Southern District of Mississippi

 

Jackson, Miss - Anthony Watson, 26, and Joshua Martin, 24, both from Jackson, pled guilty on Friday, May 20, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

Watson and Martin admitted to killing Sharod Vaughn, 22, of Jackson, Mississippi, during the early morning hours of August 13, 2013, at 2034 Wisteria Drive in Jackson, Mississippi. Vaughn died of multiple gunshot wounds from the SKS rifle and .45 caliber pistol used by the defendants. The defendants were meeting with Vaughn to exchange the firearms for marijuana when the shooting occurred.

Watson and Martin will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves on September 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Jackson Police Department. Also contributing to the investigation were the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Pat Lemon are prosecuting the case.

 

Jackson, Miss - Following a three day trial in United States District Court in Jackson, a jury found Lindsey Johnson, age 28, of Jackson, guilty of armed carjacking, felon in possession of a firearm, and brandishing a firearm during the commission of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

The crime took place on August 2, 2015 at the Northwood Village Apartments in Jackson. The victim had been visiting relatives in the apartment complex when Lindsey Johnson approached him with a .38 caliber revolver. Johnson demanded that the victim get out of the car and give him any money that he had on his person. Johnson then left the apartments in the victim’s Lexus automobile and was later spotted by Jackson Police officers. He led JPD officers on a high speed chase through the city of Jackson where they were able to safely apprehend him. JPD officers and federal agents with the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recovered two weapons from the vehicle.

Johnson will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour on August 2, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. The maximum penalty for the carjacking offense is 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for the felon in possession of a firearm offense is 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for brandishing a firearm during the commission of a felony is 7 years in federal prison and, under federal law, must run consecutive to the time he will receive on the first two counts.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Jackson Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. and Deputy Criminal Chief Darren Lamarca.

 

Jackson, Miss – United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr., of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations - New Orleans Field Office, announced today the unsealing of two federal indictments charging multiple defendants with U-Visa fraud and marriage fraud.

In the 16 count U-Visa Fraud indictment, it is alleged that Law Enforcement Certification forms purporting to certify that aliens were victims of certain crimes, were submitted to the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) along with the U-Visa applications. To be eligible for a U-Visa, the alien must have (1) been a victim of a certain crime; (2) suffered mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime; and (3) helped law enforcement officials in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime. The Law Enforcement Certification forms contain the description of the crimes. In this case, the forms fraudulently listed individuals as victims of certain crimes in an effort to obtain U-Visas.

The Indictment alleges that Simpson Lloyd Goodman, a licensed attorney, submitted fraudulent documents to USCIS for the purpose of obtaining U-Visas for other co-defendants. The false documents submitted to USCIS included falsified police reports allegedly prepared by Officer Ivory Lee Harris of the Jackson Police Department. Other defendants engaged in and caused various acts which enabled defendants to attempt to obtain U-Visas from USCIS.

The following defendants have been charged in the U-Visa fraud indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to commit fraud and misuse of Visa permits:

Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi;

Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri;

Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia;

Ivory Lee Harris, 45, of Jackson, Mississippi;

Sanjay Rathilal Patel, 35, of Lakewood, New Jersey;

Maheshkumar Mangaldas Patel, 50, of Houston, Texas;

Ashaben Mukeshbhai Patel, 38, of Covington, Louisiana;

Rajan Nareshkumar Patel, 31, currently incarcerated in Adams County, Mississippi;

Gopaldas Khodabhai Patel, 55, of Byram, Mississippi;

Sachin Khodidas Patel, 27, of Byram, Mississippi; and

Baldevbhai Ramabhai Patel, 34, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In the 16 count marriage fraud indictment, it is alleged that the aliens would enter into marriages between persons who were already citizens of the United States solely for the purpose

of obtaining immigration status to which the aliens would not otherwise be entitled. These marriages were not entered into because of mutual love and affection between the parties, but solely to create a legal status that would provide a basis for immigration status for the alien partner and usually for some economic benefit to the United States citizen.

The following defendants have been charged in the marriage fraud indictment for their roles in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud:

Sachin Girishkumar Patel, 33, of Clinton, Mississippi;

Tarunkumar Purushottambhai Patel, 49, of Kingdom City, Missouri;

Simpson Lloyd Goodman, 29, of Waynesboro, Georgia;

Chirag Nilesh Patel, 27, of St. Louis, Missouri;

Dana Cheetara Adams, 29, of Plano, Texas;

Brandy Nicole Edwards, 34, of Crystal Springs, Mississippi

Terilynn Rankin, 48, of Mendenhall, Mississippi

Sejal Sanjay Kakadia, 52, of Covington, Louisiana

Jayantibhai Kalidas Chaudhari, 47, of Covington, Louisiana

Virendra Rambachan Rajput, 45, of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and

Javona Shanice Rajput, 27, of Jackson, Mississippi

"The defendants allegedly circumvented the laws and submitted fraudulent documents that are critical to obtaining immigration status," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. "These arrests were made as a result of the great work of our law enforcement partners who stopped 19 people who sought to undermine the integrity of our nation’s immigration system."

"Immigration fraud poses a significant threat to national security by allowing individuals to enter or remain in the United States under false pretenses with unknown intentions," said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans. "The alleged involvement of attorneys and law enforcement officers in this particular scheme is particularly troubling, and shows that HSI will investigate and hold accountable those who violate our nation’s laws regardless of their position in society." Parmer oversees a five-state area of operations to include Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

The maximum penalties for the crimes charged in the indictments are: conspiracy to commit fraud and misuse of visa permits - 5 years in prison and $250,000 fine per count; fraud and misuse of Visa permits - 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; mail fraud - 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count; and wire fraud – 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Arraignments on these indictments are scheduled for today, May 19, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson in Jackson.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Rushing.

The public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Gulfport, Miss – Genoveva Farfan one of twenty-one defendants indicted in a nine-count federal indictment filed in the Southern District of Mississippi against defendants in Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, Indiana, California, New York and Wisconsin, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit offenses against the United States and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Farfan, 46, of Los Angeles, California, entered the guilty pleas before United States District Judge Sul Ozerden Monday May 16, 2016. Farfan faces a maximum of five years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of post-release supervision for the conspiracy and an additional 4 years for two counts of aggravated identity theft. Farfan admitted an on-line relationship led to mailing hundreds of counterfeit checks in an advance fee scheme and receiving and using the numerous victims’ personal identifying information and credit card information.

