Western District of Tennessee

Jackson, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against two McNairy county men for being felons in possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

According to the indictment, Chaderick McClain, 27, of Selmer, was charged with two counts of possessing a firearm transported in interstate commerce after being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922 (g) (1). The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime.

Corey Mayfield, 43, of Ramer, Tennessee, was also charged with two counts possessing a firearm transported in interstate commerce after being convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, USC, § 922 (g)(1). The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crime.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Felons with multiple prior convictions present a public safety risk in West Tennessee, and will be held accountable for illegal possession of firearms."

This case was investigated by the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office; Selmer Police Department; and Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force; along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

"We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in addressing these career criminals and helping us keep them off the streets," said McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck.

"We hope this sends a message to criminals who have guns," said Assistant Chief Kim Holley of the Selmer Police Department.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to 10 years imprisonment, 3 years supervised released and $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Eskridge is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

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

Memphis, TN – A Gangster Disciples gang member was sentenced today to 360 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for participating in a racketeering conspiracy and for using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

U. S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Special Agent in Charge M.A. Myers of the FBI’s Memphis Division and Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Memphis Field Division, made the announcement.

Tommy Earl Champion, Jr., aka "Duct Tape," 29, of Jackson Tennessee, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. Champion previously pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

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 in the Gangster Disciples organization. "Duct Tape" is now stuck with a 30-year sentence for his violent crimes. We are taking the fight to the gangs in West Tennessee, and we are relentless in our resolve."

According to the indictment, the Gangster Disciples is a highly organized national gang active in more than 35 states. The scope of the Gangster Disciples’ crimes is wide-ranging and consistent throughout its national operation. The gang protects its power through threats, intimidation and violence, including murder, attempted murder, assault and obstruction of justice. The Gangster Disciples promotes its enterprise through member-

only activities and provides financial and other support to members charged with or incarcerated for gang-related offenses.

According to court documents, Champion was a member of the Gangster Disciples and served on the gang’s "blackout squads" and "security teams." Champion was responsible for carrying out violent acts, including attempted murder, witness and victim intimidation, and assault, at the direction of senior Gangster Disciples leaders. Champion also participated in the other criminal activities of the Gangster Disciples enterprise, including narcotics distribution and weapons possession.

In addition to the racketeering conspiracy count, Champion was sentenced for using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, which, according to the indictment, occurred on June 12, 2014 in Jackson. The indictment states that the crime of violence was attempted murder, and that Champion and other gang members committed the crime for the purpose of gaining entrance to and maintaining and increasing their position in the Gangster Disciple enterprise. There were seven victims of this attempted murder noted in the indictment. Champion had previously pleaded guilty on April 2.

The FBI; ATF; the Memphis Multi-Agency Gang Unit; the Memphis Police Department; the Shelby County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office; the Jackson Police Department Gang Enforcement Team; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Madison County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department; the 28th District West Tennessee Drug Task Force; the Tipton County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office; the 26th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office; the 25th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office; the Atascosa County, Tennessee District Attorney’s Office and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office investigated this case. Trial Attorney Francesca Liquori of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beth Boswell of the Western District of Tennessee and Samuel Stringfellow of the Northern District of Mississippi prosecuted this case.

Memphis, TN – On September 11, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted 11 former FedEx Express employees and two former contractors for the U.S. Postal Service on federal mail theft charges. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictments today.

According to the indictments, the defendants targeted mail such as gift and greeting cards since there was a strong likelihood that they contained U.S. currency. The employees would search through the mail, remove some of the contents, and smuggle items off the premises.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the sanctity and security of the United States Postal Service and the U.S. Mail. We work very closely with the United States Postal Inspection Service to defend the nation’s mail system from illegal or dangerous use by mail theft, mail fraud and prohibited mailings; and to ensure public trust in the mail. These indictments show our collective commitment to hold accountable any persons who violate that sanctity and victimize innocent citizens for their own selfish gains. The citizens of the Western District of Tennessee are counting on us to maintain law and order, and uphold the rule of law in all cases."

"One of the primary duties of this office is also to protect interstate commerce. FedEx Express is a National and Global leader in logistics and shipping, and supports government, business, and commerce across the United States and all over the world. We thank FedEx Express for their responsible corporate citizenship and for their good working relationship with all federal law enforcement agencies, including the United States Postal Inspection Service."

The following defendants have been indicted on obstruction of correspondence or theft and receipt of stolen mail matter. The defendants face up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

• Braylon DeShaun Butler, 25, of Memphis, TN
• Posely Renard Jones, 25, of Memphis, TN
• Florence Lucinda Guy, 23, of Memphis, TN
• Shamika Shunta Coleman, 39, of Memphis, TN
• Jamal LaDarius Johnson, 39, of Memphis, TN
• Ronald Bernard Carter Jr., 32, of Memphis, TN
• Katrina Lasha Dunlap, 27, of Memphis, TN
• Yukelia Denise Brown, 31, of Memphis, TN
• Tekesha Brushay Henderson, 26, of Memphis, TN
• Craig Darnell Johnson, 26, of Memphis, TN
• Yolanda Matrice Barbee, 22, of Memphis, TN
• Jerome Timothy Pope, 26, of Memphis, TN
• Cortez B. Spencer, 28, of Memphis, TN

"Theft of mail by employees or outside contractors strikes at the very heart of the public’s confidence in the sanctity and security of the U.S. Mail. These indictments are the result of collaborative efforts between U.S. Postal Inspectors and FedEx Express Security personnel to investigate and apprehend individuals who violate the public’s trust while handling the mail," said David M. McGinnis, Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service in conjunction with FedEx Express security.

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

Memphis, TN – A local man has pleaded guilty plea to a one count criminal information charging him with wire fraud in connection with the theft of approximately $810,000 from his former employer, Masterson Farms and Kenneth Masterson. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea announced today.

According to the information presented in court, Zachary M. Baker, 32, was hired to manage Masterson Farms a horse-breeding farm located in Somerville, Tennessee. Beginning in January 2013, Baker began stealing from Masterson Farms by writing checks payable to himself, Zigadoo Money clips, a band he managed, and another individual identified as "E.L.M." Baker also stole funds by making online payments on his personal credit card accounts with funds transferred from the Masterson Farms bank accounts. Between January 2013, and April 9, 2018, the information alleged that Baker stole over $810,000.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Financial fraud can happen anywhere, and can be devastating to local businesses. The defendant used his position of trust and authority to steal proceeds for his personal benefit, and his dishonesty has been exposed. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable."

Baker faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release on the wire fraud charge.

Baker is scheduled to be sentenced before United States District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman on December 20, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

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.

Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 65 months in federal prison for possession of access devices with intent to defraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western Division of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, between June 2011 and July 2016, Melvin Gene Griggs Jr., 32, used the identifying information of multiple victims to access victims’ credit card and bank accounts.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Aggravated identity theft and schemes to defraud or compromise the personal and financial security of countless vulnerable 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 and local law enforcement partners to achieve justice for the victims in this case."

During the course of the investigation, the Government found that the personal identifying information of over 400 victims had been compromised. The information included credit card numbers, CVV2 numbers, ATM pin numbers, bank names, routing and bank account numbers, phone numbers, social security numbers, birth dates, mothers’ maiden names, AOL IDs, email address and physical addresses.

The scheme to defraud included opening new accounts in the victim’s name and/or adding himself as an authorized user to a victim’s account. Griggs would then have credit cards and financial statements from the accounts mailed to him. The credit cards were used to make purchases at local retailers and online. He also obtained money from victims’ bank accounts by wire transfers and cashing checks.

"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is pleased with Mr. Griggs’ sentence. A large part of the Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure the public’s trust in the U.S. Mail. These types of crimes against postal customers compromise that trust. This sentence reflects the serious nature of the offense and will hopefully be a deterrent to others," said David M. McGinnis, Postal Inspector in Charge, Charlotte Division.

On September 6, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Griggs to 65 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $237,801.97. Additional reimbursements are possible pending a restitution hearing on November 30, 2018.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service and the Memphis Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lorraine Craig prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for major fraud against the United States. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, M. Cleve Collins, aka Milton Cleve Collins aka Cleve Collins, 54, executed a scheme to defraud the United States on a construction contract valued at approximately one and one-half million dollars administered by the General Services Administration for the replacement of the roof and the air conditioning system at the Ed Jones Federal Courthouse and Post Office in Jackson, TN.

As part of the scheme to defraud, Collins caused the roofing subcontractor, a small Memphis-area business, to perform work for which it was never fully paid. Additionally, Collins filed false and fraudulent certifications with the US Government indicating he had, in fact, paid the subcontractor. The value of the funds obtained because of this scheme was over $580,000.

"As the legal representative of the United States of America, it is the priority and duty of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to safeguard taxpayer funds, and to promote the responsible use and stewardship of such government resources for the benefit of our nation and our citizens. The major fraud committed by the defendant in this case is a serious crime of dishonesty and deceit that strikes at the very heart of those national interests and will not be tolerated. The GSA and the FBI are to be commended for their diligent investigative work in uncovering and exposing this fraud, and I am pleased that we have achieved justice by holding the defendant accountable under the law," said D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

On September 4, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. sentenced Collins to 24 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay $517,750 in restitution.

"Federal contractors are obligated to follow through on their promises to make payments to their subcontractors," said GSA Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa. "When contractors fail to meet their obligations, we will hold them accountable."

"The FBI takes particular interest in cases where individuals, for their own personal benefit, use deceit and fraud to line their pockets," said Michael T. Gavin, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Fraud has a negative and long lasting impact on the community, and the honest and law abiding citizens who are fed up with the likes of those who, motivated merely by greed, violate the law, should be assured by this conviction that the FBI is committed to work closely with its law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue anyone who commits such crimes."

This case was investigated by the General Services Administration, Office of the Inspector General and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Jackson, TN – Two illegal aliens in West Tennessee have been indicted for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine or ICE in the Union City, Tennessee area. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

On August 20, 2018, a federal grand jury in Jackson, Tennessee returned a three-count indictment that remained under seal until their arrests. The indictment contained counts against each defendant alleging violations under the Controlled Substances Act and illegal reentry after deportation. The charges stem from the defendants’ participation in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute ICE and illegal reentry into the United States after having been previously deported.

According to the charging instrument, a task force made up of special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Union City Police Department arrested the two subjects in an early morning raid on August 30, 2018, on federal drug trafficking charges and illegal reentry after deportation.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This case combines two of the top priorities of the Department of Justice: illegal drug trafficking and criminal immigration enforcement. We work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute any and all suppliers that distribute illegal drugs in West Tennessee. At the same time, we work to identify, prosecute, and remove persons who violate our sovereign immigration laws, and our work focuses on criminal re-entry cases that will further deter and reduce illegality by criminal aliens. Clearly, these offenders pose a significant danger to public safety in Obion county and West Tennessee by their distribution of pure methamphetamine into the community."

The suspects arrested are:

Christino Alcazar-Ortiz, 42, Union City, Tennessee

Armando Alcazar-Ortiz, 37, Union City, Tennessee

Their arrests are the result of a yearlong investigation into a crystal methamphetamine (ICE) drug operation at Mi Tierra Caliente restaurant, owned by the defendants in Union City, Tennessee in which law enforcement officials have seized large amounts of methamphetamine, which was 95% pure.

Perry Barfield, Union City Police Chief said, "Our department would like to thank all the federal agencies involved in this operation, and especially for the working relations with our local drug enforcement officers. We are always grateful for any and all efforts that help rid our community of illegal drug activity."

If convicted, the defendants face not less than 10 years, up to life imprisonment; $1,000,000 fine and 5 years supervised release for the controlled substance violations; and not more than 20 years imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000 for the illegal reentry charges.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Union City Police Department.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Lauren Delery are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – A Bulgarian national has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for mail fraud. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, Dimitar Petlechkov, 35, engaged in a scheme to defraud FedEx by fraudulently linking his FedEx shipping account to a national shipping account that had significant shipping discounts. Petlechkov was not entitled to receive these discounts. He then offered reduced shipping rates to third party shippers to use his FedEx account for their own shipping needs. Petlechkov offered them a better shipping rate than they could get on their own, but not the full discount he fraudulently received. The scheme ran for almost five years, from January 2009 to April 2014. Petlechkov made over $300,000 in profits during that time.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "This long-term fraudulent scheme had significant financial consequences to the corporate interests of the victim, FedEx Corporation, and created unfair business advantages in interstate commerce and the shipping industry. This office is committed to the protection of business and corporate interests in interstate commerce, and this sentence, restitution, and subsequent removal will hold the defendant accountable while providing justice for the victim."

On August 31, 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Petlechkov to 37 months imprisonment; Petlechkov was also ordered to pay restitution of $801,000 to FedEx and faces deportation to Bulgaria at the conclusion of his sentence. Petlechkov has been in the United States illegally as a visa overstay since 2000.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – A local man pleaded guilty to conspiracy and embezzlement, while being employed as a branch manager at Tri-State Bank ("Tri-State") in Memphis. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.

