Western District of Tennessee

Memphis, TN – The Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has received multiple reports that individuals claiming to represent the Department of Justice are calling members of the public as part of an imposter scam. The Department strongly encourages the public to remain vigilant and not to provide personal information during these calls, which appear to target the elderly.

Reports to the National Elder Fraud Hotline indicate these scammers falsely represent themselves as Department of Justice investigators or employees and attempt to obtain personal information from the call recipient, or they leave a voicemail with a return phone number. The return phone number directs users to a recorded menu that matches the recorded menu for the department’s main phone number. Eventually, the user reaches an "operator" who steers the user to someone claiming to be an investigator. That "investigator" then attempts to gain the user’s personal information.

"Phone scams are an ugly and pervasive act of victimization. The scams being reported to our National Elder Fraud Hotline are especially heinous because they show the perpetrators are preying upon one of the most vulnerable segments of our society – the elderly," said OVC Director Jessica Hart. "As if this were not despicable enough, the scammers do so posing as employees of the Justice Department, usurping public trust in the agency that serves as a bastion of fairness and lawfulness while these scams exploit the elderly for financial gain. The first step to identifying these criminals is to have their crimes reported."

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Those who target the elderly will receive the full attention of our office and law enforcement officials in West Tennessee. We will work with our senior citizens to empower them with knowledge and awareness so that they can defend themselves from these fraudulent phone scams."

Those who receive these calls are encouraged not to provide personal information and to report these scams to the FTC via their website or by calling 877–FTC–HELP (877-382-4357). Fraud can also be reported to the FBI for law enforcement action at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/report-fraud.

The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a resource created by OVC for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older. Reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible, and within the first 2–3 days, can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open seven days a week. For more information about the hotline, please visit https://stopelderfraud.ovc.ojp.gov/.

###

 

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that a total of 302 arrests have been made by local and federal law enforcement officers so far as part of Operation LeGend.

Between August 6 and September 8, 2020, federal and local law enforcement agencies in the Operation LeGend Task Force have worked cooperatively to arrest 106 people on new state and federal charges. Ninety of those arrests were for state charges and 16 of the arrests were for federal violations.

In addition to the 106 arrests, several seizures were made during Operation LeGend activities. The seized items include:

• 85 firearms;

• 6.3 kilograms of methamphetamine and 4 kilograms of heroin; and

• $191,645 in U.S. currency.

The seizure of the firearms is significant since the available information demonstrates that firearms are used in a high percentage of murders and aggravated assaults committed in Memphis.

In the first month of Operation LeGend in Memphis, a total of 16 defendants have been charged with new federal crimes:

• 9 defendants have been charged with federal firearms violations;

• 4 defendants have been charged with violating federal drug laws; and

• 3 defendants have been charged with federal violent crimes such as bank robbery, carjacking, and the robbery of a business engaged in interstate commerce.

Illustrative federal cases include the following examples:

United States v. DeQuan Johnson - DeQuan Johnson, of Memphis, was charged on August 25, 2020, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a drug user. According to the charging document, in January 2020, the ATF assisted the USMS with the arrest of Johnson, who was wanted by police for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on November 24, 2019.

It is alleged that on November 24, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers responded to a shooting in which victims reported that two men approached the back porch of their residence and began firing shots into the residence, which was filled with 12 people. One of the victims reported hearing approximately 15 gunshots coming from the back of the residence, and local police subsequently collected 15 spent cartridge casings from the scene. The investigation led to Johnson, who was positively identified by one of the victims.

On January 22, 2020, members of the USMS Fugitive Task Force made contact with Johnson at his residence in Memphis. During a protective search of Johnson’s home, law enforcement located a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol; an extended magazine containing 20 .40 caliber rounds of ammunition; and marijuana. Because Johnson had active warrants out for his arrest, he was taken into custody.

United States v. Robert Michael Durham- The defendant in this case committed a series of robberies on July 30, 2020, and is charged with robbing the City of Memphis Credit Union. In addition, Durham, as set out in the federal criminal complaint, confessed to robbing the credit union and attempting to rob a CVS Pharmacy, two nurses at a local hospital, and a second bank. Durham, who has a prior federal conviction for bank robbery, was apprehended on August 5, 2020, in Southaven, Mississippi, where he was also charged with driving a stolen vehicle and drug-related charges.

United States v. Jarvis Warren - Warren was wanted on outstanding warrants for carjacking, aggravated robbery and extortion. When officers tried to arrest him, he was driving a stolen BMW. Warren eventually crashed into a fire hydrant and was arrested. He was found to be in possession of a stolen handgun loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, marijuana, and digital scales. Warren was charged with federal narcotics and firearms offenses.

Also, as part of the Operation LeGend effort nationally, an emphasis has been placed on arresting individuals who have outstanding arrest warrants for violent crimes. This effort has resulted in the arrest of 196 fugitives on pending warrants by the USMS since July 15, 2020, including 47 individuals wanted for homicide charges and 36 identified gang members apprehended in the Memphis area.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Operation LeGend is leveraging our collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, and is already making a difference in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis. With these new arrests, federal charges, and seizures, we are interrupting the shooting cycle, holding dangerous offenders accountable, reducing violent crime rates, and ultimately saving lives. As violent gun crime and homicide spike up, we will meet that threat with urgency to attack the real violent crime drivers in our community: gangs, guns, and drugs."

Operation LeGend, which began in Memphis on August 6, 2020, is a sustained, systematic, and coordinated national law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in 9 American cities with increased violent crime rates, including Memphis.

As part of Operation LeGend, Attorney General Barr has directed the ATF, FBI, DEA, HSI and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to significantly increase resources into Memphis to help state and local officials fight high levels of violent crime, particularly homicide, aggravated assault, and gun violence. Local agencies participating include the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office. The ultimate goal of Operation LeGend is to reduce violent crime through focused and aggressive enforcement of state and federal laws, including federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime statutes.

The details contained in the cases above are merely allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

 

Memphis, TN – Ronald Johnson, 30, has pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in Court, on March 11, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers observed a grey BMW on Yale Road near Ramill with a missing headlight and conducted a traffic stop. Officers could smell marijuana coming from the vehicle and asked both the driver and the passenger to step out of the vehicle. Law enforcement searched Johnson, and found a small amount of marijuana in his pocket. Johnson was detained.

After searching the vehicle, officers found in the glovebox, a black Sig Sauer P938 9mm handgun loaded with one live round in the chamber and six rounds in the magazine. Further investigation revealed the weapon had been reported stolen out of West Memphis, Arkansas. The driver, Johnson's girlfriend, advised she recently purchased the vehicle, but was out of town the previous weekend and that Johnson had been driving the vehicle.

As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping, Johnson is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On September 9, 2020, Johnson pleaded guilty to knowingly possessing this gun after having previously been convicted of felony offenses. Sentencing is set before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker on December 10, 2020, where the defendant faces up to 10 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.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "A stolen firearm in the hands of a violent felon threatens everyone. There is a good reason that federal law prohibits and punishes such illegal gun possession, and this conviction resulting in prison with no parole will help to reduce violent crime in Memphis."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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. Project Guardian is a new DOJ initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country by focusing on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.

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.

###

 

Memphis, TN – At a press conference in Chicago today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced updates on Operation LeGend.

Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 2,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 588 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. In addition, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has seized 587 firearms, more than 1.2 kilos of heroin, and more than five kilos of methamphetamine; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized almost 70 kilos of methamphetamine, more than 16 kilos of heroin, more than 7 kilos of fentanyl, more than 12 kilos of cocaine, 268 firearms, and approximately $5.19 million in drug proceeds; the FBI has recovered 241 weapons; and the United States Marshals Service have recovered 169 firearms and made 1810 arrests, including 163 for homicide and 120 for sexual assault.

In Chicago, there has been a 49% decrease in homicides in the first four weeks of the operation, when compared to the four weeks prior to the operation’s launch. In fact, between April 2020 and the end of July 2020, Chicago was experiencing a steady and distressing increase in fatal shootings, which precipitously declined in August.

The Attorney General launched Operation LeGend on July 8, 2020, as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The initiative is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.

Launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, the operation was expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district is below.

Kansas City, MO.

113 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.

- 34 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 68 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 11 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Chicago, Ill.

120 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.

- 31 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 85 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Albuquerque, NM.

45 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.

- 17 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 6 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Cleveland, OH.

66 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.

- 41 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 22 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Detroit, MI.

58 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below.

- 29 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 26 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Milwaukee, WI.

16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.

- 2 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 12 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 2 defendant has been charged with other violent crimes.

St. Louis, MO.

123 defendants have been charged with federal crimes.

- 54 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 53 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 16 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Memphis, Tenn.

16 defendants have been charged with federal offenses.

- 4 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 9 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 3 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

Indianapolis, Indiana

31 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below.

- 10 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- 17 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and

- 4 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.

***

Each weekday, the Department of Justice will highlight a case that has resulted from Operation Legend. Today’s case is out of the Western District of Tennessee. Operation Legend launched in Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020, in response to the city facing increased homicide and non-fatal shooting rates.

United States vs. DeQuan Johnson

"Prohibited persons in possession of firearms or ammunition, such as convicted felons, persons with histories of domestic violence, and unlawful users of illegal narcotics present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee. “Operation Legend is leveraging our collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, and is already making a difference in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis by interrupting the shooting cycle and holding trigger-pullers accountable. As long as this indiscriminate and senseless violence rules the streets, we will use the resources of Operation Legend and the authority of federal charges to incapacitate these community predators, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives."

DeQuan Johnson, of Memphis, was charged on Aug. 25, 2020, with unlawful possession of a firearm by a drug user.

According to the charging document, in January 2020, the ATF assisted the U.S. Marshals Service(USMS) with the arrest of Johnson, who was wanted by police for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault stemming from a shooting incident that occurred on Nov. 24, 2019.

It is alleged that on Nov. 24, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers responded to a shooting in which victims reported that two men approached the back porch of their residence and began firing shots into their home, which was filled with 12 people. One of the victims reported hearing approximately 15 gunshots coming from the back of the residence, and local police subsequently collected 15 spent cartridge casings from the scene. The investigation led to Johnson, who was positively identified by one of the victims.

