Western District of Tennessee

Memphis, TN – Jeremy Edwards, 32, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for drug trafficking and possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on September 30, 2020, detectives with the Organized Crime Unit of the Memphis Police executed a search warrant at Jeremy Edwards' apartment. Pursuant to that search warrant, officers recovered two firearms, a Sig-Sauer P250C 9mm handgun and a Canik TP9 9 mm handgun, both of which were reported as stolen. The Sig-Sauer handgun was loaded with live rounds in a backpack belonging to Edwards. In that same backpack, in addition to the gun, officers found 166.6 grams of marijuana (total gross weight), two digital scales, mail in the name of Jeremy Edwards, and a silver pill press. The marijuana was submitted to TBI for testing and analysis. The substance tested positive for 77.90 grams of marijuana.

Upon further search of the apartment, officers recovered approximately $484 in U.S. currency from a pair of jeans, along with fentanyl powder inside two-dollar bills in the pockets. An additional scale and two additional pill presses were found in the apartment, along with a bottle of lactose, which is commonly used as a cutting agent for drugs.

Edwards had been previously convicted of aggravated robbery. As a result of his prior conviction, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On October 7, 2020, officers with the Organized Crime Unit of the Memphis Police Department, executed a second narcotics search warrant at the Edwards residence. Detectives found a clear bag along with other individual bags that contained a white powder and a brown powder inside of a Kleenex box on the headboard in the master bedroom. In addition, officers located a black digital scale in the headboard and approximately $834 in United States Currency. The recovered narcotics were submitted to TBI for testing and analysis. The brown powder tested positive for .31 grams Heroin. The white powder tested positive for 11.45 grams Fentanyl.

Edwards pled guilty to the above charges on June 9, 2021.

On October 29, 2021, U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Edwards to 97 months imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department, Organized Crime Unit.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Tavious Richards, 30, has been sentenced to 123 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, Tavious Richards had previously been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. While on release, Richards committed several violations, including unlawfully possessing yet another firearm.

On August 12, 2020, Memphis Police Officers identified Richards driving a black 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. Officers knew Richards had active arrest warrants. The Airways Task Force was contacted and responded to the scene. Officers initiated a traffic stop at Airways and I-240 where Richards was captured. While removing him from the vehicle, a handgun was visible. Also found in the vehicle was a backpack containing marijuana, pills, and a bottle of promethazine. The firearm, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, had previously been reported stolen in 2018.

Richards had been previously convicted of aggravated assault, as well as other charges. As a result of his prior convictions, Richards is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On April 15, 2021, a Federal Grand Jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee returned a one-count indictment against Richards for his August 12, 2020, gun possession charge. Richards entered a guilty plea to that indictment on June 16, 2021.

On October 8, 2021, U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Richards to 108 months in federal prison. His total sentence of 123 months incarceration will be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

On October 14, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Richards to 15 months incarceration for his supervised release violations, to be served consecutively to his sentence on his new indictment of 123 months in federal prison.

The Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – A Tennessee woman pleaded guilty today to fabricating discharge monitoring reports required under the Clean Water Act and submitting those fraudulent documents to state regulators in Tennessee and Mississippi.

According to court documents and information in the public record, DiAne Gordon, 61, of Memphis, Tennessee, was the co-owner and chief executive officer of Environmental Compliance and Testing (ECT). ECT held itself out to the public as a full-service environmental consulting firm and offered, among other things, sampling and testing of stormwater, process water, and wastewater.

Customers, typically concrete companies, hired ECT to take samples and analyze them in a manner consistent with Clean Water Act permit requirements. Gordon claimed to gather and send the samples to a full-service environmental testing laboratory. The alleged results were memorialized in lab reports and chain of custody forms submitted to two state agencies, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), to satisfy permit requirements. In reality, Gordon fabricated the test results and related reports. She even forged documents from a reputable testing laboratory in furtherance of her crime. Gordon then billed her clients for the sampling and analysis. Law enforcement and regulators quickly determined that Gordon created and submitted, or caused to be submitted, at least 405 false lab reports and chain of custody forms from her company in Memphis to state regulators since 2017.

Pursuant to the terms of her plea agreement, Gordon will pay $201,388.88 in restitution to the victims of her crime.

"By fabricating these reports, Gordon betrayed her position of trust and violated her responsibility to provide information critical to evaluating water quality for residents in Tennessee and Mississippi," said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment

and Natural Resources Division. "This prosecution shows the value of state and federal partnerships in investigating and prosecuting fraud and upholding the nation’s environmental laws for the good of public health."

"The Clean Water Act ensures that water quality is maintained throughout the United States," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. "Correct and accurate test results of discharges into rivers and stream and the honest reporting of those results to regulatory authorities are important parts of the Act’s regulatory framework. Without accurate test results and reporting of those results, the Clean Water Act will not work as Congress intended. Because honest reporting of this data is so important to the functioning of the Act, our office will vigorously prosecute individuals who falsely report test results."

"The defendant’s job was to help her clients remain in compliance with the Clean Water Act but instead she chose to falsify the required analytical testing under the Act for financial gain," said Special Agent in Charge Charles Carfagno of the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division’s (EPA-CID’s) Southeast Area Branch. "Today’s guilty plea illustrates the consequences of such criminal behavior and that EPA-CID will continue to vigorously investigate those that choose to violate our environmental laws."

Gordon pleaded guilty to knowingly and willfully making and using false writings and documents in a matter within the jurisdiction of EPA. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22, 2022 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

EPA-CID is investigating the case. MDEQ and TDEC provided invaluable assistance to federal law enforcement officers.

Trial Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean DeCandia of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

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Memphis, TN – Kolonji Warren, 24, and Kristopher Harris, 23, have pled guilty to carjacking. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting U.S. Attorney announced the plea today.

According to information provided in court, on July 17, 2019, the victim was seated inside his vehicle at the Pump and Munch gas station on East Shelby Drive in Memphis, TN. Warren and Harris drove Warren’s tan Jeep SUV to the gas station and pulled alongside the victim's vehicle.

One of the men pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the victim, firing one shot into the front passenger-side window of the vehicle. After the victim fled, Warren entered the victim's vehicle and drove away. One shell casing left at the scene was collected as evidence.

Video surveillance captured the suspect’s vehicle in the area and showed Warren enter the gas station prior to the carjacking. Part of the carjacking incident was also captured on video surveillance. During the investigation the defendants were all positively identified.

On October 22, 2021, both Warren and Harris pled guilty to the carjacking charge. Sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Tommy L. Parker on January 21, 2022, where the defendants face up to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and Greg Wagner are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government

Indictment MEMPHIS – A federal grand jury in Nashville, Tennessee, returned an indictment Friday charging Tennessee State Senator Brian Kelsey and a Nashville social club owner with violating campaign finance laws as part of an alleged scheme to benefit Kelsey’s 2016 campaign for U.S. Congress.

According to court documents, Kelsey, 43, of Germantown, and Joshua Smith, 44, of Nashville, conspired to and did secretly and unlawfully funnel what is commonly referred to as "soft money" from Kelsey’s Tennessee State Senate campaign committee to his authorized federal campaign committee. Kelsey and others also caused a national political organization to make illegal, excessive contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee by secretly coordinating with the organization on advertisements supporting Kelsey’s federal candidacy and to cause false reports of contributions and expenditures to be filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

The indictment alleges that Kelsey, Smith, and others orchestrated the concealed movement of $91,000 to a national political organization for the purpose of funding advertisements that urged voters to support Kelsey in the August 2016 primary election, and that the conspirators caused the political organization to make $80,000 worth of contributions to Kelsey’s federal campaign committee in the form of coordinated expenditures.

Kelsey and Smith are charged with conspiracy to defraud the FEC, illegally transferring "soft money" as a federal candidate and his agent, and illegally transferring "soft money" as a state officeholder and his agent. Kelsey is also charged with making excessive contributions to a federal campaign and accepting excessive contributions. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearances on Nov. 5 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffery S. Frensley of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorneys Mary Jane Stewart for the Middle District of Tennessee and Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney John Taddei of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Klopf of the Middle District of Tennessee and David Pritchard of Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.