The indictment alleges a West African transnational organized crime enterprise involved in numerous complex financial fraud schemes over the internet. This mass marketing fraud includes romance scams, re-shipping scams, fraudulent check scams and work-at-home scams, along with bank, financial and credit card account take-overs. Potential victims can find information and a claim form on the website for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi at: http://www.justice.gov/usao/mss/scams.

The investigation was initiated in October, 2011, by Homeland Security Investigations agents in Gulfport after U.S. law enforcement officers were contacted by a female victim in Mississippi who was the victim of a sweetheart scam. The victim received a package in the mail requesting that she reship cell phones to an address in Pretoria, South Africa. The investigation later revealed that the cell phones were purchased using stolen personal identity and credit card information of persons in the United States. Investigators have identified hundreds of victims of this scam in the United States, resulting in the loss of millions of U.S. dollars.

The indictment is the result of an investigation led by the HSI Gulfport office in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, South African Police Service, Toronto Police, HSI Cyber Crimes Center, Treasury Executive Office of Asset Forfeiture, HSI Ontario, HSI Charleston, Interpol South Africa, HSI Pretoria and HSI Atlanta.

The Department of Justice Office of International Affairs assisted in the provisional arrests of ten defendants in Pretoria, South Africa. Another defendant was arrested in Toronto, Canada, the remaining defendants were arrested in the United States.

The case in Mississippi is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams and main Justice Trial Attorneys Peter V. Roman of the Computer Crimes Intellectual Property Section and Conor Mulroe of Organized Crime Gang Section.

 

Hattiesburg, Miss. – United States Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker unsealed a federal indictment yesterday charging Coleman Virgil Slade, 70, of Purvis, Mississippi, Don Durrett, 72, of Aspermont, Texas, and Dewayne Slade, 44, of Purvis, Mississippi, with various violations of the Lacey Act for importing live white-tailed deer into Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General.

Don Durrett and Dewayne Slade appeared for arraignment today and pled not guilty to the 7- count federal indictment. Coleman Virgil Slade will be arraigned at a later date.

According to the indictment, from January of 2009 through December of 2012, the Slades and Durrett did knowingly and willfully conspire to purchase and transport in interstate commerce live white-tailed deer from Texas to Mississippi in violation of both state and federal laws. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each individual count.

"The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing the Lacey Act and other federal laws to protect our wildlife resources," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. "We will continue to work closely with USDA OIG, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to enforce the Lacey Act."

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago stated "We take our mission working with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the citizens of Mississippi in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. We will continue working vigorously investigating those who choose to violate state and federal laws."

"I want to thank the US Attorney’s office, OIG special agents, and our law enforcement partners for their hard work on this investigation," said USDA OIG Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson, "USDA OIG is committed to pursuing individuals who commit criminal violations of the Lacey Act, which is intended to protect the health and well-being of America’s wildlife."

This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Office of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The case is currently scheduled for trial on June 20, 2016 in Hattiesburg.

The public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Gulfport, Miss – William Joshua Woodward, age 39, of Perkinston, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court on Thursday, April 21, 2016, to one count of access with intent to view child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

This case began when the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force, while monitoring the internet for individuals who download child pornography via Peer-to-Peer file sharing networks, located an IP address showing multiple downloads of child pornography. An investigation followed, which determined that Woodward, from July 2015 to February 2016, knowingly accessed the Internet through his computer using a Peer-to-Peer file sharing program which accessed visual depictions involving the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further forensic examination of Woodward’s computer revealed hundreds of downloaded images of child pornography.

William Joshua Woodward will be sentenced on July 7, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., by Chief U. S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by agents with the Gulf Coast Cyber Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Wiggins Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

 

Jackson, Miss - Walter Pernillo, 42, of San Bernardino, California, was sentenced on Friday, April 22, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to serve a term of 151 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, U.S. Gregory K. Davis announced today.

The indictment in this case was the result of an extensive investigation dubbed Operation Yeti Ice@ which targeted illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics led the investigation. Assisting agencies included the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Leake County Sherriff’s Office, Madison County Sherriff’s Office, United States Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service, Carthage Police Department, , Forest Police Department, Newton County Sherriff’s Office, Lauderdale County Sherriff’s Office, Decatur Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Richland Police Department, Pearl Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department and the United States Marshal Service.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Octavia Jermaine Winters, 32, of Gulfport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Sul Ozerden to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for stealing firearms from a licensed dealer, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Winters was also ordered to pay restitution of $9,008.68 and a $4,000 fine. The case involved the theft of 52 firearms from Friendly Pawn and Auto in Saucier, Mississippi.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

Jackson, Miss - Hiasom Ali, age 39, originally of Cairo, Egypt, was sentenced on April 12, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III, to serve 51 months in federal prison for rioting at the Adams County Correctional facility, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Don Alway. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,382,313. Ali pled guilty to the rioting charge on May 11, 2014.

The prison riot occurred on May 20, 2012. Several correctional officers were assaulted and one correctional officer died as a result of injuries he received during the assaults. Other correctional officers were held hostage for several hours by the rioters. The total damage to the facility was estimated to be $1,305,142.00.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Lemon and Jerry Rushing prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. - Hector Miguel Diaz-Osuna, age 35, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, entered a guilty plea today, before U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, for the death of a correctional officer during a 2012 prison riot at the Adams County Correctional Center in Adams County, Mississippi, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Don Alway.

The prison riot occurred on May 20, 2012. Several correctional officers were assaulted and one correctional officer died as a result of injuries he received during the assaults. Other correctional officers were held hostage for several hours by the rioters. The total damage to the facility was estimated to be $1,305,142.00.

Diaz-Osuna will be sentenced on June 16, 2016 by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Diaz-Osuna was previously convicted of rioting and faces an additional 10 years in prison for that crime.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Lemon and Jerry Rushing prosecuted the case.

Gulfport, Miss –Willie Eugene Russell, age 39, of Biloxi, was sentenced on April 12, 2014, by Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to serve 74 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

Russell was arrested after selling 122.2 grams of cocaine hydrochloride. Following his arrest, a search warrant was conducted on his residence. A seizure of cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and United States Currency resulted from the search of Russell’s residence.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shundral H. Cole.

Gulfport, Miss – Funso Hassan and Anthony Shane Jeffers entered guilty pleas on Monday, April 11, 2016, before Chief District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., in a case involving counterfeit checks distributed through fraudulent "Mystery Shopper" internet sites, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

Funso Hassan, 27, of Ibadan, Nigeria, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit identity theft and theft of government property along with use of mail and interstate facility to distribute proceeds of a racketeering activity. Hassan also faces deportation as a convicted felon. He will be sentenced on July 11, 2016.