On Jan. 22, 2020, members of the USMS Fugitive Task Force made contact with Johnson at his residence in Memphis. During a protective search of Johnson’s home, law enforcement located a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol; an extended magazine containing 20 .40 caliber rounds of ammunition; and marijuana. Because Johnson had active warrants out for his arrest, he was taken into custody.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Background on Operation Legend

President Trump promised to assist America’s cities that have been plagued by violence. In July, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Operation Legend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative across all federal law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime in cities across America that were experiencing an uptick in violence. Operation Legend is named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed on June 29th in Kansas City, Missouri, while asleep in his home.

Operation Legend was launched in Kansas City, Mo., on July 8, 2020, and expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020; to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020; to St. Louis and Memphis on Aug. 6, 2020; and to Indianapolis on Aug. 14, 2020. As part of Operation Legend, Attorney General Barr has directed federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, DEA and ATF to surge resources to these cities to help state and local officials fighting violent crime.  The Department of Homeland Security is also contributing agents to these efforts in St. Louis. Since its inception, Operation Legend has yielded more than 2000 local, state, and federal arrests, with approximately 476 defendants charged with federal crimes.

 johnson_daquan_memphis_complaint_.pdf

Memphis, TN – Clinton Towles, 39, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, on April 28, 2019, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Memphis Police Officers responded to an aggravated assault call in the 600 block of Pearce Street. A victim advised that an unknown male was intoxicated and beating on her mother's vehicle parked on the street and when she confronted the suspect, he threatened to shoot her and pointed a revolver at her and other family members.

When officers arrived on the scene, a person matching the suspect's description was walking nearby the house. Officers searched him and found a revolver in his waistband along with 6 spent shell casings. The victims immediately recognized the person as the suspect who pointed the gun at them. The defendant initially gave the police his name as Curtis Gilchrease. When the officers discovered Towles gave false identification, he advised law enforcement that he used his uncle’s name because he was a convicted felon.

As a result of his prior felony convictions including reckless aggravated assault, and several misdemeanor convictions for domestic assault involving bodily injury, Towles is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On February 21, 2020, Towles pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

On September 3, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Towles to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Towles is also charged with aggravated assault in state court, and that case is still pending.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Based upon his prior criminal history, Towles has demonstrated his propensity for violence. Under our PSN and Project Guardian initiatives, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. Clearly, this recidivist had no hesitation in committing another violent crime with a firearm, and he will now be rightly punished and removed from the community for 5 years."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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. Project Guardian is a new DOJ initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country by focusing on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.

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.

###

Memphis, TN – Daniel Moore, 33, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on January 28, 2019, at approximately 10:58 PM, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call at a McDonald’s restaurant on Houston Levee road.

The restaurant manager observed a male, later identified as the defendant Daniel Moore, exiting a light blue Toyota Camry appear to have a seizure. According to the manager, Moore left the doors to the vehicle open and there appeared to be a child in the backseat with no coat, socks or shoes. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed the Toyota Camry occupied by a crying four-year-old female child in the rear-driver seat. The child was later released to the custody of her grandmother.

Officers also observed a non-responsive adult female, 31, in the front driver’s seat. Law enforcement extracted her from the vehicle and administered CPR and Narcan, at which time she started to breathe.When paramedics arrived on the scene, she was transported to Regional One for medical treatment. She was later arrested for the felony offense of child abuse and neglect; however, that charge was dismissed in state court.

Shortly thereafter Moore entered the McDonald’s restaurant and inquired about his daughter and wife. He admitted to law enforcement on body worn camera footage that he and the adult female had just ingested heroin. Officers asked if he had any more heroin in the vehicle. Moore answered "no." Officers also asked Moore for oral consent to search his vehicle, and he gave consent.

Deputies recovered five boxes (100 rounds) of 5.56 ammunition in the glove compartment, which he was attempting to sell. Officers also recovered a used syringe, a spoon containing a small-dirty cotton ball, an electronic scale and a kit containing cotton, alcohol swabs, and tourniquets.

Moore is a prohibited person with eight prior felony convictions and a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On June 1, 2020, Moore pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. On September 3, 2020, Judge Lipman sentenced Moore to 30 Months imprisonment followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms or ammunition, such as convicted felons, persons with histories of domestic violence, and unlawful users of illegal narcotics present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. This is exactly the type of dangerous offender that needs to be held accountable for the safety of the community."

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office 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.

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

###

Memphis, TN – Courtney Freeman, 31, has pleaded guilty in federal court to armed carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in Court, on September 25, 2018, J.P. was fueling his 2011 GMC Acadia at the Jubilee Express gas station on North Watkins Drive.A young male that J.P. did not know, later identified as the defendant Courtney Freeman, approached J.P.’s vehicle and tapped on the glass. J.P. rolled the window down. Freeman then pointed a handgun at him and said, "get out the car or I’ll blow you away." J.P. immediately exited the car. Freeman entered the vehicle and drove away. Police later recovered security camera footage from the store, which confirmed the victim’s description.

J.P. 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. 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.

The victim then identified Courtney Freeman to law enforcement as the person who carjacked him.

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, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on December 9, 2020, where Freeman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Forcibly taking an automobile by brandishing a firearm violently victimizes vulnerable citizens, and is only millimeters away from a homicide. This is another instance where brazen behavior yields brutal consequences for both victims and offenders. As long as this indiscriminate and senseless violence rules the streets, we will use federal prison to punish and control these community predators, one by one."

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney J. William Crow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Christopher Tomlinson, 32, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on March 16, 2018, Memphis Police Department officers were on routine patrol at Rayburn Street and East Waldorf Avenue, when they observed a red Honda Accord parked more than twelve inches from the curb facing southbound with the driver’s side door fully open on to traffic. Tomlinson quickly exited the vehicle, and officers exited their squad car and told Tomlinson to stop while identifying themselves as police officers. Tomlinson did not stop; he fled on foot.

Officers observed Tomlinson holding a black and green gun in his right hand as they continued to give verbal commands to drop the gun and to stop. Officers located and detained Tomlinson behind a house on Patton Street. While searching Tomlinson, he attempted to pull away and run from the officers.

Later, an anonymous citizen advised law enforcement that Tomlinson threw something in the window of an abandoned house on Patton Street. Officers looked through the window of the house and observed a black and green gun, covered in mud, laying on the floor. Officers recovered a Springfield Armory 9mm caliber pistol. The gun was loaded with one live round in the chamber. Also recovered from the Honda Accord was a clear plastic baggy containing a green leafy substance and two scales from the front passenger seat. The green leafy substance tested positive for 0.8 grams of a total gross weight for marijuana.

On the morning of March 2, 2020, the day his jury trial was to begin, the defendant pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated robbery and felon in possession of a firearm, Tomlinson is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. Further, Tomlinson was on supervised release status at the time of this new federal firearms offense.

On August 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Tomlinson to 63 months imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and this defendant continued to possess a firearm despite his prior violent felony conviction history and supervised release status. This gun-toter has clearly not learned his lesson, and will now be rightly punished and removed from our streets for 5 years."

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.

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

###

Memphis, TN – Devin Baker, 31, an armed career criminal, has pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in Court, on June 4, 2019, Memphis Police Department officers responded to an overdose death call on Shelby Oaks Drive. Upon their arrival, law enforcement determined that the Narcan used on K.P., was unsuccessful, and she died of an overdose of several drugs, including heroin and methamphetamine.

From June 5-11, 2019, detectives conducted surveillance and witnessed Baker selling drugs from a room at a local motel and conducted multiple hand to hand transactions. On June 11, 2019, Baker was stopped and searched, and had methamphetamine and marijuana in his pocket. After Baker was detained, detectives executed a search warrant on the motel room and recovered several guns, including a stolen gun, 22 pills, digital scales, and another bag of methamphetamine. Personal property belonging to Baker was also recovered, indicating he was living in the motel room.

After being taken into custody, Baker waived his Miranda rights and provided a written statement to detectives. Baker admitted to lodging at the local motel, confirming that the guns were in the room, that he sold drugs out of the room, and admitted to the hand to hand drug transactions.

As a result of his prior felony convictions, including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, and being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun, Baker is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

The defendant pled guilty on August 26, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on December 2, 2020, where Baker faces a sentence of up to 20 years for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 5 years and up to a possibility of a life sentence for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "This defendant’s prior conviction history demonstrates his disrespect for the law and his imminent danger to the public. Baker presented a triple threat of serious bodily injury and death: a prior violent convicted felon in possession of multiple firearms while distributing highly addictive and deadly substances on the streets. Career offender+guns+drugs=a federal conviction that will remove him from our community and save lives."

The Memphis Police Department’s Heroin Overdose Response Team (HORT) 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 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.

###

Memphis, TN – A Ghanaian citizen residing in Tamale, Ghana, has been extradited to stand trial for an indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.

On Aug. 23, 2017, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee indicted Maxwell Peter, 27, whose given name is Maxwell Atugba Abayeta, and others with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. Following his extradition, Peter’s initial appearance was made Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton for the Western District of Tennessee.

The indictment alleges that various Africa-based co-conspirators committed, or caused to be committed, a series of intrusions into the servers and email systems of a Memphis-based real estate company in June and July 2016. Using sophisticated anonymization techniques, including the use of spoofed email addresses and Virtual Private Networks, the co-conspirators identified large financial transactions, initiated fraudulent email correspondence with relevant business parties and then redirected closing funds through a network of U.S.-based money mules to final destinations in Africa. Commonly referred to as business-email compromise, or BEC, this aspect of the scheme caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to companies and individuals in Memphis. The defendant is specifically alleged to have directed the transfer of funds from a June 2016 BEC to a co-conspirator in Africa.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Frauds perpetrated through the Internet cause significant financial harm to businesses and individuals in our District and throughout the United States. Because those committing Internet fraud often involve foreign nationals and others who hide behind technology, the cases are difficult – but not impossible – to investigate. With this extradition, this foreign defendant will now face justice in an American courtroom here in Memphis."

In addition to BEC, the defendant is also charged with perpetrating romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams and credit card scams. The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams. The defendant is specifically alleged to have created and used the alias "Sandra Lin" in furtherance of these crimes. From May through June of 2017, Peter is alleged to have communicated with an FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity to receive the proceeds of fraud. Along with his coconspirators over the life of the conspiracy, the defendant is believed to have caused millions of dollars in losses to victims across the globe.