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

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Memphis, TN – Today the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announced an agreement to resolve allegations that Trustmark National Bank engaged in lending discrimination by redlining predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Memphis, Tennessee. "Redlining" is an illegal practice in which lenders avoid providing services to individuals living in communities of color because of the race or national origin of the people who live in those communities.

"Enforcement of fair lending laws is a priority for the Civil Rights Division. Our fair lending laws enable us to hold banks and lenders accountable when they fail to serve communities of color in our country. Having fair access to mortgage lending opportunities is the cornerstone on which families and communities can build wealth," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division. "This settlement makes clear our commitment to ensuring equal access to lending opportunities for all communities, regardless of race or national origin."

"Home ownership," said Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, "is the foundation of economic success for most American families. Fair lending practices required by federal law - and the enforcement of those laws - ensure a better future for all Americans. Our office believes that enforcement actions of this type are essential to fair lending system that benefits everyone, and we will continue to prioritize these cases."

The parties’ proposed consent order was filed today in conjunction with a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. The complaint alleges that Trustmark National Bank violated the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibit financial institutions from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin in their mortgage lending services. The complaint also alleges that Trustmark National Bank violated the Consumer Financial Protection Act, which prohibits offering or providing to a consumer any financial product or service not in conformity with federal consumer financial law.

Specifically, the complaint alleges that, from 2014 to 2018, Trustmark engaged in unlawful redlining in Memphis by avoiding predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods because of the race, color, and national origin of the people living in, or seeking credit for properties in, those neighborhoods. The complaint also alleges that Trustmark’s branches were concentrated in majority-white neighborhoods, that the bank’s loan officers did not serve the credit needs of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, that Trustmark’s outreach and marketing avoided those neighborhoods, and that Trustmark’s internal fair-lending policies and procedures were inadequate to ensure that the bank provided equal access to credit to communities of color.

The department opened its investigation after one of Trustmark’s regulators, the OCC, referred the matter. Trustmark has fully cooperated in this investigation and amicably resolved the allegations.

"Trustmark purposely excluded and discriminated against Black and Hispanic communities," said Director Rohit Chopra of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). "The federal government will be working to rid the market of racist business practices, including those by discriminatory algorithms."

"The OCC has had a long history of strong partnership with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Civil Rights Division, referring potential fair lending violations and sharing our extensive examiner, economist and legal findings, as we did in the Trustmark matter," said Acting Comptroller of the Currency Michael J. Hsu. "Today’s announcement is important because it signifies the unified and unmitigated focus that each of our agencies has placed on the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Our collective efforts are critical to addressing the discriminatory lending practices that create and reinforce racial inequity in the financial system."

Under the proposed consent order:

• Trustmark will invest $3.85 million in a loan subsidy fund to increase credit opportunities for current and future residents of predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in the Memphis area; dedicate at least four mortgage loan officers or community lending specialists to these neighborhoods; and open a loan production office in a majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhood in Memphis.

• Trustmark will devote $400,000 to developing community partnerships to provide services to residents of majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in Memphis that increase access to residential mortgage credit.

• Trustmark will devote at least $200,000 per year to advertising, outreach, consumer financial education, and credit repair initiatives in and around Memphis.

• Trustmark will pay a total civil money penalty of $5 million to the OCC and CFPB.

• Trustmark already has established a Fair Lending Oversight Committee and designated a Community Lending Manager who will oversee these efforts and work in close consultation with the Bank’s leadership.

The Justice Department’s enforcement of fair lending laws is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Additional information about the Section’s fair lending enforcement can be found at www.justice.gov/fairhousing. Individuals may report lending discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online.

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Memphis, TN – A Tennessee physician was sentenced today in the Western District of Tennessee to 20 years in prison for his unlawful prescribing of opioids that caused the death of one of his patients.

According to court documents, Thomas K. Ballard III, 63, of Jackson, a medical doctor, owned and operated the Ballard Clinic, where he prescribed controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Among other things, Ballard engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with several female patients while he ignored red flags that they were abusing the medications he prescribed. These abuses were often reflected in Ballard’s own medical records.

Ballard’s unlawful prescribing to one patient led to her death. Ballard’s treatment records indicated that he believed the patient had psychiatric issues, overutilized medication, had engaged in manipulation, and fabricated personal trauma. The records also reflected that the patient had been incarcerated, received prescriptions elsewhere for Suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid dependency disorder, and that she had abnormal drug testing results, including because of what Ballard believed was tampering. Nevertheless, Ballard prescribed the patient hydrocodone repeatedly, including on May 28, 2015. She fatally overdosed on the prescription drug the following day. On June 23, 2021, Ballard pleaded guilty to one count of illegal drug distribution resulting in death.

"Today’s sentence reflects the gravity of physicians causing death by illegally prescribing opioids," said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "Loss of life is a tragic outcome of physicians like Ballard acting as drug dealers instead of doctors. Those responsible for fatal overdoses – especially those who are in positions of trust like Ballard – must be held accountable for their roles in the opioid epidemic. This serious criminal conduct requires serious consequences."

"With blatant disregard for the Hippocratic Oath, Ballard endangered his patients’ lives through illegitimate and reckless prescribing," said Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). "DEA tirelessly pursues the people responsible for flooding our nation with illegal drugs, to include doctors who misuse their positions for personal gain. Those who supply opioids illegally have one thing in common: they demonstrate total disregard for the lives and safety of those who live in our communities. DEA will continue to battle the U.S. opioid epidemic one case at a time, and today’s sentencing demonstrates our commitment to justice."

"Physicians are entrusted to care for patients and prescribe medically necessary medications. The death of a vulnerable woman exemplifies the devastating impact of Ballard’s disregard for his patients and profession," said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to hold accountable medical professionals whose illicit activities endanger the lives of patients in their care."

"It’s extremely disappointing to see a member of the medical community totally disregard his Hippocratic Oath," said Special Agent in Charge Terry Reed of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Medicaid Fraud Division. "Ballard put his patients at risk in order to satisfy his greed and will now spend time in federal prison for recklessly prescribing highly addictive and powerful opioids. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and its law enforcement partners will continue to expose the greed and deceit taking precedence over patient care."

The DEA, HHS-OIG, and TBI investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Drew Pennebaker and Emily Petro of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

The Fraud Section leads the department’s Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 federal districts, has charged more than 85 defendants who collectively are responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. The ARPO Strike Force is part of the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, which since March 2007 has charged more than 4,200 defendants who collectively have billed the Medicare program for more than $19 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

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Memphis, TN – Acting United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing that on October 23rd, DEA will hold its 20th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held at thousands of collection sites around the country. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.

With robust public participation, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.

Last October, DEA’s Take Back Day brought in a record-high amount of expired, unused prescription medications, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs. Over the 19-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. With studies indicating most abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.

"With more Americans dying from drug overdoses than ever before, DEA’s Drug Take-Back Day is one way that folks can help make their communities safer, simply by disposing of their unneeded or expired medications," said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, who heads the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. "We’re providing a safe and convenient way to help keep potentially harmful medications out of the wrong hands."

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Most prescription drug abusers say they get their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet. Take Back Day is a unique opportunity for Americans to protect their homes and medicine cabinets from theft and abuse.

Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one-way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.

Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com or by calling 800-882-9539.

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Memphis, TN – Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., along with stake holders in the Frayser Community announced the “Better Community Summit” effort to reduce violent crime throughout our city. Organizers and participants in initial summit include the Memphis Police Department, represented by Deputy Chief Paul Wright, Pursuit of God Transformation Center, represented by Pastor Ricky Floyd, and Charles Caswell, Executive Director of Legacy of Legends, CDC.

The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to reduce violent crime in Memphis and West Tennessee. To achieve this goal, the department has directed every U.S. Attorney’s Office to formulate a strategic plan designed to reduce violent crime. To that end, our office convened meetings with over 40 clergy leaders across the greater Memphis area to discuss violent crime and recommend possible solutions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Memphis Police Department, non-profit organizations, clergy leaders, and other community stakeholders are pleased to announce the first of five “Better Community Summits” will be held at The Pursuit of God Transformation Center, 3759 North Watkins Street beginning on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 10 a.m. The summit is tailored to address the needs of parents and children. Topics covered will include domestic violence prevention, gang talk, community conflict resolution, and de-escalation training.

