Western District of Tennessee

Jackson, TN –Terry Williams, 61, has been sentenced to 140 months imprisonment on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, during undercover operations on October 24 and 29, 2018, the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force purchased a total of approximately 27 grams of actual methamphetamine from Williams. On October 31, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at Williams’ residence in Hardin County. During the search, investigators located and seized several firearms, drug paraphernalia, drug scales, approximately 87 grams of actual methamphetamine, 21 grams of marijuana, and several alprazolam, soma, and hydrocodone pills. Investigators also seized $841 of drug money from Williams, as well as a Lexus that the defendant used during at least one of the undercover drug purchases.

On June 5, 2019, Williams entered a guilty plea to the one-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine.

On October 17, 2019, Senior U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Williams to 140 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked in and through West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. Drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment, and this sentence does just that."

This case was investigated by members of the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force, the United States Marshals Service, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Former City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development employee Leon Blackmon Sr. and eight other relatives or acquaintances were indicted for their roles in a government-contracting scheme that defrauded the City of Memphis (City) and taxpayers by causing the City to pay out at least $1.6 million to City vendors, of which at least 50% of said funds resulted from fraud. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.

Those charged in the indictment include the following named defendants:

Leon Blackmon Sr., 70, Memphis, TN., former City of Memphis employee

Leon Blackmon Jr., 41, Memphis, TN.

Karl "Shun" Blackmon, 46, Memphis, TN.

Larry Donnell Banks Jr., 42, Memphis, TN., Banks Lawncare & Landscaping

Charles M. Bell, 33, Memphis, TN., Charles Bell’s Lawn Care

Shaunita Lacole Callicutt, 39, Arlington, TN., A Perfect Edge Lawn Service, L&S Lawn Maintenance, and Professional Mowers of Memphis

Sharon D. Taylor, 59, Memphis, TN., Sharon’s Lawn Service

Teressa Lynn Taylor, 61, Memphis, TN., TLT Beautiful Lawns

Henry J. Taylor, 68, Memphis, TN., Hank’s Lawn Service

Mendel L. Wade, 55, Memphis, TN., Lisdel Lawn Service

According to the indictment, from 2009 to 2016, Leon Blackmon Sr., an Analyst with the City of Memphis-Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD), maintained the City-owned lots and properties list and selected vendors to maintain those lots under the City HCD Maintenance Program. He received, reviewed, approved vendor invoices for the HCD Maintenance Program, then submitted check requests to the City requesting that those vendors be paid.

It was a part of the scheme that Leon Blackmon Sr., Leon Blackmon Jr., and Karl Blackmon recruited family, friends, associates or employees from their auto businesses to establish lawn companies and to become City vendors. The Blackmons directed these individuals to obtain business tax licenses, to apply for and obtain U.S. Post Office Boxes and to open business bank accounts. Some of the City-owned lots and properties were already maintained by City employees or neighboring property owners. Some of the City-owned lots and properties were inaccessible and could not be maintained. However, vendors still submitted fraudulent invoices to Leon Blackmon Sr.’s attention for alleged work conducted. In return, he submitted check requests to City officials for payment to vendors via U.S. Mail service.

As a part of the conspiracy, Leon Blackmon Sr., Leon Blackmon Jr. and Karl Blackmon received proceeds from the City checks sent to vendors via U.S. Mail. From 2009 and continuing through 2016, the City paid approximately $1.6 million under the HCD Maintenance Program to participating lawn care companies based on invoices those companies submitted to Leon Blackmon Sr. in his role as the HCD Analyst. At a minimum, approximately 50% of the City-owned lots and properties shown on those billed invoices were fraudulent. When federal agents asked Leon Blackmon Sr. whether he had personal or family relationships with City vendors and received any proceeds from City checks, he denied both.

All defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and multiple individual mail fraud charges. They face individual sentences of up to five years imprisonment for the conspiracy offense and up to twenty years for the mail fraud offense. Additionally, Leon Blackmon Sr. faces up to five years imprisonment for false statements to federal agents.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This long-term fraudulent scheme had significant financial consequences to the public interests of the City of Memphis, and created unfair business advantages for vendors in the HCD Maintenance Program. This office is committed to the protection of the integrity of public services, and schemes to defraud programs or compromise public office will not be tolerated. This indictment demonstrates our commitment to protect taxpayer resources from such disturbing crimes of dishonesty, and to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in government programs."

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Damon Keith Griffin and Murre Foster are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

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

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Jackson, TN – After a three-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Gene Allen Howell, 38, 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. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the guilty verdict 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 threated 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. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 17 years imprisonment on the firearms charges, which will run consecutively to a sentence of up to 25 years on the bank robbery charges. There is no parole in the federal system.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 28, 2020, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson.

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. Now he will have plenty of time in federal prison to suffer with the consequences of his recidivist criminal conduct, and the citizens of McNairy and Henderson Counties will be safer for it."

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.

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Memphis, TN – Robert Darnell, 63, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on April 4, 2017, Memphis Police Officers responded to an aggravated assault call at a rooming house at 967 Randle Street. The officers found the victim, Hosea Bland, bleeding from two gunshot wounds. The victim stated "Robert shot me." Bland was transported to Regional One Health for treatment. Police officers recovered several .45 caliber shell casings. It appeared the defendant and the victim had both been drinking and an argument precipitated the shooting.

The officers located Darnell in the lower bunk bed of an adjacent room, as well as two handguns, a .45 caliber Hi-Point pistol and a .40 caliber Hi-Point pistol. While Darnell did not have any recent felony convictions, he was a convicted felon with prior convictions in the State of Mississippi for burglary in 1975, aggravated assault in 1977, and larceny in 1984.

On October 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Darnell to 46 months in federal prison followed by 2 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

The Memphis Police Department investigated this case.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to the community, and in this case, Darnell was a violent offender who possessed and violently discharged a firearm despite his prior felony conviction history. There is a consequence for such criminal behavior, and we will aggressively enforce federal law to protect victims and uphold the rule of law."

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam 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 – Six Leaders of the Conservative Vice Lords/Concrete Cartel Street Gang, a nation-wide street gang with its origin and home base in Chicago, Illinois, were recently sentenced for federal Racketeering (RICO), Business and Pharmacy Robberies, Firearms and Drug Trafficking charges. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney, announced the sentences today.

At trial, the evidence proved the Concrete Cartel and its members operate mainly in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee and North Mississippi and that its leadership consists of a regional/southern leader, a statewide leader, a citywide leader and community/division leaders (Whitehaven, Orange Mound, East Memphis, South Memphis and North Memphis).

Within the organization, there are different areas of responsibilities or roles: Ministers of Command, Chief Violators, Chiefs of Security, Chief Enforcers, Ministers of Literature, Lieutenants and Foot Soldiers. Members rise to these positions through acts of violence, including but not limited to shootings, robberies, and drug trafficking. The Concrete Cartel encourages the robbery of businesses, mainly pharmacies, to take opioids and other Schedule II controlled substances to enrich themselves and the membership through drug trafficking.

The evidence further proved that Davante Turner, 26, a/k/a/"Star," William Pinkney, 22, a/k/a/ "Wild," Markease Alexander, 26, a/k/a/ "Citi," Nernest Nesby, 25, a/k/a/ "Neno," Tondwin Lewis, 26, a/k/a/ "T-Luey," and Ariq Rayford, 22, a/k/a/ "Curry," committed multiple acts of business robberies while using firearms. In the case of pharmacy robberies, they then distributed or sold the opioids or controlled substances on the streets of Memphis and elsewhere.

Along with the RICO charge against them, the defendants were also sentenced for their participation in the following armed business robberies, using firearms:

• July 18, 2015, Davante Levert Turner and others robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 786 N. Germantown Parkway, Memphis, Tennessee. During this robbery, Turner and others took the following drugs from the business: Oxycodone, Fentanyl, and Methylphenidate.

• February 15, 2016, Ariq Rayford and others robbed the Walgreens Pharmacy at 4653 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee. Rayford attempted to take Roxicodone drugs from the business.

• April 30, 2016, Nernest Nesby and others robbed the Mojo Vapors at 6522 Quince, Memphis, Tennessee, taking money and merchandise from the business.

• April 30, 2016, Nernest Nesby and others robbed the Exxon Mobil Gas Station at 6021 Mt. Moriah, Memphis, Tennessee, taking money from the business.

• April 30, 2016, Nernest Nesby and others robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 6620 Winchester Road, Memphis, Tennessee, taking money from the business.

• May 1, 2016, Nernest Nesby and others attempted to rob the Circle K at 7195 Winchester Road, Memphis, Tennessee.

• May 1, 2016, Nernest Nesby and others robbed the Exxon at 6455 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, taking money from the business.

• July 22, 2016, Markease Alexander and others robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 786 N. Germantown Parkway Road, Memphis, Tennessee. During the robbery, Alexander and others took the following drugs from the business: Oxycodone, Oxymorphine, and Oxymorphone. Lashawn Shannon distributed the drugs for Alexander and others.

• November 1, 2016, Markease Alexander and others robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 2115 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee. Alexander and others took the following drugs from the business: Oxycodone and Acetaminophen, Dextroamphetamine, Oxycodone, Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, and Oxycodone Hydrochloride.

• July 5, 2017, Davante Levert Turner, Tondwin Lewis, and William Pinkney robbed the CVS Pharmacy at 6620 Winchester Road, Memphis, Tennessee. Turner, Lewis and Pinkney attempted to take Roxicodone drugs from the business.

Each defendant was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker, as follows:

• Ariq Rayford was sentenced on October 18, 2019, to 140 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release;

• William Pinkney was sentenced on September 4, 2019, to 160 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;

• Tondwin Lewis was sentenced on September 27, 2019, to 220 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;

• DaVante Turner was sentenced on October 22, 2019, to 240 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release;

• Markease Alexander was sentenced on October 23, 2019, to 264 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release;

• Nernest Nesby, was sentenced on September 26, 2019, to 481 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Dismantlement of criminal gangs is a top priority of this office and the Department of Justice, and this case represents the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to target several significant violent leaders and participants in the Conservative Vice Lords organization. As a result of these sentences, the Concrete Cartel has been decimated, and violent gang members will be rightly punished and removed from the streets for decades. We are taking the fight to the gangs in West Tennessee, and we are relentless in our resolve."

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and theMulti-Agency Gang Unit (MGU) of the Memphis Police Department.

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

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Memphis, TN – A citizen of Nigeria residing in Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison yesterday for his role in an international cyber fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee.

Olufolajimi Abegunde, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl L. Lipman of the Western District of Tennessee who also ordered Abegunde to pay $57,911.62 in restitution to the victims of his offense. Abegunde and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 29, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Ramos-Alonso previously received a 31-month sentence for his role in the scheme.

Abegunde and Ramos-Alonso participated in a criminal organization in which members "spoofed" emails and created fake profiles on dating websites in order to fool victims into sending money to bogus bank accounts under the control of members of the conspiracy. The proceeds would be laundered and subsequently wired out of the United States to destinations including West Africa. The organization as a whole is believed to have caused more than $10,000,000 in damage to United States citizens and businesses.

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 involve foreign nationals and others who hide behind technology, the cases are difficult – but not impossible – to investigate. We will continue to deploy our resources to take on these difficult cases, and we are pleased to achieve justice for the victims in this case."

The evidence presented at trial showed that Abegunde, who received an MBA from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, engaged in black-market currency exchanges over the life of the conspiracy. Purporting to hold himself out as a legitimate

businessman, Abegunde claimed association with a business entity that was not yet operational in late 2017, so for his primary source of income he relied on his off-the-book currency exchanges. Through this network, Abegeunde played a key role, along with Ramos-Alonso, in laundering fraud funds from an Oct. 3, 2016, business email compromise (BEC) of a land title company located in Bellingham, Washington. The proceeds of another BEC perpetrated in July 2016 upon a real estate company in Memphis, Tennessee, also moved through parts of the same criminal organization.

Abegunde, who faced numerous account closures from banks in the United States, used a complicated network of third-party bank accounts to disguise his illicit activity. The proof at trial established that Abegunde told people that he could not receive payments into accounts that could be "tracked," and that he preferred to engage in cash transactions because they were easier to clean and "eliminated the risk."

In addition to his financial activities, Abegunde also engaged in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud. Abegunde was married during his studies at Texas A&M, but divorced his wife in 2016 to marry a U.S. service member through whom he could obtain immigration and health care benefits and also open new bank accounts. He continued to live with his first wife in Atlanta while his U.S. service member wife was deployed to South Korea. While incarcerated and awaiting trial in the Western District of Tennessee, Abegunde continued his conspiratorial activities, trying to convince his fake spouse, who has since filed for divorce, to refuse to testify against him. Abegunde is contesting the divorce from his fake spouse. Abegunde also engaged in witness tampering by sending a self-written Motion to Dismiss bearing his former attorney’s name and professional attestation. The evidence at trial established that Abegunde drafted and sent the motion, which his attorney expressly did not authorize, to his faux spouse in an effort to deceive her into not testifying against him.

Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in the scheme. Additionally, three foreign nationals are awaiting extradition to the United States to face trial. Several others are still at large.

The FBI’s Memphis Field Office investigated the case with assistance from agents in Atlanta and San Jose, California. Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland prosecuted 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.

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A citizen of Nigeria residing in Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 78 months in prison yesterday for his role in an international cyber fraud scheme, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. 