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

Seven other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in these schemes. Benard E. Okorhi, 41, was extradited in March 2020 from Canada, and is detained pending trial. Two others, Olufalojimi Abegunde, 33, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 30, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Abegunde received a 78-month sentence and Ramos-Alonso received a 31-month sentence for their roles in the scheme. Several individuals remain at large.

The FBI led the investigation. The Justice Department’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, FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture, and Bank Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigative 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 the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice, and Ghana’s Economic and Organised 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.

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.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

# # #

A Ghanaian citizen residing in Tamale, Ghana, has been extradited to stand trial for an indictment charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, computer fraud and aggravated identity theft. 

Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Korneski of the FBI’s Memphis Field Office made the announcement.

On Aug. 23, 2017, a federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee indicted Maxwell Peter, 27, whose given name is Maxwell Atugba Abayeta, and others with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and aggravated identity theft.  Following his extradition, Peter’s initial appearance was made Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton for the Western District of Tennessee.  

The indictment alleges that various Africa-based co-conspirators committed, or caused to be committed, a series of intrusions into the servers and email systems of a Memphis-based real estate company in June and July 2016.  Using sophisticated anonymization techniques, including the use of spoofed email addresses and Virtual Private Networks, the co-conspirators identified large financial transactions, initiated fraudulent email correspondence with relevant business parties and then redirected closing funds through a network of U.S.-based money mules to final destinations in Africa.  Commonly referred to as business-email compromise, or BEC, this aspect of the scheme caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to companies and individuals in Memphis.  The defendant is specifically alleged to have directed the transfer of funds from a June 2016 BEC to a co-conspirator in Africa.

In addition to BEC, the defendant is also charged with perpetrating romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams and credit card scams.  The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams.  The defendant is specifically alleged to have created and used the alias “Sandra Lin” in furtherance of these crimes.  From May through June of 2017, Peter is alleged to have communicated with an FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity to receive the proceeds of fraud.  Along with his coconspirators over the life of the conspiracy, the defendant is believed to have caused millions of dollars in losses to victims across the globe.

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

Seven other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in these schemes.  Benard E. Okorhi, 41, was extradited in March 2020 from Canada, and is detained pending trial.  Two others, Olufalojimi Abegunde, 33, and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 30, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.  Abegunde received a 78-month sentence and Ramos-Alonso received a 31-month sentence for their roles in the scheme.  Several individuals remain at large.

The FBI led the investigation.  The Justice Department’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, FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture, and Bank Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigative 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 the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice, and Ghana’s Economic and Organised 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.

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.  

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Jackson, TN – Daniel Nunez, 31, of Union City, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 248 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on August 1, 2018, law enforcement began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (DTO) involving members distributing methamphetamine in the Northwest Tennessee region. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a member’s residence which resulted in the seizure of a small quantity of methamphetamine. This led to the arrest of a total of six members of the DTO in August 2018.

Law enforcement arrested Nunez after several recorded phone calls from cooperating sources to purchase a kilogram of methamphetamine. When Nunez arrived at the location in Dyersburg, Tennessee, a camera system inside the residence captured the actions of Nunez. Nunez was seen in possession of a backpack and walking up the driveway of the residence carrying a handgun, which was visible in his waistband. The firearm was a fully loaded Sig Sauer .22 caliber pistol. Investigators recovered approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from the cooperator’s mailbox. After taking Nunez into custody, he waived his Miranda rights and admitted to distributing approximately 20 kilograms of actual methamphetamine (ice).

On June 17, 2019, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee, Eastern Division returned a four-count superseding indictment against Nunez and other members of the DTO: Ryan Decker, John Paul Henry, Kwantrez Pitts, Nelson Urias and Jimmy Goodman. Count 1 charged Nunez with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846. Count 4 charged Nunez with carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). On January 21, 2020, Nunez pled guilty to counts 1 and 4 of the four-count superseding indictment.

On August 24, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Thomas Anderson found that Nunez was responsible for the distribution of a total of 15.2 kilograms of actual methamphetamine in furtherance of the conspiracy, and sentenced Nunez to 248 months imprisonment in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee. This defendant’s selfish and reckless criminal behavior includes distribution of large quantities of meth, possession of a firearm, and participation in a drug trafficking organization. This is exactly the type of armed drug dealer that deserves a 20-year sentence, and we are happy to hold him accountable. Nunez has sowed addiction and pain into the rural Northwest Tennessee community, and now he will reap the consequence of a long prison sentence."

The Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, the 27th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Union City Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Princess Terry, 27, has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud and aggravated identity theft. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in Court, Princess Terry owned and operated Caring Hearts Memphis, a home healthcare services business, which purported to provide healthcare services to mostly elderly patients, including home health aides, skilled nursing, and physical and occupational therapy. Between approximately January 1, 2016 and June 27, 2019, Terry submitted over $2 million in fraudulent billing to Humana, a private health insurance provider, for services that were not actually rendered.

Terry's fraudulent billing practices included numerous instances of billing for home health services on days when patients were actually hospitalized, billing for services in excess of 24 hours in a given day for the same patient, and billing for services purportedly rendered after the patient was deceased.

In executing this scheme, Terry also committed aggravated identity theft by forging patients' signatures without their knowledge or permission on consent-for-services forms and progress notes containing fraudulent misrepresentations about services not actually performed.

The defendant pled guilty on August 25, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on November 6, 2020, where Terry faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years and up to ten years.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This case represents our commitment to expose healthcare fraudulent schemes, protect the integrity of the health insurance system, hold offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct, and to recover ill-gotten proceeds on behalf of victims. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is willing and able to go to any lengths in our pursuit of justice in healthcare fraud cases, and we commend the great investigative work of the FBI in this significant fraud case."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Daniel Heatherly, 39, of Ripley, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in the commission of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office was investigating Heatherly for distribution of methamphetamine. On February 11, 2019, a Lauderdale County Sheriff's deputy stopped Heatherly as he was driving. The deputy was aware that Heatherly’s license was revoked due to a prior DUI conviction. The deputy asked to search the vehicle, and Heatherly consented.

The center console compartment contained a loaded handgun, meth pipe, two clear plastic baggies with meth rocks inside, and scales. Additional methamphetamine was found behind the passenger seat, along with 176 grams of marijuana. Heatherly denied knowing anything about the items.

The methamphetamine was sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for analysis and testing, the results of which confirmed a total weight of 9.5 grams of methamphetamine with a 100% purity level.

On August 20, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Heatherly to 120 months in federal prison followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This offender presented a double threat of serious bodily injury and death: a drug dealer in possession of a loaded firearm while distributing a highly addictive substance on the streets. Meth distribution+gun=a federal prison sentence that protects the community by incapacitating a dangerous offender, and achieves justice by providing proper punishment without the sanctuary of parole."

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Patrick Vaughn, 35, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in Court, on January 4, 2019, detectives with the Memphis Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit were conducting surveillance on a possible carjacking suspect, Patrick Vaughn, driving a black 2006 Kia Amanti near Poplar Ave and Hollywood Street. Attempting to avoid the surveillance, Vaughn made several U-turns on Poplar; detectives then called for additional patrol officers.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Vaughn continued to flee on Poplar at a high rate of speed; he ran several red lights while striking other vehicles. Vaughn then left his vehicle and fled on foot for a short distance before being taken into custody. During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered a black Ruger .380 caliber handgun.

Vaughn later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to being a felon in possession of a handgun. As a result of his prior felony convictions, including a carjacking offense in 2008, Vaughn is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

The defendant pled guilty on August 24, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on November 18, 2020, where Vaughn faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets."

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

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.

###

 

Jackson, TN – Donald Blaine Ashby, 39, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, on July 26, 2018, the Paris, Tennessee, Police Department stopped a vehicle of which Ashby was located in the backseat and recovered 51.6 grams of actual methamphetamine. The defendant was subsequently charged with various state law violations and released on bail.

On September 12, 2018, the Benton County Sheriff's Department received a call regarding an unconscious person in a vehicle near Highway 70 West in Camden, Tennessee. When officers arrived, they observed United States currency all over the floorboard of the vehicle, along with the defendant asleep behind the wheel. Officers were able to wake the defendant and ultimately searched the vehicle, finding 274.09 grams of actual methamphetamine and a .25 caliber pistol.

Because of his prior felony convictions, including possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and felon in possession of a weapon, Ashby is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On August 18, 2020, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Ashby to 180 months in federal prison followed by five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Ashby is a dangerous recidivist drug offender who was destroying the community by his sale of highly potent and poisonous drugs, and his prior felony convictions have finally caught up with him. Thanks to the great investigative work by our federal and local law enforcement partners, he has been held accountable and his removal from the community will make citizens safer."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Paris, Tennessee Police Department; the Benton County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary L. Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

 

Memphis, TN – Cody Davis, 28, has pleaded guilty in federal court to armed carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to 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.

The defendant pled guilty on August 19, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris. A sentencing hearing is scheduled on December 3, 2020, where Davis faces a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 15 years and up to life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, we are continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution. There is a heavy price to pay for recidivist violence and lawlessness, and Davis will now pay that price with a significant sentence in federal prison. Hopefully, it will also send a strong deterrent message to others to avoid throwing their lives away by committing senseless gun crimes."

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

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.

###

 

Jackson, TN – Brandi Oswalt, 32, a resident of Cedar Grove, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for her role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute in excess of 156 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

In November 2018, a Title III order was obtained for the interception of wire and electronic communications for a telephone being utilized by a drug trafficking organization. Intercepted communications indicated that members of the Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) had developed a network spanning multiple counties and judicial districts in Tennessee. In December 2018, a second Title III order was acquired for the interception of wire and electronic communications on two telephones. Further, it was confirmed that members of the DTO were transporting narcotics to the Western District of Tennessee.

With multiple search warrants, interviews, and continued investigation, evidence revealed that Oswalt was a distributor for the drug trafficking organization. Oswalt would travel to members of the conspiracy’s residence, where she would purchase ½ pound of actual methamphetamine. A codefendant would also purchase methamphetamine on her behalf.

Oswalt was responsible for distributing over 4.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine. Based on two prior felony convictions for methamphetamine offenses in Henderson County in 2010 and Decatur County in 2018, Oswalt is considered to be a career drug offender under federal law.