Beginning in 2022, the remaining four workshops will be held quarterly in the areas of North Memphis; Whitehaven/Westwood; Hickory Hill/East Memphis and Orange Mound/South Memphis.

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Memphis, TN – Deeric Walton, 25, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentenced today.

According to information presented in court, on December 8, 2018, Memphis Police Department officers were searching for Deeric Walton at his residence on East Trophy Way. As officers announced their presence, they heard someone running throughout the apartment. Walton eventually answered the door, advising investigators that he was hiding guns. Law enforcement then transported the defendant to the MPD Homicide Office for a statement regarding a homicide.

A search warrant for his apartment revealed in the living room, a Lorcin .380 caliber handgun; in a bedroom, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm caliber firearm with a 30-round magazine, and a stolen Charles Daly 1911 .45 ACP caliber handgun; in another bedroom, an FNH USA 9mm handgun and a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. Walton was Mirandized and admitted to owning several of the handguns, having purchased all the guns "off the streets."

As a juvenile, Walton was previously convicted of a robbery and was prosecuted as an adult. As a result of his prior conviction, Walton is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. On November 19, 2020, a Federal Grand Jury in the Western District of Tennessee indicted the defendant for this offense. Walton pled guilty, May 20, 2021.

On October 5, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Walton to 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force investigated this case. The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Justice Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – After a four-day federal jury trial in June 2021, Antonio Johnson 44, Travis Jackson 37, and Shalundra Johnson, 39 were found guilty of kidnapping and multiple bank robberies. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentencing today.

According to information presented in court, on September 14, 2018, at approximately 2:15 a.m., an employee of Trustmark Bank on Elvis Presley Blvd., got off work from her second job and arrived home. As the victim walked into her home, a male with a firearm grabbed her and pushed her inside of the residence. The victim was zip-tied and taken to the bank to complete the robbery where approximately, $73,400 was taken. Travis Jackson’s DNA was recovered from the zip-ties used to restrain the victim.

On December 7, 2018, at approximately 7:18 p.m., an employee of the First Tennessee Bank on Elvis Presley Blvd arrived home from work. While in her driveway, an unknown male wearing a mask approached her vehicle. The unknown male forced the victim at gunpoint to the passenger seat of her vehicle and drove her to a location near the bank. The victim was then zip-tied and taken to the bank to complete the robbery; approximately, $110,435 was taken. Again, Travis Jackson’s DNA was recovered from the zip-ties used to restrain the victim and from other zip-ties recovered from the scene. Travis Jackson’s cell phone records placed him at the bank at the time of the robbery. Cell phone records also placed Antonio Johnson at the scene of the victim’s house and at the bank at the time of the kidnapping and the robbery. A tracking device was placed on the victim's vehicle for the gunman to determine where she lived.

On April 4, 2019, at approximately 6:15 p.m., an employee of First South Financial Credit Union on East Shelby Drive, arrived at her home in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Armed men entered the victim’s home, zip-tied the victim’s hands, and demanded keys to the bank.

The victim, along with her three-year-old child, were then forced into her personal car and driven away. Eventually, the victim was taken to the bank for the robbery.

Approximately, $425,000 was taken in the robbery. Shalundra Johnson placed a tracking device on the victim's vehicle for the gunmen to determine where the victim lived. Cell phone records, tracking device information, and evidence recovered from the respective defendant’s residences proved the involvement of the defendants in the robbery.

United States District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced each defendant. Travis Jackson was sentenced on September 3, 2021, to a total of 544 months (45.3 years) in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. Antonio Johnson was sentenced on September 24, 2021, to 432 months (36 years) to be followed by three years supervised release. Shalundra Johnson was sentenced on September 1, 2021 to 140 months (11.6 years) imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

"These sentences should send a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners make it a priority to bring to justice those who resort to bank robbery and kidnapping for ill-gotten financial gains," said Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Douglas M. Korneski. "Violent crimes will not be tolerated, and law enforcement will not rest, until offenders are caught, prosecuted and held accountable for their actions."

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Memphis Police Department, Desoto County (MS) Sheriff’s Department and Horn Lake, MS Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marques Young and Kevin Whitmore prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Carlos Jones, 20, has been sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for his role in a carjacking, committing the carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentenced today.

According to information presented in court, on July 13, 2018, at approximately 9 p.m., the victim J.M. was washing his 2013 Volkswagen Passat at a local carwash on Holmes Road when approached by two suspects, both of whom pointed firearms and demanded his vehicle. The victim said one of the suspects pointed a gun at him from behind and said, "Get the hell away from the car and go."

Surveillance video showed the suspects entered the carwash in a white vehicle, exited the vehicle and approached the victim. Footage captured the victim's vehicle leaving the carwash, followed by the suspect's vehicle. The victim's vehicle was tracked by GPS and later recovered from an apartment complex in Southaven, Mississippi.

Fingerprints belonging to co-defendant Angelo Bunting, 22, were recovered from the interior of the vehicle. The victim positively identified both co-defendants as the suspects responsible for the carjacking. Bunting was previously sentenced to 20 years for this carjacking, as well as others.

On September 23, 2020, Jones entered a guilty plea to the charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

On September 23, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Norris sentenced Jones to 90 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

The Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – Kelvin Seymour, 36, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in court, on December 15, 2018, Memphis Police Officers responded to an aggravated assault on Jones Road. The victim informed law enforcement of the recent assault by Kelvin Seymour. Further, the victim stated that Seymour borrowed her car and refused to return it. Upon entering the car, the victim was forced to drive around for hours as Seymour became irate. He pulled an unknown black handgun from his waistband and made multiple threats to kill her, while striking her several times in her face.

Officers located Seymour in the passenger seat of the victim's car. The victim advised officers Seymour hid the gun under the center console, subsequently, where officers recovered a black Ruger .380 caliber pistol.

Seymour is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of four felonies and several misdemeanor convictions. The defendant was on probation for a 2016 conviction of aggravated assault to a police officer when this crime occurred.

On September 7, 2021 the defendant pled guilty.

This case is set for sentencing on January 5, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris where he faces up to 10 years imprisonment, to be followed by no more than three years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Israel Urbina, 26, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a contraband. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, Urbina, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Memphis, Tennessee, was serving a 51-month sentence for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell.

On June 23, 2019, Urbina stabbed two fellow inmates. Both victims sustained injuries and were transported to Regional One Hospital. The weapon used in the assault, half of a broken pair of scissors measuring 7 inches, was recovered from the inside of a trash can located outside of Urbina’s cell.

On March 16, 2021, Urbina pled guilty to the charges in the indictment.

On August 30, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced the defendant to 51 months imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Jackson, TN – Dustin Via, 42, of Medina, Tennessee has been sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute over 5 grams of actual methamphetamine. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on May 31, 2019, agents with the 28th Judicial Drug Task Force were completing the execution of an arrest warrant at Via's residence in Medina, Tennessee for his March 29, 2018 sale of six grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Gibson County. During the search, agents found 34 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and six ecstasy pills. The methamphetamine was sent to the DEA laboratory which confirmed that the substance was 100 % pure methamphetamine. Via had $780.oo on his person and he was subsequently placed into custody.

Via admitted to law enforcement that he did not have a legitimate job and that he sold methamphetamine for income. He further admitted that the $780.00 came from his sale of illegal narcotics. At the time of this offense, Via was also on state probation for two felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell.

On May 6, 2021, Via pled guilty to the one-count indictment in this case charging him with possessing with the intent to distribute over 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1).

On August 11, 2021, U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Via to 92 months' imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the West Tennessee Judicial Violent Crime & Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Michael Shane Rogers, 37, of Ripley has been found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on August 6, 2018, an ATF Special Agent received information from a confidential informant that Rogers—who was on probation—illegally possessed a firearm as a convicted felon at his house in Lauderdale County.

On August 9, 2018, ATF Special Agents and several Lauderdale County Sheriff's Officers went to the residence on Curve Nanikpoo Road in Ripley, Tennessee. Before law enforcement could reach the door, Rogers came out of the house and stated that he knew why they were there and that he had the "same the thing as last time." (This admission referred to his 2011 arrest for possession of marijuana with intent and a firearm.) Rogers gave written consent to search the property and signed a Miranda waiver.