Anthony Shane Jeffers, 44, of Maryville, Tennessee, faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit identity theft and theft of government property along with use of mail and interstate facility to distribute proceeds of a racketeering activity. He will be sentenced on July 22, 2016.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams and Department of Justice Trial Attorneys Conor Mulroe, of the Organized Crime Gang Section, and Peter Roman of the Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section.

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Thomas Lamon Williams, 23, formerly of Hattiesburg, pled guilty in federal court on Thursday, April 7, 2016, to one count of failure to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

Williams is a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, enacted as part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. His original underlying sex offense conviction is statutory rape in Grenada County, Mississippi. Williams traveled in interstate commerce from Mississippi to Florida and knowingly failed to register and update his registration.

Williams will be sentenced on June 16, 2016, at 9:15 a.m., by U. S. District Judge Keith Starrett, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

 

Jackson, Miss – Kenneth Bowman, Jr., 62, of Terry, Mississippi, has been charged in a federal indictment with three counts of bankruptcy fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U. S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.

According to the indictment, Bowman, as the officer and representative of Piggly Wiggly of Crystal Springs, Inc., a debtor in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Southern District of Mississippi, embezzled approximately $101,733.55 from the bankruptcy estate. Bowman appropriated to his own use estate funds belonging to the debtor, specifically making checks payable to himself, and reducing assets available to creditors. If convicted, Bowman faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison.

Bowman was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball in Jackson today. He is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee on June 6, 2016.

The Office of the U. S. Trustee and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Mississippi referred the matter to the U. S. Attorney for prosecution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Trustee assisted in the investigation and indictment of Bowman.

The public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Jackson, Miss - Samuel Triplett, 36, of Newton County, Mississippi, pled guilty on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr., to assaulting his wife, who is a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Triplett, a non-Indian, admitted assaulting his wife on lands within the confines of the Conehatta Community. He further admitted in federal court to breaking and entering the Beach Club at Geyser Falls on May 31, 2014. Both the Conehatta Community and the Beach Club are on lands belonging to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Triplett will be sentenced on June 7, 2016, and faces a maximum penalty of 17 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Glenda Haynes.

Gulfport, Mississippi. – Eduardo Guillermo Diaz, 58, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, pled guilty on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr., to one count of mail fraud, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

Diaz admitted that, while operating an investment business out of his office in Ocean Springs, he devised a mail and wire fraud scheme to defraud his clients of significant sums of money, totaling over $1 million. Diaz represented that he was providing services to his clients as an investment advisor when, in fact, he converted the funds to his own personal use. Diaz also used new investor’s monies to pay alleged dividends and make repayments or refunds to previous investors while, at the same time, deceiving and lulling his clients into believing that the funds were properly and legitimately invested.

Eduardo Guillermo Diaz will be sentenced on June 21, 2016, at 10:00 a.m., by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

 

Hattiesburg, Miss – Kenneth Fairley, 62, of Hattiesburg, and Artie Fletcher, 55, of Picayune, have been charged in a federal indictment with a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie, HUD Special Agent in Charge Nadine Gurley, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Donald Always and Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering.

Fairley and Fletcher are charged with devising a scheme to defraud HUD in connection with a government contract issued to the City of Hattiesburg for the rehabilitation of three residential properties located within the city limits. The project was supported by federal funding and was executed through sub-contracted work to be completed by Pinebelt Community Services, a local non-profit operated by Fairley. The indictment alleges that Fairley conspired with Fletcher to fraudulently perform the work for a lesser amount than represented on the HUD contract, with the difference in the bid and actual costs being transferred to Fairley, through Fletcher, for purposes not intended by the government contract.

The indictment charges Fairley with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, two counts of theft of government money, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.

Fletcher is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from unlawful activity.

"When the federal government provides resources to local cities and county governments, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be vigilant in vindicating the interests of the taxpayers when federal and state law enforcement agencies determine that the funds have been stolen or misused," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie, stated: "While the indictment is merely an allegation with respect to the charges of money laundering violations and conspiracy to commit money laundering, IRS -CI takes the investigation of all crimes related to the misuse of taxpayer dollars very seriously. Our special agents will pursue the charges alleged against Mr. Fairley and Mr. Fletcher until the ends of Justice are served in this matter."

"Schemes that defraud the government are akin to stealing from American taxpayers", said Donald Alway, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "We take that very seriously. The FBI is committed to tracking and shutting down fraud schemes like the one alleged in the indictment. I also want to thank our law enforcement partners for their dedicated work in this case."

"I want to thank the Federal and State investigators who worked together on this case," said Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering. "They are the unsung heroes who work to protect the taxpayers."

Fairley and Fletcher were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker in Hattiesburg today. They are scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett on April 18, 2016.

The maximum penalties for the crimes charged in the indictment are as follows: Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. - 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; Theft of government money – 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; Conspiracy to commit money laundering - 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction; Engaging in monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity - 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, IRS – Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.

The public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Justice Department announced that Berthurm Allen, 42, a former police officer with the Alcorn State University (ASU) Police Department in Lorman, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the civil rights of an arrestee.

During his guilty plea before Senior U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III of the Southern District of Mississippi, Allen admitted that while acting under his authority as an ASU police officer, he elbowed the victim in the face and threw the victim to the ground without legal justification.  He also admitted that he misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the incident in his official police report to minimize his exposure to allegations of misconduct.  Allen’s actions caused injuries to the victim’s nose and face.  According to information presented in court, the incident occurred at the Claiborne County Jail in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and was recorded by the jail’s surveillance cameras.

“When police officers violate the laws they swear to uphold, it threatens the credibility of our criminal justice system,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute and hold accountable those officers who violate the constitutional rights of people in their custody.”

“The use of excessive force by law enforcement officers is a violation of the officer’s oath to protect the constitutional rights of all persons, even those in custody,” said U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis of the Southern District of Mississippi.  “Ensuring that law enforcement officers do not victimize the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect is a top priority of this office.” 

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Jackson Division, and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Julia Gegenheimer and Sheldon L. Beer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Wansley of the Southern District of Mississippi.

Jackson, Miss – Mark E. Rodgers, 53, currently from Houston, Texas, the former Chief Executive Officer and President of Samarion Solutions, Inc., in Ridgeland, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his participation in a securities fraud conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Don Alway, and Joseph Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission. A forfeiture of $312,063.70 in the form of a money judgment was also ordered.