According to the charging instrument, from calendar years 2015 to 2016, Michael B. Gaines, branch manager of Tri-State, developed a scheme to activate many dormant accounts and withdraw funds from said accounts with the help of another employee. Gaines and the employee used their Tri-State computer and user I.D. to activate and enter the accounts to fraudulently withdraw funds. He gave some of the proceeds to another employee and deposited cash into his personal bank account. During the time of the conspiracy and embezzlement, Tri-State suffered a loss of over $214,000.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "The financial fraud and embezzlement committed by the defendant in this case is disturbing and far-reaching. The abuse of his position of trust and authority as a bank manager for his own personal gain had a significant negative impact on the employees and customers of Tri-State Bank. The U.S. Attorney’s Office places a high priority on protecting the security, deposits and assets of financial institutions, and this conviction demonstrates that commitment."

Sentencing is set for December 6, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes. Gaines pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and another count of embezzlement. The maximum penalty for conspiracy is 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine and for embezzlement, 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Keith Griffin is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against convicted felon Everette Alexander, 47, for making a false statement on ATF Background Check Form 4473 when attempting to purchase a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment in this "lie-and-try" case today.

Count 1 charges Alexander did willfully and knowingly make and use a false writing on a federal form during the purchase of a firearmat Flash Pawn in Memphis, on December 2, 2017, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3).

Count 2 charges that Alexander did knowingly make false and fictitious written statements on December 2, 2017, to deceive Flash Pawn that the defendant had not previously been convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6).

Count 3 charges that Alexander, having previously been convicted of a crime, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce on December 16, 2017, a Cobra .380 caliber pistol; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

Count 4 charges that Alexander, having previously been convicted of a crime, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce on February 12, 2018, a Cobra .380 caliber pistol; in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922 (g)(1).

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Prosecutions of violent crimes must be paired with proactive prevention efforts to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited persons. A valuable tool in this prevention effort is the ATF Background Check Form 4473, which must be completed before a federally licensed firearms dealer sells or transfers a firearm. Criminals and other prohibited persons who attempt to thwart the background check process by lying on the required forms threaten to undermine this important crime prevention tool, and such conduct cannot be tolerated. As part of our violence reduction strategy and reinvigorated PSN efforts, we want to take guns out of the hands of dangerous people, and take violent offenders off our streets. Let this serve as a warning: This office will vigorously prosecute any prohibited persons who attempt to illegally obtain a firearm in these "lie-and-try" cases.

If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison; three years supervised release and $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal Oldham is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

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

Memphis, TN – David Mitchell Murray of Memphis has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin resulting in death. Also indicted as a co-defendant in this case is Glenda Aldape, 48, of Cordova. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea and indictment 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 38-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 also 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."

Sentencing is set for November 2, 2018, before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. Mitchell faces a minimum of 20 years up to life imprisonment.

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

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

Memphis, TN – A federal grand jury returned an indictment against former Memphis attorney George E. Skouteris, Jr. 56. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.

The seven-count indictment alleges that between 2007 and March 2013, 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. The indictment alleges that Skouteris then deposited the checks to bank accounts he maintained at TrustOne Bank. According to the indictment, Skouteris fraudulently obtained in excess of $250,000 during the course of the scheme.

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."

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

This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

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

Memphis, TN - As the Department of Justice continues its efforts to fulfill President Trump’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America, Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the selection of five cities to the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP). PSP provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking, and gang violence.

PSP provides cities the opportunity to consult with, receive coordinated training and technical assistance from, and have access to an array of resources from the Justice Department and its law enforcement components.

PSP offers two separate approaches to the assistance provided by the Justice Department, the Diagnostic Approach and the Operations Approach:

• PSP Diagnostic teams help participating cities develop tools to diagnose and address violent crime issues.

• PSP Operations teams partner directly with federal, state, local, and tribal officials to strategically address violent crime issues.

Five sites have been selected to receive this significant assistance:

2018 PSP Diagnostic Sites:

• Saginaw, Michigan

• Salisbury, North Carolina

2018 PSP Operations Sites:

• Kansas City, Missouri (participated as a PSP Diagnostic Site in 2017)

• Miami, Florida

• Tulsa, Oklahoma

"Reversing the recent troubling increase in violent crime in our country is a top priority of the Department of Justice as we work to fulfill the President’s promise to make America safer," said Attorney General Sessions. "Cooperation with our fabulous state and local partners is the single most important aspect of our strategy to reduce crime. The National Public Safety Partnership program will help five American cities to build up their own capacity to fight crime by using DOJ expertise and resources as well as evidence-based strategies customized to meet their needs. We want to be a force multiplier for them, and under PSP, we will."

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "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. PSP has allowed us to receive federal resources in 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 commitment from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to targeted enforcement has resulted in a significant reduction in the violent crime rate. We are thankful for all of these resources from the Department of Justice, and we are committed to the continued effective use of these tools to reduce violent crime in the future."

In June 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the PSP program during remarks at the National Summit on Crime Reduction and Public Safety. The twelve sites announced in 2017 continue to participate in 2018, and have resulted in a number of success including, but not limited to:

• Birmingham, Alabama: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama established a public safety task force of local, state, and federal partners to improve data and intelligence sharing, complement community outreach, and improve prevention efforts. As a result of coordinated efforts among local and federal law enforcement, homicides in Birmingham are down 12 percent year to date in June.

• Indianapolis, Indiana: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have enhanced coordination with each Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department patrol district to help identify and prioritize drug and gun crime cases appropriate for federal prosecution. ATF has also assigned a crime analyst to focus solely on National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) cases. NIBIN is a national program that assists law enforcement agencies in making connections among crimes involving firearms. As of July 2018, Indianapolis reports an increased homicide clearance rate from 40 percent to 70 percent year to date, which it attributes to increased collaboration among local and federal partners.

• Memphis, Tennessee: Identified one precinct and geographical area in South Memphis for PSP engagement—the Raines Street Station—to focus increased local and federal enforcement efforts. The Raines Street Station experienced approximately 22 percent of the city’s homicides in 2016. As a result of PSP involvement in the Raines Street Station area, homicides are down approximately 27 percent and aggravated assaults are down 11 percent, as of July 31, 2018.

Partner sites are selected through a process that considers both quantitative and qualitative measures, including sustained levels of violent crime that far exceed the national average. PSP sites must demonstrate a commitment to reducing violent crime, and in August 2017 that commitment was extended to include reducing violent crime stemming from illegal immigration.

The Justice Department agencies involved in PSP are: the United States Attorneys’ Offices; the Office of Justice Programs; the FBI; the ATF; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Office on Violence Against Women; and the Office of Community Oriented Policing.

For more information about additional PSP sites, their designations and DOJ’s work to reduce violent crime and enhance public safety, visit https://www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org.

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Dunavant is pleased to announce the appointment of AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Chief for theWestern District of Tennessee.