Olufolajimi Abegunde, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl L. Lipman of the Western District of Tennessee who also ordered Abegunde to pay $57,911.62 in restitution to the victims of his offense.  Abegunde and Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso, 29, were convicted in March after a seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.  Ramos-Alonso previously received a 31-month sentence for his role in the scheme.

Abegunde and Ramos-Alonso participated in a criminal organization in which members “spoofed” emails and created fake profiles on dating websites in order to fool victims into sending money to bogus bank accounts under the control of members of the conspiracy.  The proceeds would be laundered and subsequently wired out of the United States to destinations including West Africa.  The organization as a whole is believed to have caused more than $10,000,000 in damage to U.S. citizens and businesses. 

The evidence presented at trial showed that Abegunde, who received an MBA from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, engaged in black-market currency exchanges over the life of the conspiracy.  Purporting to hold himself out as a legitimate businessman, Abegunde claimed association with a business entity that was not yet operational in late 2017, so for his primary source of income he relied on his off-the-book currency exchanges.  Through this network, Abegeunde played a key role, along with Ramos-Alonso, in laundering fraud funds from an Oct. 3, 2016, business email compromise (BEC) of a land title company located in Bellingham, Washington.  The proceeds of another BEC perpetrated in July 2016 upon a real estate company in Memphis, Tennessee, also moved through parts of the same criminal organization.

Abegunde, who faced numerous account closures from banks in the United States, used a complicated network of third-party bank accounts to disguise his illicit activity.  The proof at trial established that Abegunde told people that he could not receive payments into accounts that could be “tracked,” and that he preferred to engage in cash transactions because they were easier to clean and “eliminated the risk.”     

In addition to his financial activities, Abegunde also engaged in a conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.  Abegunde was married during his studies at Texas A&M, but divorced his wife in 2016 to marry a U.S. service member through whom he could obtain immigration and health care benefits and also open new bank accounts.  He continued to live with his first wife in Atlanta while his U.S. service member wife was deployed to South Korea.  While incarcerated and awaiting trial in the Western District of Tennessee, Abegunde continued his conspiratorial activities, trying to convince his fake spouse, who has since filed for divorce, to refuse to testify against him.  Abegunde also engaged in witness tampering by sending a self-written Motion to Dismiss bearing his former attorney’s name and professional attestation.  The evidence at trial established that Abegunde drafted and sent the motion, which his attorney expressly did not authorize, to his faux spouse in an effort to deceive her into not testifying against him.      

Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to being involved in the scheme.  Additionally, several foreign nationals are awaiting extradition to the United States to face trial.  Others are still at large.

The FBI’s Memphis Field Office investigated the case with assistance from agents in Atlanta and San Jose, California.  Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers with the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland prosecuted the case.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extraditions.

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.

 

Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing that on Saturday, October 26, 2019, DEA will hold its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at thousands of collection sites around the country, including here at Kroger, 7615 Highway 70 Bartlett, Tennessee. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.

With robust public participation over the course of 16 prior events, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.

For the first time, DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop-off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.

Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially among America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Addressing the opioid crisis in our communities requires a comprehensive approach which includes prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement. The DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back event allows everyone to participate in prevention and education that promotes public safety, and I encourage all West Tennesseans to turn in your unused, unwanted, and expired medications. Together, we can prevent addiction, injury and death, and educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug abuse."

"DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative helps get unused and unwanted prescription medications out of circulation and ensures their safe disposal," said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon. "This year, we are taking a step further by accepting vaping devices and cartridges as we work with our federal partners to combat this emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth."

Now in its tenth year, DEA has collected a total of more than 11 million pounds (almost 6,000 tons) of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events. DEA is continuing to register law enforcement partners and collection sites for the upcoming Take Back Day. As of October 15, 2019, more than 4,500 registered law enforcement partners will assist with more than 5,250 registered sites and 135 tribal locations across the country, with more being added each day Collection sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has received enthusiastic public support since its inception in 2010. Last April, the public turned in 469 tons (937,443pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 6,258 sites operated by the DEA and its 4,969 local and tribal partners.

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

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Jackson, TN – Dontoreus Douglas, a/k/a "D.T.," 32, was sentenced to 280 months in federal prison for attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity; discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in 2009, Dontoreus Douglas became a member of the street gang and criminal enterprise known as the Gangster Disciples. The Gangster Disciples enterprise has a highly organized structure with nationwide reach, active in 35 states. In 2012, Douglas committed attempted murders for the purpose of gaining entrance to or maintaining or increasing position within the Gangster Disciples. As a member of the "Blackout Squad," he held the rank of Chief of Security/Enforcer.

On June 12, 2012, officers with the Jackson Police Department were dispatched to a residence in Jackson, Tennessee in response to gun shots. Officers found that a victim had been shot twice and they observed approximately thirty-five bullet holes in a vehicle. Investigators found thirty 7.62 caliber round casings and twenty-six .223 caliber round casings in an area across the street.

On February 27, 2013, investigators received information about narcotics being sold from a residence, known as the "Compound", the Gangster Disciples headquarters. Law enforcement were familiar with this area. Investigators searched the apartment and discovered a loaded AK-style rifle that utilized 7.62 caliber rounds and drugs and gang paraphernalia, as well as receipts belonging to the defendant. Agents with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives laboratory determined that the rifle found at the apartment was the same rifle that fired all thirty rounds of 7.62 caliber rounds recovered from the scene of the June 12, 2012 shooting.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) laboratory located in Atlanta, Georgia, did NIBIN testing on the weapon found in Douglas’ possession. NIBIN, or the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network, is an ATF led program that is used to link violent criminals to the violent crimes they commit by using the firearms they possess or use. The NIBIN program allows law enforcement to leverage technology to assist local agencies, such as the Jackson Police Department, to solve violent crimes. NIBIN is not only instrumental in Jackson, Tennessee, but also in other parts of the country where the criminal element uses firearms to commit crimes of violence.

On June 3, 2016, after investigating a suspicious freight container delivered at a local Jackson business, it was picked up by Douglas and contained marijuana. Officers further discovered that the defendant also possessed a loaded pistol and a smaller amount of cocaine and heroin.

On October 18, 2019, U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Douglas to 280 months in federal prison followed by 4 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Dismantlement of criminal gangs is a top priority of the Department of Justice, and this case represents the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement to target and remove a significant violent participant and leader in the Gangster Disciples organization. ‘D.T.’ will now serve a sentence of over 23 years in federal prison for his violent and drug crimes. We are taking the fight to the gangs in West Tennessee, and we are relentless in our resolve."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Jackson Police Department's Gang Enforcement Unit and the Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Boswell and Hillary Lawler Parham prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Memphis, TN – Latrice Calvin, 48, of Collierville, Tennessee was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison in connection with a scheme to defraud mortgage lending institutions and individuals of more than $1.5 million dollars. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

Calvin entered a plea of guilty to a one-count information charging her with wire fraud in May. According to the information, between April 2016, and October 2018, Calvin, through her company, Trinity Home and Investments, made false statements and representations to mortgage lenders and individuals to induce them to fund mortgage loans and invest monies with Trinity.

On October 18, 2019, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Calvin to 75 months imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution to the lenders and investors in the total amount of $1,524,564.28 and to pay a money judgment to the United States in the same amount.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Financial fraud can happen anywhere, and can be devastating to lending institutions and individual investors. The defendant used her position of trust and authority to steal proceeds for her personal benefit, and her dishonesty has been exposed. We are pleased that justice has been achieved on behalf of the victims, and we commend the FBI for their outstanding investigation in this disturbing case. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case.

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

Jackson, TN – After a two-day trial, a federal jury has found Pierre Woods, 38, of Bolivar, TN, guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on February 20, 2019, officers of the Bolivar, Tennessee, Police Department were called to a motel. Woods’ pregnant girlfriend informed officers that Woods had marijuana in the motel room and a gun in his car. She also said that she had been physically abused. Officers located marijuana in the room.

Woods had driven the car to work but was not present in the car when officers arrived at his workplace. The officers obtained a search warrant to search the vehicle. When asked, Woods told them he did not have the keys to the vehicle, and that his mother had them. Upon searching the vehicle, officers found a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol. The jury found Woods, who was already a convicted felon, guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. This is Woods’ second conviction in this district for this offense.

Sentencing for Woods is scheduled for January 14, 2020 before U.S. District Court Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson, where he faces a possible sentence of up to 120 months in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to the community, and in this case, Woods was a violent domestic abuser who continued to possess a firearm and illegal drugs despite his prior felony conviction history. This is one more recidivist gun-toter that will be removed from the streets, and Bolivar and Hardeman County is safer as a result."

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

This case was prosecuted by the Eastern Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Memphis, TN – After a federal jury trial, Wendy Thomas, 39, has been convicted for robbery of mail, money or other property of the United States and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on November 21, 2016, at approximately 12:50 p.m., U.S. Postal Inspectors responded to the robbery of a U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier in the area of 890 Baltic Street. The gunman approached the letter carrier and pointed a semi-automatic handgun as she was placing her mail satchel in her postal truck.

The suspect asked for cash or checks that were in the vehicle. He then went through the mail and took several envelopes and packages. As the suspect was leaving, he threatened the letter carrier and told her "to stay back, don’t move until I leave or I am going to blow your damn head off." The gunman fled in a blue 2005 Toyota Matrix. Investigators later determined that Wendy Thomas was the getaway driver and that Jamal Cherry was the gunman.

The robbery was captured by a nearby home surveillance video camera. Surveillance video footage depicts Cherry exiting the Toyota Matrix to rob the letter carrier. The video then showed Thomas slide from the passenger side of the vehicle to the driver's side to ready herself for Cherry's return. When Cherry completed the robbery, Thomas sped off from the scene in the Toyota Matrix. During an interview with U.S. Postal Inspectors, Thomas admitted to being on the scene and driving Cherry away from robbery.

On September 15, 2017, Cherry pled guilty to the armed robberies of two U.S. Postal Service letter carriers and received a sentence of 13 years in federal prison.

Sentencing for Thomas is scheduled for January 16, 2020, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. On count one, Thomas faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. On count two, Thomas faces a minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, which must be consecutive to count one, followed by 5 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the safety of United States Postal Service employees and the sanctity and security of the U.S.Mail. Armed robberies are brazen and disturbing acts of violence that terrorize our community, and must be met with significant consequences. These dangerous offenders have sown violence and greed, and as a result of this guilty verdict, they will now reap the full measure of consequences for their criminal conduct."

"One of the core tasks of the Postal Inspection Service is the safety and well-being of United States Postal Service employees. We are very pleased with the jury's verdict and hope this result deters others from similar types of crime," said David McGinnis, Inspector-In-Charge of the Charlotte Division.

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Memphis, TN – Five members of a large-scale heroin and fentanyl distribution network have been indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 1 kilogram of heroin; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl; possession of heroin and fentanyl with intent to distribute; and being a convicted felon in possession of handguns. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.

According to information presented in court, on September 19, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Decarlos Rodgers, 41, Darius Chalmers, 26, Entonyo Chalmers, 28, Louis Taylor, 35, and Blake Owens, 50, as part of a heroin and fentanyl trafficking scheme. In June, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced the indictment of 30 individuals for a large heroin and fentanyl organization. These five defendants were significant to that criminal organization. The organization used several different cell phones to take orders from customers who ordered heroin and fentanyl. The orders would then be filled, provided to the customer and exchanged the heroin and fentanyl for money.

Investigators with the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit were able to discover the methods of distribution, conduct surveillance to find out who the distributors were, and buy some of the drugs themselves to find out exactly what was being distributed. In each case, investigators discovered the substances being sold were a mixture of heroin and fentanyl.

According to other evidence presented in court, Owens bought heroin and fentanyl from the organization and then redistributed the drugs to his workers and construction crews who were working to open a new club in Memphis. Owens is the son of Danny Owens, a well-known Memphian once known as the "topless night club kingpin." In the 1990s, both Danny and Blake Owens served long prison sentences for their roles in gambling, prostitution, and money laundering crimes. Blake Owens served more than 15 years in federal prison for his role in the kidnapping and torture of an individual related to the gambling and nightclub business.

What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substance Act which is fifty times more potent than heroin and one hundred times more so than morphine. Fentanyl has undoubtedly contributed to the sharp increase in opioid deaths both nationally and locally. Because of the rise in deaths associated with the introduction of this narcotic into the drug market, the Department of Justice and this District have taken an aggressive approach in identifying distributors, especially those whose distribution results in death.

If convicted, Rodgers faces a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and up to life. Both Owens and Darius Chalmers face a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life. Entonyo Chalmers and Taylor face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to life. There is no possibility of parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Fentanyl is a deadly drug that destroys lives, and the substantial quantity of fentanyl possessed by the defendants for resale could have caused countless injuries and deaths. Under the new opioid strategy of this office and the Department of Justice, we will seek maximum sentencing penalties for any person distributing any amount of fentanyl in West Tennessee. If you are a drug dealer causing addiction, pain, and death for selfish personal gain, we will find you and hold you accountable."

The Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit investigated this case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This case is part of the Heroin Initiative in collaboration with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.

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

 

Memphis, TN –A total of 34 individuals have been sentenced after a two-year investigation known as Operation "Gangster’s Paradise" conducted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force ("OCDETF"). Members of the drug trafficking organization have been sentenced to federal prison for drug and money laundering violations. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentences today.