Samer N’Ser, 54, of Ridgeland, the former Chief Technology Officer of Samarion Solutions, Inc., was also sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III. N’Ser was ordered to serve 37 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his participation in the conspiracy. A forfeiture of $100,000 in the form of a money judgement was ordered.

Rodgers and N’Ser were ordered to pay $14,884,389.35, jointly and severally, in restitution to defrauded investors.

Beginning in 2006 and continuing until approximately October, 2009, Rodgers and N’Ser conspired to intentionally mislead Samarion, Inc., investors in Mississippi, Alabama and elsewhere. During that time, Samarion, Inc., formerly known as Valence Broadband, Inc., was a corporation operating out of Madison County, Mississippi. The business plan of the company was to produce a viable monitoring system, commonly referred to as the "Samarion Solution", for installation in nursing homes, and elsewhere, that could predict when a patient might fall, and prevent abuse and/or neglect by staff, and improve the over-all care of nursing home patients. Rodgers and N’Ser engaged in a course of business which operated as a fraud and deceit upon the purchasers of the stock, using wire communications and the U.S. Mail to further that activity.

Both Rodgers and N’Ser were involved in the offer and sale of stock to investors and conspired to fraudulently misrepresent to potential investors material facts that would affect their decision to invest, including the financial strength of the company and the true functionality and capacity of the product, among other things. Rodgers and N’Ser sold stock to investors representing that the investment funds would be used solely for the business purposes of the company, and instead used some of the money for their own personal benefit, including personal loans to each, an unauthorized bonus for Rodgers, and the purchase of a 2007 Land Rover SUV titled in Rodgers name. N’Ser and Rodgers fraudulently used Samarion investor funds to loan approximately $500,000 to C First Class Corporation, a company that was unrelated to Samarion or its business purpose, but for which Rodgers also served as a board member. Rodgers fraudulently concealed his personal interest in that company from the Samarion Board of Directors.

"Rodgers and N’Ser convinced approximately 300 clients to invest millions of dollars in their company through fraud and deceit," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. "The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with federal, state and local investigative agencies to pursue and prosecute those who seek to defraud investors and damage the marketplace." U.S. Attorney Davis praised the work of the FBI, the Alabama Securities Commission, Madison County, Alabama, District Attorney’s Office, and the Madison County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Department.

"Those who illegally use their insider position for personal financial gain threaten the stability and confidence of our financial systems here in Mississippi and throughout the United States," said Don Alway, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Mississippi. "Unfortunately, there are likely many more of these kinds of cases out there. Rest assured, the FBI in Mississippi will aggressively investigate these violations."

Joseph Borg, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission said, "I want to thank the Office of Greg Davis, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Office of Robert L. Broussard, Madison County, Alabama District Attorney; the Madison County, Alabama Sheriff’s Department and the Alabama Securities Commission staff for working together to ensure this conviction and to see that justice was served for the victims. The successful prosecution demonstrates the outstanding results that are achieved when federal, state and local law enforcement work together."

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla J. Clark, Chief of the Criminal Division. It was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and the Alabama Securities Commission.

Gulfport, Miss - Robert Simmons, 60, a businessman from Biloxi, Mississippi, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to a Criminal Information charging him with carrying out a complicated kickback scheme in which he paid money to the commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) and to a Harrison County Supervisor in exchange for lucrative contracts with the state and county, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain and FBI Special Agent in Charge Don Alway. Simmons will be sentenced on May 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

By virtue of Simmons’ relationship with the commissioner and supervisor and the kickbacks which he paid to both, he was successful in securing and keeping contracts with both governmental entities. Specifically, from 2012 through August 2014, Simmons was paid $4,000 a month as a consultant for Sentinel Offender Services, L.L.C. (Sentinel). Since 2012, Sentinel was under contract with the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) to provide services to aid in the monitoring and managing of offenders sentenced to probation or parole. Simmons deposited a portion of his monthly pay, a kickback of $1400, directly into the bank account of Christopher Epps, the Commissioner of the MDOC, at bank branch locations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

AJA Management and Technical Services (AJA) provided construction management services to the MDOC for the construction of the $40,000,000 expansion to the East Mississippi Correctional Facility and a $40,000,000 expansion to the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility. Throughout the eighteen month period of construction, Simmons received a monthly consulting fee from AJA of $10,000. Every month, a portion of Simmons’ consulting fee was paid to the Commissioner of the MDOC.

From approximately 2005 through 2011, Health Assurance L.L.C. contracted with the Harrison County Jail to provide inmate medical services. The owner of Health Assurance L.L.C. paid Simmons a consulting fee which, at the end of the contract, was as high as $10,000 a month. Throughout this period of time, Simmons made payments in the amount of $2,000 a month to a Harrison County Supervisor for assistance provided in securing the contract at the Harrison County Jail for inmate medical services.

Throughout the relevant time period, the Commissioner of the MDOC exercised influence in the awarding of contracts with the MDOC. In return for these contracts and in order to secure future contracts and favors, Simmons began paying Commissioner Epps.

In summary, Simmons paid bribes and kickbacks to a Harrison county supervisor and to the commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and both Harrison County and the Mississippi Department of Corrections received more than $10,000 during each one year period beginning in 2008 and continuing through 2014.

Acting U.S. Attorney in this case, Harold Brittain, praised the FBI agents for their work in identifying the conduct and ferreting out those individuals responsible for compromising the systems upon which taxpayers should be entitled to rely in ensuring that public funds are spent wisely. “Public officials soliciting and receiving bribes and kickbacks cannot be allowed to violate the public trust by participating in the expenditures of funds provided by taxpayers in support of government projects and contracts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brittain. “These projects must be awarded honestly and transparently.”

“Public Corruption investigations like these are a top priority for the FBI because those who would betray the public’s trust and confidence for self-gain undermine the very fabric of our democracy,” said Don Alway, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Jackson Division.

Jackson, Miss. – Antoine Johnson, 26, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves, to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after having been previously convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

On August 9, 2015, members of the Jackson Police Department received information that Johnson was causing a disturbance in the area of Lawnview Place in Jackson. Officers encountered Johnson in the area and determined that he was in possession of a firearm. Johnson’s previous conviction was for business burglary in Madison County in 2013.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon.

 

Jackson, Miss - Andra Lowmon Smith, 44, of Anguilla, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Tom Lee to 10 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for bribery, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway. Smith must also pay $800 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment.