Investigators found an unloaded .22 caliber rifle behind the front door and .30-06 ammunition in the living room in a nightstand drawer. During a recorded statement, Rogers acknowledged possessing the firearm and ammunition. After being transported to the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, Rogers gave a second interview acknowledging that he was a convicted felon and possession of the firearm and ammunition. He concluded the interview with "I guess I'm going to federal prison. I had the gun in the house. I knew the risk. It was mine."

As a result of his prior felony conviction, Rogers is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, where Rogers faces up to 120 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean G. Hord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Calkins are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

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Memphis, TN – Jacobly Whitehead, 27, of Greenwood, Mississippi, has pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the plea today.

According to information presented in court, on February 10, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered Cricket Wireless on S. Third Street at approximately 5:50 p.m., pointed a black handgun at employees, and demanded money from the cash registers. Taking approximately $1,700, he then fled the scene.

On February 22, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered the Metro PCS on S. Third Street at approximately 6:30 p.m., where he struck an employee with a black handgun and demanded money from the cash registers. He stole a firearm from an employee and approximately $2,000 and fled on foot. The suspect matched the description of the suspect of the robbery on February 10, 2020. The businesses were located within walking distance.

On March 17, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered the Cricket Wireless on S. Third Street at approximately 9:30 a.m., pointed a black handgun at employees, and demanded cash from the register. While leaving the store, Whitehead struck an employee in the head with his pistol. He fled in a red Chevrolet Equinox which had several unique markings and visible features.

On March 31, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered the Metro PCS on E. Shelby Drive at approximately 4:00 p.m., wearing a facemask and the same clothing as the suspect in the March 17, 2020 robbery. He pointed a black handgun at the employees, took approximately $800 from the register, and fled the scene in a red Chevrolet Equinox, with several similar unique markings. Prior to the robbery, the suspect entered the Dollar General behind the Metro PCS with his face uncovered and was captured on surveillance video.

Officers with MPD's Safe Streets Task Force located a possible suspect vehicle owned by a woman who lived on Court Street. This address was within walking distance of the first two robberies. Investigators researched the woman’s husband, identified as Jacolby Whitehead who also matched the description given by many of the robbery victims.

Surveillance conducted at their residence showed Whitehead driving the red Equinox. Further, law enforcement executed a search warrant for the vehicle and the residence. They recovered clothing similar to that described by the witnesses and seen on surveillance video. Whitehead was Mirandized and admitted to all four of the robberies.

Whitehead pled guilty on July 21, 2021.

Sentencing is scheduled on October 28, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, where Whitehead faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years on each of the firearms counts and up to 20 years on the robbery counts. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – Shane Sonderman, 20, of Lauderdale County has been sentenced to sixty months in federal prison for participating in a group whose swatting call led to the death of a grandfather in Sumner County, Tennessee, last April. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, from at least July 2018 through May 2020, Sonderman conspired with others throughout the United States and other countries to extort the holders of unique Instagram and Twitter handles by "swatting" them—a harassment technique that involves deceiving emergency services dispatchers into sending police and emergency SWAT or response teams to the unwitting third party’s residential address when no actual emergency exists. Sonderman and his coconspirators did this to extort their targets into giving up control of their social media identifiers or "handles" so they could be sold to others. The group also sent harassing text messages and ordered unpaid-for food to be delivered to their targets’ homes.

On April 27, 2020, SWAT teams were called to the Sumner County, Tennessee, residence of Mark Herring, the holder of the Twitter handle @Tennessee. The caller alleged that he had shot a woman in the head there, and she was dead. First responders arrived and found Herring on his porch and with guns drawn, ordered him to approach with his hands in the air. Herring suffered a fatal heart attack before anyone on the scene knew the call was a hoax. Sonderman obtained personal information about Herring and his family and posted those details to a chat platform online where one of his coconspirators could go to obtain it and use the information to place a plausible call to emergency services.

Another victim, a resident of Oregon, was tormented when emergency services were sent to the Ohio residence of her parents and she subsequently received anonymous text messages on her phone that read "did your parent’s (sic) enjoy the firetrucks?" and "i (sic) plan on killing your parents next if you do not hand the username on instagram over to me." Desirable handles can be sold for thousands of dollars.

Many law enforcement agencies around the country participated in this investigation, including the FBI Field Offices in Memphis, Tennessee, and Akron, Ohio, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Sumner County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Joshua Henley, 32, of Evansville, Indiana, has been indicted for using three minors to create sexual abuse material and for transporting a minor interstate to engage in criminal sexual activity. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the indictment today.

Henley served as pastor of the Holladay Church of Christ in Holladay, Tennessee, and as a girls’ basketball coach at Holladay Elementary School (K-8) from approximately 2017 through March 2021. He previously held similar positions in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, and was working as a youth pastor in Indiana until his arrest.

Henley is charged with four counts of producing child sexual exploitation material and one count each of transporting and possessing such materials; one count of transporting a minor interstate to engage in criminal sexual activity; and one count of sending obscene material to a minor under sixteen.

If convicted on all counts, Henley could face up to 160 years in federal prison. The case, number 1:21-cr-10064, is pending before Chief Federal District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson, Tennessee. There is no parole in the federal system.

The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, with technical assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Anyone with additional information on this or other cases involving sexual exploitation of minors is asked to contact investigators at the FBI Resident Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, or the Sheriff’s Office in Benton County.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

Assistant United States Attorney Debra Ireland is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Caery Gorman, 45, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between April and June 2018, agents with the DEA and ATF were investigating Gorman as a heroin and methamphetamine supplier here in the Western District of Tennessee, as part of a larger investigation into the Grape Street Crips Street Gang. Agents utilized a Confidential Informant in conjunction with an Undercover Agent (UCA) on three separate occasions to purchase heroin, methamphetamine and firearms directly from Gorman.

On April 26, 2018, the UCA arranged to purchase ICE ("methamphetamine") from Gorman at his home. This substance tested positive for methamphetamine with a weight of 77 grams. Further testing at the DEA lab, confirmed it was methamphetamine with a 98% purity. The second buy, on June 5, 2018, the UCA met again at Gorman’s home in Memphis to purchase 178 grams of suspected heroin for $3600 and a Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol for $450. On June 14, 2018, the UCA purchased 85 grams of suspected heroin for $2400 and 4 guns- a S&W .40 caliber, a 7.62x39 mm AK style pistol, and two Taurus .380 caliber pistols. The guns were confirmed to be manufactured outside the state of Tennessee and therefore traveled in interstate commerce.

Gorman is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On April 13, 2021, the defendant pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine (50 grams or more) as well as being a convicted felon in possession of multiple firearms on two separate occasions.

On July 22, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Gorman to 121 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Cox prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Jackson, TN – Delvion "DJ" Beard, 20, of Jackson, Tennessee, has been indicted for the federal offenses of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the indictment today.

According to the indictment, on November 9, 2020, two victims were at a local gas station in Bolivar, Tennessee, when Beard, along with accomplices, Quadarius Greer, 19, and Bryson Townsley, 19, took their vehicle, an Audi A4 by force, violence and intimidation, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.

On June 14, 2021, a grand jury seated in the Eastern Division of the Western District of Tennessee, returned a two-count indictment charging Beard, Greer and Townsley with carjacking and with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking.

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation of this case. Several Law enforcement agencies worked together to bring the defendants to justice. Thanks to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for taking the case," said City of Bolivar Police Chief Michael Jones.

If convicted of the carjacking offense, the defendant faces sentence up to 15 years imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. If convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence offense, the defendant will face an additional mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years imprisonment; $250,000 fine and five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals Service, Bolivar Police Department, Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department.

Trial Attorneys Sam Loeiro and Jared Hernandez with the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary L. Parham of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Memphis, TN – Jaime Walsh, 53, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for one count of bank fraud in connection with a scheme perpetrated against over 100 entities, most of which were nonprofits. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between June 2013 and March 2019, Walsh defrauded various organizations including charities, churches, nonprofit environmental entities, and the Peace Corps. Walsh would, for example, make an online donation of $4500 to an organization. He would then contact the organization, claiming he intended to donate only $45, and ask for a refund of $4455. The organization would issue the requested refund and Walsh would immediately withdraw the money from his account.