According to information presented in court, in 2016, the Memphis Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration ("DEA") began investigating a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in the Memphis area. This led to several multi-defendant indictments involving a variety of narcotics and money laundering charges. On today’s date, the final defendant was sentenced. Below is a list of those indicted, the charges for which they were convicted, and the sentences imposed:

Rafael Garza, 47, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr., sentenced Garza to 210 months.

Timothy Woods, 49, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr., sentenced Woods to 120 months.

Juan Cisneros, 36, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on April 12, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr., sentenced Cisneros to 121 months; 5 years supervised release.

Alfredo Arambul, 37, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Arambul to 120 months followed by 3 years supervised release.

Carlos Lopez, 41, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Lopez to 46 months and 2 years supervised release.

Tiffany Harper, 48, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on March 13, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Harper to time served, 24 months supervised release.

Anthony Hope, 49, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 17, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Hope to 100 months; 3 years supervised release.

Corey Blair, 48, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 19, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Blair to 46 months; 3 years supervised release.

Marcus Joyner, 35, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 12, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Joyner to 30 months; 2 years supervised release.

Ricky Dortch, 56, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on May 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr., sentenced Dortch to 15 months; 3 years supervised release.

Johnny Smith, 61, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on November 14, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays Jr., sentenced Smith to 60 months; 4 years supervised release.

Wanda Amos, 44, conspiracy to commit money laundering, on February 15, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Amos to 24 months supervised release (probation).

Savino Juarez Cabrales, 46, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, on June 21, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cabrales to 120 months; 5 years supervised release.

Marco Antonio Cruz, Jr., 30, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, on July 18, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cruz to 51 months.

Jackie Arnold, 49, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering, on July 17, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Arnold to 180 months; 4 years supervised release.

Travis Bobo, 57, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, on February 25, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Bobo to 120 months; 5 years supervised release.

Joseph Brown, 43, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on September 6, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Brown to 34 months; 3 years supervised release.

Timothy Brown, 39, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on April 2, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Brown to 18 months; 3 years supervised release.

Dedrick Chism, 44, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, on September 12, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Chism to 60 months; 4 years supervised release.

Foyice Clark, 62, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on July 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Clark to 57 months; 5 years supervised release.

Reginald Duncan, 48, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on May 10, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Duncan to 18 months; 3 years supervised release.

Theotis Evans, 42, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on May 31, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Evans to 24 months; 3 years supervised release.

Rico Fason, 33, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, on May 20, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Fason to 90 months; 4 years supervised release.

Antonio Goss, 43, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, on February 4, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Goss to 120 months; 3 years supervised release.

Rodney Harper, 43, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on September 7, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Harper to 33 months; 3 years supervised release.

Tangela Jackson, 50, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on February 22, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Jackson to 60 months; 4 years supervised release.

Lakata Johnson, 47, conspiracy to commit money laundering, sentenced on June 12, 2016, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Johnson to 12 months, 1 day; 2 years supervised release.

Roderick Kelley, 44, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on August 5, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Kelley to 46 months; 4 years supervised release.

Tawana Rice, 42, conspiracy to commit money laundering, on June 18, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Rice to time served; 2 years supervised release.

Roy Rodgers, 54, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, on March 12, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Rodgers to 27 months; 3 years supervised release.

Rodney Taylor, 41, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, on August 21, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Taylor to 8 months; 3 years supervised release.

Shunta Thompson-Truehart, 40, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, on January 14, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced to Thompson-Truehart to 24 months; 4 years supervised release.

Barrett Young, 54, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, on October 17, 2019, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, sentenced Young to 18 months; 3 years supervised release.

John Robinson, 45, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine, on October 3, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Robinson to 12 months; 3 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Use and trafficking of illegal drugs continues to destroy lives, families, and communities in Memphis, Shelby County, and across West Tennessee. The joint cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement in this OCDETF case demonstrates our ability and resolve to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, including those that distribute narcotics from locations across the country. These sentences send a clear message to those gangsters, drug dealers, and money launderers who distribute poison in the Western District of Tennessee: You cannot prey upon our citizens for your selfish personal gain with impunity; For you, there is no paradise – only a reckoning that ends in federal prison."

OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations and organized criminal enterprises, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit, the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated these cases.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted these cases on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Christopher Holmes, 31, has been sentenced to 55 months 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 February 6, 2018, around noon, Memphis police saw a silver Infiniti I30 west bound on Chelsea Avenue with very dark tinted windows that appeared to be beyond the legal limit. As officers executed a traffic stop, Holmes exited the vehicle and attempted to run from officers. He was apprehended a short distance later and struggled with officers while being handcuffed. Law enforcement located on his person a prescription bottle prescribed for someone else containing 43 alprazolam pills.

While searching the vehicle, law enforcement located a loaded Browning 9mm pistol in the front driver’s seat. Holmes has a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault, and a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.

On October 10, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Holmes to 55 months in federal prison followed by 2 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to the community, and in this case, Holmes was a violent offender who continued to possess a firearm 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."

The Memphis Police Department investigated this case.

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

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Memphis, TN – David Mitchell Murray, 39, of Memphis has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in death. Also indicted as a co-defendant in this case was Glenda Aldape, 48, of Cordova. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on the evening of March 28, 2016, the victim Sean Heywood agreed over the phone to buy half a gram of heroin from Aldape for $75. Aldape texted Sean that she was sending "Mitch" (later identified as 39-year-old David Mitchell Murray) to deliver the heroin. Sean lived with his father, mother and grandmother at the time.

At 10 p.m., Sean told his father he was going to a nearby Huey’s location to have a beer. Surveillance tape showed Sean entering the bar area of the restaurant a few minutes after 10 p.m. and having one beer. During this period, he spoke on the phone with Mitch at least twice. The tape then shows him leaving the restaurant. After a few minutes, he left the bar and got into a car with Mitch, who then sold the heroin to Sean. Mitch then drove Sean home.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Sean’s father found Sean unresponsive on the bathroom floor. Memphis emergency personnel arrived at the house and pronounced Sean dead at 1:02 a.m. Law enforcement responded and tagged all of the items as evidence – a plastic bag of heroin in his pocket, syringe, spoon and 0.19 grams of heroin, and Sean’s cell phone. The autopsy results concluded the cause of Sean’s death was a lethal dose of heroin.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Under our district-specific opioid strategy, heroin distribution cases resulting in death receive top priority for investigation and federal prosecution, regardless of quantity of heroin involved or the prior criminal record of the offender. Our Heroin Initiative also provides time-sensitive case coordination between law enforcement agencies and medical examiners, to ensure that opioid overdose death cases are investigated quickly and thoroughly to identify the nature and source of the drug distribution. Finally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute and seek the maximum guidelines sentences in these cases in order to disrupt trafficking organizations, hold the distributor accountable for the death of the victim, and to deter others from selling poison to our citizens."

On October 4, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Murray to 188 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release. Judge Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Glenda Aldape, to 240 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release on May 14, 2019.

This case was investigated the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit (OCU).

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

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Memphis, TN – After a three-day jury trial, Sequna Copeland a/k/a "Cutthroat", 30, of Ripley, Tennessee has been found guilty of two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on June 18, 2018 in Lauderdale County, Tennessee a white minivan crashed on Highway 19. Two men emerged from the vehicle and ran in the direction of Maple Hill Circle. Multiple people identified these men as Sequna Copeland and Bryson Bonds. The Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated the wreck and found a Canik 9mm pistol and a Harrington & Richardson .22 revolver in the minivan. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation lab tests, codefendant statements, and circumstantial evidence revealed that these two handguns were used to kill Jessica Hunt and her unborn child on Berry Morrow Road earlier that same morning.

In 2016, Copeland, along with three other members of the Gangster Disciples, robbed the Ripley Express convenience store. He along with another defendant evaded law enforcement for eight months and was subsequently placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s "Top 10 Most Wanted" list. On July 30, 2015, Copeland, while under oath and testifying as a witness in a proceeding before a Federal Grand Jury, made a false statement to prevent the punishment of two co-defendants. In July 2016, Copeland pleaded guilty to one count of perjury, and was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release. In 2009, Copeland was convicted in Lauderdale County of Facilitation of the Second Degree Murder of Brian Bond, son of then Haywood County Sheriff Melvin Bond.

On October 1, 2018, the Lauderdale County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Copeland with two counts of Premeditated First Degree Murder, two counts of Felony First Degree Murder, one count of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, one count of

Tampering with Evidence, one count of Felony Possession of a Firearm, one count of Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, one count of Abuse of a Corpse, one count of Theft of Property, and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident. https://tbinewsroom.com/2018/10/06/tbi-top-ten-fugitive-captured-charged-in-lauderdale-county-homicide/

Sentencing for the federal firearms convictions is scheduled for November 22, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker, where Copeland faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "As his nickname indicates, ‘Cutthroat’ has a long criminal history of felony convictions involving violence, and has now been found guilty of possessing firearms that were used in the murder of Jessica Hunt and her unborn child, and while he was still on a period of supervised release from a prior felony conviction. Copeland has devoted his entire adult life to a career of criminal conduct in Lauderdale County, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This federal conviction will remove this violent recidivist from the community for up to 10 years, will hopefully deliver justice for his victims, and will make Lauderdale County and West Tennessee a safer place."

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Tennessee Highway Patrol, The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ripley Police Department investigated this case.

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

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Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant and 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson announced today that the first phase of a joint federal, state and local law enforcement anti-violence initiative has resulted in the federal indictments of six individuals from Tipton County, TN. The agencies participating in the initiative include the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, the District Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District, the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Tennessee Department of Correction, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

According to information presented in court, between February and May 2019, law enforcement targeted offenders wanted on arrest warrants for violent criminal offenses in Tipton County, Tennessee. Officials from the participating agencies announced the results of Operation "Crime Driver" at a press conference on May 3, 2019, in Covington, Tennessee.

On February 20, 2019, Danny Muex, Jr., 31, of Atoka, Tennessee, led Tipton County Sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed pursuit, wrecking his vehicle. As deputies apprehended him, he threw a handgun from the vehicle. At the time, he was on probation in the state of Florida as a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Muex Jr., has been charged in federal court in Memphis with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 120 months in federal prison.

On March 3, 2019, Atoka officers encountered Ramell Jackson, 23, of Millington, Tennessee, during a traffic stop and found him in possession of a handgun. At the time, he was under indictment for delivering drugs, and was an admitted drug user. In addition, Jackson was found in possession of ammunition on May 3, 2019, after being convicted of a drug felony. He is currently in state custody awaiting to be arraigned on federal charges. He is charged in federal court in Memphis with possession of a firearm while under felony indictment, possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. If convicted, Jackson faces up to 120 months in federal prison.

On April 3, 2019, Marcus Green, 38, of Covington, Tennessee, a former Shelby County Sheriff’s Corrections Deputy, who was on federal supervised release for a prior federal drug conviction, was found in possession of 1 ½ pounds of marijuana. The U.S. Probation Office filed a petition to revoke Green’s supervised release based upon the marijuana he possessed, and the federal grand jury in Memphis indicted him for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Green pled guilty to both the supervised release violation and the substantive charge of possessing marijuana with intent to distribute. Green was sentenced to a year and a day in custody for violating his supervised release, and he faces a sentence of up to five years imprisonment on the substantive marijuana charge to which he pleaded guilty. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/former-shelby-county-sheriff-s-corrections-deputy-indicted-federal-drug-trafficking On May 3, 2019, law enforcement performed a parole check at the residence of Maurice Nash, 46, of Atoka, Tennessee and found a stolen handgun, $11,579 in cash, 90 pills of ecstasy, a small marijuana grow operation, and Gangster Disciples gang literature. A search of his vehicle produced approximately three pounds of marijuana and a SKS 7.62 assault rifle. Nash has been charged in federal court in Memphis with possession of MDMA (ecstasy) and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. If convicted and found to be an Armed Career Criminal, Nash faces a possible sentence of 360 months and up to life in federal prison.

Later that same day, Tipton County Sheriff deputies encountered Isca Johnson, 23, of Covington, Tennessee, and smelled marijuana emanating from his apartment. He gave consent to search, and deputies found marijuana, alprazolam, a loaded handgun, and ammunition. He admitted to owning the items and to being an illicit drug user. Johnson has been charged in federal court in Memphis with possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance. If convicted, Johnson faces up to 120 months in federal prison.

Jodeci Young, 23, of Covington, Tennessee, has been charged in federal court in Memphis with possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance on May 3, 2019. If convicted, Young faces up to 120 months in federal prison.

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."

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office investigated these cases.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Throughout the past two years, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s Uniform Crime Report released this week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers.

"The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success," said Attorney General William P. Barr. "It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger."

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a proven violent crime reduction strategy that works, and is now reinvigorated with additional resources and commitment from our law enforcement partners. Our job is to get better at reducing violent crime by smart, aggressive enforcement and effective prosecution that removes the worst of the worst from our communities. Putting the right people in prison

incapacitates the most violent offenders, upholds the rule of law, deters criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and makes us all safer. Under the DOJ flagship violence reduction initiative of PSN, we will continue to focus on the real drivers of violent crime: guns, gangs and drugs."

PSN Task Force

Currently, the 13-member PSN Task Force, which is the investigative component of the local PSN initiative, is comprised of personnel from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. The success of this collaborative law enforcement effort is recognized nationally, with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies from Alabama, Mississippi, the District of Columbia and Tennessee frequently visiting the task force to adopt its practices.