Smith is a former Probation and Parole Officer with the Mississippi Department of Corrections who worked out of Madison County. He admitted that he solicited bribes from a parolee he was supervising from March, 2015 through June, 2015. He took the money in exchange for allowing the parolee to leave Mississippi to find employment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Gilbert and Mary Helen Wall prosecuted the case.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Tyson Lee Gaines, Sr. was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 10 years in federal prison in a case involving the theft of 50 firearms from Friendly Pawn and Auto in Saucier, MS, U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.

Gaines, 34, of Gulfport, Mississippi, received the maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on one count of stealing firearms from a licensed dealer. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $9,008.68 and he will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Jackson, Miss - Alfred Thornhill, 42, of Sontag, Mississippi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to 18 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for tampering with a consumer product, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Thornhill was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,000.

Thornhill was employed at a dairy farm near Crystal Springs, Mississippi, when he poured chlorine, acid and bleach into a stainless steel container of milk right after the milk had been collected from the cows on March 28, 2014. The toxic chemicals were discovered in the milk by the farm’s owner just before the milk was to be picked up for transportation to a distribution center in New Orleans. The contents of the caustic agents were confirmed by a lab analysis conducted at Mississippi State University.

According to evidence disclosed during the guilty plea hearing, Thornhill confessed to USDA-OIG Special Agents that he poisoned the milk because he was angry at the dairy farm owner and intended to ruin the milk in order to financially harm the dairy farmer.

This case was investigated by the USDA- OIG and the Mississippi Agriculture Theft Bureau. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Gilbert.

Jackson, Miss - Arrington Lorenzo McGlothin, 46, of Meridian, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 280 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of Methamphetamine and possession of two bullet proof vests after having been previously convicted of a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

McGlothin was arrested after agents received information that he was distributing narcotics in the Meridian, Lauderdale County areas. A search warrant was conducted at his residence in March, 2015. A seizure of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, multiple rounds of ammunition, two bullet proof vests and United States Currency resulted from the search of McGlothin’s residence.

This case is a result of a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics with assistance from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. - Maurice King, 29, of Jackson, was sentenced on January 14, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III, to 51 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

King was indicted as a result of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative - a joint initiative between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who are working together to reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson and to remove violent offenders from the streets of this community. The Initiative is an ongoing operation aimed at making the streets of Jackson and the surrounding communities safe for all citizens. Jackson Violent Crime Initiative partners include the Jackson Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Jackson Police Department and the Ridgeland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss - Brenda Norman, 55, of McComb, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for knowingly conspiring with Yvonne Gary, 36, of Hermanville, to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by obtaining and aiding each other to obtain the payment of a fraudulent claim, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of IRS - Criminal Investigation New Orleans Field Office. Norman was also ordered to repay $493,111.00 jointly and severally with Yvonne Gary to the Internal Revenue Service. Yvonne Gary, 36, was sentenced on September 10, 2015 to serve 32 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

As part of the conspiracy, Brenda Norman obtained the name and social security numbers of elderly and disabled individuals she met through her religious organization. After Norman obtained the names and social security numbers, she provided them to Yvonne Gary. Gary would use the names and social security numbers to prepare and submit fraudulent federal income tax returns to the IRS. The false income tax returns contained false wage and income information with fraudulent deductions and credits. The false tax returns claimed $493,111.00 in refunds.

Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Office for IRS Criminal Investigation, stated: "As filing season approaches, taxpayers should be admonished to seek out reputable tax return preparers. Additionally, it is imperative that the public educate themselves on the schemes and farces perpetrated by individuals such as Brenda Norman and Yvonne Gary. These individuals preyed on the vulnerable and used their personal identifying information to make a quick buck for themselves. Educating the public about these schemes is a continuing focus for IRS – Criminal Investigation, and will go a long way in preventing future occurrences of fraud. It is also my hope that the sentence imposed in this case will serve to deter others from engaging in the same or similar criminal conduct."

U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis praised the efforts of IRS - Criminal Investigation agents who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Gilbert who prosecuted the case.

Gulfport, Miss – Octavia Jermaine Winters, 32, of Gulfport, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The case involved the theft of 52 firearms from Friendly Pawn and Auto in Saucier Mississippi.

Winters will be sentenced on April 22, 2016, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams is prosecuting the case.

Jackson, Miss – Willie Lee James, 20, of Jackson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 73 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. He was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.

Willie Lee James was indicted on September 1, 2015 as part of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative - a joint initiative between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who are working together to reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson and to remove violent offenders from the streets of this community. The Initiative is an ongoing operation aimed at making the streets of Jackson and the surrounding communities safe for all citizens. Jackson Violent Crime Initiative partners include the Jackson Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of ATF and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Dowdy, Jr. and Gregg Kennedy.

Jackson, Miss – Recardeo Harris, 32, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 96 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Harris was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.

Judge Wingate further ordered the forfeiture to the United States of all firearms and ammunition involved in or used in the commission of the offense, including: One Sig Sauer, Model P250, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol; One Browning Arms .22 caliber semi-automatic long rifle; One Smith &Wesson, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol; 13 rounds of 9rnm Western Cartridge Company brand ammunition; Nine rounds of .22 caliber Remington brand ammunition; 16 rounds of 9mm Brazilian Cartridge brand ammunition; 193 assorted rounds of ammunition; and 15 rounds of 9mm Federal brand ammunition.

Harris was indicted on August 4, 2015 as part of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative - a joint initiative between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who are working together to reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson and to remove violent offenders from the streets of this community. The Initiative is an ongoing operation aimed at making the streets of Jackson and the surrounding communities safe for all citizens. Jackson Violent Crime Initiative partners include the Jackson Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service.

This case was initiated by the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Dowdy, Jr. prosecuted the case.

Jackson, Miss. – Buck Stratton Flinn entered a guilty plea on December 11, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee for submitting a false claim to the United States Department of Agriculture, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Flinn was the President of Community Development Leagues of America (CDL), located in Brandon, Mississippi. In 2007, CDL applied for and was awarded a $761,000.00 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. The agreement between CDL and the Department of Agriculture provided for the construction of a wireless broadband system for the town of French Camp, Mississippi.

Flinn admitted that, on October 15, 2009, he submitted a request for reimbursement in the amount of $248,192.00 for monies which he falsely represented he had spent in furtherance of the broadband project.

Flinn will be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee on March 24, 2016, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Wansley and John M. Dowdy, Jr.

Jackson, Miss - William David Dickson, aka Butch Dickson, 59, of Jackson, was sentenced on Thursday, December 10, 2015, by U.S. District Court Judge Tom S. Lee, to 57 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for the fraudulent receipt of over $9 million and concealment of a bank account containing funds belonging to the bankruptcy estate of Community Home Financial Services, Inc., announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U.S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway.