Meanwhile, the original donation made by Walsh would be rejected due to insufficient funds and the targeted organization would suffer a complete loss of the refunded amount. Walsh attempted to defraud victims of $863,736.69. He succeeded in defrauding victims of $241,397.33.

On March 2, 2021, Walsh pled guilty to bank fraud.

On July 20, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Walsh to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Walsh was also ordered to pay restitution to victims in the amount of $203,840.70. A money judgment for $241,397.33 was entered against Walsh.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Tennessee Highway Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, and the Peace Corps Office of the Inspector General.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Eric Cole, 22, Edward Brown, 26, Daterious Gipson, 20, and Warren Guy,22, have been sentenced to a total of 433 months in federal prison for carjacking and firearm offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentences today.

According to information presented in court, on September 30, 2018, Memphis Police were flagged down by a man near Hudson Street. The victim, S.G., had been robbed and his vehicle taken on Powell Avenue. The victim stated he provided a ride to an individual in exchange for gas money. Upon arriving at the address on Powell, the suspect opened his passenger door and pretended to give the victim the gas money. At that time, three additional suspects surrounded the victim's car. As the victim fled on foot, one suspect fired multiple shots at the victim. Cole, Brown and Gipson were positively identified by the victim from a photo line-up.

• February 28, 2019, Cole, Brown, and Gipson were indicted for the carjacking and brandishing and discharging firearms during a crime of violence in the Western District of Tennessee.

• October 16, 2019, Daterious Gipson pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.

• November 14, 2019, Edward Brown pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.

• December 17, 2019, Eric Cole pled guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during the carjacking.

Further investigation revealed Warren Guy as an additional suspect. Guy was indicted on January 20, 2020 in the Western District of Tennessee. On March 25, 2021, he pled guilty to possession of a firearm during the carjacking.

On October 20, 2020, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Brown to 100 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Cole was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Gipson was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. On July 15, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Guy to 60 months imprisonment to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Ollie Stephenson, 55, of Germantown, Tennessee, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for submitting false documents to the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).

According to information presented in court, Louise’s Learning Tree Daycare Center in Memphis, Tennessee was a participant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP), which was administered by TDHS. Stephenson, the daycare’s former director, submitted a fictious Regions Bank statement and a fictitious US Food invoice which reflected a non-existent food purchase during a TDHS audit conducted in April and May 2020.

On April 14, 2021, Stephenson pled guilty to a one-count criminal information.

On July 15, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Stephenson to a year and a day in federal prison and a three-year period of supervised release. Stephenson was also ordered to pay $375,158.80 in restitution to TDHS. There is no parole in the federal system.

"Today’s sentence serves not only as just punishment for this defendant but also as notice to others who seek to prey on feeding assistance programs used to feed vulnerable populations," said Jason M. Williams, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. "This collaborative effort with our state and federal partners demonstrates that wherever you are, we will find you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

"This fraud is coming to light thanks to the vigilance and hard work of multiple public entities who recognized something was wrong and began looking into it," said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. "Tennesseans expect their tax dollars to be used to help the people that need them, not individuals seeking to take advantage of the system for their own gain."

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Special Investigations Unit of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Ronald Freeman, 39 has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of marijuana and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between August 2020 and September 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted a criminal investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Ronald Freeman. This investigation was initiated through Operation LeGend, an initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to fight violent crime. Operation LeGend was first launched on July 8, 202o in Kansas City, Missouri and announced in Memphis on August 6, 2020.

ATF Special Agents utilized a confidential informant to conduct approximately 7 controlled purchases resulting in receiving two firearms and narcotics from Freeman. Each transaction was audio and video-recorded and completed under ATF supervision.

On March 24, 2021, the defendant pled guilty.

On July 9, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Freeman to 120 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Jesus Navarrate, 48, a Mexican citizen, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in February 2009, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee returned a one count indictment charging Navarrate with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846.

The investigation into his drug trafficking organization began in September 2007. The organization was found to be responsible for importing approximately 1,950 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the Western District of Tennessee utilizing vehicles with hidden compartments. Navarrate was extradited from Mexico to the Western District of Tennessee to face charges.

In November 2020, the defendant pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 450 kilograms or more of cocaine.

On June 28, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Navarrate to 240 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. This prosecution is part of an investigation conducted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations and organized criminal enterprises, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Floyd Wallace, 34, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on July 4, 2019, Memphis Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord for an expired Mississippi license plate. The driver had a revoked driver’s license for failure to satisfy fines/costs/taxes on a prior criminal conviction.

The front seat passenger, later identified as Floyd Wallace, attempted to flee the vehicle but was quickly detained by officers. Wallace then told officers that he had a gun in his pocket. Officers also retrieved from Wallace’s person, a Taurus 9mm pistol, loaded with six live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber; one bag of marijuana; and a digital scale.

At the time of the stop, Wallace had outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants. With three prior violent felony convictions, two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated assault, Wallace was determined to be an Armed Career Criminal and sentenced to the mandatory minimum of 15 years. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Wallace, a member of the Travelling Vice Lords gang, was on probation for aggravated stalking and aggravated assault at the time of this offense.

On June 24, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wallace to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The (PSN) Program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – A Tennessee physician pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Tennessee to causing the death of one of his patients through his illegal prescribing of hydrocodone.

According to court documents, Thomas K. Ballard III, 63, of Jackson, owned and operated the Ballard Clinic, from which he issued prescriptions for dangerous, addictive controlled pharmaceutical drugs without any legitimate medical purpose. Ballard engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with several female patients while he ignored red flags that they were abusing the medications he prescribed. These abuses were often reflected in Ballard’s own medical records.

Ballard’s treatment records reflected that he believed that a particular patient had psychiatric issues, and that she was abusing her medication, fabricating personal trauma and tampering with drug screens. The records also reflected aberrant drug screens and notations about the patient’s incarceration and receipt of prescriptions elsewhere for suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid dependency disorder. In spite of that history, Ballard prescribed the patient hydrocodone repeatedly, including on May 28, 2015, when Ballard issued her the prescription for the hydrocodone on which she fatally overdosed.

"Today’s plea is a somber reminder of the human cost of illegal prescribing," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "Above all, physicians are trusted not to harm their patients. When opioid addictions are fueled at the hands of predatory prescribers, death is all too often the result. The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to hold such prescribers accountable."

"This case represents Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Division’s commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic plaguing our state, exposing fraudulent health care

schemes, and holding offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct," said Special Agent-In-Charge Terry L. Reed Sr. of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

"Ballard has proven himself to be nothing more than a predator in a white lab coat, and he should expect to be punished accordingly," said Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA’s Louisville Division. "Doctors take an oath to first do no harm, and instead, Ballard chose to put his own licentious interests above his patients’ well-being."

"Ballard’s callous disregard for the well-being of his patients and the principles of his profession caused the death of a vulnerable woman and put other lives at risk," stated Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "The damage he caused is severe and irreparable. HHS-OIG, alongside other law enforcement agencies, works to pursue medical professionals who inflict harm on patients in their care."

Ballard pleaded guilty to a count of illegal drug distribution resulting in death. He will be sentenced to 20 years in prison, the statutory mandatory minimum, on Sept. 21, if the court accepts his plea agreement. A federal district court judge will determine any non-incarceration aspect of Ballard’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The TBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Jason Knutson, Drew Pennebaker, and Emily Petro of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

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Memphis, TN – Courtney Freeman, 31, a/k/a Quatney Freeman has been sentenced to 154 months in federal prison for armed carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on September 25, 2018, Freeman approached a man sitting in a 2011 GMC Acadia at the Jubilee Express gas station on North Watkins. When Freeman tapped on the glass, the victim rolled the window down; Freeman then pointed a handgun at him and said, "Get out the car or I’ll blow you away." He immediately exited the car and Freeman entered the vehicle and drove away.

The victim ran to his home a few blocks away, called law enforcement, and reported his car stolen. Police responded and he informed them that his cell phone, wallet with credit cards, social security card, $260 in cash and a Ruger .380 pistol were all in the car at the time. Law enforcement later recovered security camera footage from the store, which confirmed the victim’s description. The victim identified Freeman to law enforcement as the person who carjacked him. Officers put out a stolen vehicle report.