On August 12, 202, U.S. District Court Senior Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Oswalt to 170 months in federal prison followed by five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This sentence represents another great example of law enforcement working together to hold meth traffickers accountable. Criminal enterprises that distribute these harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide. We are taking the fight to the drug trafficking organizations in order to dismantle them and remove them from our streets."

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation 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, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Lexington Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

 

Memphis, TN - At a press conference in Kansas City, MO., today, Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced updates on Operation LeGend.

Since the operation’s launch, there have been more than 1,000 arrests, including defendants who have been charged in state and local courts. Of those arrests, approximately 217 defendants have been charged with federal crimes. These numbers exclude Indianapolis, whose operation was just announced last Friday. In addition, nearly 400 firearms have been seized by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The Attorney General launched the operation on July 8, 2020, as a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime. The initiative is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Operation LeGend is leveraging our collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, and is already making a difference in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis. With these much needed federal resources, we can interrupt the shooting cycle, hold dangerous offenders accountable, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives."

Launched first in Kansas City, MO., on July 8, 2020, the operation was expanded to Chicago and Albuquerque on July 22, 2020, to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020, to St. Louis and Memphis on August 6, 2020, and to Indianapolis on August 14, 2020. A breakdown of the federal charges in each district, with the exception of Indianapolis, is below.

Memphis, Tenn.

Seven defendants have been charged with federal offenses, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.

- One defendant has been charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm while illegally or unlawfully in the United States;

- One defendant, who lives in Memphis, was charged in an out-of-district federal case with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;

- Two defendants have been charged with being unlawful users of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm and making a material false statement when acquiring a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL); and

- Two cases remain under seal, but the charges are as follows:

o One defendant has been charged with bank robbery

o Two defendants charged with theft from an FFL.

 

Kansas City, MO.

43 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses. In addition to the federal charges, the operation has led to the arrests of 17 state defendants on homicide charges.

- 20 defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;

- 17 defendants have been charged with drug trafficking;

- Four defendants have been charged with being a drug user in possession of a firearm;

- Six defendants have been charged with being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;

- Four defendants have been charged with being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of violent crime;

- One defendant has been charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition;

- Three defendants have been charged with armed robbery;

- One defendant has been charged with carjacking; and

- One defendant has been charged with arson.

Chicago, Ill.

61 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.

- 34 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses;

- 26 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;

- One defendant has been charged with possession of machine gun;

 

- One defendant has been charged with illegally dealing firearms without a license;

- One defendant has been charged with the illegal sale of firearm to prohibited person; and

- One defendant has been charged with bank fraud.

Albuquerque, NM.

16 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.

- Six defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;

- Four defendants have been charged with distribution of controlled substances;

- Six defendants have been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance;

- Four defendants have been charged with being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;

- Eight defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;

- One defendant has been charged with being in possession of a stolen firearm;

- Two defendants have been charged with Hobbs Act violations;

- One defendant has been charged with carjacking; and

- One defendant has been charged with re-entry of a removed alien.

Cleveland, OH.

32 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses. Two defendants remain fugitives.

- 22 defendants have been charged with federal drug trafficking charges;

- Nine defendants have been charged with federal firearms violations; and

- One defendant had been charged with carjacking.

Detroit,MI.

22 defendants have been charged with federal offenses outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.

- 14 defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;

- Two defendants have been charged with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances;

- Two defendants have been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;

- Three defendants have been charged with receipt of a firearm while under indictment;

- Four defendants have been charged with making false statement to a licensed firearm dealer; and

- Two defendants have been charged with carjacking.

Milwaukee, WI.

11 defendants have been charged with federal crimes outlined below, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses. In addition, thus far, 28 firearms have been seized.

- Eight defendants have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm;

- Five defendants have been charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics;

- Four defendants have been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking;

- Two defendants have been charged with making false statements to a licensed firearm dealer;

- One defendant has been charged with possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of narcotics;

- One defendant has been charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition; and

- One defendant has been charged with distribution of narcotics.

St. Louis, MO.

15 defendants have been charged with federal crimes, with some defendants charged with multiple offenses.

- One defendant has been charged with drug trafficking and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime following the USMS’s execution of a state arrest warrant;

- One defendant has been charged with robbery of an item effecting interstate commerce and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence following an joint ATF, SLMPD-initiated undercover operation targeting a known shooter;

- One defendant has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm following ATF’s execution of a federal search warrant directed towards the residence of a suspected murderer;

- 11 defendants have been charged with drug trafficking offenses; and

- One defendant has been charged with being a drug user in possession of a firearm.

***

Jackson, TN - Verdell Crosser, 63, of Paris, Tennessee has been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, during an undercover investigation from November 2017 until December 1, 2017, law enforcement observed Crosser distributing methamphetamine (actual) to undercover agents on four separate occasions. The four drug purchases totaled more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.

On November 7, 10, 15, and December 1, 2017, agents met with a confidential informant, to plan an undercover operation involving Crosser. The confidential information (CI) was wired with both an audio and video recording device, in order to maintain surveillance to and from the meeting with Crosser. At the conclusion of each deal, the CI met with the agents and turned over the narcotics and was again searched by agents for any remaining methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Henry County Metro Crime Unit investigated this case.

On August 12, 2020, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Crosser to 156 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "As methamphetamine continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities in West Tennessee, we will continue to hold dealers accountable. Crosser has sowed addiction and destruction into the Paris community for selfish profit, and now he will reap the consequence of a long prison sentence without the sanctuary of parole."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Jackson, TN – Kelvin Melton, 43, a Big Sandy, Tennessee resident, has been sentenced to 156 months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, during an undercover operation in June, 2017, Henry County Sheriff’s Deputies developed Melton as a suspect distributing methamphetamine in the Western District of Tennessee. Based on information obtained from a confidential informant, deputies made five separate drug purchases from Melton. The total methamphetamine amounted to over 10 grams of actual methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Paris, TN., Police Department.

On August 11, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Melton to 156 months in federal prison followed by four years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Meth distribution creates havoc and jeopardizes public safety, especially in small rural communities. Drug dealers can no longer hide in any part of the Western District of Tennessee, and this sentence demonstrates our commitment to remove poison peddlers from our streets."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

 

Jackson, TN – Peyton McCray Roberts, 21, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, on August 12, 2019, officers with the Selmer Police Department responded to an apartment complex in Selmer, TN., with regard to a shooting incident. Officers spoke with the defendant, Peyton Roberts, who admitted to being intoxicated and firing a gun into the floor of his apartment after having an argument with friends.

Roberts gave consent to law enforcement to enter his apartment and recover his gun which he had placed under a mattress. Officers recovered an H & R, Model Topper Jr., .410 gauge shotgun containing a fired shell. Roberts informed law enforcement that he shot the gun into the floor after he tried to coerce his friends to leave his residence. He said the gun went off while he was trying to unload it.

After taking Roberts into custody, law enforcement verified that he was previously convicted of the felony offenses of Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Institution and Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver in McNairy County on December 3, 2018. As a result of those prior felony convictions, Roberts is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On August 7, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Roberts to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large, as seen by this convicted felon who recklessly endangered individuals with an illegal gun. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets. This sentence does just that, and will make McNairy County and West Tennessee a safer place."

This case was investigated by the Selmer Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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

###

 

Jackson, TN – Michael Taylor, 37, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on May 20, 2019, agents with the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a Milan, Tennessee, residence and seized approximately five grams of methamphetamine. The occupants of the home agreed to cooperate with law enforcement and consented to call their supplier, the defendant, Michael Taylor, and order .5 ounces (or approximately 15 grams) of methamphetamine. Taylor agreed to bring .5 ounces of methamphetamine to that residence in Milan.

Agents subsequently observed Taylor pull into the driveway at that residence, in a Pontiac 4-door car. He then exited the driver’s side door and walked up to the front door. Agents ordered Taylor to the ground, but he refused to comply with the officers’ directives and was physically restrained. He was ultimately taken into custody and advised of his Miranda rights. A search of Taylor’s person revealed approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine, 69 grams of cutting agent, and $2,244.00 in U.S. currency. The $2,244.00 was in the same pocket as the methamphetamine Taylor was delivering to that residence.

A search of Taylor’s vehicle revealed a tin can in the driver’s side door containing approximately nine grams of methamphetamine in three different baggies, as well as some Xanax pills. The agents also located and seized a black bag containing several baggies commonly used for packaging methamphetamine and other drugs, scales with methamphetamine residue on them, and another 57 grams of methamphetamine. Taylor confirmed to law enforcement how he distributed the methamphetamine and that he owned the methamphetamine seized from his person and from his vehicle.

On August 13, 2019, the Drug Enforcement Agency issued a Chemical Analysis Report confirming the methamphetamine seized from Taylor tested positive for d- Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with a net weight of 79.10 grams and a substance purity of 100%.

On July 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Taylor to 87 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Drug distribution is NOT a victimless crime. Methamphetamine causes significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Individuals who distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide, and those who choose to engage in such lawlessness will pay the price with a long prison sentence."

This case was investigated by the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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

###

 

Jackson, TN – Taylor Cunningham, 25, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in Court, on June 7, 2019, agents with the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force utilized a confidential source to arrange the purchase of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine (ICE) from Cunningham, who agreed to meet the confidential source at the Humboldt Lake parking lot. Once the defendant pulled into the parking lot, agents activated the blue lights on their vehicles and attempted to stop the vehicle. Cunningham immediately tried to evade the agents in his truck. He then jumped from the driver’s door of the vehicle while it was still moving.

Agents pursued Cunningham on foot, giving him verbal commands to stop. They observed a brown hand bag in his hands while running. Law enforcement then utilized a less lethal weapon known as the Taser; Cunningham stopped and started turning towards the agents. As he arrived partially turned towards the agents, they observed Cunningham pull a black firearm from his waist band. At this time, an agent deployed his Taser at Cunningham, striking him in the right arm, causing him to drop his firearm and fall to the ground. Cunningham was then taken into custody. One agent sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Agents located and seized a loaded Glock Model 19 9 mm pistol with a magazine that held 15 9 mm bullets; the firearm was found beside Cunningham on the ground. Agents also located and seized an extra fully-loaded 30 round magazine, a bag of methamphetamine weighing approximately 21 grams, and a set of digital scales. A search of the brown bag Cunningham was carrying revealed another three bags of methamphetamine weighing approximately 39.5 grams. Also seized were approximately 407 Xanax pills, 46 Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine pills (approximate total weight of 16.5 grams), one ecstasy pill, two morphine pills, seven unidentifiable pills and $3,301 on Cunningham’s person.