Dickson placed Community Home Financial Services, Inc. in bankruptcy on May 23, 2012 in the Southern District of Mississippi. Dickson devised a scheme and artifice to defraud the bankruptcy court and the Chapter 11 trustee by fraudulently causing funds of the debtor’s bankruptcy estate to be transferred to multiple accounts outside of the country.

The Chapter 11 Trustee, Kristina M. Johnson, along with the U.S. Trustee’s Jackson, MS office referred this matter to the U.S. Attorney’s office. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Chapter 11 Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Gilbert.

 

Jackson, Miss - Kendrick Williams, 36, of Meridian, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tom Lee to serve 21 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent federal income tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. The Court will hold a restitution hearing on March 3, 2016 to determine the amount of restitution that Williams will have to pay back to the Internal Revenue Service.

Williams prepared fraudulent tax returns for clients for the 2007 and 2008 tax years using the business name, TaxPro415. Without his clients’ knowledge, Williams prepared tax returns with falsely inflated federal withholding amounts, overstated wages, understated wages, false filing statuses, false Education Credits, false Tuition and Fees Deductions, and false Itemized Deductions. The false tax returns claimed $99,329.51 in refunds.

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively prosecute those individuals who steal money from the U.S. Treasury," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Special Agent in Charge, Jerome R. McDuffie, stated: "Kendrick Williams filed false returns to obtain inflated refunds on behalf of his clients. While most of the individuals had no knowledge of his illegal actions, they are still charged with repaying the monies, to their own detriment. IRS - Criminal Investigation is committed to holding unscrupulous return preparers accountable for the victimization of taxpaying citizens, and would caution taxpayers out there to seek out reputable return preparers and review the documents being filed with the IRS on their behalf."

This case was investigated by IRS- Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda Haynes.

 

McComb, Miss - Dr. Lawrence Edsel Stewart, 59, of McComb, has been charged in a 27-count federal indictment with violations of Title 21 USC 841(a)(1) – knowingly and intentionally distributing and dispensing schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances outside the scope of professional medical practice, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux with the Drug Enforcement Administration - New Orleans Division. The indictment is the result of a complex pharmaceutical drug investigation that began approximately one year ago.

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux stated: "Today’s arrest should be a shot across the bow of any would-be drug dealer who wears a lab coat and masquerades as a doctor that DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, along with our local, state and federal counterparts will not tolerate this activity. The citizens of Mississippi deserve better."

Dr. Stewart was arrested in McComb and made his initial appearance in Jackson today before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball. The case has been set for trial on February 1, 2016, before U.S. Senior District Judge David C. Bramlette III.

The maximum penalty for distributing and dispensing a Schedule III substance outside the scope of professional practice (Counts 1-4, 7-11, 13 and 16) is 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. The maximum penalty for distributing and dispensing a Schedule IV substance outside the scope of professional practice (Counts 5, 6, 12, 15 & 17) is 5 years in prison and a $250,000.00. The maximum penalty for distributing and dispensing a Schedule II controlled substance outside the scope of professional practice is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Medical Board, and Mississippi Board of Nursing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk is prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that an indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Delace Johnson, 27, of Jackson, entered a guilty plea on November 19, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, to possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.

On July 31, 2015, officers with the Mississippi Department of Corrections searched a house located on Oak Grove Lane in Jackson and located a shotgun which Johnson admitted he purchased off-the-street shortly after having been released from prison. His previous felony conviction was in Hinds County Circuit Court for house burglary.

Johnson was indicted as part of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative, a joint initiative between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies worked together to reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson and to remove violent offenders from the streets of this community. Jackson Violent Crime Initiative partners include the Jackson Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service.

Johnson will be sentenced on February 4, 2016, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of ATF and the Mississippi Department of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon.

 

Jackson, Miss - Landon Albritton, age 20, of Terry, Mississippi, has been charged in a federal indictment with knowingly aiming the beam of a laser pointer at an aircraft or its flight path in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

According to the indictment in this case, the incident occurred on August 6, 2015. Albritton was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda R. Anderson. The case is scheduled for trial before U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on January 4, 2016. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Reports of laser attacks have increased dramatically in recent years as powerful laser devices have become more affordable and widely available to the public. Lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly safely to their destination, endangering crew members, passengers and people on the ground. If you have information about a lasing incident or see someone pointing a laser at an aircraft, call your local FBI field office or dial 911.

The public is reminded that a criminal indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. It is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

Jackson, Miss. – Antoine Johnson, 26, of Jackson, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves to possession of a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

On August 9, 2015, the Jackson Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance. Officers located Johnson near the intersection of First Avenue and Broad Street. He was ordered to the ground by the officers and a pistol was found in his right front pocket.  Johnson’s previous felony conviction was in Madison County Circuit Court for business burglary.

Johnson will be sentenced on February 2, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case is a result of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative, a joint initiative between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson and to remove violent offenders from the streets of this community. Violent Crime Initiative partners include the Jackson Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of ATF and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon.

Jackson, Miss. – Jason Gooden, 29, of Philadelphia, MS, pled guilty on November 9, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to one count of Assaulting a Choctaw Tribal Police Officer, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

On April 4, 2015, the defendant, a non-Tribal member, was asked to leave the Silver Star Casino because he appeared to be intoxicated. The defendant did not comply with the security guard’s request and the Choctaw Police Department was called for assistance. When approached by the police officers, the defendant grabbed one of the officers and threw him to the ground. The defendant was arrested and charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer. This case was prosecuted in federal court because Tribal police officers are considered to be federal law enforcement officers.

Gooden will be sentenced on January 28, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III. He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.

Gulfport, Miss – Mikal C. Watts, 48, David Watts, 50, Wynter Lee, 37, of San Antonio, Texas, Gregory P. Warren a/k/a Greg Warren, 51, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Hector Eloy Guerra, 48, of Harlingen, Texas, Thi Houng Le a/k/a Kristy Le, 48, of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Thi Hoaug Nguyen a/k/a Abbie Nguyen, 30, of Grand Bay, Alabama, were indicted on September 15, 2015 by a federal grand jury on 95 counts of Conspiracy, Mail and Wire Fraud, Identity Theft, and Aggravated Identity Theft, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Craig Caldwell.