The next day, September 26, 2018, Memphis Police found the stolen car on St. Charles Street. The vehicle was then towed and processed by a crime scene officer. Investigators found 7 pieces of paper with ridge detail, which were then forwarded to latent print examiners, who determined some of the prints belonged to Courtney Freeman.

Agents with the National Insurance Crime Bureau examined the VIN of the 2011 GMC Acadia and concluded the vehicle was manufactured outside the state of Tennessee.

The defendant pled guilty on September 1, 2020.

On June 15, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Freeman to 154 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), National Crime Insurance Bureau and the Memphis Police Department.

U.S. Attorneys Raney Irwin and J. William Crow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Two former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) Correctional Officers were sentenced today for assaulting an inmate in violation of a federal civil rights statute.

Nathaniel Griffin, 31, and Tanner Powell, 24, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison plus three years of supervised release. These are the final sentencings arising out of a staff assault of an inmate inside a cell in the Mental Health Unit at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Four other former officers previously pleaded guilty in this case and were sentenced in federal court.

"When correctional officers abuse their authority, they erode the public’s trust in law enforcement and that is unacceptable," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "No correctional officer is above the law and the Justice Department will not tolerate any civil rights violations. We are committed to ensuring all correctional officers keep federal prisons safe and secure and that they carry out their duties with the utmost integrity."

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee will continue to prioritize the criminal prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. "Our goal is to ensure that everyone – no matter who they are or standing in the community – is treated in accordance with the requirements of the US Constitution by public officials."

"When correctional officers abuse their authority and harm inmates, it not only violates our civil rights laws, it undermines the criminal justice system as a whole," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "These sentences

should send a clear message that the FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect."

In 2019, Griffin and Powell both pleaded guilty using unlawful force while acting under color of law. In connection with their guilty pleas, Griffin and Powell admitted that they punched the inmate, identified in the charging documents by initials R.T., after he had already been beaten by another officer. They further admitted that they punched R.T. even though he never posed a threat to them or the other correctional officers. In total, R.T. was punched more than 30 times by officers. All three officers who assaulted R.T. ultimately pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Field Office of the FBI with the support of the TDOC, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

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Memphis, TN – After a two-day trial, a federal jury has convicted Carl Clarke, 31, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on June 3, 2018, officers with the Dyersburg Police Department reported to a residence on Cumberland Street after receiving information that Clarke was at that address and had active arrest warrants.

Officers found Clarke and three others seated in the residence with a loaded Black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm handgun on the coffee table. Clarke was arrested on the active warrants and waived his Miranda rights. Officers asked if the handgun was his and he replied, "Yeah, that’s my gun."

Clarke is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of attempted aggravated robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson where, if found to be an Armed Career Criminal, he faces not less than 15 years imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Dyersburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christie Hopper and Hillary Parham are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Benard Okorhi 42, of Lagos, Nigeria, has been sentenced to serve 75 months in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that used compromised email accounts to steal from businesses and romance scams on internet dating sites to trick individuals into wiring money overseas. The scheme is estimated to have cost residents of the U.S. approximately $8 million dollars. The total scheme is estimated to have netted over $10 million worldwide during criminal enterprise’s five-year lifespan. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Okorhi and others, some U.S. citizens, some residents of Ghana and Nigeria--created fake profiles on online dating services to entice people looking for companionship into fraudulent relationships. Once the victim was fully involved, the scammers would develop elaborate storylines that always required the victim to send financial assistance to his or her beloved. The group also compromised the email networks of many businesses, redirecting wires intended to pay for services or goods to bank accounts under the control of the scammers. The money was subsequently moved through a number of bank accounts before ultimately being sent to Africa.

Okorhi, Maxwell Peter, and Babatunde Martins were arrested overseas and extradited to the United States for prosecution. Several of their alleged co-conspirators remain at large, including Dennis Miah, Sumaila Hardi Wumpini and Okorhi's brother Victor Okhori. Ayodeji Ojo has been arrested in Nigeria and is awaiting extradition.

On June 11, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Okorhi to 75 months in federal prison. The following individuals have been found guilty by a jury or entered pleas of guilty for their part in the scheme: Babatunde Martins of Nigeria, time served (approximately 3 and a half years); Maxwell Peter of Ghana, 55 months; Olufolajimi Abegunde of Atlanta and Nigeria, 78 months; Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso of California and Mexico, 31 months; Rashid Abdulai of New York and Ghana, 12 months;

Dana Brady of Washington, two years' supervised release: James Dean of Indiana, two years' probation; Marie Zamora of Utah, two years' probation; Edchae Caffey, 18 months' probation; and Ahmed Alimi, 14 months' probation.

The FBI led the investigation. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of Attorney General, and Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office.

Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.

For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.

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Memphis, TN – Alfonzo Mitchell, 48, has been sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on November 9, 2018, detectives from the Memphis Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Busby Avenue. On the top floor in the northwest bedroom, detectives recovered a baggie containing ammunition, a green box of ammunition, a black digital scale, a black magazine with ammunition, and a box of plastic bags. Also, in the same bedroom, detectives recovered more ammunition on top of a dresser, along with a green leafy substance in a plastic bag.

In the kitchen, detectives recovered 3 glass beakers commonly used in making crack cocaine, as well as 2 scales commonly used for weighing narcotics. Detectives also located a blue ‘La Choy’ jar container with a hidden compartment in the bottom which had a plastic bag containing several smaller plastic bags filled with a white powder consistent with cocaine.

In the downstairs living room, detectives recovered a brown bag filled with assorted ammunition, a box of plastic baggies, a plate with a razor and white powder residue, a black Samsung Galaxy Cellular Phone, a gray scale, a box of clear plastic baggies, and a clear jar with a green leafy substance inside. Detectives also recovered a Norinco 7.62X39 caliber rifle and four boxes of ammunition from a closet in the living room. The rifle was loaded with one live round in the chamber and several rounds in the magazine.

In the downstairs northwest bedroom, detectives recovered a hard-white substance in medicine bottles, a green leafy substance in approximately six mason jars, and a pill bottle containing 12 pills. The pills were identified as Oxycodone. Mitchell was unable to provide a prescription. In the same bedroom, detectives also recovered a Strum, Ruger and Co.9 mm caliber pistol. The serial number had been obliterated. Detectives recovered in the downstairs northwest bedroom, a "Planters Peanut" container filled with several plastic baggies filled with a green leafy substance. Alonzo Mitchell had $220 in cash on his person.

Alfonzo Mitchell gave a written statement claiming all narcotics and firearms in the house belonged to him. When asked why he possessed the firearms, the defendant stated, "You have to be ready to go to war if something jumps off." Mitchell also admitted that he sold the marijuana, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine from his residence on Busby Avenue.

On March 12, 2021, Mitchell pled guilty.

On June 9, 2021, U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Mitchell to 106 months in federal prison to be followed by a three-year supervised release term. There is no parole in the federal system.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Billy Drain, 38, has pleaded guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in court, on February 24, 2020, the victim, J.K., advised that a male suspect who he knew as "Eric" asked him for a ride. The victim recognized Eric as the brother of a friend who had recently passed away. The suspect was accompanied by an unknown female. The victim drove the suspects to various locations in Memphis, when they decided to carjack the victim. The male suspect pulled out a silver 9mm handgun and pointed it at the victim and said, "mane get out the car right now or I'll kill you." The suspects drove off with his car, a silver 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, his phone, and house keys.

On March 15, 2020, officers and deputies in Yazoo City, Mississippi, observed Drain, (who was known to them to have outstanding warrants), driving a silver 2008 PT Cruiser. They engaged in a vehicle pursuit, when Drain attempted to ram the police vehicles. Ultimately, Drain crashed the vehicle and ran towards a nearby house. Once inside the home, Drain grabbed a 1-year-old baby, holding the baby hostage as the police attempted to arrest him. Drain was holding the baby by the throat and a cell phone to the baby's head, as if the phone was a weapon. Law enforcement safely recovered the baby and subdued Drain.