After taking Cunningham into custody, agents verified that he was previously convicted of felony burglary in Humboldt, TN on September 15, 2017, and was therefore prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On August 4, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Cunningham to the maximum statutory sentence available, 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "As a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and drugs, Cunningham presented a danger to public safety and to law enforcement in multiple ways. The statutory maximum sentence imposed in this case removes him from the community, and makes West Tennessee a safer place. Felon+gun+drugs=a maximum federal prison sentence that achieves justice by providing proper punishment without the sanctuary of parole."

This case was investigated by the 28th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

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

###

 

Memphis, TN – On February 7, 2020, Arkiest Young, 38, pleaded guilty to attempted Hobbs Act business robbery. Young has now been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in the violent crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on January 3, 2018, two men entered the Circle K at 6565 Mt. Moriah, brandishing firearms and demanding money, one wearing blue latex gloves. One suspect also pointed a handgun at a customer who was already inside the business. The customer was armed, and fired at the suspects. As the suspects fled the business, they returned fire at the customer. A witness reported that the two suspects were driven away in a red or maroon cube-like vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, a shooting victim was dropped off at Delta Medical Hospital, who claimed he was shot in a drive-by shooting. Memphis Police Officers responded to both scenes, compared surveillance video from the Circle K with clothing from the individual at Delta Medical, and identified Davonte Gary, 21, as one of the robbery suspects.

As officers were executing a search warrant at suspect Cortez Young’s apartment, a red Chevrolet HHR, which could be described as a cube-like vehicle, arrived on the scene, occupied by Arkiest Young. The HHR had been reported stolen. Officers found a handgun and a box of blue latex gloves inside the HHR. Arkiest Young was taken into custody, waived his Miranda rights, and admitted to driving the HHR and dropping off Gary at Delta Medical Hospital on January 3.

Charges against Devonte Gary are still pending. Cortez Young, 23, has already pleaded guilty to this business robbery and other robbery and firearms offenses, and will be sentenced later this year.

On August 6, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Arkiest Young to 60 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed business robbery that harms store owners and threatens customers must be dealt with swiftly and certainly. That means holding all parties to the crime accountable, including getaway drivers and others who aid and abet such brazen violence. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force has dramatically increased the clearance rate of armed business robbery cases, and because of their quick response and outstanding investigation in this case, these violent offenders will be rightly incapacitated and punished."

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

U.S. Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and 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.

###

 

Memphis, TN – Joshua Brogdon, 33, has been sentenced to 64 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on August 20, 2019, detectives with the Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit (OCU) were conducting surveillance to execute a search warrant at a local motel on Sycamore View. A female under surveillance exited a room and went downstairs to talk with a male. Officers observed a pistol protruding from the male’s back pocket. He was detained and later identified as the defendant Joshua Brogdon. The pistol was a SCCY CPX-2 9mm caliber pistol with approximately 10 rounds in the magazine. Officers found Brogdon did not have a valid handgun permit. Brodgon also had an eyeglass case in his pocket which contained a small plastic baggie with suspected methamphetamine, as well as needles and a straw.

Further investigation revealed that Brogdon had an active warrant for his arrest from Arkansas; he was on supervised release from the Western District of Tennessee; and had been previously convicted of several felony offenses. As a result of his prior felony conviction record, Brogdon is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On August 4, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Brogdon to a total of 64 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for the supervised release violation and the new firearms offense. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to the community. By bringing them to justice, we reduce the level of

violence on the street and the threat of crime in our neighborhoods. If you illegally carry a gun, we will certainly carry you to federal prison."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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 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.

###

 

Memphis, TN – Carrington Coleman, 33, has pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to the information presented in court, on July 18, 2018, Memphis Police Department Officers stopped a 2000 GMC Yukon with a Mississippi license plate after the vehicle ran a stop sign. The tags of the vehicle were not on file as being registered to a 2000 GMC Yukon. The driver, Coleman, had a revoked driver’s license. He was asked to step out of the vehicle.

Officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana, conducted a search of the vehicle and located a clear bag with a green leafy substance in the center console, as well as a small black handgun and almost $3000 in currency. The substance was later determined to be marijuana, with a gross weight of 10.5 grams. Coleman admitted to the officers that he knew he had a suspended license, and had just smoked marijuana. The gun found was a Taurus TCP .380 caliber handgun with 4 live rounds.

Further investigation revealed Coleman was convicted of a felony drug offense in Shelby County Criminal Court on December 9, 2011.

Sentencing will be held before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker on November 10, 2020, where Coleman faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons and unlawful users of controlled substances present a known and immediate risk of violence to the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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 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.

###

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Operation LeGend, a sustained, systematic and coordinated law enforcement initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement officials to fight violent crime, will be expanding into the City of Memphis.

Operation LeGend is named in honor of four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was shot and killed while he slept early in the morning of June 29 in Kansas City. The Operation was first launched on July 8 in Kansas City, MO., and expanded on July 22, 2020, to Chicago and Albuquerque, and then to Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee on July 29, 2020. Today, the expansion of Operation LeGend was announced in the cities of Memphis and St. Louis.

"The most basic responsibility of government is to protect the safety of our citizens," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "Today, we have extended Operation Legend to Memphis and St. Louis, two cities experiencing increases in violent crime that no resident of those cities should have to accept as part of everyday life. For decades, the Department of Justice has achieved significant success when utilizing our anti-violent crime task forces and federal law enforcement agents to enforce federal law and assist American cities that are experiencing upticks in violent crime. The Department of Justice’s assets will supplement local law enforcement efforts, as we work together to take the shooters and chronic violent criminals off of our streets."

As part of Operation LeGend, Attorney General Barr directed the ATF, FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to significantly increase resources into Memphis and St. Louis in the coming weeks to help state and local officials fight high levels of violent crime, particularly gun violence.

Memphis is currently experiencing a significant increase in violent crime, with homicides spiking up more than 49%, reported gun crime up 23%, and aggravated assault shootings up over 19% compared to 2019.

In the City of Memphis, the Department of Justice will supplement state and local law enforcement agencies by deploying a total of 40 federal investigators, including 16 federal investigators to Memphis on temporary assignment for 90 days, followed by 24 permanent agent assignments from the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Under the leadership of Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, these investigators will complement the work already underway by existing joint federal, state and local task forces within the framework of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), focused on combatting violent gangs, gun crime, and drug trafficking organizations.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) will make available $200,000 to support Operation LeGend’s violent crime reduction efforts in Memphis, in addition to the prior BJA grant funding award of $1.4 million to Shelby County to provide manpower, technology, equipment, and support for the sustained efforts of the Operation LeGend Task Force, including overtime funding for the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU) and partner agency officers; a prosecutor for the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to handle operation arrests vertically through the state criminal justice system to ensure that arrests are followed by strategic prosecution; vehicles for MGU operations; and technological solutions to enhance investigation and prosecution of violent offenders. The COPS Office has also previously made approximately $9.8 million available to the Memphis Police Department to fund the hiring of 50 officers.

The Department has also provided assistance to Memphis through the Joint Law Enforcement Operations (JLEO) fund to assist with overtime reimbursement of local law enforcement serving as federal task force officers with FBI, ATF, DEA, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Each Operation LeGend city will receive $100,000 from ATF to help local agencies defray costs associated with installing or maintaining shot detection technology.

During the press conference on Thursday to announce the expansion of Operation LeGend to Memphis, the following additional announcements were made:

• United States Marshal Tyreece Miller announced the results from Phase 1 of Operation Relentless Pursuit fugitive apprehension effort led by the USMS from January 13 through April 3, 2020, which included the arrests of 434 individuals on outstanding warrants, including 24 wanted for homicide, 151 for assault or robbery, 75 wanted for sexual offenses, and 61 identified gang members. Seized during this time period were ninety (90) firearms; 20.71 kilograms of narcotics; and approximately $51,000 in U.S. currency.

• Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich and U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant announced that the BJA has awarded a grant to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in the total amount of $400,000 to fund two (2) Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) for a period of up to 3 years to reduce violent crime as part of the Project Guardian Initiative. The Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) hired under this grant will be full-time, cross-designated prosecutors assigned to the local United States Attorney’s Office (USAO). These cross-designated prosecutors will maintain an active violent crimes reduction caseload in federal court, while also helping to promote higher quality investigations, improved training, and better communication with state and local law enforcement agencies regarding the investigation and prosecution of firearms offenses under the Project Guardian Initiative.

• FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Korneski, along with Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings announced that as part of the initiative, a reward of up to $25,000 will be made available for information leading to the successful identification and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the unsolved shooting deaths of Ashlynn Luckett, age 6, and her uncle, Lequan Boyd, age 16, in a drive-by shooting incident on January 20 of this year while they were inside a home in the 6800 block of Kirby Mills Cove in the Hickory Hill neighborhood of Memphis. On April 28, 2020, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a $20,000 award in the same case. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI Memphis Field Office at (901)747-4300, the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or the Memphis Police Department CrimeStoppers Tip Hotline at 901-528-CASH (2274). You can also report information online at tips.fbi.gov, or contact your local FBI office.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Operation LeGend builds on the collaborative success of Operation Relentless Pursuit, and provides even more federal agency resources and grant funding to help us in our collective fight against violent crime in Memphis. As violent gun crime and homicide spike up, we must meet that threat with a significant surge of law enforcement resources, and Operation LeGend comes at a critical time in our city. I am appreciative to Attorney General Barr for deploying these temporary and permanent federal agent assignments to Memphis, and I look forward to working with all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to attack the real violent crime drivers in in our community: gangs, guns, and drugs."

"FBI Memphis is eager to continue our ongoing collaborative efforts with law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods as a part of Operation LeGend," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Korneski of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Local, State and Federal Law Enforcement along with our community partners are one team in this sustained, systematic and coordinated initiative to target the violence in our communities."

"Operation LeGend is an operation that is consistent with our mission of apprehending dangerous individuals. The United States Marshals Service stands with the citizens of Memphis and their desire for safer neighborhoods for them and their children, said U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller.