Michelle Kimbril-Parks is a graduate of the University of Memphis and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Kimbril-Parks served as Assistant District Attorney with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for 7 years. During her service there, she managed and supervised Assistant District Attorneys in a broad litigation practice including driving offenses, theft of property, narcotics, domestic violence, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and murder.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "I am pleased to announce that I have appointed AUSA Michelle Kimbril-Parks as the new OCDETF Chief AUSA in the Unit. Michelle has been an AUSA in our office since 2007, and has been assigned to the OCDETF Unit since 2013. Michelle is a very experienced prosecutor and dedicated public servant, and I am confident that she will lead the unit with effectiveness and success. I look forward to working with her to pursue the priorities of our office in the crucial areas of organized and gang crime and drug enforcement."

In October 2007, Kimbril-Parks joined the Department of Justice as Assistant United States Attorney. Her current responsibilities include making charging decisions based on relevant federal statutes; drafting indictments, search warrants, and other legal documents; researching and drafting briefs for matters appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and presenting oral arguments to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. In addition, her litigation practice has included cases involving possession of firearms, child exploitation, identity theft, escape, firearms trafficking, Hobbs Act Robbery, carjacking, narcotics and interstate stalking.

Jackson, TN – Following a three-week trial in February 2018, a federal jury convicted a married couple and their son, of health-care fraud offenses that led to millions of dollars lost to federal health care programs. A federal judge has sentenced them to a total of 249 months in federal prison. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentences today.

Sandra Bailey, 67 of Jackson, Tenn., was convicted of 16 counts, including conspiracy, health care fraud, and paying illegal kickbacks in connection with health care services. Her husband, Calvin Bailey, 67, was convicted of conspiracy. Their son, Bryan Bailey, 39, of Milan, Tenn., was convicted of conspiracy and wire fraud. The jury returned guilty verdicts on all 17 counts alleged in the indictment.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Dishonest criminals are using more creative and disturbing fraudulent schemes to victimize vulnerable citizens and the American taxpayers for their own selfish gain. This case represents our commitment to expose these fraudulent schemes, protect the integrity of the Medicaid system, hold offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct, and to recover ill-gotten proceeds on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is willing and able to go to any lengths in our pursuit of justice in healthcare fraud cases."

Evidence at trial revealed Sandra Bailey and Calvin Bailey sold durable medical equipment including power wheelchairs and back braces. From November 2009 to September 2011, they were both employed at Jaspan Medical Systems ("Jaspan"), a durable medical equipment company with an office in Jackson, Tenn. Durable medical equipment is designed for repeated use and legitimate medical purposes. Following their employment at Jaspan, the couple was employed by other medical supply companies in West Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Calvin Bailey is also the former principal at Medina Elementary School in Medina, Tenn. Bryan Bailey was the operations and sales manager at Jaspan from October 2009 to July 2013.

While employed at Jaspan, the Baileys began to market wheelchairs to patients and represented them as paid fully by Medicare, and at no cost to the patients. To market the equipment, the Baileys used an extensive network of illegally paid recruiters to find eligible patients. After finding the patients, Sandra and Bryan Bailey would forge and falsify documents to make it appear that the patients qualified for the equipment. They also enlisted a local physician and nurse practitioner to order the equipment without the required physical examinations to determine if the equipment was medically necessary. To facilitate this scheme, Sandra Bailey paid illegal kickbacks to the medical providers.

Numerous patients testified that Sandra Bailey offered the equipment at no cost, and that they never saw the doctor or nurse practitioner before the Baileys delivered the back braces and power wheelchairs. Many also testified that they never used the power wheelchairs, and that the power wheelchairs were too large to be used in their homes. Even though most of the patients could walk, drive vehicles, and care for themselves without the need for a power wheelchair, the Baileys would falsify medical records to make it appear that the patients were qualified. In order to qualify the patients to receive the equipment at no cost, Bryan Bailey falsified and directed others to falsify patients’ income and expenses to make it appear that they were indigent.

In 2010, Bryan Bailey expanded Jaspan’s sales into North Mississippi, and hired a sales representative named Dennis Sensing to sell power wheelchairs. Sensing paid illegal kickbacks to patient recruiters to find Medicare and Medicaid patients. Bryan Bailey received sales commissions for the power wheelchairs sold by Sensing. In order to bill Medicare and Medicaid for the equipment, Sensing forged the signature of a nurse practitioner with Bryan Bailey’s knowledge. Bryan Bailey directed Sensing to falsify patients’ income and expenses to make it appear that they were indigent. Sensing sent via facsimile the forged and falsified documents to Bryan Bailey, who caused the claims to be submitted for payment. Sensing, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and pay illegal kickbacks, testified in the government’s case.

"We always appreciate the opportunity to work with multi-state law enforcement agencies to combat healthcare fraud and protect our citizens’ resources and tax dollars," said Jim Hood, Attorney General of Mississippi.

"These defendants were the ringleaders of a multi-million dollar fraud scheme that provided expensive power wheelchairs to patients who did not need them," said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta. "They were motivated by a desire to enrich themselves by stealing from the taxpayers and made the mistake of thinking they would not be caught."

The Baileys caused more than$4 million in billing of power wheelchairs and back braces to be paid by taxpayers. During the time the Baileys worked at Jaspan and the other companies, they received more than $1.2 million in salary and sales commissions.

On August 16, 2018, Chief United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Sandra Bailey to 120 months imprisonment; three years supervised release, and a $1600 special assessment. He sentenced Calvin Bailey to 45 months imprisonment; three years supervised release, and each ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution. On June 1, 2018, Judge Anderson had sentenced Bryan Bailey to 84 months imprisonment; followed by 3 years supervised release; $1.9 million in restitution and a $200 special assessment.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Attorney General’s Office of Mississippi.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stuart Canale and Matt Wilson prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – Following a two-day jury trial in federal court, a Ripley, Tennessee man has been found guilty as a felon in possession of a firearm. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty verdict today.

According to evidence presented at trial, in January 2017, the 25th Judicial Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into the illegal drug trafficking of Jason Nixon, 36. The investigation revealed that Nixon was selling marijuana out of his residence. On January 27, 2017, the 25th Judicial Drug Task Force and members of the Ripley Police Department and Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Nixon’s residence. A loaded Clerke .32 caliber revolver, multiple bags of marijuana, a digital scale and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from the property.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "This defendant has devoted his entire adult life to criminal activity, and his prior conviction history demonstrates his disrespect for the law and danger to the Lauderdale County community. As a result of his prior criminal behavior, Nixon may now qualify as an armed career criminal subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal custody. The people of Lauderdale County and West Tennessee are safer because of this federal conviction that will remove him from our streets."

This case was investigated by the 25th Judicial Drug Task Force, Ripley Police Department, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Biggers and Raney Irwin are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – Following a four-day jury trial in federal court, a Memphis man has been convicted on two counts of wire fraud. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the verdict today.