The Task Force not only investigates firearm possession by prohibited persons; it also investigates individuals buying and selling firearms to/from convicted felons. The Task Force engages in proactive and reactive investigations of convicted felons suspected of possessing firearms, as well as firearm suppliers that are conducting illegal transactions.

As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:

• On October 1, 2018, Antonio White, 38, was a convicted felon sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after a child was found sitting on loaded firearm and 7.4 grams of cocaine. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-120-months-federal-prison-after-child-found-sitting-loaded

• On November 29, 2018, the PSN Task Force arrested and indicted 19 Individuals for various Federal Drug and Firearms Offenses, including seven documented gang members, in "Operation Gun Done." https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/psn-task-force-indicts-and-arrests-19-individuals-various-federal-drug-and-firearms

• On February 28, 2019, Marlon Pruitt a/k/a "Big Putt," was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal to 188 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and drugs. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/armed-career-criminal-sentenced-188-months-prison-illegally-possessing-firearms-and

• On, June 6, 2019, Everette Alexander, 48, was sentenced to federal prison for making false statements on an ATF Federal Background Check Form while attempting to purchase a firearm, and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/judge-sentences-convicted-felon-making-false-statements-federal-background-check-form

 

• On July 19, 2019, Nathaniel Hall, 54, was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal to 188 months in federal prison for possession of firearm by a convicted felon, after he used a gun to chase and shoot a victim in the leg. Hall has previously been convicted on three separate occasions for burglary, and also had a prior conviction for robbery with a deadly weapon. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/armed-career-criminal-sentenced-188-months-federal-prison

• On August 12, 2019, James Nelson, 48, an Armed Career Criminal, was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Nelson was previously convicted for several felony charges involving drugs, guns, and violent crimes, including a 1996 conviction for voluntary manslaughter, where he shot and killed his sister. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/armed-career-criminal-sentenced-405-months-federal-prison

• On September 5, 2019, Edward Drummer, 36, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, which he used to hold a female victim and her 12-year old son at gunpoint during a domestic violence incident. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-92-months-illegally-possessing-firearm-during-domestic

Community Partnerships

Reentry education and assistance is an important part of the PSN initiative and vital to ensuring communities are safer when those incarcerated return home. Since 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of U.S. Probation continues to participate in monthly Reentry Court sessions. In addition, staff also meets monthly to discuss issues with clients at a halfway house prior to their transitioning back into the Western District of Tennessee. Through these reentry services, we further our commitment to providing individuals with the necessary tools to make a permanent lifestyle change that will benefit themselves and the community.

Members of the United States Department of Justice, Federal Reentry Council, meet monthly to discuss and develop solutions to assist reentrants, such as collaborating with the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles to reinstate driver’s licenses.

On June 13, 2019, the United States Department of Justice, Federal Reentry Council held its first annual Recognition Awards Program. Certificates were presented to business and community leaders who participated in the reentry court program throughout the year. During the ceremony, the Director of the Tennessee Driver Services Division was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for his invaluable dedication and contribution affecting re-entrants.

On October 1, 2019, leaders of the Shelby County Child Protection Investigation Team (CPIT) gathered to sign an updated protocol formalizing our collaboration. This partnership helps victimized children get help faster and renews our commitment to Shelby County’s kids.

Improvements to Community Safety

• For the second consecutive year, the estimated number of violent crimes in the nation decreased when compared with the previous year’s statistics, according to FBI figures released today. In 2018, the number of violent crimes was down 3.3 percent from the 2017 number.

• The 2018 statistics also show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants. The violent crime rate fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 rate.

• Here in Memphis, FBI data shows that the number of rapes reported to police fell by 17 percent, and the number of robberies decreased by 12 percent in 2018. And although aggravated assaults increased by 1 percent and homicides were up 3 percent in 2018 as compared to 2017, the overall number of violent crimes reported to police fell 3 percent in the City of Memphis during that period.

• More recent year-to-date numbers at the end of September, 2019, show a decreased rate of 7.8 percent in overall violent crime in all major categories in Memphis, including a 23.8 percent decrease in business robberies and a 13.8 percent decrease in carjackings.

• From 2017 to 2018, federal firearms and violent crime prosecutions increased by 39 percent in the Western District of Tennessee, including an increase of 120 percent in the number of federal prosecutions of domestic violence offenders in possession of firearms. As a result of these dramatic increases in federal gun prosecutions, the percentage of defendants found guilty for such offenses has increased by 43.7 percent over the last year.

These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

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Jackson, TN – Deangelo Liggons, 36, has been sentenced to 144 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and 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, in March 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information about a group of individuals involved in the distribution of large amounts of marijuana and methamphetamine. Agents utilized confidential sources (CS) and made numerous drug purchases from unindicted co-conspirators.

On March 30, 2018, agents observed the defendant return home. A short time later a CS entered the residence and purchased one quarter ounce of marijuana. These purchases continued for over a year. Agents obtained a search warrant for Liggons’ Facebook account and began arranging to purchase narcotics from Liggons.

On October 29, 2018, a federal search warrant was executed at Liggons’ residence. Liggons was found at the residence in possession of a Canik TP9 9mm semi-automatic firearm, which was loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition. They also found marijuana, a digital scale, a notebook ledger, a box of 9mm ammunition and approximately 48 grams of actual methamphetamine. Agents advised Liggons of his Miranda rights, and Liggons informed the agents that he owned the firearm and was a convicted felon. He further advised agents that he owed the source of the narcotics $5,000, because he was fronted the narcotics and would pay the source when the drugs were sold.

Liggons was held responsible for distributing a total of 320 pounds of marijuana and 48.62 grams of actual methamphetamine.

On October 2, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Liggons to 144 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Convicted felons who possess firearms are an inherent danger to the community, and in this case, Liggons was a drug dealer who continued to possess a firearm and sell poison in our rural community, despite his prior felony conviction history. There is and ought to be a significant consequence for such recidivist criminal behavior, and this armed drug dealer will be removed from our streets for 12 years."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dyersburg Police Department.

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

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Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 37 months for conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to the information presented in court, state and federal law enforcement officers learned that members and associates of the Peda Roll Mafia in Memphis received illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and marijuana, from the Avendano drug trafficking organization (DTO) in California. The Peda Roll Mafia is a subset of the Grape Street Crips. The Avendano DTO arranged for their Memphis-based co-conspirators to funnel payment for drugs through cash deposits at Bank of America and Wells Fargo. Use of national banks allowed the drug proceeds that were deposited in Memphis to be withdrawn by the Avendano DTO in California.

The defendant Clyde Wade III, 36, was an associate of Peda Roll Mafia members in Memphis. As part of the scheme, Wade III agreed to make large cash deposits at Bank of America and Wells Fargo into accounts provided by the Avendano DTO. Wade III knew the purpose of these deposits was to promote illegal drug trafficking. As a result of Wade III's deposits, members of the Avendano DTO mailed additional illegal drugs to co-conspirators in the Western District of Tennessee. Wade III deposited between $15,000 and $40,000 during the conspiracy.

As a result of his role in the money laundering conspiracy, Wade III pleaded guilty in federal court on June 27, 2019. On September 27, 2019, U.S. District court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wade III to 37 months in prison followed by 3 years supervised release.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Criminal enterprises and street gangs that distribute harmful and addictive drugs into our communities for profit can no longer operate with impunity. One of the most effective ways to combat drug conspiracies and drug trafficking organizations is to charge, seize, and forfeit ill-gotten gains from the money laundering and structuring of financial transactions derived from illegal drug proceeds. Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, we are targeting gangs to dismantle their organizations and financial structures, and aggressively pursuing cases that yield real consequences for ALL defendants involved in the conspiracy, including gang associates."

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S Marshals Service, Memphis Police Department, and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

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

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Memphis, TN – Carl Spurlin Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to a federal offense and admitted concealing other correctional officers’ assault of an inmate while Spurlin was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

"The Department of Justice will not tolerate this egregious behavior," said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. "The Civil Rights Division will vigorously prosecute all those who have violated the civil rights of others."

"Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer actively participated to conceal the use of physical force by other officers to violate the civil rights of an individual. As a result, he will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.

"When correctional officers abuse their authority and harm inmates, it not only violates our civil rights laws, it undermines the criminal justice system as a whole," said M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the FBI. "This plea should send a clear message that the FBI takes these allegations seriously, and will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases, and those who violate the public's trust will be held accountable."

With his guilty plea, Spurlin admitted that, on February 1, 2019, he and several other correctional officers at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit. R.T. had been identified as a suicide risk and he was bleeding when the officers entered his cell. After the correctional officers entered the cell, R.T. swung his bloody hand towards the officers nearest him, flinging blood in their direction.

A correctional officer looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, "violate the camera." When Spurlin did not make a move to do so, the officer repeated the command. Spurlin looked at a supervisory officer standing nearby, and when the supervisory officer did not contradict the officer who had spoken, Spurlin covered the camera with his hand. Spurlin then watched three correctional officers repeatedly punch R.T. in the head and body. According to Spurlin, the officers struck R.T. "like a piñata."

While the three officers repeatedly punched R.T., another correctional officer came to the cell with paper towels. The officer handed wet paper towels to Spurlin and he used them to cover the camera. The assault by the officers continued while Spurlin covered the surveillance camera.

With today’s guilty plea, Spurlin admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 4 by knowing of a federal felony, failing to notify authorities of the felony, and taking an affirmative step to conceal the felony. The maximum penalty for this offense is three years of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for January 15, 2020.

In related cases, former Correctional Officer Nathaniel Griffin entered a guilty plea in federal court on August 15, 2019, and former Correctional Officer Tanner Penwell entered a guilty plea in federal court on September 5, 2019. With their guilty pleas, both defendants admitted that they assaulted R.T. on February 1, 2019.

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

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Carl Spurlin Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to a federal offense and admitted concealing other correctional officers’ assault of an inmate while Spurlin was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate this egregious behavior,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will vigorously prosecute all those who have violated the civil rights of others.”

"Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer actively participated to conceal the use of physical force by other officers to violate the civil rights of an individual. As a result, he will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.

“When correctional officers abuse their authority and harm inmates, it not only violates our civil rights laws, it undermines the criminal justice system as a whole,” said M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the FBI. “This plea should send a clear message that the FBI takes these allegations seriously, and will vigorously investigate these kinds of cases, and those who violate the public's trust will be held accountable.”

With his guilty plea, Spurlin admitted that, on Feb. 1, 2019, he and several other correctional officers at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit. R.T. had been identified as a suicide risk and he was bleeding when the officers entered his cell. After the correctional officers entered the cell, R.T. swung his bloody hand towards the officers nearest him, flinging blood in their direction.

A correctional officer looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, “violate the camera.” When Spurlin did not make a move to do so, the officer repeated the command. Spurlin looked at a supervisory officer standing nearby, and when the supervisory officer did not contradict the officer who had spoken, Spurlin covered the camera with his hand.  Spurlin then watched three correctional officers repeatedly punch R.T. in the head and body.  According to Spurlin, the officers struck R.T. “like a piñata.” 

While the three officers repeatedly punched R.T., another correctional officer came to the cell with paper towels. The officer handed wet paper towels to Spurlin and he used them to cover the camera. The assault by the officers continued while Spurlin covered the surveillance camera.

With today’s guilty plea, Spurlin admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 4 by knowing of a federal felony, failing to notify authorities of the felony, and taking an affirmative step to conceal the felony.  The maximum penalty for this offense is three years of imprisonment.  Sentencing is set for Jan. 15, 2020.

In related cases, former Correctional Officer Nathaniel Griffin entered a guilty plea in federal court on Aug. 15, 2019, and former Correctional Officer Tanner Penwell entered a guilty plea in federal court on Sept. 5, 2019.  With their guilty pleas, both defendants admitted that they assaulted R.T. on Feb. 1, 2019.

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

Memphis, TN – Two Illinois men have been sentenced to a total of 109 months in federal prison for transporting and possession of stolen firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on September 30, 2018, at approximately 3:45a.m., Memphis Police responded to a theft at the United Parcel Services ("UPS") facility located at 1803 E. Brooks Road. Three hundred and twenty-two (322) Ruger .380 caliber pistols and forty-four (44) Ruger .22 caliber pistols were stolen from a shipment of firearms. Roland Jackson, 25, and Taveyon Turnbo, 19, both from Chicago, Illinois, removed the firearms from a tractor-trailer and loaded them onto a U-Haul van. They fled the scene in the U-Haul van when police arrived and drove back to Illinois.

At approximately 3:05 p.m., the Midlothian, Illinois Police Department received a suspicious vehicle call involving a U-Haul at a Walgreens located on W. 148th Street in Midlothian. When officers arrived, they located Jackson in the driver’s seat and Turnbo in the front passenger’s seat of the U-Haul. After obtaining their identification, officers determined that Jackson’s driver’s license was suspended. Officers then observed a gun box with the "Ruger" logo on it.

When officers ordered Jackson and Turnbo from the vehicle, they locked the vehicle and attempted to start it. After an officer struck the window of the vehicle to detain the suspects, they exited the vehicle and ran. Turnbo was subsequently located and arrested. Jackson was able to escape. On October 3, 2018, Jackson surrendered to police in Chicago, Illinois. Law enforcement recovered three hundred and sixty-two (362) of the three hundred sixty-six (366) stolen firearms from the U-Haul van in Midlothian.