"We appreciate the continued efforts of our federal partners in this expansion of Operation LeGend," said Mike Rallings, Director, Memphis Police Department.

Amy Weirich, Shelby County District Attorney General said: "In the midst of a public health crisis, we are dealing with a public safety crisis. This help from our federal partners

will mean justice for more families devastated by all of this violence. For that I am grateful. But for lasting change, we need the community to do more. We need a coordinated community reaction to the disturbing number of murders---to the number of children we have buried. We need everyone to do their part to combat the growing number among us who embrace violent behavior."

###

Memphis, TN – Jason Smith, 36, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug distribution. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on November 5, 2017, homicide officers followed up on a Crime Stoppers tip regarding a Memphis Police Department homicide investigation involving Jason Smith. Officers went to a residence on Douglas Avenue where they saw Smith standing by and bending down near the rear passenger side of a silver Volvo. Smith then walked away from the officers who saw him toss something small behind a nearby house. Officers detained Smith and recovered a gun from under the vehicle where they had observed him bend down. A bag with 5.6 grams of crack was located which Smith had thrown and large amounts of cash from his pockets. Smith told officers that the gun belonged to his girlfriend but she was not there, and that he threw marijuana, not crack.

Later, homicide officers interviewed Smith’s girlfriend who said the gun was hers, but struggled to describe the weapon. The girlfriend could not tell officers the type or caliber of gun. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted an interstate nexus search on the multi-caliber Diamondback pistol and verified that the firearm was manufactured outside of the State of Tennessee.

Prior to the November 5, 2017 arrest, the defendant had been convicted of felony drug and gun offenses. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted Smith for possession for a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony; and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.

On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Smith to 60 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This offender presented a triple threat of serious bodily injury and death: a prior convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm while distributing a highly addictive substance on the streets. Felon+gun+drugs=a federal prison sentence that protects the community by incapacitating a repeat dangerous offender, and achieves justice by providing proper punishment without the sanctuary of parole."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Isaac Taylor, of Tempe, Arizona, 62, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, during an investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained a court-ordered wiretap on a phone used by a local drug dealer, John Wright. Based on the wiretap surveillance, investigators learned the source of Wright's supply for methamphetamine was the defendant, Isaac Taylor, a resident of Arizona. Agents intercepted several calls between Wright and Taylor discussing methamphetamine sales.

After reviewing the evidence, the government determined Taylor was responsible for supplying Wright with approximately three pounds of methamphetamine. Undercover agents also purchased approximately ten ounces of methamphetamine from Wright. According to lab testing, the methamphetamine from Wright was found to be 100% in purity.

On August 3, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Wright to 188 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked into and throughout West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. This out-of-state drug dealer sent multiple pounds of pure poison into Memphis, thinking that he was untouchable. He was wrong, and this sentence shows that we have the ability and resolve to catch and punish anyone who victimizes our citizens with dangerous addictive substances."

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Memphis Police Department investigated this case.

This case was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), which seeks to investigate and prosecute large-scale drug trafficking and violence involving multiple districts across the United States.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Jackson, TN – Four individuals have been indicted for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.

On July 30, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment which remained sealed until the defendants’ arrest. This investigation was conducted in conjunction with federal prosecutors in Jackson as part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program, which seeks to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money laundering organizations, and related criminal enterprises.

The four defendants listed are currently in custody:

• Jason Kennedy, 43, of Puryear, Tennessee

• Justin Barker, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia

• Derick Barker, 35, of Atlanta, Georgia

• Colby Criswell, 29, of Greenfield, Tennessee

During this investigation, agents seized large amounts of crystal methamphetamine (ICE), money, digital scales, a firearm, and other various paraphernalia from the defendants at a hotel in Jackson, TN. The defendants were arrested on July 25, 2020 and charged in a federal criminal complaint.

Criswell has also previously been charged among seventeen individuals with operating a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in West Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi in "Operation Clear Cut". https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/seventeen-charged-multi-state-drug-trafficking-ring-operation-clear-cut.

If convicted in this case, the defendants each face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "West Tennessee is a major logistics hub for the country, and drug trafficking organizations transport large quantities into and through our communities. We must use every available resource to disrupt and dismantle these conspiracies, and hold them accountable for distributing poisonous illegal drugs that cause addiction, injury, and death. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this important case involving significant seizures of dangerous narcotics."

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Jackson, Houston, and Chattanooga offices; Madison County Sheriff’s Department; Weakley County Sheriff’s Department; Jackson-Madison County Narcotics Unit; 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Puryear Police Department, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

###

Memphis, TN – Darius Washington, 24, has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after having been previously been convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on December 9, 2017, detectives conducted a traffic stop on Watkins Avenue in the Family Dollar parking lot. When the car pulled into the parking lot, the front right passenger, later identified as Darius Washington, jumped out of the vehicle and ran inside the store. Detectives observed Washington casually walk back towards the front of the store. After reviewing the in-store video footage, law enforcement observed Washington hide a Beretta .40 caliber pistol in one of the food aisles. The gun was loaded with 13 rounds in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber.

On June 5, 2019, during a physical altercation with a man, Washington pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and shot the man in the ear. Visibly injured, the victim fled the scene. Washington then reached inside the victim's car and stole a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol he had been carrying.

Washington's prior criminal history consisted of four misdemeanor convictions, including two convictions for domestic violence with bodily harm. Based upon his domestic violence convictions, Washington was unlawfully in possession of all three firearms pursuant to federal law. Washington had no felony convictions, until today.

On July 29, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Washington to 72 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Under the new Project Guardian initiative announced by Attorney General Barr inMemphis in November, 2019, we have intensified our focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. We have no better partner in this fight against gun crime than the ATF, and under Project Guardian, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute the trigger-pullers and prohibited persons who violate federal firearms laws in West Tennessee. Persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. Clearly, this recidivist had no hesitation in committing a violent crime with a firearm, and he will now be removed from the community for 6 years."

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

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

###

 

Memphis, TN – Davien Stokes, 39, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, has been sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on January 22, 2018, Memphis Police responded to a request for a welfare check at a local business complex on Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. Officers arrived to find a 2013 red Ford Focus obstructing the entrance way of the business with keys in the ignition and the engine was idle.

The driver, later identified as Davien Stokes, appeared to be unconscious. Eventually, Stokes began to move around in the seat. As he did so, officers observed an open container of alcohol on the front passenger seat. Stokes attempted to grab something and told officers he was reaching for his mouthwash. Officers were able to see a Ruger 9mm pistol in the cup holder. Also, 23 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one spent shell casing were found in the vehicle. The gun was loaded with two live rounds of ammunition in the magazine. Officers learned that Stokes' drivers’ license had been revoked since 2015.

Due to three prior violent felony convictions for robberies in 1999, 2005, and 2010, Stokes is prohibited by federal law from possession of a firearm or ammunition. At sentencing, Stokes was determined to be an armed career criminal, which carries a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence.

On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Stokes to 210 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Our PSN efforts continue to provide targeted prosecution of the worst of the worst violent offenders in order to enhance public safety

in Memphis. This significant sentence removes an armed career criminal from the community, and sends a strong message that we will no longer tolerate this lawless behavior. We are FED UP with gun crime in Memphis, and will continue to aggressively prosecute prohibited and dangerous offenders with firearms. Gun Crime is Max Time."

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

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

###

Memphis, TN – Danny Muex, 32, of Tipton County has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on February 20, 2019, as law enforcement patrolled near the area of Covington, Tennessee where several gunshots had been reported, Officers saw a white 1999 Ford Mustang traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver was later identified as Muex. Corporal Bradley Williams with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle, but Muex continued driving, eventually losing control of the vehicle.

As Muex got out of the vehicle, the deputy observed Muex carrying a firearm in his right hand while attempting to flee on foot. The deputy was able to stop Muex and placed him in custody. Corporal Jeremy Finney located a loaded Bersa .380 caliber firearm underneath Corporal Williams’s vehicle. A search of the suspect vehicle was conducted. Deputies located a straw with a white residue which tested positive for cocaine. Deputies also located a box containing 38 rounds of .380 ammunition, one round of 300 blackout ammunition, $186.00 cash, five cellular telephones, and a digital scale.

At the time of the offense, Muex was on probation from a Florida felony conviction for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Muex’ arrest was part of "Operation Crime Driver", a joint federal, state and local law enforcement anti-violence initiative led by the District Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District, and conducted between February and May 2019, where law enforcement targeted offenders wanted on arrest warrants for violent criminal offenses in Tipton County, Tennessee. Muex was among 6 defendants from the first phase of "Operation Crime Driver" to be indicted in federal court in October, 2019 for various drug and gun offenses. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/operation-crime-driver-targets-violent-criminals-tipton-county.

On July 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Muex to 40 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "We are pleased to join with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to focus on the priority areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities, and we are glad to support this successful joint operation by adopting these cases for aggressive federal prosecution. We are tired of the trigger-pullers and traffickers that terrorize Tipton County, and we will continue our laser focus on the real drivers of violent crime: guns, gangs, and drugs."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – James Wilkins, 30, has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on December 8, 2017, a Memphis Police Department Officer executed a traffic stop on a gray Nissan Sentra. As the officer approached the vehicle, Wilkins was asked to lower his window; the officer could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Wilkins, the driver and sole occupant, was asked to exit the vehicle. When he did so, officers saw a single loose pill on the driver’s seat, later identified as a 15mg Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.

While searching the vehicle, officers noticed a loose panel on the center console and found two firearms and magazines; a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds; a Smith & Wesson 9mm loaded with ten rounds and an extended .380 caliber magazine with several rounds of ammunition. The 9mm pistol was reported stolen during a 2017 car burglary in Memphis.

While out of jail on a bond for $100,000 for the December 8, 2017, arrest, Wilkins was again arrested on December 10, 2018. On that date, Memphis Police Officers were patrolling the high drug sales area of Maplewood/Chelsea, and they noticed a white Mazda 6 sedan in front of a residence on Maplewood St. Officers checked the vehicle’s registration and it came back expired as of July, 2017.

As officers approached the car they noticed a male, later identified as Wilkins, in the front passenger seat who kept reaching towards the center console and floorboard area. Law enforcement ordered Wilkins to put his hands up and exit the vehicle; instead he kept reaching towards the floorboard area. Wilkins finally complied and as he stepped out, Officers could see the chrome barrel of a Ruger .380 caliber pistol from the passenger side of the center console compartment. During transport, Wilkins told the Officers that he also had some marijuana on his person. Officers found 7 individually wrapped baggies containing marijuana.