According to information presented in court, Manzur Mazumder, 49, an insurance agent, started a hedge fund business which defrauded several individuals of their retirement savings. Between 2014 and 2017, Mazumder obtained a total of $360,000 from "M.T.," a resident of Hawaii, "J.T.," a resident of Missouri, and "A.J.," a resident of Memphis.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Fraudulent schemes that steal hard-earned retirement savings from innocent victims represent the very worst betrayals of trust in our financial markets. 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.

Mazumder used a large portion of the investors’ funds to pay for personal expenses, including living and travel expenses, a down payment on a condominium, loan payments, debit card charges and overdrafts in several bank accounts. Mazumder day-traded the rest of the investors’ funds in options contracts, resulting in large losses.

"Today’s conviction shows that those who prey on innocent investors and violate the law in order to line their own pockets will be identified, investigated, prosecuted and held accountable for their crimes," said Michael T. Gavin, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "This type of crime degrades the trust investors place in their investment advisors and the financial markets, and the FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to pursue these type of cases to protect the public from such fraud."

This case was investigated by the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dean DeCandia and David Pritchard are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

Jackson, TN – On Tuesday, August 14, 2018, after two days of trial Nathan Adams, 36, pleaded guilty to production and attempted production of child pornography. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.

The proof presented at trial showed Adams surreptitiously recorded videos of a 13-year-old minor female in various stages of undress, including fully nude. Adams filmed some of the videos from outside the minor’s home filming through a hole in the window blinds. On other occasions, Adams hid the recording device inside the minor’s bedroom or bathroom. Adams was reported to law enforcement after the minor’s mother discovered the recording device and the explicit videos of her daughter.

On the second day of trial, as the videos that Adams recorded were being played for the jury, Adams advised the Court that he wished to plead guilty to the charges against him. Adams faces a mandatory minimum 15 years of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for November 20, 2018 before U.S. District Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Production of child pornography victimizes, harms, and exploits vulnerable children in a horrific way, and must be met with significant consequences. Under our Project Safe Childhood initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will bring the full resources of the federal government to bear in order to protect children in the Western District of Tennessee.”

This case was investigated by the McKenzie Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was 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. For more information about PSC, please visit http://www.justice.goc/psc. For more about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/resources.

This case was investigated by the McKenzie Police Department; Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Debra L. Ireland are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Jackson, TN – Tony Boyd, of Paris, Tennessee was indicted on July 16, 2018, by a federal grand jury for distributing drugs, while being a convicted felon. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.

According to the indictment, Boyd is charged with the distributing crack cocaine in the Paris, Tennessee area on six separate occasions. Two transactions occurred within 1,000 feet of the Porter Court Park Playground.

Because of his significant criminal history, if convicted on Counts 1, 3, 4, and 6, Boyd faces up to 20 years imprisonment; $1,000,000 fine and 3 years supervised release. On Counts 2 and 5 he faces up to 30 years imprisonment, $2,000,000 fine and 6 years supervised release. Boyd made his initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward G. Bryant on August 8, 2018. During a detention hearing on August 14, 2018, the Court ordered the defendant remanded to custody.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Recidivist drug traffickers create havoc and jeopardize public safety, especially in small rural communities and school zones. Drug dealers can no longer hide in any part of the Western District of Tennessee, and this indictment demonstrates our commitment to remove career drug dealers from our streets."

The case is being investigated by the Metro Crime Unit of Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

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

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

D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney Western District Tennessee
Guest columnist (The Commercial Appeal)

From 1964 to 1980, the violent crime rate tripled in this country. So did robbery. The murder rate doubled. Aggravated assault nearly tripled.

This was an alarming time for communities across this country. In 1984, Congress passed the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), which gave federal prosecutors a powerful new tool to fight the rise in crime. This law helped prosecutors put away the most violent criminals by requiring a minimum 15-year sentence for felons who were caught with a firearm after their third robbery or burglary conviction.

United States Attorneys put this new tool to use, going after violent offenders and putting them in jail. By 1992, violent crime had begun a historic decline. From 1991 to 2014, violent crime fell by half; murder fell by half; aggravated assault fell by 47 percent and robbery by nearly two thirds.

I have no doubt that much of this decline was due to keeping the most violent criminals off the streets for a longer time. Here in West Tennessee, the ACCA has long been a key tool used by prosecutors in our Project Safe Neighborhoods unit, which aggressively targets repeat violent offenders and removes them from our streets.

But in 2015—after 30 years on the books—one line of the ACCA was struck down by the Supreme Court as being too vague. Because of this significant ruling in Johnson v. United States, every federal prosecutor lost one of our most valuable tools.

Now is the time for Congress to fix the ACCA and restore this tool to our toolbox.

More than 1,400 criminals—each convicted of at least three prior felonies—have been let out of jail since the ruling in Johnson. So far, more than 600 have been arrested again. On average, these 600 criminals have reoffended or been arrested three times since 2015. A majority of those who have been out of prison for two years have already been arrested again.

 

Federal courts in West Tennessee released numerous prisoners due to the Supreme Court’s ruling. Many of these releasees, who were initially prosecuted under the ACCA, have reoffended and violated terms of their supervised release.

For example, one defendant—about a year after being released—was charged with murder and firearm offenses in Shelby County Criminal Court. Another was sentenced to almost two additional years in federal prison after he (again) illegally possessed a firearm. And a third released defendant had his supervised release revoked twice for drug crimes, before being sent back to prison.

These statistics and examples of recidivism are shocking, but they are likely an underrepresentation of these criminals’ illegal activity.  Any prosecutor will tell you that criminals rarely get caught on their first offense and that they often make plea bargains in which they admit to one of their lesser crimes rather than to their most serious crime.

Those plea bargains are a big reason why prosecutors need to have ACCA in our toolbox again. When we’re negotiating with a serious, repeat offender, we have a lot more leverage when they’re facing a 15-year sentence than when they’re facing, for example, a 5-year sentence.

I’ve seen time and again that members of violent criminal conspiracies are more likely to cooperate with us and hand over their ringleaders and kingpins when they’re facing long sentences than when they have hope of getting off early. They might serve two years for their bosses, but they won’t serve 30.

Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke in Little Rock and called for Congress to fix ACCA. As he correctly stated, keeping violent career criminals off of our streets “shouldn’t be controversial.” It has been approximately three years since the Supreme Court’s ruling and hundreds of Americans have already been needlessly victimized by released violent felons. How many more will be victimized this year? Or the next? Or the next?

With every day that passes, the likelihood goes up that these repeat-felons will commit more crimes. So this is urgent, and time is of the essence. Congress needs to fix ACCA so that we prosecutors can keep the most violent offenders behind bars and get more criminals to hand over their leaders. One more victim is too many.