The indictment, unsealed today, alleges that the defendants conspired to defraud numerous victims from Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and elsewhere, as well as the Gulf Coast Claims Facility and BP. As set forth in the indictment, the defendants, without contacting the individuals, would obtain names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers from any source available to create "clients" for anticipated litigation as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The indictment further alleges that the defendants fraudulently submitted names of over 40,000 individuals as plaintiffs represented by defendant Mikal C. Watts in litigation related to the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill, knowing that the individuals had not consented to be represented by the firm, and/or that stolen and false social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and occupations were claimed. According to the indictment, the defendants attempted to obtain payments from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility for persons Mikal C. Watts claimed to represent and ultimately submitted "Presentment Forms" to BP for each of the 40,000 plus individuals Mikal C. Watts claimed to represent. The indictment alleges that the total amount of claims submitted by the defendants to BP was in excess of $2 billion.

"The defendants in this case are accused of exploiting a disaster relief program set up to help those who were injured or suffered an economic loss as a result of the BP Oil spill – the worst environmental disaster in American history," said U.S. Attorney Davis. "The indictment alleges that the defendants carried out mail and wire fraud schemes using stolen identities of coastal residents in order to enrich themselves." Davis praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Secret Service in their investigation of this complex case.

"This indictment represents the largest disaster fraud identity theft case to date, associated with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust. This case highlights the Secret Service’s investigative expertise in combatting some of the most sophisticated, prolific financial crimes over our 150 year history," said Craig S. Caldwell, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service Birmingham Field Office. "This investigation serves as a great example of the steps the Secret Service will undertake to relentlessly defend the Nation’s financial infrastructure."

Conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of Mail and Wire Fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of Identity Theft carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of Aggravated Identity Theft carries a two year mandatory sentence and a $250,000 fine.

The defendants are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Gargiulo on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. for their initial appearance and arraignment. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Dowdy and Jerry Rushing are prosecuting the case for the government.

The public is reminded that an indictment is a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

If you believe you were a victim of identity theft in connection with this case or if you have any knowledge of fraudulent claims or schemes to obtain funds intended for the victims of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, please contact the Gulf Coast Disaster Fraud Hotline at (877)NCDF GCF (623-3423).

Gulfport, Miss - A Louisiana dredging corporation—C.F. Bean, LLC ("Bean")—pled guilty today to a criminal offense relating to the death of Biloxi mariner Mark Barhanovich, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Rear Admiral David R. Callahan, Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District.

Bean admitted improperly marking its dredge operation near Deer Island, in violation of the applicable regulations designed to warn boaters.

The felony information charged that the corporation violated federal regulations that required the dredge barge Bean 20 to be marked to alert mariners that it was engaged in dredge operations and for the company to mark its dredge pipeline with appropriate lights at night and in periods of low visibility. The dredge operation near Deer Island was associated with the port restoration project at the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport, which involved dredging and transporting dredge spoil materials to a site at Deer Island near Biloxi, Mississippi. The dredge barge Bean 20 was situated near Deer Island and received dredge spoils that were then pumped to the island through a dredge pipeline. Despite the requirements for properly marking and lighting the Bean 20 and its dredge pipeline, Bean, through its agents and employees, failed to do so. Bean, through its agents and employees, was aware of repeated incidents when mariners struck the dredge pipeline, culminating in the fatal accident when Mark Barhanovich’s boatstruck the pipeline on September 16, 2012.

Bean admitted that its negligence, violation of law, and inattention to duties resulted in the death of Barhanovich, which is the basis for the charged felony violation of the federal criminal law governing misconduct or neglect of ship officers. The statute is also commonly referred to as the Seaman’s Manslaughter act. A corporation convicted of this offense is subject to a penalty of not more than $500,000 per count.

The corporation agreed and was ordered to pay the maximum penalty of $500,000. The corporation was placed on five years of probation and also was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment of $400.

"Boaters depend on dredging companies to properly follow rules for marking their dredge operations, so that mariners can avoid hazards that can prove highly dangerous or even fatal, as was the sad situation here," said U.S. Attorney Davis. "It is hard to understand how an experienced maritime business like this could have failed in its duty at such a high cost."

"As a lifesaving organization, the Coast Guard is saddened by any loss of life. Ourcondolences go out to the family of those involved in this tragic event. As an organization, we will continue to monitor our waterways of responsibility and to work closely with the U.S. Attorney's Office to support their efforts in holding offenders criminally accountable," said Eighth Coast Guard District Commander, Rear Admiral David R. Callahan.

Bean entered its plea before United States District Judge Sul Ozerden. U.S. Attorney Davis praised the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for their diligent work in the investigation of this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Gaines Cleveland was the prosecutor in charge of the case.

Gulfport, Miss – Jywaun Davis Williams, 29, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced on October 22, 2015, by Chief District Judge Louis Guirola to 28 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for interstate travel in aid of an unlawful activity (drug trafficking), announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Williams was also ordered to pay an $8,000 fine and forfeit a Sig Sauer pistol found in his possession at the time of his arrest during a traffic stop on I-10 in Gulfport in April, 2014.

The case was investigated by the Gulfport Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Edgardo Batiz Medina, 30, a resident of Gautier and native of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on October 22, 2015, by Chief District Judge Louis Guirola, to two years in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for his role in the sale of fraudulent birth certificates and social security cards, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today.

Batiz Medina was also ordered to pay a $2,000 fine as well as restitution in the amount of $1750 to Homeland Security Investigations for money paid for fraudulent identification documents in the undercover investigation.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

 

Gulfport, Miss – Herman McGee, Jr., 27, and Michael Lamar Ricks, 27, cousins from Jacksonville, Florida, were sentenced on October 20, 2015 by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, in a case involving conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine and conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.

McGee was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison followed by five years of post-release supervision and an $8,000 fine, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Ricks was sentenced to 112 months in federal prison followed by five years of post-release supervision and an $8,000 fine for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

Jackson, Miss – On Wednesday October 21, 2015, after a three day jury trial, Christopher Raynard Kidd, 27, of San Bernardino, California, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams of more of actual methamphetamine and distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Brown. He will be sentenced by Judge Daniel P. Jordan III on January 19, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine on each count.

Another defendant in this case, Rodney Gerald Henderson, 70, of California and Mississippi, pled guilty on October 19, 2015, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan on January 7, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

Kidd and Henderson were indicted on August 19, 2014. On that day three separate indictments were unsealed charging twenty (20) defendants. The indictments were the result of “Operation Yeti Ice”, an extensive Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi. The drug network involved the distribution of over 100 Kilograms of Methamphetamine and encompassed the states of California and Mississippi.

Operation Yeti Ice was an OCDETF operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics with assistance from the U.S. Marshal Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Leake County Sherriff’s Office, Madison County Sherriff’s Office, Carthage Police Department, Forest Police Department, Newton County Sherriff’s Office, Lauderdale County Sherriff’s Office, Decatur Police Department, Richland Police Department, Pearl Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, and the Jackson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk prosecuted 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.