Wilkins has two previous criminal convictions for felony drug offenses. As a result, he is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On September 23, 2019, Wilkins pled guilty to being a convicted felon of firearms, and on September 27, 2019, Wilkins pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

On July 28, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wilkins to 102 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and this defendant continued to possess firearms and illegal narcotics despite his prior felony conviction history. There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this is one more gun toter that will be removed from our streets. Gun Crime is Max Time."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and Michelle Kimbril-Parks and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Tra Lott, 27, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2018, Lott was served with an arrest warrant for solicitation of a minor-rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. When officers entered the residence, they discovered Lott and his girlfriend were the only occupants; Lott was immediately arrested.

Officers further observed a magazine in plain view, and they obtained a search warrant for Lott’s residence. Officers recovered two Taurus 9mm caliber pistols and one Romarm Cugir 7.62x39mm caliber pistol. On December 19, 2019, Lott pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.

Lott has previous criminal convictions for a felony drug offense and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. As a result, Lott is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.

On July 27, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Lott to 46 months in federal prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons and persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. In order to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law, we must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous offenders from our streets. This sentence does just that."

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy K. Cornejo and P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson, 39, has now been indicted for theft and embezzlement involving government programs and wire fraud. Robinson was previously charged in this matter by a federal criminal complaint that was unsealed on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. On Thursday, July 30, 2020, a federal grand jury in Memphis returned a 48-count indictment against Robinson, charging her with 24 counts of theft and embezzlement involving government programs, and 24 counts of wire fraud. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the indictment today.

According to the indictment, Katrina Robinson is the Director of The Healthcare Institute (THI), a provider of educational and training programs for jobs in the healthcare field. She is also a Tennessee State Senator, having been elected to represent the 33rd District in Shelby County in 2018.

Between 2015 and 2019, The Healthcare Institute received over $2.2 million in federal grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. During that same time period, Robinson stole in excess of $600,000 from THI by compensating herself in excess of what was allowed under the terms of the HRSA grant and by using Institute funds for payments and purchases for her own personal benefit and that of her immediate family.

Payments and purchases included a vehicle for her daughter; clothing, accessories, and hair and beauty products; expenses related to her wedding and honeymoon, and later, legal fees for her divorce; payments on her personal debts, including credit cards, store charge cards, student loans, and other personal loans; travel and entertainment for herself and her family; improvements to her personal residence; expenses related to a body aesthetics business she owned and a snow cone business operated by her children; and an event for her State Senate campaign.

If convicted, Robinson faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and federal grant programs against theft, fraud, waste, and abuse is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. We commend the FBI and the HHS-OIG for their diligent and thorough investigation in this case."

"Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI, regardless of who they are or any position they hold," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher E. Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

###

Memphis, TN – Levester Grayer, 42, has been sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on October 3, 2016, Memphis Police Department dispatch received a call that Grayer, an individual wanted for outstanding warrants, was at the Corner Grocery in Memphis. Officers found him at that location and arrested him as he got into his car. As law enforcement searched the car they found 4 plastic bags containing crack cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and a loaded Tanfoglio 10mm caliber pistol. Grayer waived his Miranda rights and admitted to possessing the drugs and the firearm.

The United States charged Grayer with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. On February 21, 2017, Grayer pleaded not guilty. On May 21, 2019, the case proceeded to trial, where he was convicted by a federal jury. His behavior at trial was so disruptive in the courtroom that the judge admonished the defendant numerous times, and he was ultimately ordered removed from the courtroom in handcuffs.

Grayer had 14 prior felony convictions, 11 of which were violent felonies, including kidnapping, aggravated assault and robbery. He also had two prior felony convictions for selling drugs and had been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence at the time of his possession of the drugs and the possession of the firearm.

On July 23, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Grayer to 235 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. At sentencing, Grayer was deemed to be an armed career criminal, which carries a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to community, and in this case, the defendant was an armed career criminal who continued to possess a firearm despite his prior violent felony conviction history. Grayer has devoted his adult life to a career of criminal conduct, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This sentence rightly removing him from our streets for 19 years will improve public safety for the citizens of Memphis."

This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney J.William Crow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Tennessee State Senator Katrina Robinson, 39, has been federally charged with theft and embezzlement involving government programs and wire fraud. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the unsealing of the criminal complaint today.

According to the information presented in the complaint, Katrina Robinson is the Director of The Healthcare Institute (THI), a provider of educational and training programs for jobs in the healthcare field. She is also a Tennessee State Senator, having been elected to represent the 33rd District in Shelby County in 2018.

Between 2015 and 2019, The Healthcare Institute received over $2.2 million in federal grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. During that same time period, Robinson stole in excess of $600,000 from THI by compensating herself in excess of what was allowed under the terms of the HRSA grant and by using Institute funds for payments and purchases for her own personal benefit and that of her immediate family.

Payments and purchases included a vehicle for her daughter; clothing, accessories, and hair and beauty products; expenses related to her wedding and honeymoon, and later, legal fees for her divorce; payments on her personal debts, including credit cards, store charge cards, student loans, and other personal loans; travel and entertainment for herself and her family; improvements to her personal residence; expenses related to a body aesthetics business she owned and a snow cone business operated by her children; and an event for her State Senate campaign.

If convicted, Robinson faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, 3 years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the defendant.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and federal grant programs against theft, fraud, waste, and abuse is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. We commend the FBI and the HHS-OIG for their diligent and thorough investigation in this case."

"Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI, regardless of who they are or any position they hold," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services –Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG).

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint 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 U.S. Attorney Christopher E. Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

###

Jackson, TN – Seventeen individuals have been charged in federal court with operating a multi-state drug trafficking organization in West Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the unsealing of the federal complaint today.

The following individuals were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and were arrested during a law enforcement takedown operation this week:

 • David Bone, 54, of Dyer County
 • Stacey Caksackkar, 52, of Crockett County
 • Troy Chew, 45, of Blytheville, Arkansas
 • Colby Criswell, 28, of Gibson County
 • Thomas Dacus, 43, of Crockett County
 • Stacy Edwards, 31, of Dyer County
 • Jason Glisson, 42, of Dyer County
 • Frederick Johnson, 36, of Meridian, Mississippi
 • Crystal Lee, 37, of Crockett County
 • Draper Lee, 39, of Crockett County
 • Nicholas Grant Mealer, 21, of Crockett County
 • Tammy Mealer, 50, of Crockett County
 • Madison Middlebrook, 21, of Blytheville, Ark.
 • Michael Newson, 35, of Senatobia, Miss.
 • Shawn Sherry Overton, 45, of Dyer County
 • Shawn Riley, 41, of Dyer County
 • Ronald Solomon, 40, of Dyer County

Additionally, Draper Lee, Middlebrook, and Solomon were charged with being felons in possession of a firearm. The takedown was part of "Operation Clear Cut," a multi-agency federal task force responsible for curtailing organized crime and narcotics in West Tennessee. According to information from the criminal complaint, the organization was responsible for distributing more than 70 pounds of methamphetamine in West Tennessee and elsewhere. In addition to the seizure of narcotics, law enforcement seized more than $31,000 in U.S. currency and 8 firearms during the course of the investigation.

For count one, the defendants face possible sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison, followed by 6 years supervised release and a fine of $2 million. For those defendants charged with being felons in possession of a firearm, the additional possible sentence is up to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years supervised release and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.

The case will be presented to a federal grand jury at a later date to consider an indictment against the suspects.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "West Tennessee is a major logistics hub for the country, and drug trafficking organizations transport and distribute large quantities of drugs into and throughout our communities. We must use every available resource to disrupt and dismantle these conspiracies, and hold them accountable for distributing poisonous illegal drugs that cause addiction, injury, and death. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this important case involving significant seizures of dangerous narcotics."

"The charges and arrests today were only possible due to the cooperation of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to identify and target drug traffickers in our ongoing mission to ensure the safety of our communities in the tri-state area," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "The FBI, with our fellow law enforcement partners, are committed to ensuring that there is no safe haven for criminal activity and that those who seek to sell drugs and engage in violence know that we are coming for them."

This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis Safe Streets Task Force, Jackson Resident Agency, Dyersburg Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office. The Lexington Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jackson Police Department, Selmer Police Department, Bolivar Police Department, Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office, Milan Police Department, and the West Tennessee Drug Task Force also participated in the arrest operation.

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

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

###

Jackson, TN – After a three-day jury trial in October 2019, a federal jury convicted Gene Allen Howell, 39, of Selmer, Tennessee of two counts of aggravated bank robbery, two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 20, 2020, Howell was sentenced to 466 months in federal prison. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on August 25, 2017, Howell robbed the Home Banking Company located in Finger, Tennessee using a handgun. He pointed the handgun at all three female employees and threatened to kill them if they did not comply with his commands. Howell had stolen a utility vehicle from Selmer, which he rode to the bank and used thereafter to evade capture. The utility vehicle was later found abandoned in a wooded area.

On October 14, 2017 Howell attempted to rob The Peoples Bank located in Reagan, Tennessee using a .45 caliber pistol. He hid nearby, and attempted to accost two bank employees as they arrived for work, but they had just entered the secure tellers' area in the bank. Unable to gain access to the teller area, Howell fired the pistol at the head of one of the employees, but she was protected by bullet resistant glass.

Howell and his co-defendant, who served as the getaway driver, were arrested 10 days later in Alcorn County, Mississippi on drug charges. Law enforcement found in Howell's possession two pistols, including one used in the Reagan shooting; ammunition; and clothing worn during the robberies. The co-defendant testified against Howell at trial, and entered a guilty plea.

Howell has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for aggravated assault, theft, and drug charges. Chief Judge Anderson took special note of the danger Howell posed to the public as well as his extensive criminal history as aggravating circumstances when imposing the lengthy sentence.