The vehicle Drain wrecked was determined to be the same vehicle stolen from the victim J.K. who later identified Drain as the suspect. Drain's full name is Billy Voneric Drain. Charges in Mississippi against Drain are still pending.

On June 9, 2021, Drain entered a guilty plea to both charges in the indictment.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth J. Rogers and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – After a four-day federal jury trial, Antonio Johnson 44, Travis Jackson 37, and Shalundra Johnson, 39 have been found guilty of kidnapping and multiple bank robberies. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the conviction today.

According to information presented in court, on September 14, 2018, at approximately 2:15 a.m., an employee of Trustmark Bank on Elvis Presley Blvd., got off work from her second job and arrived home. As the victim walked into her home, a male with a firearm grabbed her and pushed her inside of the residence. The victim was zip-tied and taken to the bank to complete the robbery where approximately, $73,400 was taken. Travis Jackson’s DNA was recovered from the zip-ties used to restrain the victim.

On December 7, 2018, at approximately 7:18 p.m., an employee of the First Tennessee Bank on Elvis Presley Blvd arrived home from work. While in her driveway, an unknown male wearing a mask approached her vehicle. The unknown male forced the victim at gunpoint to the passenger seat of her vehicle and drove her to a location near the bank. The victim was then zip-tied and taken to the bank to complete the robbery; approximately, $110,435 was taken. Again, Travis Jackson’s DNA was recovered from the zip-ties used to restrain the victim and from other zip-ties recovered from the scene. Travis Jackson’s cell phone records placed him at the bank at the time of the robbery. Cell phone records also placed Antonio Johnson at the scene of the victim’s house and at the bank at the time of the kidnapping and the robbery. A tracking device was placed on the victim's vehicle for the gunman to determine where she lived.

On April 4, 2019, at approximately 6:15 p.m., an employee of First South Financial Credit Union on East Shelby Drive, arrived at her home in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Armed men entered the victim’s home, zip-tied the victim’s hands, and demanded keys to the bank. The victim, along with her three-year-old child, were then forced into her personal car and driven away. Eventually, the victim was taken to the bank for the robbery.

Approximately, $425,000 was taken in the robbery. Shalundra Johnson placed a tracking device on the victim's vehicle for the gunmen to determine where the victim lived. Cell phone records, tracking device information, and evidence recovered from the respective defendant’s residences proved the involvement of the defendants in the robbery.

Travis Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2021. Jackson was convicted of three counts of bank robbery, three counts of firearm possession, one count of kidnapping an adult, and one count of kidnapping a child. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum of 41 years in federal prison.

Both Antonio Johnson and Shalundra Johnson are scheduled to be sentenced September 8, 2021. Antonio Johnson was convicted of two counts of bank robbery, two counts of firearms possession, one count of kidnapping of adult, and one count kidnapping of a child. Johnson faces a mandatory maximum sentence of 34 years imprisonment. Shalundra Johnson was convicted of one count of bank robbery and one count of kidnapping of an adult. Shalundra Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Memphis Police Department, Desoto County (MS) Sheriff’s Department and Horn Lake, MS Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marques Young and Kevin Whitmore prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Cecilio Gonzalez-Espino, 31, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for unlawful reentry into the United States and for illegally possessing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on August 11, 2020, in Memphis, agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement located the defendant with a loaded firearm in his vehicle. On August 20, 2020 Gonzalez-Espino was indicted for being an alien in possession of a firearm and illegally reentering the United States after removal.

Gonzalez-Espino is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of multiple felony methamphetamine charges in 2011 in California. As a result of his prior conviction and alien status, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

"HSI works to keep our communities safe by removing violent criminals and deadly weapons from our streets," said Jerry C. Templet, Jr, special agent in charge, HSI Nashville.

On June 2, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Gonzalez-Espino to 30 months imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He also faces deportation after completion of his sentence of confinement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Bruce Matthews, 28, has been sentenced to 137 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between November 2019 and January 2020, undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), began a criminal investigation of Matthews during several controlled purchases of firearms and methamphetamine transactions.

Matthews is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of aggravated assault and criminal attempt rape of a child. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On February 5, 2021, Matthews pled guilty.

On May 20, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Matthews to 137 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Jackson, TN – Having been found guilty following a 3-day jury trial in September 2020, William Farrell Russell, 47, has now been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for possession and distribution of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of children under twelve years of age. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, investigators with the Faulkner County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Department learned that a user of an instant messaging service was distributing child pornography under the screen name "funfortaboo." Between July 1 and July 7, 2016, funfortaboo distributed to the undercover investigator’s images of child sexual abuse. The Faulkner County, Arkansas investigators and members of the FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force for the Western District of Tennessee, identified "funfortaboo" as William Farrell Russell, who was then living in Cedar Grove, TN.

On July 28, 2016, members of the FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force executed a search warrant at Russell's Cedar Grove home, and recovered the cellular telephone that Russell used to distribute the child sexual abuse materials. On that telephone and in an online cloud storage account, Russell possessed hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse, including the images that he distributed to the undercover officers under the screen name funfortaboo.

That same day, Russell waived his Miranda rights and admitted to using the cellular telephone to send images of child sexual abuse.

On May 18, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Russell to 262 months in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force and Faulkner County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Allen and Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Joshua Beason, 26, has been sentenced to 293 months in federal prison for committing multiple business robberies and brandishing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2019, Beason and two co-defendants robbed multiple Memphis-area gas stations in what was described in court as a "night of terror."

At approximately 1:10 a.m., Beason and co-defendant 1 approached a store clerk outside of the Mapco Express on Raleigh Millington Road, armed with semi-automatic handguns with extended magazines. They threatened the clerk, forced her inside, and removed money from the register.

Less than an hour later, the suspects proceeded to the Murphy Express on Summer Avenue. Beason and co-defendant 2 placed a handgun to the side of a store clerk, forced him inside the store, and threatened the lives of both store clerks. They then took money from the register and fled the scene.

Approximately thirty minutes later, the suspects robbed the Exxon on Summer Avenue. As Beason and co-defendant 2 entered the business, the clerk ran to the back of the store. While running, he heard Beason and co-defendant 2 yell "don't move or I will shoot" and "shoot, shoot." The group removed the cash drawer and fled the scene.

Minutes later, the suspects participated in a home invasion in the 2000 block of West Barbara Circle. The resident, as well as the co-defendants were shot. All three survived. Beason and his co-defendants were apprehended at a local emergency room.

On November 2, 2020, Beason pled guilty to three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

On May 14, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Beason to 293 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Beason's co-defendants are scheduled for trial in July 2021.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Linda I. Williams, 52, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing false tax returns for various taxpayers in the Memphis area. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the guilty plea today.

According to the information presented in court, Linda I. Williams, former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax examiner, prepared fraudulent returns seeking refunds for taxpayers and who, in some cases, directed part of the refunds as compensation to herself without the taxpayers’ knowledge. The false returns included fabricated deduction in order to claim higher refunds. Williams claimed over $500,000 in false deductions for these taxpayers.

Williams is also accused of failing to report any of her return preparation income on her own returns and sought to have taxpayers lie to investigating Treasury and IRS-CI Agents concerning her receipt of return preparation income.

Williams was a Tax Examiner of the Internal Revenue Service at the time of the alleged fraudulent activity and was under an obligation to truthfully report income received on her own income tax return.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. On February 25, 2021, Williams was charged with filing ten (10) false tax returns. She faces up to three years in federal prison for this offense and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean DeCandia is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Charo Stone, 43, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for bank robbery. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on July 10, 2019, a man entered the First South Financial Credit Union on Winchester Road, wearing a white polo shirt and carrying a blue folder. He then approached a teller's window with a note that read "Gun, No Dye Pack, All 50s and 100s." The teller complied and provided $8,150 in cash. The suspect placed the money in the blue folder and fled the scene.

The robber was described on video surveillance as a black male, medium build, 5’5’’ with facial hair and a goatee and mustache combination. Photographs from the robbery were shown by media outlets.

On July 11, 2019, a crime stoppers tip identified Charo Stone. The teller identified Stone as the robber in a 6-person lineup. Stone confessed to committing the robbery to law enforcement.

The Memphis Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated this case.

On May 11, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Stone to 46 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Crow and Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Cody Davis, 29, has been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on December 21, 2018, the victim, J.G., was asleep in his vehicle in the parking lot of a business on White Station Road, when the suspect approached him and pointed a gun. The suspect took the victim's cell phone, ordered him out of the car, told him to walk around the corner, and then drove off with the victim’s Audi A4. The armed robbery was captured on surveillance video.

The Audi A4 was recovered several days later. In the vehicle was a cell phone that did not belong to the victim. Fingerprints on the cell phone belonged to Davis.

On January 4, 2019, detectives conducted surveillance at the defendant’s residence. While there, detectives observed Davis depart the residence and enter a vehicle. Davis disregarded several traffic signals and was stopped by law enforcement. Detectives recovered a tan Century Arms 9mm pistol under the driver's seat, loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition.

The defendant later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to being a convicted felon, committing the carjacking, and possessing the firearm found in his vehicle.

Further investigation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that the Century Arms 9mm caliber pistol and the Audi A4 were manufactured outside the State of Tennessee.

As a result of his prior felony convictions, including robbery and aggravated burglary, Davis is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. Further, Davis' prior convictions qualified his status as a Career Offender.

Davis pled guilty on August 19, 2020.

On May 12, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Davis to 262 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department – Violent Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

"This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation," said Attorney General Garland. "I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude."

"Police officers," said Acting United States Attorney Murphy, "are our Nation’s first line of defense when it comes to the safety of our local communities. We should always remember that when an emergency arises, police officers are usually among the first people we call and the first people to arrive on the scene to provide assistance. Our community is safer because of their efforts."

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the Western District of Tennessee, three officers died in the line of duty.

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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Memphis, TN – A former Tennessee Correctional Officer was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison and two years supervised release for conspiring to cover up the beating of an inmate and for persuading other officers to provide false information to investigators.

On May 7, Tommy Morris, a former Corporal with the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to federal offenses arising out of the assault of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the facility. Morris is the third officer to be sentenced.

"The defendant, as a supervisory correctional officer, watched other officers assault a vulnerable inmate and then he guided these officers in their efforts to cover up their criminal conduct," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who commit civil rights violations and those who conspire with their fellow officers to obstruct the ensuing criminal investigation."

"The civil rights statutes are there to protect the Constitutional rights and freedoms of everyone," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. "Our office will prosecute those who violate these laws, regardless of the victim’s status and those who attempt to cover up these crimes."

"This sentence should send a clear message that the FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of those in his care and custody," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "It undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement officers when a correctional officer violates the civil rights of an inmate whose safety he is charged with."

On Nov. 24, 2020, Morris pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the beating of R.T. and to knowingly encouraging correctional officers to provide investigators with false and misleading information.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the TDOC, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

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Memphis, TN – Anthony Benson, 41, of Somerville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in June 2016, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in Memphis, Tennessee, conducted an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Anthony Benson. Agents learned that Benson stored and trafficked cocaine out of a residence located in Somerville, Tennessee. Based upon this information, investigators began making undercover buys from Benson and other family members.

In August 2020, Benson pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21 United States Code Section 841.

On May 6, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Benson to 151 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release, based upon his career offender classification.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Tennessee Highway Patrol Criminal Investigation Division and the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – A former Tennessee correctional officer was sentenced Friday to two years in prison and two years of supervised release for his involvement in a staff assault of an inmate.

Jonathan York, a former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) Officer at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, was sentenced April 30. During the federal investigation, six former TDOC officers ultimately pleaded guilty to federal offenses arising out of the assault of the inmate and the cover up that followed. York is the second of the six to be sentenced.

"The defendant was held accountable for abusing his power and for violating the public’s trust in him as a correctional officer," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department is committed to vigorously prosecuting all who commit civil rights violations."

"The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the prosecution of criminal civil rights violations committed by corrections officers, who have a responsibility to treat those in their custody in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution and federal civil rights statute," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., for the Western District of Tennessee. "This case is an example of that commitment."

"This sentencing should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Foster of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "Law enforcement officers or any other government employees who abuse their authority and use unlawful force will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. The FBI will always work to bring to justice those who violate the civil rights of others."

On June 9, 2020, York pleaded guilty to using unlawful force while acting under color of law and conspiring to cover up the incident. With his guilty plea, York admitted that, on Feb. 1, 2019, he and other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit. Inside the cell, York asked a fellow officer to cover the surveillance camera and he then punched R.T. Although R.T. did not pose a threat to the officers, York punched R.T. approximately 30 times. York then stood by and watched as two other correctional officers punched R.T. After the assault of R.T., York spoke with other correctional officers and they conspired to tell a false cover story about what happened to R.T.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the TDOC and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

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Memphis, TN – Omar Fair, 31, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the guilty plea today.

According to the information presented in court, on April 20, 2019, at 3:30 a.m., Memphis Police officers received a "man down" call at Walnut Grove and Humphreys Blvd. The officers and paramedics approached the vehicle and knocked repeatedly on the windows. When Fair awoke, he saw the officers and sped away in the vehicle. As the officers attempted to chase him, Fair struck two other vehicles and crashed in the median.

Again, the officers approached Fair; he got out of the car, smelled of intoxicants and spoke incoherently. The defendant was detained. Law enforcement inventoried his vehicle prior to towing and recovered a Rossi .357 Magnum revolver from the driver's side door. Fair was on probation.

Fair had previously been convicted of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor domestic violence involving physical injury, as well as three prior DUI charges. As a result of his prior convictions, Fair is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, where he faces up to ten years in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.

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Memphis, TN – Albert "GEE GEE" Green, 25, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the verdict today.

According to the information presented in court, on May 30, 2019, at 5:20pm, detectives with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit were conducting surveillance in the area of East Shelby

Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, when they observed wanted suspect Albert Green aka "GEE GEE," a well-known high-ranking member of the Grape Street Crips Peda Roll Mafia Gang. Green, who was observed at a local gas station in a Silver Mercedes C320, attempted to drive away from the pump with the gas nozzle still attached to his vehicle in order to avoid arrest. Green was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrant.

A search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger 9mm caliber pistol loaded with one live round in the chamber and approximately seven live rounds in the magazine under the driver’s seat, and fifty-six (56) white pills identified as 2mg Alprazolam located in the glove compartment. The name on the prescription bottle had been deleted. Green also had $4,762.00 in cash in his left front pocket.

Green had a purple bandana tied to his jeans indicating his membership in the Grape Street Crips Gang. At the time of his arrest, Green was on state probation for sale of cocaine.

As a result of his prior felony convictions for the sale of cocaine, Green is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On April 21, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Green to 97 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, the Shelby County Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Tennessee Department of Probation and Parole.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Matthew Berry, 42, of Eads, Tennessee has been sentenced to 220 months in federal prison for child exploitation offenses. Acting United States Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on June 25, 2019, an undercover operative with the Michigan City (Indiana) Police Department who was investigating child exploitation found a computer that was making child sexual abuse material (CSAM) available over the internet. Based on the IP address, the officer determined the computer was in the Western District of Tennessee and alerted the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force.

A search warrant was executed at the Bells, Tennessee, residence of Matthew Berry, who was at the time, a Crockett County Sheriff’s Deputy. Berry admitted to investigators that he had been obtaining and viewing child sexual abuse material for "a long time." Forensic examination of Berry’s digital devices confirmed that Berry had been seeking out CSAM since at least 2002. The investigation also revealed that Berry surreptitiously took photographs of the buttocks of females (adults and minors) in public places and had a sexual relationship with a minor during his time as a law enforcement officer. Berry previously worked as an officer in Halls, Ripley, Maury City, and Brownsville.

The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Crockett County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan City (Indiana) Police Department investigated this case.

On April 23, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Berry to 220 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Jackson, TN – Louis Morris, 69, was charged April 12, 2021, with preparing false returns through his business L&L Tax Service. Acting United States Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the indictment today.

According to the indictment, from 2015 to 2018 Morris executed a scheme to prepare false returns for clients which included fabricated deductions in order to claim higher refunds.

Morris is also accused of filing his own false return for several years, reporting a false filing status and inflating expenses from his tax preparation business in order to claim a higher refund.

Morris appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Jon York on April 22, 2021.

The charges and allegations contained in indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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