Law enforcement determined that the U-Haul van was rented on September 26, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Surveillance video from the U-Haul store showed Jackson entered the store with a female and rented the van with stolen identification.

Roland Jackson pled guilty to transporting stolen firearms in interstate commerce, possessing stolen firearms, and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.

Taveyan Turnbo pled guilty to transporting stolen firearms in interstate commerce and possessing stolen firearms.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Cargo theft from shipping facilities that interrupts and threatens interstate commerce must be dealt with swiftly and certainly. Cargo theft of hundreds of firearms is especially dangerous, and threatens the lives of countless citizens. We are thankful that almost all of the stolen firearms were recovered due to the quick action and outstanding investigation by local and federal law enforcement, and we appreciate the coordination and partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois in this disturbing case. Interstate trafficking of stolen firearms will be met with aggressive prosecution in order to protect public safety."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson said, "Reducing the potential for violent crime that have negative effects to the neighborhoods throughout the region was critical due to ATF partnering with our state, local and federal counterparts. The sentencing illustrates the effective partnerships with law enforcement, the private sector and the community."

"The sentencings today were the culmination of a collective effort between federal and local law enforcement that ultimately kept stolen weapons off the streets and prevented their use in future violence," said M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the FBI. "The FBI, through strong partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement via task forces and other relationships will continue to work to ensure the safety of our communities."

On September 27, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced both men to a total of 109 months followed by 3 years supervised release.

This case was investigated by the ATF; FBI Cargo Theft Task Force; Midlothian, Illinois Police Department and the Memphis Police Department, during which all of the stolen firearms were safely and successfully recovered.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques T. Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – After a week-long federal jury trial, James Jackson, 58, of Memphis, Tennessee was found guilty of 13 counts of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud and theft of mail. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the conviction today.

According to the information presented in court, in 2014-2015, Jackson devised a scheme to steal money from banks, financial companies and other individuals. Jackson obtained the personal identifying information of numerous individuals, most of whom were deceased, and used this information to take over the victims’ financial accounts (stock, credit card, and bank accounts). Jackson would search online obituaries and noteworthy articles to discover the identities of recently deceased individuals and then he would research the individuals to determine if they had any credit accounts or financial investment accounts. He would then impersonate the victims (both male and female) and use their information when contacting customer service representatives of banks, credit card and financial firms. Jackson would convince the businesses to mail new bank/credit cards to other addresses (vacant homes and hotels in Memphis area) and also caused the sale of over $340,000 of stock out of one victim’s investment account. Jackson recruited another individual to use the cards to withdraw funds from the victim accounts and to purchase gift cards.

On February 27, 2015, Jackson called the Cordova Post Office claiming to be a Charles Fulks and inquired about a credit card package that should have been delivered the day before to 10022 Cameron Ridge Trail. United States Postal Inspectors and members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Identity Crimes Unit determined this was an imposter because the true Charles Fulks had died on February 2, 2015 and the 10022 Cameron Ridge Trail address was a vacant house at the time. Later, agents watched the package containing credit cards be delivered to the mailbox at 10022 Cameron Ridge Trail. Twelve hours later, agents observed Jackson emerge from a house at 10027 Cameron Ridge Trail and walk across the street to retrieve the credit card package from the mailbox and then went back into his residence. No one answered the door when agents announced their presence. Later, agents noticed smoke coming out of the home. Agents eventually located Jackson in the house pretending to be asleep. Numerous small fires had been set throughout the house in what appeared to be an attempt to destroy evidence.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Aggravated identity theft and schemes to defraud or compromise the personal and financial security of vulnerable and deceased victims will not be tolerated. This case demonstrates our commitment to protect the personal and financial information of citizens and institutions, and to hold offenders accountable for these disturbing crimes of dishonesty. We are pleased to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to achieve justice for the victims in this case."

In the home, agents located items associated with identity theft, including documents and a guide entitled "How to Find Anyone and Anything" and computers. A search of Jackson’s computers revealed that he had been researching the deceased victims. This was done through use of numerous online obituary sites and nationwide news articles. In a subsequent search of Jackson’s mother’s house, agents found a box of Jackson’s business cards, wherein he claimed to be the "Father of Identity Theft." A copy of the business card was introduced by the government as an exhibit at trial, and a copy of the same is included below in this release.

Based upon this conviction and his prior federal convictions for mail fraud, credit card fraud and bank fraud from the Southern District of New York, and mail fraud, credit card fraud and social security fraud from the Western District of Tennessee, Jackson is facing up to 30 years in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 13, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr.

The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Memphis Police Department investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Jackson, TN – Wesley Wilson, Jr., 43, has been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on April 17, 2018 the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint of child abuse. When law enforcement discovered Wilson and his wife Lacy traveling in a red truck, they were stopped and asked to return home. Upon approaching the truck, officers smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and on Wilson’s person. Wilson acknowledged that he had marijuana cigarettes in his pocket. The defendant gave consent for the officers to search his truck and property, including his house and barn. The officers located a black shaving style kit bag in the bed of the truck that smelled strongly of marijuana. Inside was a large quantity of marijuana and approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, in crystal form. Both Wilsons were taken into custody.

Law enforcement located more methamphetamine inside the residence and barns in numerous small packages, along with scales and packaging materials, 4 ounces of methamphetamine, two ounces of marijuana, and numerous firearms, including an AR-15 and a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

On September 24, 2019, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Wilson to 140 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release. Wilson is also facing state charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed drug dealers are a double threat, and this case demonstrates our focus on the priority areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities. We are pleased that this dangerous offender has been removed from the streets for over 10 years, and we appreciate the partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies in Weakley County."

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

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

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Jackson, TN – On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted John Sanderson, 36 of Dyersburg, Tennessee and Matthew Berry, 40, of Bells, Tennessee for child pornography violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

As charged in the indictments, Sanderson was charged with producing child pornography (18 USC 2251) and possessing child pornography (18 USC 2252). Sanderson was first arrested in Dyer County on a complaint on August 29, 2019. He faces 15-30 years in custody if convicted of production, and up to 20 years if convicted for possession. Investigators are seeking information that can assist in the identification of minor victims. Please contact the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force in Jackson, Tennessee, if you may have information about the sexual exploitation of minors.

The grand jury also returned an indictment charging Matthew Berry with receipt and possession of child pornography. According to facts presented at a detention hearing in federal district court in Jackson, Tennessee, on September 20, 2019, Berry used peer-to-peer software to view images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Berry was a Crockett County employee at the time the alleged conduct occurred. The Crockett County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are investigating this case.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "With new and ever-changing technology, offenders are finding new and increasingly disturbing ways to victimize and exploit child victims. These cases demonstrate that no matter where offenders are located, our Project Safe Childhood Initiative and FBI partners will find them and hold them accountable for internet crimes against children."

Both of these cases are being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources."

These cases are being prosecuted by the Eastern Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office on behalf of the government.

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

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Jackson, TN – A joint investigation conducted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement into violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), known as Operation "Bird Dog," has resulted in multiple defendants pleading guilty to federal hunting violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty pleas today.

According to information presented in court, Hunter Rainwaters, 20, Cody Brown, 20, Peyton Mayberry, 20, and Jay Maiden, 20, committed violations involving the illegal placement of bait to attract waterfowl and taking or attempting to take waterfowl over a baited area. The area the subjects illegally baited is a TWRA owned and managed Wildlife Management Area in Benton County, TN. The effects of this baiting on a public waterfowl hunting area resulted in the closure of a portion of the Wildlife Management Area and the subsequent loss of hunting opportunity for other hunters in the affected area for the first ten (10) days of the 2017-2018 waterfowl hunting season.

On September 23, 2019, U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Jon A. York sentenced Rainwaters to loss of hunting privileges for two years along with $1,000 fine; Mayberry, Brown and Maiden were each sentenced to loss of hunting privileges for one year along with a $1,000 fine. Additionally, other defendants cited in the case paid a total of $17,680.00 in fines.

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. These prosecutions demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rule of law, and to pursuing any cases that harm and impact our rural communities. We commend the TWRA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on this successful operation, and appreciate our partnerships with them."

This case was investigated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Wilson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – On September 26, 2019, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted 13 individuals for federal firearms violations. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

As charged in the indictments, all 13 of the defendants are prohibited by federal firearms laws from possessing firearms as a result of either prior violent felony convictions, prior drug felony convictions, or prior misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Violent crime reduction is the top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. Many violent crimes are committed by prohibited persons with firearms, including convicted felons, persons with a history of domestic violence, and persons possessing firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking. Under our PSN initiative, we focus on removing firearms from the hands of prohibited persons, and removing dangerous offenders from our streets. This office will aggressively prosecute and seek mandatory federal sentencing guidelines to target and remove from our communities those armed career criminals and career drug offenders who illegally possess firearms in Memphis and across West Tennessee. We are Fed Up. Gun Crime is Max Time."

Several defendants charged in this series of indictments are alleged to be convicted felons. Under federal law, it is illegal for an individual convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. This is a violation of Title 18, United States Code (USC), § 922(g)(1). A violation of this section is punishable by a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than two years. The penalty for a violation of § 922(g)(1) is enhanced when a defendant has a prior criminal record that includes three convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offenses. Under this enhanced sentencing provision, the defendant is subject to a mandatory minimum statutory sentence of at least 15 years imprisonment, and up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Federal firearms laws also prohibit an individual convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm. This is a violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). An individual convicted of violating this section is subject to a term of up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of no less than two years.

It is also against federal law to possess or use and carry a firearm during or in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. This is a violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c). A violation of this section is punishable by a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of at least five years imprisonment and up to a maximum of life imprisonment.

Those charged in this recent group of indictments include:

Tico Hopson, 25, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a SCCY 9 mm pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Robert Webb, 40, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Courtney Peterson, 31, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a stolen Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cotten is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

William Martin, 29, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c); possession of a Glock 9 mm caliber pistol, a Ruger .380 caliber pistol, and a Remington Arms, Inc. 7 mm Magnum caliber rifle after previously being convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 841(a)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Euriqueo Holloway, 42, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c); possession of an American Tactical Incorporated .300 Blackout caliber pistol, a Jimenez Arms 9 mm caliber pistol, and a Remington Arms 12 gauge shotgun after previously being convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 841(a)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Kaleb Green, 29, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson 9 mm Parabellum caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Michael Covington, 30, of Memphis, was charged with possessing PMC 9 mm Luger caliber ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Demarcus Burks, 33, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Kel-tec 9 mm pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Jeremiah Williams, 34, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Taurus 9 mm pistol after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Kenneth Taylor, 31, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Sturm, Ruger & Company 9 mm caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Omar Fair, 29, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Rossi (Taurus International) .357 caliber revolver after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and after previously being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(9). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Montinez Wright, 30, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol after previously being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and while on the grounds and premises of a school zone, the Sherwood Elementary School, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(q)(2)(A). Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Crow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Jason Smith, 36, of Memphis, was charged with possessing a Diamondback multi-caliber pistol in furtherance of drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, USC, § 924(c); possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a felony in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922(g)(1); and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 841(a)(1). Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

These federal firearms cases are part of 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, the PSN Task Force 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, and local law enforcement and the community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. The PSN Task Force includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through targeted investigations and aggressive prosecution.

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

 

Jackson, TN – Matthew J. Pate, 34, of Humboldt, Tennessee was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on July 2, 2019, Gibson County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a domestic assault situation where Matthew Pate was waiving a BB gun at his wife, mother in law and children. Once on scene, officers determined that the suspected BB gun was actually a .380 caliber pistol.

Further investigation revealed Pate was a prohibited person for a prior aggravated assault felony conviction. Officers asked for consent to search the residence where they found 5 additional firearms (3 pistols and 2 rifles). One was stolen and another had the serial numbers partially obliterated. The pistols were scattered throughout the house and the rifles were in the closet. Officers also found numerous alprazolam pills. Pate admitted to purchasing the weapons from an individual.

On September 11, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Pate to 90 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.

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, 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. I commend the work of our federal and local law enforcement partners in holding Pate responsible and removing him from our streets."

Gibson County Sheriff Paul Thomas said: "I'm thankful for the partnership the United States Attorney's office maintains with local law enforcement. General Dunavant and his dedicated staff of Assistant U.S. Attorneys are always eager to help us when we have repeat, felony offenders in our communities that we need to remove from society. Their prosecution in this particular case solidifies all our positions on keeping our streets safe."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Department.

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

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Jackson, TN –Marshawn Keith Burrus, 56, has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on June 8, 2018, officers with the Jackson Police Department made contact with a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Old Hickory Inn, Jackson, Tennessee. Officers observed in plain view a .40 caliber pistol in the empty back seat. An investigation of the firearm in the vehicle led officers with the Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit to apply for and execute a search warrant of a motel room where they found Burrus along with other individuals, as well as, a 9mm pistol, cocaine, liquid codeine, methamphetamine and marijuana.

The defendant provided a statement to law enforcement that he had purchased both pistols from two separate individuals. Burrus had previously been convicted in state court of multiple felony offenses including four counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, aggravated burglary, sale of drugs, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, evading arrest by motor vehicle, two counts of carjacking and another possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Burrusmade an appearance bond on the state case. On August 20, 2018, he was arrested again by Jackson Police Department for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and other drug offenses. On August 23, 2018, the District Court issued an arrest warrant on a complaint for the June 8, 2018, incident and the defendant has remained in custody.