Jackson, Miss – U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today that members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi and their law enforcement partners met with students at Whitten Preparatory Middle School as part of his office’s first annual Student Pledge Against Gun Violence.

Today, middle school students took a voluntary pledge, administered by Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green, promising that they will never take a gun to school, will never resolve a dispute with a gun, and will use their influence to prevent friends from using guns to resolve disputes.

The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence is a national initiative that honors the role that young people, through their own decisions, can play in reducing gun violence. Held in conjunction with the Day of National Concern about Young People and Gun Violence, the initiative provides a means for teachers and community leaders to speak to young people about gun violence. Over 10 million students nationwide have taken the pledge since its inception in 1996.

"Our office is pleased to take part in this important national initiative aimed at starting conversations among students, teachers and parents about the dangers of guns and the importance of making the right decisions," said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

In addition to providing the pledges to school leaders and students in the 45 counties that make up Mississippi’s Southern District, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also coordinate with community leaders and law enforcement agencies to provide speakers at several schools to talk to students about what they can do to reduce gun violence in their communities.

If your school is interested in participating in the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence, please contact Sheila Wilbanks at Sheila.wilbanks@usdoj.gov.

 

Jackson, Miss - Kimberly Givens, Nathaniel Cooper, and Latorra Gross were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves for their roles in a conspiracy to obtain fraudulent tax refunds after falsely claiming the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Jerome R. McDuffie with IRS – Criminal Investigation.

Kimberly Givens, 43, of Sandhill, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to make a false claim. She was also ordered to pay $47,625.22 in restitution.

Nathaniel Cooper, 30, of Morton, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison for making a false claim. His federal sentence will run concurrently with his state prison sentence. He was ordered by Judge Reeves to three years of supervised release to run consecutively to his supervision term in the state system. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,749.77.

Latorra Gross, 30, of Sandhill, was ordered to serve a three year term of probation for making a false claim. She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

During the course of the scheme, Givens and her co-conspirators filed the false tax returns after obtaining identity information from third parties under false pretenses and creating false documents to support the information contained on the returns. For the tax year 2008 alone, Givens filed over 200 fraudulent tax returns and obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent tax refunds. Those refunds were directed to a bank account which Givens controlled. As a part of the investigation, the government seized and forfeited $184,694.83.

"The filing of false tax returns and the abuse of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit program are serious crimes. It is critically important that taxpayers who play by the rules do not end up paying for refunds to people who commit fraud and blatantly lie on the forms submitted to the IRS," stated Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation. "Givens and her co-conspirators have been brought to justice for their actions. Today is a win for the law abiding taxpayers whose interests we have sworn to protect."

U.S. Attorney Davis praised the efforts of the special agents with IRS-Criminal Investigation who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dowdy, who prosecuted the case.

Whitten Preparatory Middle School takes pledge to stay away from gun violence

Jackson, Miss - United States Attorney Gregory K. Davis will be moderating a "Students Against Gun Violence" program at Whitten Preparatory Middle School in Jackson on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at 9:00 a.m.

U.S. Attorney Davis will be joined by Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green, Jackson Police Chief Lee Vance, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Schuler Smith, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chris Reed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The students of Whitten Preparatory Middle School will be given a gun-safety presentation by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. They will then take an anti-gun violence pledge administered by Judge Tomie Green and they will sign a pledge banner.

 

Jackson, Miss - Andra Smith, 44, of Canton, pled guilty on October 16, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee, to a Criminal Information charging him with bribery, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Donald Alway. Smith is a former Probation and Parole Officer with the Mississippi Department of Corrections who worked out of Madison County.

During the plea hearing, Smith admitted that he solicited bribes from a parolee he was supervising from March, 2015 through June, 2015. He took the money in exchange for allowing the parolee to leave Mississippi to find employment.

Smith will be sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Tom S. Lee on January 7, 2016 at 9:30 am. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Gilbert and Mary Helen Wall.

 

Jackson, Miss - Alfred Thornhill, 41, of Wesson, Mississippi, pled guilty on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to tampering with a consumer product, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Patrick Munday, Acting Special Agent in Charge, USDA - Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Thornhill was employed at a dairy farm near Crystal Springs, Mississippi, when he poured chlorine, acid and bleach into a stainless steel container of milk right after the milk had been collected from the cows on March 28, 2014. The toxic chemicals were discovered in the milk by the farm’s owner just before the milk was to be picked up for transportation to a distribution center in New Orleans. The contents of the caustic agents were confirmed by a lab analysis conducted at Mississippi State University.

According to evidence disclosed during the guilty plea hearing, Thornhill confessed to USDA-OIG Special Agents that he poisoned the milk because he was angry at the dairy farm owner and intended to ruin the milk in order to financially harm the dairy farmer.

Acting USDA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Patrick Munday stated: "USDA-OIG is committed to identifying individuals committing these types of senseless acts that could potentially affect the health and well-being of the American public and seek prosecutions to the fullest extent of the law. This case was conducted jointly with the Mississippi Agriculture Theft Bureau and is an example of the results we can achieve by working with our law enforcement partners."

Thornhill will be sentenced on January 19, 2016 at 9:00 am by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as payment of restitution to the dairy farm.

This case was investigated by the USDA- OIG and the Mississippi Agriculture Theft Bureau. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Gilbert.

Jackson, Miss. – Antonio Anderson, 24, of Jackson, was sentenced on October 13, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, to 82 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Anderson pled guilty to the charge on July 23, 2015. His previous felony conviction was in Hinds County Circuit Court for house burglary.

On October 28, 2014, members of the Jackson Police Department received information that a vehicle was in the process of being burglarized in the Highland Village parking lot. Police officers responded to Highland Village and then pursued the suspect’s vehicle for approximately four miles to an area near Pleasant and Illinois Avenues. Anderson was observed by officers running with two firearms into a nearby house. Anderson and the two firearms were found inside the house. One of the firearms discovered during the search of the house had been stolen from the vehicle during the burglary at Highland Village.

Anderson was indicted as part of the Jackson Violent Crime Initiative, a joint initiative between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who are working together to reduce violent crime in the city of Jackson and to remove violent offenders from the streets of this community. The Initiative is an ongoing operation aimed at making the streets of Jackson and the surrounding communities safe for all citizens. Jackson Violent Crime Initiative partners include the Jackson Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Secret Service.
 

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Jackson Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon.