Southern District of Mississippi

Jackson, Miss – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against eight individuals from the Meridian, Mississippi area in connection with illegal gambling operations, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation and Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Indictment charges WILLIAM WAYNE (BILL) GORDON, SR., age 79, MILDRED GORDON, age 76, WILLIAM WAYNE (WAYNE) GORDON, JR., age 55, NELLIE MILLER, age 50, CAMERON GORDON, age 24, DENNIS MICHAEL GORDON, age 54, RICHARD McKISSACK, age 50, and CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD, age 38, in Count 1 with Conspiracy to Commit a Federal Offense under 18 U.S.C. §371. Count 2 of the Indictment charges WILLIAM WAYNE (BILL) GORDON, SR., MILDRED GORDON, WILLIAM WAYNE (WAYNE) GORDON, JR., NELLIE MILLER, CAMERON GORDON, RICHARD McKISSACK, and CHRISTOPHER CRAWFORD with violation of the prohibition of operating illegal gambling business under 18 U.S.C. §1955. The maximum penalty for each offense is five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000.00. The Defendants are scheduled to appear for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Jackson, MS.

According to the Indictment, the charges are associated with the operation of illegal gambling businesses from November 2011 through at least May 14, 2013, at the following locations in Meridian, MS: The Snack Shack, located at 1479 Highway 11 & 80; The Sports Connection, which is commonly referred to as “the Log Cabin”, located at 501 46th Avenue; and The New Place, located at 401 23rd Avenue. It is alleged that at these locations the defendants would accept illegal wagers on the outcome of college and professional sporting events, then collect and remove the wagers from these locations and grade the bets based on the outcome of the wagered event to calculate winnings and losses for those persons placing the wagers. Thereafter, the defendants would pay persons with winning wagers and keep the remaining funds for their personal use and benefit. The Indictment in the case also alleges that the defendants would possess, own, control, display, operate, and expose for play illegal gambling and gaming devices, such as illegal video poker machines. It is alleged that the illegal gambling businesses were conducted in violation of Mississippi law and remained in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of 30 days.

The Indictment also gives notice of the United States’ intent to seek criminal forfeiture of 8 pieces of real property in Meridian, MS, associated with the alleged criminal conduct, as well as approximately $125,905.15 in U.S. Currency seized from locations associated with the gambling operation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Clark and J. Scott Gilbert. The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Jackson, Miss – Bridget Veronica Medlock, 19, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for threatening to kill a federal agent during the performance of his official duties, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Trey Lund, Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - New Orleans Field Office. Medlock was also ordered to pay a partial fine of $1,500. She will report to the Bureau of Prisons on January 13, 2014.

Medlock pled guilty to threatening to kill a federal official on March 21, 2013. The federal agent was threatened by Medlock while making a lawful arrest. Medlock drove her car at a high rate of speed toward the officer’s government issued vehicle and further stated that she was going to kill the agent. Medlock’s offensive conduct continued as she drove away at a high rate of speed. She was finally arrested by Richland Police officers and ICE agents at a home in Richland.

“Federal officers performing their lawful duties deserve the respect and cooperation of the public. Threats made against federal officers will be taken seriously, investigated and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Davis.

"U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will continue to focus resources on violent criminals who pose the greatest threat to our communities," said New Orleans Field Office Director Trey Lund. "This case illustrates our close cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to successfully prosecute dangerous individuals."

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Natchez, Miss – Paul Winfield, former mayor of Vicksburg, Mississippi, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 25 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for bribery in connection with a pre-event disaster contract for the city of Vicksburg, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen. Winfield was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and forfeit $7,000, the amount paid to him as a bribe.

In early 2012, while serving as the mayor of Vicksburg, Winfield met with a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) source, where they discussed pre-event disaster contracts for the city of Vicksburg. On July 18, 2012, Winfield again met with the FBI source at a restaurant in Jackson. After dinner, Winfield and the FBI source met inside the source’s vehicle and the FBI source asked Winfield what would need to be done in order for the source’s company to get the pre-event disaster contract. Winfield responded “Ten” and held up ten fingers, signifying $10,000. The FBI source asked Winfield if the FBI source could pay $5,000 now and $5,000 once the contract was awarded. Winfield agreed and the FBI source paid Winfield $5,000 cash in the vehicle at that time.

On August 17, 2012, the FBI source met with Winfield in Natchez, Mississippi, where he paid Winfield an additional $2,000 in cash and asked if another $3,000 would be enough. The source then promised Winfield another $3,000 after the pre-event disaster contract was awarded.

As part of his plea agreement, Winfield agreed to forfeit the bribe money he accepted and he also agreed to neither run for elected public office nor apply for or be employed by any governmental entity in the future.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

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Gulfport, Miss. – Joseph Anthony Clements, 51, of Gautier, pled guilty to three counts of mail fraud in connection with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Clements admitted that he carried out a scheme to defraud the BP Gulf Coast Claims Facility by making a false claim for damages as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Clements claimed he lost earnings and profits from his commercial shrimp and fishing business and shrimping vessel when, in fact, Clements was not a commercial shrimper and suffered no lost earning or profits as a result of the oil spill.

As a result of his fraudulent claim, Clements received an emergency advance payment of $36,300.00 of the $273.000.00 claim he sought from the oil spill Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

Clements will be sentenced on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. by U. S. District Judge Sul Ozerden. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of mail fraud. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at disaster@leo.gov or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

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Gulfport, Miss – Federal and state grand juries returned indictments this week following a joint investigation into the activities of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (“DMR”) and a $3 million grant issued to the City of D’Iberville, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen, Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering, Second Circuit District Attorney Joel Smith and Nineteenth Circuit District Attorney Tony Lawrence. The State Auditor’s Office also issued civil demands totaling more than $1 million.

William W. Walker, 68, of Ocean Springs, Scott J. Walker, 34, of Ocean Springs, Sheila Tina Shumate, 52, of Saucier, and Joseph C. Zeigler, Jr., 66, of Gulfport, have been named in a five-count federal indictment, returned on Tuesday, November 5, 2013, charging conspiracy to commit federal program fraud, federal program fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud involving DMR and the Mississippi Marine Resources Foundation.

Scott J. Walker is also named in a separate federal indictment along with Michael Janus, age 47, of Biloxi, charging conspiracy to commit program fraud, program fraud, bribery in connection with a federal program and money laundering. The indictment alleges that Walker and Janus caused a false invoice in the amount of $180,000 to be submitted to the City of D’Iberville for payment of consulting services.
A Harrison County grand jury returned indictments this week against Sheila Tina Shumate, Leslie Young Gollott, Susan Perkins, Jere Grant Larsen, Jr. and Kerwin Cuevas for multiple counts of fraud and embezzlement which allegedly occurred during their employment with the Department of Marine Resources.

In addition, the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office issued demands against ten individuals as part of this investigation totaling $1,022,308.55. The individual demands are listed below:

William Walker $362,689.14
Joseph Ziegler $258,268.75
Sheila Shumate $127,608.57
Leslie Gollott $117,593.10
Susan Perkins $ 30,959.34
Grant Larson $ 1,342.08
Kerwin Cuevas $108,420.70
Walter Chataginer $ 1,279.85
Kerry Endris $ 13,020.66
Samantha Hebert $ 1,126.36

“The indictments and demands announced today are one step toward restoring the trust of taxpayers, but they do not close the investigation,” State Auditor Stacey Pickering said. “As alleged in the indictments, these men and women abused their positions, stole from the taxpayers of Mississippi, and they will be held accountable for their actions. I appreciate the hard work and cooperation from the local, state and federal agencies involved including our
Special Agents, District Attorneys Joel Smith and Tony Lawrence, Gregory Davis, U.S.
Attorney for the Southern District, and Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge for the
Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

The public is reminded that an indictment is an allegation that a defendant has committed a crime. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Gulfport, Miss. – Brandy Ann Jarrell, 37, of Biloxi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to mail fraud in connection with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.

Jarrell admitted carrying out a scheme to defraud the BP Gulf Coast Claims Facility by making false claims for damages. She claimed she lost earnings and profits from her employment as a deckhand on an oyster boat in a south Mississippi harbor as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill when, in fact, she did not work on the oyster boat and did not lose earnings and profits. As a result of her false claim, Jarrell received an Emergency Advance Payment check in the amount of $28,800.00 in the mail from the BP Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

Jarrell will be sentenced on Thursday, January 30, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. by U. S. District Judge Sul Ozerden, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. – Jerry Lynn Loper, 45, of Forest, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour, Jr. to serve 95 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. Loper was also ordered to pay a $1500.00 fine and forfeit 9 firearms which were seized.

Loper was indicted following an extensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Brusha”, targeting illegal narcotics distribution in Scott County, Mississippi. The investigation was conducted by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assisting agencies included the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Forest Police Department, and Scott County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin O. Chalk.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. – Five defendants entered guilty pleas before U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour Jr. in federal court today for their involvement in the kidnapping of Jashayla Hopson from East Kemper Elementary School on April 30, 2013, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen.

Wanda Faye Dancy, of DeKalb, Mississippi, Shamarius S. Ruffin, of Porterville, Mississippi, and Shaquayla S. Johnigan, also of Porterville, each pled guilty to conspiracy to kidnap. They each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Joyce M. Johnigan and James Shurman Johnigan both of Porterville, Mississippi, pled guilty to a criminal information charging them with misprision of a felony. They each face a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

All five defendants are scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge William H. Barbour Jr. on January 22, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

The two remaining defendants in this case, Jesse Pollard and Devonta Pollard, are scheduled for trial on November 18, 2013. Jesse Pollard is charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to kidnap and obstruction of justice. She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $750,000 fine. Devonta Pollard is charged with conspiracy to kidnap and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney and Criminal Division Chief John M. Dowdy, Jr.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. – Booker Tarvin a/k/a Shanky, of Jackson, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride and “crack” cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen. Tarvin was also ordered to pay $11,159 in restitution to the FBI.

Tarvin was indicted as a result of “Operation Paperchase”, an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the City of Jackson conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast HIDTA, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, and Jackson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. - Aubrey Brent Sturdivant, 28, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, was sentenced in U.S. District Court on November 7, 2013, to 41 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for his role in conspiring to defraud the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen and Mississippi State Auditor Stacey Pickering. Sturdivant was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

The conspiracy to defraud FEMA began in November 2005 and continued through December 2006 during Hurricane Katrina debris removal operations in Wayne County, Mississippi. Sturdivant was given an additional sentence of 3 months imprisonment for criminal contempt for intentionally violating a court order during his January 2013 trial. The district court ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.

Sturdivant was charged as the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mississippi State Auditors Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry L. Rushing and Carla J. Clark handled the prosecution on behalf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. – Fredrick Darnell Ford, 38, and Shamika Y. Fulford, 34, both from Jackson, were sentenced on Thursday, October 31, 2013 by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III for their roles in connection with a drug trafficking operation in the City of Jackson, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen.

Fredrick Darnell Ford previously pled guilty to harboring a fugitive. He was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $1500 fine. Ford was found harboring a co-defendant in the narcotics trafficking case.

Shamika Y. Fulford previously pled guilty to using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking offense. She was sentenced to nine months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release and ordered to pay a $500.00 fine.

The investigation, dubbed “Operation Paperchase”, was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast HIDTA, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, and Jackson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss - Bridget Michelle Bland, 44, of Forest, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, for conspiring to launder the drug proceeds of Jessie Hall, of Forest, Mississippi, and for causing a business to file a false IRS return, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation.

Bland’s co-defendants, Shannon Denise Hall, 41, of Forest, Sylvania Laranda Young, 41, currently of Jackson, Jessie Hall, 39, of Forest, and Willie Charles Rhodes, 54, of Brandon, have all pled guilty in this case. All five defendants participated in an extensive scheme to launder Jessie Hall’s drug proceeds. Hall created Hall’s Trucking to facilitate his drug trade and to launder his drug proceeds. Agents discovered that, with the help of his co-defendants, Hall was able to launder over $900,000 in cash over a two year period.

Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS – Criminal Investigation stated: “Money laundering conspiracies such as the one executed by Bridget Bland and her co-conspirators represent extremely damaging criminal enterprises. These schemes erode and manipulate our financial systems by promoting an underground, untaxed economy which harms the entire nation’s economic strength. IRS – CI is committed to serving the law enforcement partnerships that are in place to bring these criminals to justice.”

The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the criminal investigation of the financial affairs leading to the current indictment. The Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with officers from the Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics initially investigated the drug trafficking organization of Jessie Hall.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Gulfport, Miss. – Thanh Van Nguyen, 46, of Biloxi, was sentenced by U. S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to 16 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for mail fraud in connection with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced today. Nguyen was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $171,577.92 and perform 100 hours of community service.

Nguyen admitted that he carried out a scheme to defraud the BP Gulf Coast Claims Facility by making a false claim for damages, alleging that he lost earnings and profits from his Ocean Springs business, TN Dollar Partnership, as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill when, in fact, the business was closed and not operational at the time of the oil spill.

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

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. -- Joshua Martin, 22, and Lemarkcus Kelly, 22 of Jackson, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to possession of illegal explosives, specifically Molotov cocktails, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and ATF Special Agent in Charge Phillip Durham.

Martin and Kelly were apprehended on January 23, 2013 by officers from the Jackson Police Department just moments after a shooting occurred in South Jackson. Martin and Kelly were two of the four passengers in the vehicle witnesses reported were outside a South Jackson home into which shots had been fired. When the JPD officers stopped the vehicle, Martin, Kelly, and the two other occupants of the vehicle had in their possession several firearms and glass bottles, which contained gasoline and which were stuffed with shredded clothing material to be used as wicks.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Phillip Durham said: “This joint investigation between ATF, the Jackson Police Department and the Jackson Fire Department illustrates the impact on reducing violent crime when agencies combine and coordinate their skills and resources. This investigation is an example of excellent investigative work, a job well done by the investigators.”

Both defendants will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlton W. Reeves on January 17, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. They each face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Jackson Police Department with the assistance of the Jackson Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Scott Gilbert.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. -- Barbara Cummings, 60, of Clinton, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to bank fraud and tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Gabriel Grchen. A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Cummings on January 24, 2013, charging her with one count of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and three counts of tax evasion.

Cummings will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge David C. Bramlette III on January 14, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The bank fraud charge carries a maximum of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. The tax evasion charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

From March 2007 through March 2009, Barbara Cummings, was employed as the office manager at Mid-South Machinery in Jackson. During her employment, she systematically forged the signatures of the owners of Mid-South Machinery on numerous checks drawn on Mid-South Machinery’s accounts at First Commercial Bank, making such forged checks payable to herself and her husband and cashing and depositing such funds into her personal bank account. Cummings also altered the dollar amounts written on transaction tickets from Mid-South’s Regions Bank account that were made payable to “Petty Cash” or she would fraudulently create a transaction ticket, making it payable to “Barbara Cummings,” and keep some or all of the money. When interviewed by agents of the FBI and IRS, Cummings admitted to embezzling the funds from Mid-South by defrauding the banks. During 2008, she prepared her own income tax return, where she intentionally failed to report over $120,000 in income she had received that year through her fraudulent scheme in order to pay less tax on her income.

In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Davis praised the efforts of special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst is prosecuting the case.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America.

Jackson, Miss. – Terrence Womack, 38, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to 72 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base (“crack”),announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen. Womack was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,000 to the FBI.

Womack was indicted in connection with “Operation Paperchase”, an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the City of Jackson. He pled guilty to the charge on July 28, 2013.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast HIDTA, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Hinds County Sheriff’s Department, and Jackson Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

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Gulfport, Miss. – Kimberly Marie Isabell, 32, of Gulfport, pled guilty in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, to one count of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Isabell admitted making a false claim to BP’s Gulf Coast Claims Facility, alleging that she lost earnings and work hours from her job at Isabell Janitorial Services in Gulfport as a result of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. She received a check in the amount of $12,000 as a result of her false claim.

Isabell will be sentenced on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. by U. S. District Judge Sul Ozerden and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

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Gulfport, Miss. – Ousainou Mahanera, 33, a citizen of Gambia who resides in New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to trafficking in counterfeit merchandise, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in New Orleans.

Mahanera admitted that on March 8, 2013, he trafficked in counterfeit merchandise bearing counterfeit marks from the companies of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Burberry and Fendi. Mahanera sold the counterfeit handbags, shoes, scarves and other items at a flea market in Algiers, Louisiana.

Mahanera will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on January 27, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $2 million fine.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan..

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

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Jackson, Miss - Dwight Deshay Willis, 29, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, was sentenced in U.S. District court today to 82 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Willis entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III on July 31, 2013.

Willis was arrested following a traffic stop in August, 2012 when he was found to be in possession of over 200 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of over 90%.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

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Jackson, Miss - Jemery Hodges, 27, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III to serve 23 years and 2 months in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release for human trafficking of a minor child and the production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans.

At his June, 2013, guilty plea hearing, Hodges admitted traveling to Mississippi for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 years old. He also admitted that he produced videos of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the child.

“Today’s sentencing reaffirms the message that there are serious consequences for victimizing innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to the aggressive prosecution of those who commit such heinous crimes.”

“The horrific abuse inflicted upon a defenseless child in this case was unspeakable, and yet the defendant went even further by recording and sharing the evidence of his sexual crimes,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. "Predators destroy lives, and HSI will continue to do everything it can to protect children by investigating and seeking prosecution wherever these criminals may be found." Parmer oversees a five-state region including Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee.

The investigation of this case began when the Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Department received information about a video tape of illegal sexual activities and the production of videos depicting the sexual assault of a child. The Cambridge Police Department contacted the Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”) in Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who worked with HSI in Jackson to conduct further investigation. The collaborative efforts of HSI agents and investigators in Cambridge, Atlanta, Memphis and Jackson ultimately led to the identification of the minor child in the videos, who is now safe with her family.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Glenda Haynes and Scott Gilbert prosecuted the case for the government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

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Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Jackson, Miss - U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), announced a funding award granted today to the Moss Point Police Department for the hiring of two additional officers. The estimated value of the award is $157,316.

“In the wake of past tragedies, it's clear that we need to be willing to take all possible steps to ensure that our kids are safe when they go to school,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “These critical investments represent the Justice Department's latest effort to strengthen key law enforcement capabilities, and to provide communities with the resources they need to protect our young people. Especially in a time of increased challenges and limited budgets, our top priority must always be the safety and well-being of our children.”

Overall the COPS Office funded awards to 263 cities and counties, aimed at creating 937 law enforcement positions. More than $125 million will be awarded nationally, including nearly $45 million to fund 356 new school resource officer positions.

“Keeping our children safe when they go to school is of critical importance and I am pleased to join the Attorney General and the COPS Office in announcing these grants which will help provide our communities with the resources needed to accomplish this vital mission,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country address their most critical public safety issues,” said Joshua Ederheimer, Acting Director of the COPS Office. “Funding from this year’s program will allow many cities and counties to apply new sworn personnel to issues related to violent crime, property crime, and school safety.”

The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides the salary and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.

Grantees for the 2013 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and their community policing plans. There was an additional focus this year on agencies requesting assistance in developing school safety programs that would include the hiring of a school resource officer. School resource officer positions funded by the COPS Office are sworn law enforcement positions that work within a school district or facility, interacting directly with school administrators and students.

The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.

For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2013 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

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Jackson, Miss - H. Claiborne Frazier, 41, Austin W. Frazier, 38, and C.E. Frazier, Jr., 65, all from the Jackson metro area, pled guilty in federal court on Monday, September 16, 2013, for their roles in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud, announced U.S.Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen.

From January 2003 through at least June 2008, the Fraziers conspired to commit bank fraud, mail fraud and wire fraud through Frazier Construction Company, Inc., Frazier Development Company, LLC, Van Buren LLC, and Olde Colony, LLC. The Fraziers defrauded BancorpSouth Bank on a $5.4 M construction loan and M&F Bank on a $2.8M construction loan. They also defrauded their bonding company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America to get funding to pay Frazier Construction subcontractors and to obtain funding to continue the daily business operations of Frazier Construction to complete its outstanding construction projects.

The Fraziers will be sentenced on January 9, 2014. Claiborne Frazier faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Austin Frazier and C.E. Fraizer each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Clark is prosecuting the case for the government.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Natchez, Miss – Paul Winfield, 40, former mayor of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to bribery in connection with a pre-event disaster contract for the city of Vicksburg, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen.

Winfield will be sentenced by U.S. District Senior Judge David C. Bramlette III on November 19, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In early 2012, while serving as the mayor of Vicksburg, Winfield met with a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) source, where they discussed pre-event disaster contracts for the city of Vicksburg. On July 18, 2012, Winfield again met with the FBI source at a restaurant in Jackson. After dinner, Winfield and the FBI source met inside the source’s vehicle and the FBI source asked Winfield what would need to be done in order for the source’s company to get the pre-event disaster contract. Winfield responded “Ten” and held up ten fingers, signifying $10,000. The FBI source asked Winfield if the FBI source could pay $5,000 now and $5,000 once the contract was awarded. Winfield agreed and the FBI source paid Winfield $5,000 cash in the vehicle at that time.

On August 17, 2012, the FBI source met with Winfield in Natchez, Mississippi, where he paid Winfield an additional $2,000 in cash and asked if another $3,000 would be enough. The source then promised Winfield another $3,000 after the pre-event disaster contract was awarded.

As part of his plea agreement, Winfield agreed to forfeit the bribe money he accepted and he also agreed to neither run for elected public office nor apply for or be employed by any governmental entity in the future.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Jackson, Miss - Marco Laquin Rogers, age 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was found guilty in U.S. District Court today to human trafficking of a minor child and the production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Raymond R. Parmer, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, and Commissioner Robert C. Haas of the Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Department.

Following a two-day trial, Rogers was found guilty of traveling to Mississippi for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 years old. He was also found guilty of producing videos of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the child.

The investigation of this case began when the Cambridge, Massachusetts Police Department received information about a video tape of illegal sexual activities and the production of videos depicting the sexual assault of a child. The Cambridge Police Department contacted the Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”) in Atlanta and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who worked with HSI in Jackson to conduct further investigation. The collaborative efforts of HSI agents and investigators in Cambridge, Atlanta, Memphis and Jackson ultimately led to the identification of the minor child in the videos, who is now safe with her family.

“The safety and well-being of young children is a high priority for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to protect the vulnerable and innocent victims of such crimes.”

“This particular case could have persisted over a period of time if it wasn’t for how our investigators pursued what appeared to be a local crime. Working with our federal partners led to the resolution of this horrific act that seemingly has no jurisdictional restrictions. We have been fortunate to have such close ties with our federal partners, without which this criminal may not have been brought to justice,” said Commissioner Robert C. Haas of the Cambridge Police Department.

“The horrific abuse inflicted upon a defenseless child in this case is unspeakable, and yet this individual went even further by recording and sharing the evidence of his sexual crimes,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. "Predators destroy lives, and HSI will continue to do everything it can to protect children by investigating and seeking prosecution wherever these criminals may be found." Parmer oversees a five-state region including Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Rogers will be sentenced on December 12, 2013 by U.S. District Judge David Bramlette III in Jackson. The penalty for human trafficking of a minor child is not less than 15 years and up to life in prison. The maximum penalty for production of child pornography is 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Davis praised the efforts of the investigative agencies who worked this case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Glenda Haynes and Scott Gilbert who tried the case for the government.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

JACKSON, Miss. - Marcus Tyler Cochran, 21, of Decatur, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. Magistrate Court on September 4, 2013, to shooting a mature bald eagle in violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Luis Santiago, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Steve Adcock, Chief of Law Enforcement for Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Cochran shot the bald eagle while duck hunting on the Nanih Waiya Wildlife Management Area in Neshoba County on December 2, 2012. Following his guilty plea, Cochran was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $2,500. He was also placed on probation for a period of two years, during which time Cochran will be prohibited from hunting in any manner or at any hunting camp or campsite at any time. In addition, Cochran was ordered to forfeit the firearm used in the commission of the offense.

“The protection of Mississippi’s wildlife, including the national bird of the United States, is a priority of the U. S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “Today’s prosecution demonstrates that individuals who participate in the senseless killing of bald eagles and other migratory birds will be investigated, prosecuted and punished accordingly.”

United States 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 by investigating those who choose to violate state and federal laws. They undermine the proud tradition of hunting for all hunters.”

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Natchez, Miss - Margaret Turner, 54, of Hermanville, Mississippi, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 12 months and 10 days in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for submitting fraudulent tax returns to the IRS, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. Turner was also ordered to pay $122,465 in restitution to the IRS.

Turner entered a guilty plea on March 08, 2012, admitting that she prepared and submitted false income tax returns which resulted in the payment of earned income tax credits to which neither she nor the filers were entitled.

Turner is the fourth person indicted, convicted and sentenced on tax fraud charges this year in the Claiborne County area. These cases represent the continuance of an increased effort to stop the victimization of the nation’s tax paying citizens. The United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Mississippi has recently announced several indictments, arrests, and criminal prosecutions related to ongoing investigations of tax fraud.

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who choose to defraud our tax system will be caught and held accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge, IRS, stated “The willful filing of false tax returns is a serious crime, punishable under federal law. Turner’s prosecution is evidence that IRS is committed to the aggressive pursuit of individuals who intentionally violate the public trust and engage in this type of criminal activity."

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Harold Brittain.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Gulfport, Miss - George Lewis Blackledge III, 34, of Biloxi, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 46 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. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.

In addition, seventeen firearms and several large capacity magazines recovered from Blackledge’s home were forfeited by the State of Mississippi.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

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Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Jackson, Miss – Christopher Thompson, Jr., 24, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, was found guilty today of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 13-year old Choctaw male in the Bogue Chitto community of the Choctaw Indian reservation in Kemper County, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. The criminal trial was held before U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan, III, in Jackson.

Thompson was indicted on June 5, 2012 for involuntary manslaughter committed in three different ways: driving recklessly, driving drunk, and driving in a grossly negligent manner. The jury found him guilty of having committed the crime in all three manners.

On July 3, 2011, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Thompson, after having been drinking almost continuously for 12 hours, Thompson drove himself and his girlfriend down Sonny Jones Road in the Bogue Chitto community. As he was driving, he veered across the center line, into the oncoming lane, and hit a 13-year old Choctaw male who was riding his bicycle. After striking the child, Thompson veered off the shoulder of the road and the vehicle rolled over. Emergency personnel responded to the scene and the 13-year old was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Thompson was also taken to the hospital, where it was determined that his blood alcohol level was .21% - over twice the legal limit.

Thompson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Choctaw Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office, East Neshoba Volunteer Fire Department, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Lemon and Mike Hurst prosecuted the case.

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If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Jackson, Miss – Roderick Sutton, 29, of Jackson, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

On April 6, 2011, Sutton was driving a vehicle that was pulled over by Jackson Police Officers for a traffic violation. The officers questioned Sutton who told them there was a gun in the vehicle and that he was a convicted felon. The officers found the gun, and Sutton was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sutton had been previously convicted of multiple drug offenses.

Sutton will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on November 6, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jackson Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst is prosecuting the case.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Jackson, Miss- Julian Michael Thompson, 33, of Jackson, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 94 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Thompson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,940.

Thompson was indicted following an extensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Paperchase”, targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the City of Jackson.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast HIDTA, and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Jackson, Miss. – George Hilliard, 44, of Madison, was sentence in U.S. District Court today to 21 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit theft of government property and theft of government property. He was also ordered to pay joint restitution in the amount of $20,499.00.

Hilliard was indicted along with three co-defendants following an FBI sting on September 30, 2011 involving the robbery of a motel room they believed was being used by a drug dealer. He was tried and found guilty by a jury on June 13, 2013.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Hurst and Jerry Rushing.

The other defendants in this case have each pled guilty to theft of government property charges and been sentenced.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

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Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.

Gulfport, Miss. -- Jennifer Griswold a/k/a Jennifer Lynn McDaniel a/k/a Jennifer Dubois, age 37, of Channelview, Texas, pled guilty today in U.S. District Court to failing to report and concealing wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen. Griswold’s husband, Dustin Griswold, 34, of Coldspring, Texas, pled guilty on August 7, 2013 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

In 2009, Dustin Griswold searched for and found businesses on the internet that were seeking shipping or transportation services. He contacted a business in Connecticut and represented himself and his fraudulent company, Harmoni Shipping, as a large multi-truck, multi-driver transportation company with the ability to transport national and international loads. Mr. Griswold agreed to ship products for the business, requiring payment on a weekly or otherwise frequent basis.

After receiving orders from the business to ship its products, Mr. Griswold contracted with United Parcel Service (“UPS”) Freight based in Richmond, Virginia, to transport the shipments for the customer. UPS Freight transported the shipments and sent the bills to the Griswolds for payment. The Griswolds never paid UPS Freight for their services, even though they were paid by their customer to ship the products. Over a two month period, the Griswolds collected thousands of dollars from businesses who hired them to ship their goods, while incurring with UPS Freight a $782,000 bill which was never paid. During the fraud, Jennifer Griswold made false statements to UPS Freight, claiming that a check had been mailed to UPS Freight and that a $29,000 wire payment was being made to UPS Freight, when in fact no payments of any kind were sent to UPS freight.

Dustin and Jennifer Griswold will be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Walter J. Gex III on November 6, 2013. The maximum penalty for Dustin Griswold’s charge of conspiracy is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for Jennifer Griswold’s charge of misprision of a felony is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Gulfport Office, Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division, and Vermont State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Hurst and Mary Helen Wall are prosecuting the case.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

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Jackson, Miss. -- Ryan C. Murphy, 32, of Brandon, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to killing a Louisiana Black Bear, a federally protected animal under the Endangered Species Act, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.

Murphy killed the Louisiana Black Bear while bow hunting on November 16, 2012, in Issaquena County, Mississippi. Murphy was immediately sentenced today by U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball to a fine of $10,000. He was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution to the State of Mississippi and $5,000 to the BEaR Foundation, a non-profit foundation for the restoration of Black Bears in the State of Mississippi. Murphy was placed on two years of probation and prohibited from hunting worldwide for a period of two years. His bow was forfeited as part of his sentence.

This case was investigated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks and the United States Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Jackson, Miss – Michael E. Earwood, 61, an attorney from Madison, Mississippi, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for bankruptcy fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis, Acting U.S. Trustee Henry G. Hobbs, Jr. of Region 5, FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen and Jon T. Rymer, Inspector General of the FDIC. Earwood was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $792,228.53.

Earwood previously pled guilty to devising and executing a scheme to obtain money from a business partner by falsely representing that the money would be used to maintain real property owned by Kinwood Capitol Group. He admitted transferring title to the real property assets of the business without the knowledge and consent of his business partner, who held a majority interest in the assets of the business. Earwood admitted that he transferred these assets to his own company named Northlake Development. He then used that property as collateral for bank loans to Northlake Development, but still continued to solicit money from the business partner for a period of time. Earwood admitted that when the bank attempted to foreclose on the Northlake Development loan, he placed Northlake Development into bankruptcy, and continued to conceal the unauthorized transactions from his business partner and the banks from which he had obtained loans.

This case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain, Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla J. Clark, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammye S. Tharp. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee, Region 5.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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You can also fax information to:

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Hattiesburg, Miss - Dennis Earl Smith, Jr., 33, or Prentiss, was arrested today pursuant to an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Phillip Durham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Smith will appear for an arraignment on Monday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Parker in Hattiesburg.

The maximum penalty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is ten years in prison and $250,000 fine.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Lamar County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Gulfport, Miss. – Mikel Chad Adams, 42, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for producing, using, and trafficking in counterfeit credit cards, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Allen W. Bryant, Resident Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service. Adams was also ordered to pay $16,526 in restitution to the credit card companies.

Adams was arrested after attempting to use a fraudulent credit card at a gas station in Pass Christian, Mississippi. A search of Adams and his car revealed several sheets of paper listing debit and credit card numbers, as well as sheets of laminate paper. Some of the laminate paper had account numbers printed on them that matched the account numbers found on the sheets of paper. Adams would affix the laminate with the credit card account numbers to blank credit cards and create the fraudulent cards to make purchases. The investigation revealed that the account numbers were actual numbers belonging to two major banks. A total of 916 account numbers from the two issuing banks were found, and approximately 638 true account holder victims were identified and notified that their account numbers had been compromised.

Prior to his guilty plea in the counterfeit credit card case, Adams failed to appear as required under the terms and conditions of his bond and was thereafter arrested on a bench warrant. He has since been indicted and pled guilty for failure to appear and is set for sentencing in that case on August 14, 2013.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Gulfport, Miss. – Juan Carlos Rocha-Aguilar, 33, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U. S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to serve 19 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal re-entry of a deported alien after being convicted of a felony, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced.

In February, 2013, Juan Carlos Rocha-Aguilar a/k/a Juan C. Rocha a/k/a Juan Carlos Rocha a/k/a Juan Rocha, was identified by ICE agents as a previously removed alien, having been deported from the United States on Sept. 3, 2005, and on May 31, 2002, with prior felony convictions.

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

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Jackson, Miss. – Aundra Mason, a/k/a Grey Head, 36, Fredrick Darnell Ford, 38, and Shamika Y. Fulford, 35, all of Jackson, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to charges in connection with a drug trafficking investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Daniel McMullen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Mississippi.

Aundra Mason pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Frederick Darnell Ford pled guilty to harboring and concealing a fugitive. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Shamika Y. Fulford pled guilty to use of a communications facility to further a drug trafficking crime. She faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The defendants will be sentenced on October 29, 2013 by U.S. District Judge David C. Bramlette III.
This case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Paperchase”, targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the City of Jackson. The lead investigative agency in this operation was the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assisting agencies included the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast HIDTA, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Jackson Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Jackson, Miss – Gregory K. Davis, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Gabriel Grchan, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Allen Bryant, Resident Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, and Keith Morris, Inspector in Charge, U. S. Postal Inspection Service, announced recent indictments against seven individuals for stolen identity refund fraud.

Stolen identity refund fraud occurs when a person, without permission, uses a legitimate taxpayer’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund. This tax fraud tops the Internal Revenue Service’s list Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2013.*

Alicia Haslett, 30, of Jackson, Rickey McDuffey, 36, of Jackson, and Johnny Coleman, 54, of Jackson, are charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiracy, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment alleges over $270,000 was stolen from the government as a result of this conspiracy.

Christopher Johnson, 31, of Hattiesburg, is charged in a twelve-count indictment with conspiracy, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.

Eric Sutton is charged in a fifteen-count indictment with conspiracy, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.

Erica Porter, 30, of Jackson, and Obadiah Herring, 36, of Terry, are charged in a sixteen-count indictment with conspiracy, theft of government funds, and aggravated identity theft.

Over the past seven months, 16 defendants have been indicted on charges related to stolen identity refund fraud. Multiple co-conspirators have been identified and charged related to the theft and use of identifying information from a local prison and also from a hospital facility. The stolen identities were used in the preparation and filing of fraudulent income tax returns.

Marietta Harris is a return preparer allegedly related to many of these schemes. Harris has been charged with Identity Theft, Conspiracy, and Theft of Public Funds. Co-Conspirators, Ladonna Cooper, Tony Jones, Nikki Thomas, Shekeila Jones, and S’ade Tyler have all entered guilty pleas to related charges. Co-conspirator Ciara Gooden has entered a guilty pea related to charges of Identity Theft and Theft of Public Funds.

Marietta Harris is also charged in an identity theft scheme along with Pamlia Johnson and Diandra Thomas. Harris, Johnson and Thomas have all entered not guilty pleas and are awaiting trial.

“Identity theft is a serious crime which exploits some of the most vulnerable members of our community. When combined with tax refund fraud, it threatens the financial security of our citizens,” said Gregory Davis, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. “This office will continue to work with the Internal Revenue Service, United States Secret Service, and
U.S. Postal Inspection Service to prosecute those who cause harm to the U.S. taxpayers and those persons whose identities are is stolen.”

“In recent months, 16 defendants have been indicted on charges related to identity theft in the Southern District of Mississippi,” stated Gabriel Grchan, IRS Special Agent in Charge of the
New Orleans Field Office. “These indictments are just the beginning of our pursuit of those who defraud the American taxpayer.”

“U.S. Postal Inspectors are responsible for protecting the sanctity of the nation's mail system. We remain resolute in our investigative efforts to bring those to justice who are responsible for fraudulently utilizing the U.S. Mail system in the furtherance of their schemes.
Make no mistake, those who choose this path will not get away with it,” said Keith Morris, Inspector in Charge, Atlanta Division.

These cases are investigated by the Jackson ID Theft Task Force which includes IRS
Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. They are handled by the Economic Crimes Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys
Scott Gilbert and Pat Lemon are in charge of the prosecutions.

If you believe that you or someone you know may have had a tax return filed under your name as the result of identity theft, please visit www.IRS.gov, call 1-800-829-1040 or visit your local IRS office for further information.

The public is reminded that the charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

*For an IRS press release on Dirty Dozen Tax Scams go to: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRSReleases- the-Dirty-Dozen-Tax-Scams-for-2013

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Gulfport, Miss. – Fred James Wheat Porterfield, 24, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was sentenced in federal court today to 39 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for conspiracy to submit false claims to the United States, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Supervisory Special Agent in Charge Brian Swords announced. Porterfield was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $139,671.29 to the U.S. Navy and he must complete 130 hours of community service during his term of supervised release.

On April 12, 2013, Porterfield pled guilty to conspiring with codefendant, Juan Saldivar, to submit false claims to the United States Department of Defense by falsifying various travel documents while they served in the Navy at the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Saldivar pled guilty to the charge on July 17, 2013 and will be sentenced on October 22, 2013.

This case was investigated by the NCIS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Gulfport, Miss. – Brian Scott Carlton, 43, of Vancleave, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to conspiracy to submit false claims to the United States, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Supervisory Special Agent in Charge Brian Swords announced.

Carlton admitted conspiring with others to submit false claims to the United States Department of Defense by falsifying various travel documents while serving in the Navy at the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 in Gulfport, Mississippi. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on October 31, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. and faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the NCIS and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth Morgan.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Jackson, Miss. – Two former law enforcement officers were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Tom S. Lee for theft of government funds and property.

Zach Robinson, a former Deputy with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, and Kent Daniels, a former Jackson Police Officer and Investigator for the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, were each sentenced to twelve months in federal prison. They were also ordered to pay joint restitution in the amount of $21,996.00.

In March, 2013, Robinson and Daniels pled guilty to robbing a motel room which they believed was being used by a drug dealer. They took $23,000 and seven iPads which had actually been placed in the room by the FBI.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Rushing and Mike Hurst.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Jackson, Miss. -- Larry Barnette Hill, 58, of Meadville, Mississippi, was sentenced in federal court today to 78 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for money laundering and bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen. Hill was also ordered to pay $1,243,703 in restitution to People’s Bank of the South.

From 2004 through 2012, while serving as CEO of People’s Bank of the South in Bude, Mississippi, Hill fraudulently withdrew money from the bank’s Payroll Clearing Account and deposited those funds into the bank accounts of his family members and into a “shell” bank account he created for his own use. He also used the bank’s credit card to pay personal expenses without the bank’s authorization and he used third-party checks issued in the name of People’s Bank for his own personal benefit including making payments on a personal loan at another bank.

Hill concealed his fraudulent activities by creating false general ledger tickets at the bank which appeared to be for bank expenses and inflating the bank’s budget each month in order to cover up his embezzlement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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Jackson, Miss – Two former employees of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) were sentenced in U.S. District Court on July 10, 2013, on wildlife-related charges, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Darrel Eugene Dew, a former MDWFP Conservation Officer, pled guilty to taking wild turkeys on federal lands in excess of the bag limit, and failing to submit National Wildlife Refuge User Information Cards on two separate occasions upon the taking and transporting of two white-tailed deer. He was fined $750 plus a $60 assessment fee, and he agreed to forfeit one Remington 870 Express Magnum shotgun, one compound bow, four eastern wild turkey fans, one nine-point white-tailed deer skull with antlers, one ten-point white-tailed deer skull with antlers, sixteen frozen eastern wild turkey feet and eight frozen eastern wild turkey beards.

Jason Thomas Kerr, a former MDWFP Area Manager, was found guilty of conspiring with Dew to commit offenses against the United States by failing to comply with the Sunflower Wildlife Management Area Daily Visitor User Permit Card requirements. Kerr was fined $500 plus a $10 assessment.

Both Dew and Kerr were placed on one year of federal probation which prohibits them from hunting anywhere worldwide, and they are both prohibited from entering any U. S. National Forest or U.S. National Wildlife Refuge for a period of two years.

This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Forest Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren LaMarca.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

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You can also fax information to:

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Jackson, Miss – Gurdy Farmer, Jr., 25, of Choctaw, Mississippi, pled guilty in federal court today to abusive sexual contact of a minor, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis announced. The offense occurred within the boundaries of the Tribal Lands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Farmer will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on September 19, 2013, and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Choctaw Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pat Lemon.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Jackson, Miss. – Ransel Keith Pryor, age 44, of Clinton, Maryland, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to serve 188 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. Pryor was also ordered to pay a fine of $17,500.00.

Pryor was charged as the result of a traffic stop on I-59 in Jones County, Mississippi, where he was found to be in possession of over five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pearl Police Department, and Jones County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

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Jackson, Miss. – Willie Earl Culley, of Jackson, was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U. S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen. He was also ordered to pay a $1500 fine.

Culley was indicted in connection with “Operation Paperchase”, an extensive investigation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in the City of Jackson. He pled guilty in November, 2012.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Gulf Coast HIDTA and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Chalk.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

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Hattiesburg, Miss - Moises Perez-Torales, 28 of Vera Cruz, Mexico was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to serve 24 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release for knowingly possessing and using a means of identification of another person, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis.

Perez-Torales, who was in the United States illegally, used a stolen social security number to create false documents to represent himself as a U.S. citizen to obtain employment.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Annette Williams.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

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Gulfport, Miss - Jarvis Romaine Bell, 33 of D’Iberville, Mississippi, was sentenced to 120 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. He was also ordered to pay a $5000 fine and forfeit a Springfield, 9mm pistol, model XDM9, and any ammunition.

Bell pled guilty to the charge on March 27, 2013.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Biloxi Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annette Williams.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

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Jackson, Miss. -- Robert Nikita Shegog, 40, of Terry, Mississippi, pled guilty in U.S. District Court today to bribery, U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen announced.
Shegog admitted that, while employed as a Narcotics Detective with the Jackson Police Department in 2010, he advised a Hinds County criminal defendant that he would assist him in getting a sentence reduction on an outstanding drug charge if he would pay Shegog $45,000.00.

Shegog will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate on September 12, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Rushing.

###

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of storm victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at:

(866) 720-5721

You can also fax information to:

(225) 334-4707

or e-mail it to:

disaster@leo.gov

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.

Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children.