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 firearms 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 armed career criminal removed from our streets. Gun Crime is Max Time."

On September 24, 2019, U.S. Chief District Court Judge, S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Burrus to 188 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jackson Police Department and Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics.

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

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Memphis, TN – The Justice Department announced today the second coordinated law enforcement action of the Appalachian Region Prescription Opioid (ARPO) strike force, resulting in charges against 13 individuals across five Appalachian federal districts for alleged offenses relating to the over prescription of controlled substances through "pill mill" clinics. Of those charged, 12 were charged for their role in unlawfully distributing opioids and other controlled substances and 11 were physicians. The alleged conduct resulted in the distribution of more than 17 million pills.

This action follows the first such takedown in April of this year, which involved charges against 60 defendants, including 53 medical professionals, in 11 federal districts, alleging the illegal distribution of more than 23 million pills. The charges brought in April have already resulted in 11 guilty pleas in seven federal districts, including guilty pleas by nine medical professionals, including seven physicians.

The charges announced today aggressively prosecute medical professionals whose alleged prescribing behaviors have contributed to the opioid epidemic, particularly medical professionals who are involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department. According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.

"The Department of Justice will not relent in its aggressive pursuit of those responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic in Appalachia," said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "Medical professionals who violate their solemn oaths and peddle opioids for profit should know that we will find you and ensure that the justice system treats you like the drug dealer you are."

"Opioid misuse and abuse is an insidious epidemic, and unfortunately, causes individuals to engage in criminal behavior that contributes to the problem," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee. "Just as this office will hold medical professionals accountable for over-prescribing opioids, we will also pursue federal charges against any person who exploits the medical profession for their own selfish desire to obtain highly addictive prescription drugs by dishonest methods."

In the Western District of Tennessee, one defendant was charged. Additionally, three medical professionals have pleaded guilty.

Erin Pealor, 35, of Memphis, was charged with nine counts of attempting to acquire or obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation by fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge. The charges stem from Pealor’s role in knowingly and intentionally attempting to obtain Schedule II controlled substances, namely Ritalin, Adderall, Methylin andMethylphenidate, by fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge, by filling out prescriptions with false and fraudulent patient names and forging the signature of a physician. This case was brought with the assistance of the DEA and the State of Tennessee-OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Ann Weber Langley of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Erskine of the Western District of Tennessee.

In addition, several indictments brought in the coordinated action in April 2019 have already resulted in guilty pleas. On July 22, 2019, Michael Hellman, a physician, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. These charges stem from Hellman prescribing Percocet and Promethazine with Codeine outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Jillian Willis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Allen of the Western District of Tennessee.

On April 16, 2019, Kathryn Russell, a nurse practitioner who practiced in Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Russell wrote prescriptions for opioids that had no legitimate medical purpose and that were outside the usual course of professional practice. In an eight-week period, Russell prescribed more than 7,800 oxycodone pills, more than 6,000 benzodiazepine pills, and more than 1,000 pills of carisoprodol.

On Sept. 19, 2019, Michelle Bonifield, a Bells pharmacy technician pleaded guilty to filling an opioid prescription without a legitimate medical purpose while working at Mehr Drug Store.

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

The Fraud Section leads the ARPO Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 70 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 40 million pills.

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Jackson, TN – Three defendants have been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Jackson, TN on federal firearms offenses arising from the recent initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service, Operation "Bluff City Blues". U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the new indictments today.

Operation "Bluff City Blues" was a two-week-long joint federal, state and local law enforcement initiative that resulted in the arrests of 214 individuals in West Tennessee. These individuals were arrested on a variety of criminal charges, including homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, carjacking, arson, drug distribution, illegal gun crimes and failure to register as sex offenders. Today, the first defendants arrested in that operation were indicted for the following offenses:

Isaac Caprice Williamson, of Jackson, TN – charged with one count of being a prohibited felon in possession of a firearm, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). The indictment alleges that Williamson was found to be in possession of a Glock 30 .45 caliber handgun during a traffic stop in Jackson, TN on August 20, 2019. Williamson is a convicted felon, having been convicted of multiple prior felony offenses in Madison Co., TN prior to his unlawful possession of the firearm on the above date.

Reginald Dontae Williamson, Jr., of Jackson, TN – charged with two counts of being a prohibited felon in possession of a firearm, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). The indictment alleges that Williamson, Jr. was found in possession of two firearms: a Cobray Mac-10 pistol and a Savage Stevens 320 12 gauge shotgun, during the execution of a state search warrant at his residence in Jackson on August 20, 2019. Williamson, Jr. is a convicted felon, having been convicted of multiple prior felony offenses in Madison Co., TN prior to his unlawful possession of the firearms on the above date.

Reggie Carnell James, Jr., of Jackson, TN - charged with three counts of being a prohibited felon in possession of a firearm, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). The indictment alleges that James, Jr. was found in possession of three firearms: a Glock 19 .9mm semi-automatic handgun, a Taurus PT111 .9mm semi-automatic handgun, and a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, during a search of his vehicle in Jackson on August 20, 2019. James, Jr. is a convicted felon, having been convicted of multiple prior felony offenses in Madison Co., TN prior to his unlawful possession of the firearms on the above date.

If convicted of the above federal firearms offenses, each defendant faces sentences of up to 10 years in prison for each count.

Operation "Bluff City Blues" was a coordinated violence reduction initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service that brought together federal, state and local law enforcement partners, including the Jackson Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Highway Patrol in the Jackson Division, and the District Attorney General’s Office in Madison County, in an effort to reduce crime in West Tennessee by identifying and arresting violent fugitives, targeting violent gang activity, and collecting intelligence to allow for the systematic removal of individuals who have been charged with committing violent crimes in West Tennessee.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Morrow is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

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Jackson, TN – Joshua Emile Malone, 28, of Parsons, TN., has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2018, during the execution of felony arrest warrants at a residence in Parsons, Tennessee, Malone was found at home with a loaded .22 caliber revolver and a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. After law enforcement secured the house, they executed a search warrant and recovered the following items in Malone’s bedroom:

9.2 g marijuana

3.2 grams methamphetamine

Remington Model 770

Stevens Savage model 77C18I sawed off pump shotgun (15 in barrel)

2 digital scales

Glass pipe

(31) 12 gauge shotgun shells

(5) 20 gauge shotgun slugs

(26) .25 caliber pistol rounds

(11) .38 caliber pistol rounds

(50) .380 caliber pistol rounds

(2) .45 long Colt pistol rounds

(1) 30-30 rifle round

(1) 25-06 rifle round

(2) 300 win mag rifle rounds

(4) 10 gauge shotgun shells

(9) 16 gauge shotgun shells

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 areas of firearms and narcotics cases that impact public safety in our rural communities, and we appreciate the partnerships with our local law enforcement agencies in Decatur County."

On September 12, 2019, U.S. Chief District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Malone to 97 months imprisonment followed by 3 years supervised release.

"I'd like to thank the DOJ and the FBI for their assistance in the prosecution of this violent offender. My investigators are working extremely hard on removing these types of offenders from our county. Having a good working relationship with these federal agencies insures stiffer sentences for these offenders. It also sends a message to other offenders in our county that this department is serious about providing a safe environment for our children," said Decatur County Sheriff, Keith Byrd.

This case was investigated by the Decatur County Sheriff's Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

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

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Memphis, TN – Edward Drummer, 36, has been sentenced to 92 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 January 29, 2018, Memphis Police officers responded to an aggravated assault/domestic violence call at a residence. During an argument, a female victim and her twelve-year-old son were held at gunpoint by her boyfriend of one month, Edward Drummer. The victim and her son managed to escape and called the police. Officers found Drummer hiding inside a closet and located the firearm he used inside a kitchen stove. The firearm was a Smith & Wesson .22 caliber pistol.

Drummer has a significant prior criminal history for violence, including felony convictions for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated burglary, as well as misdemeanor convictions for possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.

On September 5, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Drummer to 92 months in federal prison followed by 2 years supervised release.

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, 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 the PSN Task Force is designed to target, and I commend their work in holding Drummer responsible and removing him from our streets for over 7 years."

The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through targeted investigations and aggressive prosecution.

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

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Memphis, TN – After a three-day federal jury trial, Herbert Graham, 32, was found guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in a school zone. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on January 30, 2018, Memphis Police Officers responded to a burglary/aggravated assault call at a residence. The residents of the home advised they observed a family friend, Herbert Graham, steal a laptop from their back bedroom and escape through the window. They drove around the neighborhood and found Graham walking toward Raleigh Lagrange. They demanded he return the laptop and Graham pulled a gun and threatened to kill them "if they did not back off." The victims left and called police.

As officers drove toward the scene, they saw Graham walking on Chiswood Street with the laptop in his hands. Graham saw the officers, dropped the laptop and fled from law enforcement onto the school property of Memphis Rise Academy. Officers gave chase and observed Graham toss a magazine and a gun on the ground. The school was placed on lock down for the safety of the students. Minutes later, Graham was apprehended on the school campus.

The firearm and magazine were recovered on the property. The magazine was loaded with 15 live rounds and the gun held one live round in the chamber. The gun, a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, had also been reported stolen in 2016, in Shelby County. A criminal history check on Graham revealed he had been convicted of being a felon in possession of a handgun on May 29, 2015, in Shelby County Criminal Court.

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. Clearly, this felon had no hesitation in committing a violent crime with a firearm,

and he will now be removed from our community. We are FED UP. Gun Crime is Max Time."

Sentencing is scheduled for December 20, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Graham faces up to fifteen years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force, which includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office; the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, who have all joined together to address gun-related crimes through targeted investigations and aggressive prosecution.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raney Irwin and Marques Young are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

MEMPHIS – The Department of Justice today renewed its commitment to reducing violent crime in America, holding its third annual National Public Safety Partnership Symposium.

The National Public Safety Partnership provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking and gang violence.

"The National Public Safety Partnership is a hallmark program of this administration," said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Department’s Office of Justice Programs. "It effectively works to reduce violent crime, a priority of both Attorney General Barr and President Trump."

Jon Adler, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance – which oversees the partnership program – announced $28 million to provide training and technical assistance to designated partnership sites, as well as to support law enforcement-led and prosecution-based crime reduction efforts in cities across the nation. Funds will also support crime gun intelligence centers in eight sites across the country. These centers focus on the immediate collection, management and analysis of crime gun evidence, such as shell casings, in real time, in an effort to identify violent criminals, disrupt criminal activity and prevent future violence.

"These funds are just the tip of the spear to help law enforcement develop and implement innovative – and proven – strategies to help increase public safety," said Adler. "In coming weeks, the Justice Department will continue to announce funding awards to communities in support of law enforcement’s commitment to drive down violent crime, aid crime victims and improve justice systems."

This year’s symposium, which lasts through Sept. 11, brings together more than 400 law enforcement leaders, prosecutors and other officials representing 17 of 41 partnered cities across the U.S. Law enforcement officials from the tristate area surrounding Memphis are also attending.

In June, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the addition of 10 cities and counties to the National Public Safety Partnership, which provides advanced training and technical assistance to cities and counties with elevated rates of violent crime.

"The addition of 10 more partnered sites this year is another critical step in fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America," said Adler. "The three-year engagement between the Department and each partnered city allows agencies to respond to the diverse needs within their jurisdictions by streamlining access to federal resources for those communities most affected by violent crime."

To date, the Justice Department has worked with more than 40 cities under the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program. Many participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime. For example, in Memphis, carjackings decreased 43 percent year-to-date, from March 2018 to March 2019. Additionally, collaboration between the Memphis Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to process cold-case sexual assault kits resulted in the conviction of a sexual predator in May 2019 who was responsible for kidnapping and raping six women, and attempting to kidnap and rape a seventh, over a period of seven years.

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee is proud to participate in the National Public Safety Partnership Initiative here in Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee," said U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant. "PSP has allowed us to receive meaningful federal resources of law enforcement training and technical assistance in an innovative framework to enhance data-driven, evidence-based local strategies for violence reduction. The good work of the PSP team stakeholders, including the commitment to targeted enforcement by our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, has resulted in significant reductions in the violent crime rate in key categories, such as business robbery, carjacking and reported gun crimes. We are thankful for all of these resources from the Department of Justice, and we are committed to the continued effective use of these PSP tools to further reduce violent crime in the future."

Other PSP sites have achieved notable successes, as well. For example, New Orleans, Louisiana, ended 2018 with its lowest number of homicides since the early 1970s. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, homicides declined in 2018 for a third straight year after hitting a peak in 2015.

In addition to local law enforcement and prosecutorial leaders from the participating PSP sites, components in attendance at this year’s symposium include: the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; the Office of Justice Programs; the Office on Violence Against Women; the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and the U.S. Marshals Service.

The Justice Department created the National Public Safety Partnership and the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety in response to President Trump’s Feb. 9, 2017, Executive Order charging the agency with leading a national effort to combat violent crime. The Department announced the formation of the National Public Safety Partnership initiative in June 2017.

For more information about the PSP sites and the Justice Department’s work to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety, visit https://www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org.

# # #

Memphis, TN – Tanner Penwell, 22, pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate while Penwell was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

"This type of behavior and violation of an inmate’s civil rights will not be tolerated," said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. "The Department of Justice will continue to seek out justice on behalf of those who have had their civil rights violated."

"Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer used physical force to violate the civil rights of an individual and will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.

"The FBI will vigorously investigate and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who crosses the line and engages in activity that violates the civil rights of those whose safety they are charged with," said Bryan McCloskey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "This plea should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law."

With his guilty plea, Penwell admitted that, on February 1, 2019, he and several other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Penwell and the other officers entered the cell because R.T. was a suicide risk. Inmate R.T. was already bleeding when the officers entered his cell, and R.T. flung blood toward the correctional officers.

Once inside, a correctional officer looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, "violate the camera." Another correctional officer then covered the camera with his hand.

The correctional officer who asked for the camera to be violated then repeatedly punched R.T. Penwell estimated that this officer hit R.T. more than 20 times. When the officer stopped hitting R.T., he looked back at Penwell and said, "get him." Penwell stepped up and punched R.T. multiple times in the head. After Penwell stopped punching R.T., a third correctional officer punched R.T.

Throughout the time he was being punched by the correctional officers, inmate R.T. sat on the bench in the cell and only used his arms to cover his face in an apparent attempt to protect his face from the correctional officers’ punches. At no point did R.T. attempt to fight back. Penwell knew that punching R.T. was unlawful, but he did not step in to stop it. A supervisor and several correctional officers were in a position to watch as the three correctional officers punched inmate R.T., but none of them attempted to stop the officers from hitting R.T. After R.T. was punched by the officers, Penwell observed that R.T. was bleeding much more than when they had first entered the cell.

Once outside of the cell, Penwell spoke with several correctional officers and a supervisor. The supervisor said he needed to see if the camera inside the cell was working. The supervisor and the first correctional officer who punched R.T. decided that all of the officers would falsely claim that R.T. injured himself while he was on suicide watch in the mental health unit.

The next morning, the first correctional officer who punched R.T. told Penwell that instead of falsely claiming that R.T. injured himself, as the supervisor had proposed the day before, they should both falsely blame the third correctional officer who punched R.T. for all of R.T.’s injuries. Over the next few days, the first officer who punched R.T. repeatedly told Penwell to stick to this new cover story.

With today’s guilty plea, Penwell admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 242 when he repeatedly punched and injured inmate R.T. without legal justification. The maximum penalty for this civil rights offense is 10 years imprisonment.

In a related case, former Correctional Officer Nathaniel Griffin entered a guilty plea in federal court on August 15, 2019. Sentencing is scheduled for November 27, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen.

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

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Tanner Penwell, 22, pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate while Penwell was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

“This type of behavior and violation of an inmate’s civil rights will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to seek out justice on behalf of those who have had their civil rights violated.”

“Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer used physical force to violate the civil rights of an individual and will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.

“The FBI will vigorously investigate and bring to justice any law enforcement officer who crosses the line and engages in activity that violates the civil rights of those whose safety they are charged with,” said Bryan McCloskey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “This plea should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law.”

With his guilty plea, Penwell admitted that, on Feb. 1, he and several other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Penwell and the other officers entered the cell because R.T. was a suicide risk. Inmate R.T. was already bleeding when the officers entered his cell, and R.T. flung blood toward the correctional officers.

Once inside, a correctional officer looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, “violate the camera.” Another correctional officer then covered the camera with his hand. The correctional officer who asked for the camera to be violated then repeatedly punched R.T. Penwell estimated that this officer hit R.T. more than 20 times. When the officer stopped hitting R.T., he looked back at Penwell and said, “get him.”  Penwell stepped up and punched R.T. multiple times in the head. After Penwell stopped punching R.T., a third correctional officer punched R.T. 

Throughout the time he was being punched by the correctional officers, inmate R.T. sat on the bench in the cell and only used his arms to cover his face in an apparent attempt to protect his face from the correctional officers’ punches. At no point did R.T. attempt to fight back. Penwell knew that punching R.T. was unlawful, but he did not step in to stop it. A supervisor and several correctional officers were in a position to watch as the three correctional officers punched inmate R.T., but none of them attempted to stop the officers from hitting R.T. After R.T. was punched by the officers, Penwell observed that R.T. was bleeding much more than when they had first entered the cell.

Once outside of the cell, Penwell spoke with several correctional officers and a supervisor. The supervisor said he needed to see if the camera inside the cell was working.  The supervisor and the first correctional officer who punched R.T. decided that all of the officers would falsely claim that R.T. injured himself while he was on suicide watch in the mental health unit.

The next morning, the first correctional officer who punched R.T. told Penwell that instead of falsely claiming that R.T. injured himself, as the supervisor had proposed the day before, they should both falsely blame the third correctional officer who punched R.T. for all of R.T.’s injuries. Over the next few days, the first officer who punched R.T. repeatedly told Penwell to stick to this new cover story.

With today’s guilty plea, Penwell admitted that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 242 when he repeatedly punched and injured inmate R.T. without legal justification. The maximum penalty for this civil rights offense is 10 years imprisonment.

In a related case, former Correctional Officer Nathaniel Griffin entered a guilty plea in federal court on Aug. 15. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 27. 

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

Memphis, TN – Cartrail Jacobs, 26, has been sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in the early morning hours of December 22, 2017, officers responded to a carjacking of a 2015 Black Ford Mustang at 974 N. Parkway. A Memphis woman was driving her Mustang on North Parkway when Jacobs, who was driving a previously carjacked Ford Taurus, intentionally rear-ended her Mustang. When the driver of the Mustang got out to inspect the damage from the wreck, Jacobs approached with a gun and demanded the vehicle. Jacobs drove away in the Mustang and one of the two other occupants of the Taurus drove it away. The victim immediately called police.

Memphis Police Officers responded and observed both the Black Ford Mustang and the Ford Taurus traveling together near the location of the carjacking. When police attempted to pull the vehicles over, a chase ensued involving both the Mustang, the Taurus and multiple Memphis law enforcement units. Jacobs ultimately crashed the Ford Mustang into a wall, ending the pursuit. While taking him into custody, officers discovered a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol in the Ford Mustang. Jacobs admitted to owning the weapon and possessing it during the carjacking. Because of his prior criminal record, Jacobs was sentenced as a career offender.

On September 5, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Jacobs to 300 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.

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. This 25-year sentence demonstrates our resolve to incapacitate the most violent offenders, uphold the rule of law, deter criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and make us all safer."

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

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

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Memphis, TN – Quincy Perdue, 23, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for bank robbery. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on March 3, 2018, Perdue robbed the First Tennessee Bank located at 4330 Summer Avenue in Memphis. Perdue provided a note to the teller stating, "Give me the money. Hit the button and I’m shooting you in the face. Nothing out the first draw. No GPS. If a dye pack go off, I got 17 shots. I’m killing everybody and myself." The teller pressed the alarm and Perdue fled the bank.

On March 5, 2018, Perdue robbed the First Tennessee Bank located at 2015 East Brooks Road in Memphis. Surveillance video revealed that Perdue and another individual entered the bank, and Perdue immediately began shooting at the bank’s security guard striking him numerous times. Perdue and the individual jumped the teller counter and grabbed approximately $29,000 from the teller’s drawer. They then fled the bank in an awaiting vehicle.

A witness followed the vehicle to an apartment complex and alerted law enforcement. The police responded, arrested Perdue and recovered the money.

On April 11, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Perdue charging him with two counts of bank robbery and one count of discharging of a firearm during and in relation to the second bank robbery. Perdue pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment on March 15, 2019.

On September 4, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Perdue to 63 months for the bank robberies and a consecutive sentence of 240 months for discharging a firearm during and in relation to the second bank robbery, for a total effective sentence of 303 months in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This is precisely the type of violent gun offender that threatens lives and public safety in Memphis. Armed bank robberies are brazen and disturbing acts of violence that terrorize our community, and must be met with significant sentences such as this one. Perdue is a dangerous offender who has sown violence and greed, and will now reap the full measure of consequences for his criminal conduct. We are Fed Up with gun crime in Memphis, and we are doing something about it. Gun Crime is Max Time."

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Whitmore prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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Memphis, TN – A former loan officer at Trustmark Bank pleaded guilty to a one-count information, which charged him in connection with a fraudulent loan scheme. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty plea today.

According to the information, Robert A. Whartenby, 58, of Memphis, was a loan officer at Trustmark’s main Memphis office. Whartenby appeared before United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman and admitted that between May 2017, and June 2018, he defrauded Trustmark of almost $400,000 through a scheme in which he submitted false paperwork in support of loans to Memphis Designs Group, LLC and Windridge Investments, fictitious companies he had created. The loan proceeds were then disbursed to accounts at Bank of America which Whartenby had opened in the names of the fictitious entities.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The financial fraud committed by this defendant is disturbing. The abuse of his position of trust and authority as a bank loan officer for his own personal gain had a significant negative impact on the shareholders, employees and customers of Trustmark Bank. The U.S. Attorney’s Office places a high priority on protecting the security and integrity of transactions, deposits and assets of financial institutions, and this case demonstrates that commitment."

A sentencing hearing is set for 2:00 p.m. December 12, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.

Whartenby faces a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 and five years supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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

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Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Memphis attorney Michael Constantine Skouteris, 49. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today.

The seven-count indictment alleges that between 2011 and January 2016, Skouteris engaged in a scheme to defraud his clients by settling cases without notifying his clients and forging their endorsements on the settlement checks made jointly payable to him and the client. Skouteris would then deposit the checks into bank accounts he maintained at Suntrust Bank and First Tennessee Bank. According to the indictment, Skouteris fraudulently obtained in excess of $600,000 during the course of the scheme.

Skouteris faces a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 and five years supervised release as to each count.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Licensed attorneys who steal from their clients betray the trust of that fiduciary relationship, and are a threat to the public. This indictment exposes that breach of trust, and will hopefully achieve justice by recovering restitution for the victims and reminding the legal community of the high standards of their profession."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

 

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Memphis, TN – Jada Gean, 31, has been sentenced to 115 months imprisonment on federal charges for conspiracy to distribute 26 grams of actual methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Dunavant announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2018, investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office received information from a confidential informant about Jada Gean, known drug dealer in Dyer County. The informant and law enforcement arranged to meet Gean at the Little General in Halls, Tennessee to purchase drugs.

The informant got out of his car and walked to the side of the store to wait for Gean. The investigators saw Gean arrive at the Little General in a silver Honda, and the informant got in the back seat of the car behind Gean. The informant saw the methamphetamine and gave investigators the take down signal.

As investigators approached, they saw Gean had a plastic baggie with a clear crystal-like substance believed to be a controlled substance, laying on the center console in plain view. The crystal-like substance was tested and determined to be 26.11 grams of pure methamphetamine.

Gean was detained, and during a search of the car, one digital scale with a powdery substance was found in her purse. While placing Gean under arrest, she informed law enforcement she had more drugs on her person. It was revealed Gean had six 40-milligram methadone; approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine; 11/2 suboxone strips; 1.1. grams of marijuana; and two 10 milligrams of hydrocodone tablets.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Use and trafficking of methamphetamine continues to destroy lives, families, and communities across West Tennessee. The significant sentence in this case sends a clear message to those drug dealers who distribute poison in West Tennessee: You cannot prey upon our citizens for your selfish personal gain with impunity; there will be a reckoning."

On August 26, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Gean to 115 months imprisonment followed by 5 years supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Sean Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

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Jackson, TN – After a three-day jury trial, Johnny Lee Nixon, Jr., 23, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit multiple business robberies, Hobbs Act business robbery, possession of a firearm during a robbery, and receiving firearms while under indictment. U.S. Attorney Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, during a period of 5 days in 2016, two masked men armed with pistols robbed three businesses in the Brownsville, Haywood County area: the F&D Quick Stop, the Discount Tobacco andMore, and the Bells Express Truck Stop. Also during this time, there were two different shootings where 9mm shell casings and .22 LR shell casings were recovered by the Brownsville Police Department.

On April 25, 2016 after the Bells Express Truck Stop robbery, deputies with the Haywood County Sheriff's Department collected clothing on a nearby road that was worn by the armedmaskedmen observed in the surveillance footage. Deputies forwarded those items of evidence to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for DNA analysis, which in 2018 linked Lacey Jeter and Johnny Lee Nixon, Jr. to the clothing.

On April 26, 2016, Officers with the Brownsville Police Department observed a vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle seen leaving the scene of the Bells Express Truck Stop robbery and initiated a traffic stop. After a brief chase, the vehicle crashed in rural Haywood County. The occupants of the vehicle ran into nearby woods leaving behind two pistols similar to the ones described in the recent robberies. Officers with the Brownsville Police Department collected the firearms fromthe scene and submitted them to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for comparison to the shell casings recovered from the recent shootings. TBI Agents were able to confirm that the shell casings recovered after the shootings were fired fromone of the firearms recovered near the scene of the crash. Johnny Lee Nixon, Jr. was indicted by a federal grand jury in January of 2019.

During the three-day trial, evidence was presented showing Johnny Lee Nixon, Jr. and co-conspirators used the proceeds from the robberies to illegally purchase the firearms used in the shootings and ultimately at least one robbery, and also participated in the conspiracy to commit the robberies and were present during the robbery of the Bells Express Truck Stop and possessed a firearm during the robbery.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Violent crime affects and endangers all communities in West Tennessee, both urban and rural. Robberies of businesses with a firearm are especially dangerous and violent due to the high risk of death and serious bodily injury to innocent victims. Business robberies also have a substantially negative impact on the local economy and commerce, which victimizes the entire community. As a result of this guilty verdict, Nixon will have plenty of time in federal prison to suffer with the consequences of his criminal conduct, and the citizens of Haywood County will be safer for it."

Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett, Jr., said: "Special thanks to the hard working people of our U.S. Attorney’s Office for helping our office keep the law abiding citizens of Haywood county safe. I appreciate the teamwork and look forward to working with you again."

"The City of Brownsville is grateful for the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Haywood County Sherriff’s Office and the Brownsville Police Department in the prosecution and conviction of Johnny Nixon. Nixon was a danger to society with his lengthy criminal history of robberies, domestic assaults and weapons violations. Working together, Brownsville is a much safe place," said Brownsville Police Chief Barry Diebold.

Sentencing is scheduled forNovember 21, 2019, beforeU.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen. Nixon faces sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment each for the Conspiracy and the Hobbs Act business robbery, a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 5 years for the possession of the firearm during a crime of violence, and up to 10 years imprisonment for each of the 3 counts of possession of firearm while under indictment.

This case was investigated by the Brownsville Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Haywood County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

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

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Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant and U.S. Marshal Jeffrey Holt announced today that a two-week-long joint federal, state and local law enforcement initiative has resulted in the arrests of 214 individuals in West Tennessee. These individuals were arrested on a variety of criminal charges, including homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, carjacking, arson, drug distribution, illegal gun crimes and failure to register as sex offenders. Operation "Bluff City Blues" was a coordinated violence reduction initiative led by the U.S. Marshals Service that brought together federal, state and local law enforcement partners in an effort to reduce crime in West Tennessee by identifying and arresting violent fugitives, targeting violent gang activity, and collecting intelligence to allow for the systematic removal of individuals who have been charged with committing violent crimes in West Tennessee.

In addition to the arrests, Operation "Bluff City Blues" resulted in the seizure of 28 firearms, approximately 771.9 grams of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and crack, $17,240 in U.S. currency, as well as the recovery of 4 stolen vehicles.

Operation "Bluff City Blues" commenced on August 12, 2019, and concluded on August 23, 2019. As a part of the coordinated and targeted initiative, those arrested for outstanding state and federal warrants included a total of 79 identified gang members, 65 individuals for aggravated assault, 34 individuals for homicide, 69 individuals for weapons offenses, and 40 individuals for drug offenses. In addition, a total of 78 registered sex offenders living in Madison and Shelby Counties were checked for compliance with sex offender registration requirements. Thirteen were found to be in violation.

During the two-week operation, law enforcement efforts took place primarily in the cities of Memphis and Jackson, TN, and focused on fugitive apprehension investigations, firearms and narcotics investigations, gang-related intelligence gathering, and proactive sex offender compliance. All of these cases will be prosecuted in either state or federal court, and it is expected that many of the arrests and investigations in this operation will result in future additional arrests in the pursuit of dismantling the criminal element in the Western District of Tennessee.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Because the U.S. Marshals Service is the preeminent federal law enforcement agency for fugitive investigations and apprehensions, I called upon them to plan and execute this violence reduction operation in West Tennessee. Together with our other dedicated federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the USMS has successfully located and arrested some of the most dangerous fugitives and violent gang members that are the primary crime-drivers in our communities. Operation ‘Bluff City Blues’ sends two very important and powerful messages: 1. The citizens of West Tennessee can be assured that their safety and security is our highest priority, and that we can and will do something about crime in their communities, and 2. Violent criminals and gang members can be assured that we will use our highest and best resources to remove them from our streets and impose consequences for their criminal conduct. I thank and commend the outstanding work and tireless efforts of all of our law enforcement partners, and I am confident that this operation will have both an immediate and a long-term positive effect on public safety in West Tennessee."

U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee Jeff Holt thanks all the federal, state and local agencies that participated in this operation. "The excellent cooperation and hard work of all these law enforcement officers over this two week period is a prime example of agencies working hand-in-hand to make a difference in our communities. I am very proud of the men and women who put in long hard hours to make this a highly successful operation. Many of these investigations have led to other arrests and investigations that will further dismantle the criminal structure in the Western District of Tennessee."

Deputy Commander Mike Quarles of the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force praised the efforts of all of the participating agencies that made this operation a success. Quarles stated, "Since 1789, the U.S. Marshals Service has been forming posses and task forces to apprehend the most violent of all fugitives. Our historical foundation was built upon the investigatory knowledge of skilled fugitive hunters. The successes of the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force are directly related to our partnerships." Quarles further commented, "Without these agencies coming together as a force multiplier, many of these violent criminals would still be walking our streets. It was exciting to see this many agencies efficiently and effectively come together for the singular mission of making West Tennessee safer. I am confident that a strong message was sent, that violent crime is not welcomed in the Western District of Tennessee."

The following agencies participated in Operation "Bluff City Blues":

United States Marshals Service

United States Attorney’s Office

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

United States Probation Service

District Attorney General’s Office (Shelby County)

District Attorney General’s Office (Madison County)

Memphis Police Department

Jackson Police Department

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office

Madison County Sheriff’s Office

Tennessee Department of Correction

Tennessee Highway Patrol (Jackson Office)

Tennessee Highway Patrol (Memphis Office)

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov

For operational still photos, please visit:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/usmarshals/U857Z0

For B Roll operational footage, please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kp96maxbpsy1vck/Operation%20Bluff%20City%20B-roll.mpeg?dl=0

Memphis, TN – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration this week announced the conclusion of Operation Crystal Mountain, a sweeping enforcement action spanning three states. DEA special agents, working closely with their state and local counterparts throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia targeted Mexican drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and other individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine. More than 800 pounds of methamphetamine were interdicted or seized during the operation.

"Everyone has a right to live in safety. The amount of drugs and weapons we’ve taken off the street with this operation, along with the number of drug dealers that we’ve locked up, represents a small victory in our on-going fight for safer communities for us all," D. Christopher Evans, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Louisville Division Office said. "While America’s opioid crisis may dominate headlines, Operation Crystal Mountain should serve as a reminder that methamphetamine is a problem that has never gone away. The dedicated men and women of DEA, working closely with state and local law enforcement, are relentless in their efforts to rid our neighborhoods of dangerous drugs and bring to justice those who distribute them, wherever they may be."

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Unfortunately, Methamphetamine that is trafficked into and through West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and has resurged to destroy individuals, families, and communities. Drug trafficking organizations that profit from the pain, addiction, violence and death caused by these dangerous substances will be disrupted and dismantled by this operation, and we are proud to stand with DEA in this critical regional enforcement action that will save lives."

Operation Crystal Mountain is the culmination of several investigations that began earlier this year. Since January, DEA special agents from the Louisville Field Division, with support from state and local law enforcement agencies across the region, have arrested 235 individuals on federal drug-related charges and seized more than $800,000.00 in cash and 52 firearms, as well as significant quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs. During this same timeframe, DEA assisted its state and local counterparts with the arrest of 140 additional offenders on state-level drug charges.

While the opioid epidemic has ravaged the nation, several large swaths of the U.S. see meth as their primary drug threat. The majority of the methamphetamine in the U.S. is produced in Mexico and trafficked by Mexican drug trafficking organizations. However, DEA continues to work to disrupt and dismantle all components of both foreign and domestic organizations which produce and traffic methamphetamine.

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Memphis, TN – Nathaniel Griffin, 29, today pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate while Griffin was serving as a correctional officer with the Tennessee Department of Corrections, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee D. Michael Dunavant, and FBI-Memphis Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers.

"The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute correctional officers who violate the public’s trust by committing crimes and attempting to cover up violations of federal criminal law," said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. "Officer Griffin abused his power in this case, and the Department of Justice held him accountable for his unlawful actions."

"Correctional officers must abide by and adhere to the same laws they take an oath to uphold and enforce. Instead of serving and protecting the public, this officer used physical force to violate the civil rights of an individual and will now be held accountable, vividly illustrating that no one is above the law," said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.

"The FBI takes all allegations of civil rights violations seriously, and we will work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to preserve the integrity of the criminal justice system," said M.A. Myers, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Those who choose to ignore the oath they took to protect and serve will be investigated and brought to justice."

On or about Feb. 1, Griffin and fellow correctional officers T.P., J.Y., C.M., and C.S. entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Inmate R.T. spit and then remained seated on a bench, with his arms by his sides.

Correctional officer J.Y. looked in the direction of the surveillance camera in the cell and said, "Cover the camera." Officer C.S. then covered the camera with his hand. When the camera was covered, Griffin saw inmate R.T. sitting with his arms by his side. Correctional Officer J.Y. then repeatedly punched R.T. Griffin estimated that Officer J.Y. hit R.T. between 20-30 times. At some point, Officer J.Y. stopped hitting R.T., looked back at Officer T.P., and said, "Get you some." Officer T.P. then stepped up and punched R.T. between four to five times.

During the assault by the officers, inmate R.T. sat on the bench and covered his face and head with his hands. Griffin knew that punching R.T. was unlawful, but he did not step in to stop it. Officers T.M., C.S., and C.M. were in a position to watch as J.Y. and T.P. punched inmate R.T., but none of them attempted to stop the officers from hitting R.T.

Griffin heard an officer in the cell ask for paper towels. Correctional Officer C.M. handed the towels to Griffin. Griffin wet them in the sink, and handed them to Officer C.S. Griffin knew when they wet the towels, they would be used to cover the camera. After R.T. was punched by J.Y. and T.P., Griffin observed that R.T. was bleeding.

After Officers J.Y. and T.P. stopped punching R.T., the inmate spit on Griffin’s chest and arm. Griffin punched R.T. multiple times. Griffin then left the cell.

Outside of the cell, Griffin spoke with T.P., J.Y., and Corporal T.M. Corporal T.M., who was the ranking officer, told the other officers that they should come up with a false cover story about what happened to R.T. Griffin understood that any subsequent discussion of the incident would not include that he and other officers had punched R.T.

Griffin admitted in today’s guilty plea that he violated 18 U.S.C. § 242 when he repeatedly punched and injured inmate R.T. without legal justification. The maximum penalty for this civil rights offense is 10 years imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen.

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

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Memphis, TN – Lee Clark, 42, of Dyersburg, Tennessee and the United States have entered into a civil settlement with Dyersburg Apartments, Ltd. and MACO Management Company, a Missouri limited liability company. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the settlement today.

According to information presented in the consent order, in January 2012, Lee Clark (who is African American), sought to move into the Meadow Lane Apartments in Dyersburg, TN with his ex-wife and their two children. Approximately one week later, MACO rejected his application – allegedly because Clark had a prior felony conviction. Mr. Clark was later banished from the property. However, an investigation by the United States revealed that the defendants had not rejected or banished two comparable white applicants with criminal records.

The defendants agreed to a settlement wherein they will pay Mr. Clark $42,250. They have also reaffirmed their commitment to non-discrimination and agreed to make public postings on-site regarding anti-discrimination rules and include anti-discrimination language in their advertisements, rental applications, and rental agreements. Defendants' employees will receive non-discrimination training, and, for a period of three years, they will submit regular reports to the Department of Justice. Among other things, defendants will be required to report any oral or written complaint of race discrimination, any application denied due to criminal history or criminal record, and any Letter of Banishment issued.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Racial discrimination in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable. This office will uphold the rule of law by enforcing all of the requirements of the Fair Housing Act to adequately address and deter racial discrimination in housing, and we are satisfied that this settlement achieves justice for the victim and the community at large."

On August 13, 2019, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen ordered Dyersburg Apartments, Ltd., and MACO Management Company to resolve this civil claim judgment of $42,250 payable to Lee Clark.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Brackstone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Memphis, TN –After a four-day jury trial, Samuel Culp, 21, was found guilty Hobbs Act Business robbery, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a robbery, and possession of stolen firearms. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, on the morning of July 12, 2018, Stacy Houston, Samuel Culp, and a third suspect entered the Pawn Plus pawnshop on Winchester Road in Memphis armed with firearms. The men pointed their guns at the 84-year old manager and one customer who was inside the business. They ordered both men on the ground and struck the manager in the head with a firearm when he did not move fast enough. The men took a total of 47 firearms and assorted jewelry, including rings and a Rolex watch, as well as the cash from the pocket of the elderly manager.

As the men were fleeing the business, one of them fired shots at an employee who was outside the business calling 911. The employee’s vehicle was hit, but he avoided injury. Houston and Culp proceeded thereafter to traffic the stolen firearms throughout the city. During the resulting investigation, ATF agents recovered several stolen firearms. At the time of his arrest, Culp was found in possession of two of the firearms stolen during the robbery, as well as a bag of stolen jewelry. A duffle bag containing seven additional stolen firearms was recovered from Culp’s mother’s home on the following day.

The jury found Culp guilty of all counts as charged in the indictment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 8, 2019, before U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker. Culp faces a maximum sentence of 20 years for the Hobbs Act business robbery, a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years for the brandishing count, and a maximum sentence of 10 years for the theft from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and possession of the stolen firearms.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Armed business robbery that threatens and harms store owners must be dealt with swiftly and certainly. Likewise, the theft of dozens of firearms is especially dangerous, and threatens the lives of countless citizens. We are thankful that many of the stolen firearms were recovered due to the quick action and outstanding investigation by federal law enforcement. Any robbery of a FFL will be met with aggressive prosecution in order to protect public safety."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

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