Memphis, TN – Fighting violent crime and combating the drug epidemic are two of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s top priorities. The Department is actively addressing violence against women and children in Indian country through partnerships with federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement, investigating and prosecuting crimes, grant programs, training and technical assistance, and information sharing with tribes. Approximately 85 percent of the Department’s pending Indian country investigations relate to violate crime. The Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has funded Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) to enhance prosecution of Indian country cases and strengthen relations and cooperation between federal and tribal law enforcement.

In April of 2018, U.S. Attorney Dunavant was selected to serve on three subcommittees of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC), including the Native American Issues Subcommittee. The AGAC was created in 1973 to serve as the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and to advise the Attorney General on policy, management and operational issues impacting the offices of the U.S. Attorneys.

The Native American Issues Subcommittee (NAIS) is the oldest subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and is vital to the Department’s mission in Indian Country to build and sustain safe and secure communities for future generations. The NAIS is made up of U.S. Attorneys from across the United States whose districts contain Indian country or one or more federally recognized tribes. The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian country issues, both criminal and civil, and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the Attorney General regarding public safety and legal issues that affect tribal communities. In the Western District of Tennessee, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians maintains a tribal reservation and population in Lauderdale County, just outside of Henning, Tennessee.

"On July 5, 2018, I was honored to meet with U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Southern District of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Chief Phyliss Anderson. I look forward to working with Chief Anderson to promote public safety in our Choctaw tribal community in West Tennessee. I also look forward to meeting with my U.S. Attorney colleagues from across the country in Tulsa, Oklahoma next week to discuss crime reduction strategies in Indian Country."

Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in June of 2017, defendant Christopher Thompson, 32, was stopped for a routine traffic stop. During the course of that traffic stop, law enforcement discovered heroin, a digital scale, and a large amount of money on the defendant. Evidence proved Thompson was a daily distributor of heroin in the Nutbush area of Memphis.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Our district opioid strategy focuses on those suppliers who are causing addiction, injury, and death by the illegal distribution of heroin. This case demonstrates our commitment to save lives by removing these dangerous drug dealers from our streets. If you are selling poison to our citizens, your days are numbered."

On February 14, 2018, Thompson pleaded guilty to the charges. On August 8, 2018, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Thompson to 120 months in federal prison.

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

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph F. Griffith prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Jackson, TN – Following a jury trial in federal court, Michael Jay Harris, 46, of McNairy County, Tenn. was convicted of possessing 98 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the conviction today.

According to information presented in court, on February 13, 2017, agents with the McNairy County Narcotics Unit, including officers with the Selmer Police Department and McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, went to the residence of Michael Jay Harris, in the northwestern corner of McNairy County, in Finger, Tenn., to arrest Harris on an outstanding warrant.

While searching the residence, law enforcement discovered Harris was in possession of a bag containing three and a half ounces of ice methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as digital scales and drug paraphernalia. Harris became combative and attempted to fight the officers. A chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration stated the methamphetamine was more than 97 percent pure, and an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation testified it could have been distributed to more than a thousand drug users, based on its purity.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Harris is a career drug offender who was destroying this rural community by his sale of poisonous drugs, and his prior felony convictions have finally caught up with him. Thanks to the great investigative work by our local law enforcement partners at the Selmer Police Department and the McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, he has been held accountable and removed from the community."

Sentencing is set for November 9, 2018, before U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen. Harris has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for trafficking in cocaine and morphine, and assault charges. Based on his prior convictions, he faces up to life imprisonment.

This investigation was conducted by the Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth C. Boswell as Chief of the Criminal Division for the Western District of Tennessee. This position was vacated when Joseph "Joe" Murphy was appointed as First Assistant United States Attorney.

Beth Boswell is a graduate of Cumberland University, Middle Tennessee State University, and South Texas College of Law. She started her path as a career prosecutor immediately after law school by working for the Harris County District Attorney’s office in Houston, Texas, one of the largest DA offices in the country. During her time there, Beth served as the Deputy Chief of the Misdemeanor Division, supervising and training over 50 Assistant District Attorneys.

Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Boswell served as the Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney General for the 24th Judicial District Attorneys General Office in Paris, Tennessee for 16 years. During her service there, she was the Senior Trial Prosecutor covering a five-county district for all violent crimes and major drug cases.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Beth Boswell is a talented and dedicated career prosecutor who has extensive experience in all types of cases across West Tennessee. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the supervision and training of prosecutors and law enforcement, and I am confident that she will manage the Criminal Division of our office with effectiveness and integrity. I have had the pleasure to serve with Beth as both a state and federal prosecutor, and I am proud to have her lead our Criminal Division to aggressively and fairly carry out the priorities of the Department of Justice in the Western District of Tennessee."

In 2011, she served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, responsible for federal criminal narcotics, firearm and Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) prosecutions. From 2014 to 2016, Beth was hired as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force unit responsible for prosecuting large-scale, complex narcotics conspiracy cases, including cases connected to drug cartels and criminal street gangs.

Appointed in 2016 as OCDETF Chief/Assistant United States Attorney, Boswell currently supervises five AUSAs. Her responsibilities include managing the OCDETF program by working closely with regional and national counterparts. She also approves indictments, prosecution memoranda, plea agreements, cooperation agreements, and Title III applications and affidavits for the unit. In addition, she handles her own caseload, including violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, and long-term investigations into drug trafficking organizations. In November 2017, Beth was designated as the Opioid Coordinator for the Western District of Tennessee.

In 2016, Beth was the recipient of the United States Attorney Award, for outstanding performance and distinguished service to the Western District of Tennessee. Beth has been a regular speaker and instructor in various areas of public safety, and has provided training to prosecutors, law enforcement, correctional officers, medical professionals, and the public.

During her career as a prosecutor, Beth Boswell has tried well over 300 felony cases to verdict, including large narcotics prosecutions, firearms violations, murders, rapes, robberies, and other violent crimes.

Jackson, TN – A West Tennessee woman was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to the charging instrument, Ronda Hopkins Richards, 55, was the owner of Ronda’s Travel Corner, in Jackson, TN. From November 2016 to July 2017, Richards defrauded approximately 100 clients/victims of funds related to their travel. In some cases, Richards enticed the victims to pay cash for a trip that was never booked. In other instances, she booked air travel for victims, but did not provide lodging at the destination for which the victim had pre-paid.

On June 19, 2017, Richards convinced a client to write a $17,172.00 check to Ronda’s Travel Corner for a family trip to Disney World. The trip was scheduled for March 24, 2018, through March 31, 2018. Richards never booked the trip, but instead deposited the check into her own personal account at First South Bank and used the funds for her personal gain.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "The defendant’s greed and selfishness has victimized countless innocent citizens who trusted her, and she is now being held accountable for her dishonest and fraudulent conduct. Hopefully, this sentence will achieve justice by deterring other similar criminal conduct, and the restitution order will recover the funds stolen from the victims."

This transaction caused a wire transmission of $17,172.00 to occur in interstate commerce, between the victims’ bank, Greenfield Banking Company, Greenfield, TN, through the Federal Reserve Check Clearing Center located in Atlanta, GA, and then to First South Bank in Jackson, TN. This interstate transmission resulted in the crime of wire fraud. Over 100 of Ronda’s Travel Corner clientele were victims of similar schemes. Because of this scheme, the victims lost a total of approximately $410,280.25.

On August 3, 2017, Richards was interviewed by the Jackson Police Department. She stated that she had fallen behind in her payments and began taking money, did not keep up with what she had taken and "everything spiraled out of control."

Richards pleaded guilty to this charge on February 26, 2018. On August 3, 2018, U.S. District Chief Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Richards to 27 months imprisonment; 3 years supervised release; $100.oo special assessment and restitution in the amount of $410,280.25.

For more information, or if there are other victims who have not made their losses known, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Coordinator at 901-544-4231.

This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the United States Secret Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor L. Ivy prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 190 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. D. Michael Dunavant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in November 2016, Bartlett Police Department, Narcotics Unit, initiated an investigation into the illegal drug trafficking of Randy Martell Robertson, 35, a/k/a/ "Black." The investigation revealed Robertson was selling heroin and various other narcotics out of his apartment as well as two hotel rooms on Lamar Avenue, in Memphis.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Armed drug traffickers present a significant risk to public safety in multiple ways. Targeted enforcement and aggressive prosecution of such dangerous offenders is crucial to combatting addiction and violent crime in our neighborhoods. Robertson was a one-stop shop drug dealer who was willing to protect his product at all costs, and this 15 year sentence brings closures to an important drug trafficking case that helps to restore the safety of the community."

Detectives in the Narcotics Unit orchestrated two controlled purchases from Robertson using a confidential source. A search warrant was later executed on November 29, 2016, at Robertson’s residence and hotel rooms, which yielded 187 grams of heroin, 31 grams of ICE, 28 grams of cocaine, 25 grams of methamphetamine, 19.6 grams of crack, 14 ounces of codeine, 82 hydrocodone pills and 74 oxycodone pills. Three loaded firearms were also found on the scene.

On July 31, 2018, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Robertson to 190 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bartlett Police Narcotics Unit; Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

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

Memphis, TN – As part of the reentry efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, it is important for us to partner with and support agencies and initiatives that provide services to released felons in order to promote successful reintegration into society, employment opportunities, and the ability to lead productive, law-abiding lives. One of those organizations in the Memphis community is Lifeline to Success, led by Executive Director DeAndre D. Brown, Sr. The U.S. Attorney’s Office partners with Lifeline to Success and Pastor Brown in several different reentry initiatives. For more information about the organization, please visit https://www.lifeline2success.org.

For the fourth year, Lifeline to Success is teaming up with Men’s Wearhouse to sponsor and promote a suit donation drive, in order to provide suits for persons who may be in need of appropriate attire for job interviews, reintegration into social settings, and other opportunities after release from custody.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office wants to encourage support for this program, and the attorneys and staff in our office are participating by donating several suits to the drive. We have also encouraged our partners in the Federal Reentry Council, made up of representatives from the Federal Public Defender’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Probation Office, and U.S. Pre-trial Services Office to participate and donate to the suit drive.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "The mission of the Department of Justice is to reduce crime by using all available strategies and resources. One of the best ways to reduce recidivism is to provide meaningful support and resources to offenders upon release so that they will have the best chance of successful reentry into the community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee is committed to reentry programs that impact public safety in a positive way, and we hope that these suits will facilitate success for the reentrants."

Today, we invited Pastor DeAndre Brown and his Lifeline to Success team members to the U.S. Attorney’s Office to collect the donated suits, to publicly highlight the program, and to challenge other professional offices across Memphis and Shelby County to support and donate to this worthy cause.

Reported crimes with guns were down significantly during the first half of this year compared to last year in the city of Memphis and unincorporated parts of Shelby County, according to figures from the Project Safe Neighborhoods G.U.N. (Government United for Non-Violence) Unit.

From January through the end of June, there were 2,405 reported crimes with guns compared to 2,840 for the same period in 2017 – a 15.3 percent drop. The number is also 8.4 percent less than the 2,625 reported gun crimes in 2016.

Reducing gun crimes is a major focus of the current Operation: Safe Community crime plan, the development of which was spearheaded by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. Crime Commission president Bill Gibbons noted a number of objectives in the plan geared toward gun crime reduction, including:

- Vigorous enforcement of tough federal gun laws as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods which is being led by the U.S. Attorney’s office;

- Enactment of tougher state sentences for felons in possession of firearms – which was accomplished in 2017 – coupled with strong enforcement by the District Attorney’s office;

- With the goal of changing behavior, communicating the consequences of committing gun crimes through the FED UP media campaign;

- Enhancing the staff of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit in order to more effectively investigate gang-related crimes and prevent such crimes from occurring; and

- Ramped up data-driven deployment of law enforcement resources.

Since in office, U.S. Attorney Mike Dunavant has made prosecution of gun crimes in the federal system a top priority.

According to Dunavant, "Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a proven violent crime reduction strategy that works, and is now reinvigorated with additional resources and commitment from our partners at the ATF, Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. Since October, 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has increased the number of federal firearms cases filed by over 59%, and the number of defendants charged with firearms offenses has increased over 73%. These efforts provide targeted prosecution of the worst-of-the-worst offenders in order to enhance public safety in Memphis by removing guns from the hands of dangerous people, and removing violent offenders from our communities."

Dunavant added, "These sustained decreases in reported gun crimes and all major violent crime categories is encouraging, and shows that our return to proven enforcement policies is working. Putting the right people in prison upholds the rule of law, deters criminal conduct with a strong message of significant consequences, and makes us all safer. The Department of Justice is open for business, and we are FED UP with gun crime in Memphis. Gun Crime is Max Time."

The reduction in reported crimes with guns is consistent with the reduction in reported violent crimes, the details of which were released earlier this month.

During the first half of this year, reported violent crimes were down 8.1 percent in the city of Memphis compared to last year and down 6.4 percent countywide, according to preliminary figures from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The reduction occurred in all four major categories – murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults.

 

1 Reported gun crime incidents in city of Memphis and unincorporated parts of Shelby County.
Source: Project Safe Neighborhoods G.U.N. Unit

2 A 8.4 percent decrease compared to 2016 and a 15.3 percent decrease compared to 2017.

Memphis, TN – A local man has been sentenced to 140 months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2016 through August 2017, investigators with Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU) began investigating a drug trafficking organization distributing ecstasy pills, known as MDMA and methamphetamine in the Western District of Tennessee. William Green a/k/a "Mac Tuddy," 43, was identified as the source of supply for the ecstasy pills containing methamphetamine and MDMA.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Methamphetamine continues to be a significant problem in West Tennessee, and ecstasy is a dangerous concoction that causes addiction and death at alarming rates. We commend the ATF and MGU for their outstanding work to take down this career drug offender."