On July 20, 2020, Howell was sentenced before Chief U.S. District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson to 466 months in federal prison followed by 8 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Violent crime affects and endangers all communities in West Tennessee, both urban and rural. Howell’s brazen and disturbing armed robbery of two small community banks terrorized the rural community and inflicted fear and harm on multiple victims. This lengthy sentence is just punishment for his violent and recidivist criminal conduct, and the citizens of McNairy and Henderson Counties are safer because he has been removed from the community."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Henderson County Sheriff's Department, McNairy County Sheriff's Department, Chester County Sheriff's Department and Alcorn County, Mississippi Sheriff's Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Wilson and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

Memphis, TN – Reginald McFarland, 38, has pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty plea today.

According to the information presented in court, on August 7, 2018, the Shelby County Shelby’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT) had an arrest warrant for McFarland, who was residing at the Villa Inn hotel in Memphis. Law enforcement verified that McFarland had a state arrest warrant for criminal attempt: murder first degree.

Upon entering the hotel room, officers observed McFarland standing in the bathroom and noticed a bullet in the toilet bowl. A gun was recovered from the toilet tank. Further investigation from Memphis Police revealed this gun was purchased by D.H., who had reported it stolen from him by McFarland on August 1, 2018. McFarland was previously convicted of a felony drug offense. The state prosecution against McFarland for attempted murder is still pending in the Shelby County Criminal Court.

Sentencing is set for November 4, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris. If convicted, McFarland faces up to 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our PSN initiative, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous felons from our streets. This federal conviction will remove this gun-toter from the community while he awaits trial on violent state charges, and will make Memphis and West Tennessee a safer place."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. 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 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.

###

Jackson, TN – Nakeia Shakiece Smith, 27, has been sentenced to federal prison for 18 months for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base and cocaine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on April 17, 2019, the Fulton County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop for a window tint violation on the defendant’s vehicle and discovered a large amount of money and five cell phones. Smith admitted that she was delivering narcotics for her boyfriend Jamal Rollins, in Union City, Tennessee.

When law enforcement from Kentucky and Obion County arrived at her residence in Obion County, the defendant was advised of her Miranda rights, and agreed to speak with law enforcement. While searching the residence, deputies found a Sentry safe in Smith’s bedroom which contained cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, digital scales, seven amphetamine pills, and a Smith & Wesson .45 caliber handgun.

Again, Smith admitted to distributing narcotics for her boyfriend Rollins while he was in jail during the past several weeks. Rollins would tell her where to pick up bottles filled with narcotics; Smith would then deliver the drugs to several individuals in the Union City, Tennessee area.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation forensic laboratory tested the narcotics confiscated from Smith and determined that she possessed 44.19 grams of cocaine, 6.21 grams of crack cocaine, and 1.45 grams of methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is a full-service federal prosecution office, and we have the ability and intention to charge any violations of federal law, no matter where they occur in the Western District of Tennessee. This case demonstrates our focus on the priority area of interstate narcotics distribution that impacts public safety in our rural communities, and we appreciate the partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies in Obion County."

On December 11, 2019, the defendant pled guilty to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, and cocaine.

On June 16, 2020, U.S. Senior District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced the defendant to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the Obion County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department and the Fulton County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office.

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

###

MEMPHIS, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Scott Smith will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s Election Day Program for the upcoming August 6, 2020, primary election.

AUSA Smith has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is responsible for monitoring elections in West Tennessee to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act and other federal election statutes, and overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference, intimidation, or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on August 6, 2020 or during the early voting period from July 17 through August 1, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Dunavant stated that AUSA Smith will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following office telephone number: (901) 544-4231.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day and during the early voting period. The local FBI Memphis field office can be reached by the public at (901) 747-4300.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at (800)-253- 3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.section@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/

United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the DOJ Civil Rights Division."

###

 

Jackson, TN – Edwin Joseph Hogg Jr., 55, has been sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on January 23, 2019, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle for a stop sign violation. Officers observed a Ruger 10-22 semi-automatic rifle in plain view and were aware of Hogg as being a convicted felon.

During the search of Hogg’s person and vehicle, officers seized the firearm and approximately 1.3 grams of methamphetamine from his left coat pocket. Also, further investigation through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) confirmed that on September 5, 2008, Hogg was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, and on December 5, 2016 he was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Obion County.

Hogg was arrested and later charged in federal court with one count of being a convicted felon-in-possession of a firearm. He pled guilty on January 10, 2020.

On June 19, 2020, United States District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Hogg to 14 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Clearly, Hogg did not learn a lesson from his prior state convictions. Now, he will be rightly punished for his recidivism and incapacitated in federal prison, where there is no sentence discount or sanctuary of parole. We thank and commend the Obion County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding work in this important case."

This case was investigated by the Obion County Sheriff’s Office.

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

###

Jackson, TN – Keith Norris, 32, has been sentenced to 280 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in 2018, the Weakly County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) in Dresden, Tennessee, began an investigation into an ongoing drug trafficking organization led by Keith Norris. The investigation included search warrants, traffic stops, statements of cooperators, and phone records. Weakley County investigators received information about Norris distributing methamphetamine to five other co-defendants. During a search of Norris’s residence on April 26, 2018, investigators recovered methamphetamine and over $1,300 in currency.

On June 14, 2018, investigators again executed a search warrant on Norris’s residence. Norris was seen attempting to destroy the drug evidence; however, 4.5 ounces of methamphetamine was recovered during the search. Norris was arrested, claimed ownership of all the narcotics recovered, and allowed agents to search his cell phone. Based on his statement, Norris was held accountable for distributing 296 ounces of actual methamphetamine, which equates to over 4.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine.

On July 13, 2020, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Thomas Anderson sentenced Norris to 280 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Drug distribution conspiracies are NOT victimless crimes. Methamphetamine causes significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Individuals who distribute harmful drugs into our rural communities can no longer hide, and those who choose to engage in such lawlessness will pay the price with a long prison sentence."

This is the second sentencing in a case involving multiple defendants, including Keith Norris, Robert Thomas, Charles Settles, Justin Tyler Bynum and Solomon Clay on charges of conspiracy to distribute actual methamphetamine. On August 6, 2019, Robert Thomas was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release for his role in the conspiracy. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/martin-tennessee-man-sentenced-108months-imprisonment-conspiracy-distribute

This case was investigated by the Weakly County Sheriff’s Department and Martin Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

MEMPHIS, TN – Devonell Montgomery, 23, has been sentenced to 156 months in federal prison for two separate armed carjacking incidents and for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on September 16, 2018 at 8:00 pm a woman was placing items into her 2008 Pontiac G6 when three men approached demanding her keys and telling her that they had handguns. One of the men pushed her against the vehicle and demanded that she get inside. The woman screamed and ran. The men got into the vehicle and drove away.

On September 23, 2018, around 7:00 pm in the Water Tree Apartments, a woman and her 10 year old child were searching for a cellphone charger in her 2005 GMC Envoy when three men approached the vehicle and said "give us everything and you won’t get hurt." Montgomery removed the child from the car and threw her to the ground. Another man put a pistol against the woman's head and threatened her life. The woman got out of the car and the men drove away.

The next day Memphis Police Department Officers recovered the abandoned GMC Envoy in another apartment complex after it had been used in an unrelated shooting. Officers from the Violent Crimes Unit of the Memphis Police Department determined that Montgomery was a suspect in this carjacking. The woman identified Montgomery as the man who threw her child from the car.

A Memphis Police Officer later found the Pontiac G6 at Montgomery's mother's home. The officers also recovered Montgomery's finger print from that vehicle.

On February 14, 2020, Montgomery plead guilty to all three counts as charged. On July 15, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Montgomery to 156 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our Carjacking Initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is continuing to coordinate with our federal and local law enforcement partners to prioritize and target carjacking cases for aggressive federal prosecution, where there is no sanctuary of parole. There is a heavy price to pay for sowing lawlessness and violence in our communities, and Montgomery will now reap a long prison sentence for his brazen and dangerous behavior that victimized innocent citizens."

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Neal Oldham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###

MEMPHIS, TN – Antonio Buntyn, 45, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on April 6, 2019, at approximately 2:05 a.m. Memphis Police responded to a car crash. Buntyn’s car was inoperable, and ultimately had to be towed away. He then walked to the house of his girlfriend, who had an order of protection against him. At her house, he physically assaulted her and as they got into her car he continued the assault. She was able to escape from the car at a local gas station where she contacted law enforcement. Buntyn fled the scene.

Later, still in the early morning hours of April 6, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Memphis Police responded to yet another call involving Buntyn. Buntyn had returned to the girlfriend’s house, and was being chased off the property by her son. Law enforcement placed him in custody. The girlfriend told law enforcement that Buntyn was in possession of a firearm, which she was able to take away from him and placed in a storm drain. Assisted by the Memphis Fire Department, law enforcement was able to open the storm drain and recover the weapon.

Buntyn has one prior felony conviction for Aggravated Assault and one prior misdemeanor conviction for domestic assault. As a result of his prior conviction history, Buntyn is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On July 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Buntyn to 37 months in federal prison followed by 2 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Prohibited persons in possession of firearms such as convicted felons and persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. In order to protect public safety, uphold the rule of law, and achieve justice for victims, must remove firearms from the hands of prohibited persons and remove dangerous felons from our streets. This sentence does just that.”

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department.

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.

###

MEMPHIS, TN – Jeremy Nicks, 35, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, on April 26, 2018, Jeremy Nicks picked up his girlfriend from work. As she got into the car, Nicks pointed a gun at the victim and threatened to kill her while driving throughout various locations in Memphis. The victim reported the incident to the Memphis Police Department the next day.

On April 27, 2018, the victim notified law enforcement that Nicks was at her residence. When law enforcement responded to the domestic disturbance call, the victim informed officers that the defendant kept the gun under the hood of the Ford Escape. Nicks was immediately placed under arrest. The victim gave a signed statement, and the police obtained a search warrant for Nicks's vehicle. A Harrington and Richardson .32 caliber revolver, loaded with four live rounds, was recovered under the hood of the car.

Nicks has one prior 2007 federal felony robbery conviction and three prior domestic violence misdemeanor convictions. As a result of his prior felony conviction history, Nicks is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On December 18, 2019, Nicks pled guilty to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 10, 2020, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Nicks to 46 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Reducing violent crimes committed with firearms is the top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. Prohibited persons in possession of firearms, such as convicted felons and persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. This is exactly the type of dangerous offender that the PSN Task Force is designed to target, and I commend their work in holding Nicks responsible and removing him from our streets."

This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force. This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, 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 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 prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###