identification documents and the six passengers could not be identified by the driver. The U.S. Border Patrol was notified, and a Border Patrol Agent responded to the scene.

None of the vehicle occupants had proper documents, and all were illegally present in the United States. All occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and further investigation revealed that Martinez-Alonso previously had been removed from the United States twice in 2016, after a lawful removal order had been issued. Martinez-Alonso also had been convicted of this same offense in 2016 in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Gautier Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris was the prosecutor for the case.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, 19, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to unlawful re-entry by an alien after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Thomas Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Joseph A. Banco Jr., Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the U.S. Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector.

Rojas-Baten will be sentenced by Judge Guirola on August 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

On January 30, 2018, two Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies, working together, but in separate patrol vehicles, conducted traffic stops on two separate Honda Pilot Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that were traveling together. The U.S. Border Patrol was contacted and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Both drivers of the SUVs were found to be in the United States illegally and each vehicle contained eight passengers who also were illegal aliens.

All eighteen occupants of both vehicles were arrested and transported to the Border Patrol Station in Gulfport, MS. One of the passengers was Yesica Paola Rojas-Baten, the defendant in this case. Rojas-Baten had been lawfully ordered removed from the United States by the Department of Homeland Security in December 2017, and had illegally returned to the U.S. after being flown from Texas back to her home country of Guatemala.

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

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Steven Paul Salmon, 56, of Vancleave, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 97 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distributing methamphetamine in Biloxi, Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze.

Salmon pled guilty on January 26, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine from a hotel in Biloxi. He was arrested on June 6, 2017 in possession of approximately 7 ounces of methamphetamine ICE.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

 

Gulfport, Miss. - Andrea Shelitia Sawyer, 36, of Biloxi, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 160 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Sawyer was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations received information that Sawyer and her boyfriend were distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine in Biloxi, Mississippi. On November 1, 2017, a confidential source made contact with Sawyer and set up a deal to purchase 6 ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for money. Sawyer met with the confidential source, and upon her arrest, agents located six ounces of methamphetamine. A search warrant was also executed at the apartment where Sawyer resided in Biloxi. During the execution of the warrant, agents located more methamphetamine, marijuana, cash and a stolen firearm. Sawyer pled guilty on January 18, 2018.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.

Gulfport, Miss. – Carl Hodge, Jr., 37, of Nicholson, Mississippi, was sentenced on April 17, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to serve 240 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and failure to appear, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Coles was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

On October 21, 2015, Hodge was arrested after he sold methamphetamine to a DEA confidential source in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was indicted on April 5, 2016, and released on a $25,000 unsecured bond with pretrial supervision. On June 16, 2016, a warrant was issued for Hodge’s arrest after he failed to submit to supervision, and his whereabouts were unknown.

An investigating Deputy U.S. Marshal conducted database research and discovered that Hodge had ties to Picayune, Mississippi; Nicholson, Mississippi; and Pearl River, Louisiana. The Deputy Marshal spoke with Hodge’s federal probation officer, who advised that Hodge also had ties to Mexico. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Hodge, Jr. was in Veracruz, Mexico. He was arrested on March 24, 2017, and deported from Mexico to the United States. He was indicted for failure to appear on September 7, 2017. On November 21, 2017, he pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and failure to appear.

The case was investigated by the Southern Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shundral H. Cole.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Derrick D’Angelo Edwards, 41, of Moss Point, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 60 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze. Edwards was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

On September 14, 2017, Edwards was stopped by an agent with the South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team (SMMET) for a traffic violation. As the agent and a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy approached Edward’s vehicle, the deputy observed an object being thrown from the passenger’s side window. Edwards was the only person in the vehicle. The agent was able to determine that Edwards tossed two "bricks" of cocaine that weighed 1,985 grams. Upon searching the vehicle, they also located $19,029.00. Edwards pled guilty on January 11, 2018.

The case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the SMMET, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn Van Buskirk.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Donte L. Evans, 43, of Biloxi, and Cedric Collum, 52, of Jackson, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate yesterday for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

Evans was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He received a quantity of cocaine for distribution from a co-conspirator who traveled from Jackson, Mississippi to Biloxi, Mississippi. Evans also sold quantities of cocaine in Gulfport, Mississippi. He pled guilty on January 24, 2018.

Collum was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He purchased a quantity of cocaine from a co-conspirator in Jackson, Mississippi. Following the purchase of the cocaine, a traffic stop was conducted by the Jackson Police Department and the cocaine was recovered. Collum pled guilty on January 5, 2018.

This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed AOperation Pipeline,@ targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi. The distribution network encompasses the states of California, Texas and Mississippi.

The case was a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Jackson Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

Jackson, Miss. – Guy E. "Butch" Evans, 64, of Jackson, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Henry T. Wingate to aiding and abetting tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, and IRS-Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Ted A. Magee.

Evans was an insurance broker who served as Mississippi Department of Corrections’ (MDOC) insurance broker of record to provide health and dental policies for MDOC employees. Evans received commissions from the insurance companies that provided the policies he sold to MDOC employees and paid a portion of his commissions to MDOC Commissioner Christopher B. Epps. Epps received approximately $19,200.00 in cash payments from Evans during the 2013 tax year. Evans made the payments to Epps with the full knowledge that Epps would not report the money on his return. Epps requested cash payments during face-to-face meetings with Evans and would hoard or structure the cash payments received so they would go undetected for tax purposes. Epps and Evans discussed withholding a portion of the cash payments as a "fee" to cover the Defendant’s tax obligations on the unreported monies but ultimately failed to pay the tax owed.

Evans is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Wingate on July 10, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., and faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a $100,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Hurst praised the efforts of the FBI, IRS, Leake County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies who assisted in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Helen Wall, Kristi Johnson and Abe McGlothin are prosecuting the case.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Dennis Earl Smith, 49, of Picayune, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 72 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

Smith pled guilty on January 11, 2018, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was part of a five-person indictment against a group of individuals who were distributing methamphetamine in the Picayune area. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement purchased two ounces of pure methamphetamine from Smith.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Jermaine Lockett, 47, of Jackson, pled guilty today, before United States District Judge Tom S. Lee, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing controlled substances with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Dana Nichols, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.

On December 17, 2017, officers with the Jackson Police Department were on patrol in the area of East Frontage Road and Canton Mart Road. An officer observed a vehicle driving erratically in the area and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop and instead increased speed and fled. The vehicle hit another vehicle before coming to a stop. Lockett ran from the vehicle and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. A firearm was also recovered from the vehicle. Lockett was arrested and charged.

On March 30, 2018, a criminal information was filed charging Lockett on two counts – being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He had been previously convicted of felony evasion and possession of stolen property on April 7, 2011, in Madison County Circuit Court; and being a felon in possession of a firearm on November 6, 2008, in Hinds County Circuit Court.

Lockett is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Lee on July 18, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Hurst commended the work of the Jackson Police Department and their cooperation with ATF agents and Project EJECT task force members. AUSA Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.

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). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for "Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together." PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Jackson, Miss. – The U.S. Marshals Service’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, made up of Deputy U.S. Marshals and other federal, state and local law enforcement officers, increased their numbers, expanded their operations, and led a successful violent crime reduction initiative last week in the Jackson metro area, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and U.S. Marshal George White. This surge of law enforcement, in cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Project EJECT, executed outstanding warrants, targeted known gang members and their associates, and searched for sex offenders who had violated the terms of their supervised release. The Task Force also worked to identify targets and collect tangible criminal intelligence to further its work in the future of removing violent criminal offenders from the streets.

"When law enforcement officers work together, we get results," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "The arrest of more than 30 gang members in Jackson is the result of effective collaboration between all levels of law enforcement – federal, state and local – to target the most violent criminals in our communities. It’s also an example of how customizing our strategy at the local level through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program helps us use our resources more effectively. I want to thank our Deputy U.S. Marshals and all of the task force members who played a role in these arrests. They exemplify the proven law enforcement methods that we will continue to prioritize going forward."

"We are dismantling gangs, prosecuting violent criminals and removing sex offenders from the streets of Jackson," said U.S. Attorney Hurst. "I commend the U.S. Marshals and the Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force for substantially increasing their manpower this past week in our Capitol City, becoming a force multiplier on our streets and proactively taking the fight directly to the criminal element. I look forward to our office prosecuting some of these violent criminals under Project EJECT. It is only through such cooperation among law enforcement, and by empowering our citizens and our communities, that we will make Jackson and its people safer and more secure."

During last week’s operation, the Fugitive Task Force increased its manpower to 60 members and was able to arrest 45 individuals, 31 of whom were documented gang members, including Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords, Simon City Royals, Latin Kings, and the Aryan Brotherhood, among others. During these arrests, a number of firearms were seized and several arrestees were found to be in possession of various illegal drugs, including marijuana, ecstasy, and crystal methamphetamine. While the details of these arrests cannot yet be made public, as investigations are ongoing, some of these individuals are expected to be prosecuted under Project EJECT.

U.S. Attorney Hurst, who accompanied the Task Force one night during their operations, praised the tenacity, dedication and professionalism of these Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers from the following agencies:

Jackson Police Department

Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics

Hinds County Sheriff’s Office

Mississippi Bureau of Investigations

Rankin County Sheriff’s Office

Mississippi Department of Corrections

Pearl Police Department

Homeland Security Investigations

Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

Madison Police Department

United States Attorney’s Office

Ridgeland Police Department

Metro 1 Medical Air Support

Biloxi Police Department

Project EJECT is 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), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

 

Gulfport, MS – Nakita Marie Piernas, 29, of Pass Christian, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 92 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Derryle Smith. Piernas was also ordered to pay an $8,000.00 fine.

On October 24, 2017, Piernas pled guilty to count one of a 42-count indictment. Piernas admitted to conspiring with others to distribute Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Amphetamine, Alprazolam and Klonopin from 2014 until June 21, 2017. Piernas was an employee of Gulf Oaks Mental Health Clinic starting in October 2014. Shortly after starting her employment, Andrea Opoku, a co-worker, taught her how to write fraudulent prescriptions. Tyrone Thomas, another employee of the clinic, would recruit individuals who wanted prescriptions and were willing to pay between $100 and $200. Once Thomas found someone wanting a fraudulent prescription, that person would provide a name and date of birth to put on the fraudulent prescription. Piernas or Opoku would then write the prescription and someone would come to the clinic to get it.

During the investigation, DEA uncovered over 100 fraudulent prescriptions written by Opoku and Piernas. The prescriptions were in over 50 different individuals’ names. DEA further learned that the individuals who obtained the fraudulent prescriptions would either self-medicate with the narcotics or sell them on the street. Opoku and Piernas would also write prescriptions for one another, and at times, they would verify the fraudulent prescriptions if a pharmacist called the clinic questioning its validity. During the sentencing hearing, the Court found that Piernas was a leader or organizer of the conspiracy ring.

Opoku was sentenced by Judge Ozerden on March 5, 2018, to 92 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay an $8,000 fine. Thomas was sentenced by Judge Ozerden on March 2, 2018, to 103 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathlyn R. Van Buskirk.

 

Gulfport, Miss. – Emerson Isaac Hernandez-Turcios, 26, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 21 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, and Thomas M. Annello, Acting Special Agent-In-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans. Hernandez-Turcios was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

As a result of this felony conviction, Hernandez-Turcios, who had been living in the United States legally as a Legal Permanent Resident, will face Department of Homeland Security removal proceedings upon the completion of his prison sentence. Were he to unlawfully return to the United States during his period of supervised release, he could face additional penalties. Hernandez-Turcios was convicted after pleading guilty on January 5, 2018, before Judge Ozerden in Gulfport.

On November 5, 2017, a Honda CRV, driven by Hernandez-Turcios, was stopped by a Pearl River County Sheriff’s Deputy on Interstate-59 in Pearl River County, Mississippi, for speeding. While the Honda CRV was designed to seat five people, the deputy observed that, in addition to the driver, there were five unidentified passengers. The driver could not identify his passengers and the deputy could not communicate with the passengers due to a language barrier. Suspecting human smuggling, the deputy contacted the Department of Homeland Security and a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations was dispatched. A Mississippi Highway Patrol State Trooper also provided assistance.

Upon opening the Honda CRV’s cargo door, three additional passengers were found covered in the cargo area of the vehicle bringing the total number of occupants in the vehicle to nine including the driver. The vehicle occupants were taken to the Pearl River County Jail and, ultimately, all of the passengers were determined to be illegal aliens being smuggled within the United States.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stan Harris.