During the investigation, agents used confidential sources who made recorded phone calls to meet Green and arrange to purchase ecstasy pills. In total, Green was held responsible for the distribution of over 104 grams of methamphetamine and 2.5 kilograms of MDMA, known as ecstasy pills. Based on Green’s record it was determined that he was a career offender.

On July 20, 2018, Green pleaded guilty to this charge and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to serve 140 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU).

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

Memphis, TN – A Texas man has been sentenced to 225 months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine while on federal supervised release. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in 2016, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated a drug trafficking organization distributing multiple kilograms of cocaine in the Western District of Tennessee. Rafael Garza a/k/a "Poppy", 46, was identified as the source of supply for this organization. Utilizing tractor trailers, this organization would ship kilograms of cocaine from Brownsville, Texas to Memphis. Based upon a conservative estimate, this organization was responsible for the distribution of at least 50 kilograms but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine in the Memphis area.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Disruption and dismantlement of drug trafficking organizations is a crucial mission of this office, in order to stop the supply of deadly narcotics into West Tennessee. This sentence demonstrates our commitment to impose significant consequences on such recidivist drug dealers."

Garza pleaded guilty to this offense on April 12, 2018. On July 26, 2018, U.S. Senior District Judge Samuel H. Mays sentenced Garza to 225 months imprisonment, which included a sentence for violation of federal supervised release out of Brownsville for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry Kitchen and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – Gloria Harris, 56, of Memphis was sentenced to serve 64 months in federal prison on bank fraud charges arising from her theft of approximately $292,500 from her former employer, United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today.

Harris, a former data entry clerk for Crescent Medical Corporation, was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of last year, and pled guilty in April to allegations that she fraudulently obtained $292,500 between January 2016 and March 2017. The indictment alleged that Harris stole checks payable to Crescent and deposited them to bank accounts at Trustmark Bank and Suntrust Bank which she had fraudulently opened in the name of Crescent without the knowledge of Crescent’s owner, Dr. Ashan Kathawala.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Fraudulent schemes and crimes of dishonesty do not pay, and will be exposed. We are pleased to achieve justice for the victim in this case."

In addition to her prison sentence, United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman ordered Harris to serve a term of five years supervised release following her release from custody and to pay restitution in the total amount of $292,500 to Trustmark, Suntrust and Crescent.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service Economic Crimes Task Force.

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

Memphis, TN – After a three-day jury trial in federal court, Antonio Hawkins, 41, was convicted of multiple counts of sex trafficking. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, in April 2016, Antonio Hawkins took three women from New Orleans to Houston to put the women out on the prostitution track. While in Houston, Hawkins picked up a fifteen-year-old runaway, and put her on the track as well. Hawkins subsequently brought them to Memphis to work. All of the women, including the minor (who is now seventeen), testified at trial that Hawkins threatened to, and did, use violence to keep them from leaving him. The women testified that Hawkins struck them, pointed a gun at them and fired warning shots, and once even used a hot hair iron to intimidate the women into doing as he instructed.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Human trafficking of minors and adults for commercial sex purposes is an unconscionable crime that must be met with severe consequences. We commend the FBI for their outstanding investigation of these heinous crimes, and we are pleased to achieve justice for the victims in this disturbing case."

Sentencing is set for Friday, November 2, 2018 before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. Hawkins faces a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a maximum of life.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Attorney’s 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kasey Weiland and Deb Ireland prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – Misty West, 41, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, appeared before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker and entered a guilty plea to filing false tax returns. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.

According to a superseding indictment returned by the federal grand jury in February of this year, West, the former office manager, bookkeeper and paralegal at the Fowler Law Firm, engaged in a scheme to defraud the firm and its owner, Charles Wesley Fowler, of more than $400,000 between August 2011 and July 2016.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This defendant victimized her employer and defrauded the United States by using her position of trust to commit crimes of dishonesty. Financial fraud does not pay, and this office will aggressively prosecute these cases to hold offenders accountable and provide restitution to the victims and the government."

The superseding indictment also alleged that West filed false tax returns for calendar years 2013-2015 by substantially underreporting her total income for those years. West entered her guilty plea to those charges.

As part of a written plea agreement filed with the court, West agreed to pay restitution to Fowler’s estate and to the Internal Revenue Service.

West faces a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment, $100,000 fine and one year supervised release on each of the three counts of filing false tax returns. Sentencing is scheduled on October 25, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations Division.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carroll L. Andre´ III and Lorraine Craig are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

Jackson, TN – A Gibson County man has been indicted on child exploitation charges. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictment today.

A Humboldt man on federal supervised release was indicted today on child exploitation charges. A grand jury seated in the Eastern Division of the Western District of Tennessee returned a two-count indictment charging that on June 14, 2018, Finis Ewin Hill, 66, known as "Pete" Hill, used the internet to attempt to entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Hill is also charged with traveling from Tennessee to Mississippi on June 16, 2018, to meet with a person he believed to be under sixteen and engage in illicit sexual activity.

In 2005, Hill was convicted of being a felon possession of a firearm, and sentenced to serve 221 months in prison. He was released from federal custody and placed on supervised release on January 18, 2018. A petition to revoke Hill’s supervised release has also been filed.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said:" Let this indictment serve notice on those who use the internet and electronic means to exploit, abuse, and victimize minor children: You cannot hide, we will track you down, and you will be held accountable for such disturbing and predatory criminal conduct."

If convicted, on count one of the indictment Hill faces not more than 30 years in federal prison, $250,000 fine and supervised release of five years up to life. On count two of the indictment, Hill faces 10 years up to life imprisonment, five years supervised release and $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Milan Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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 Attorney’s 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Debra Ireland and Hillary Parham are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Reagan M. Taylor will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s Election Day Program for the upcoming August 2, 2018, primary election. AUSA Taylor has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Tennessee, and in that capacity is re-sponsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

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

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

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

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on August 2, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Dunavant stated that AUSA Taylor will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number (901) 544-4231.

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

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at (800)-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to voting.sec-tion@usdoj.gov or by complaint form at http:www.justice.gov/crt/com-plaint/votintake/index.php.

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

Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on August 4, 2017, Memphis Police Department officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by defendant Ladarius Porter, 27. When the vehicle stopped, Porter exited and ran from officers through a residential area. After the foot chase that lasted several minutes, officers eventually caught up to and detained Porter.

Officers retraced the path that Porter had run and located a loaded firearm he discarded during his flight. Porter pled guilty to possessing the firearm as a convicted felon. In 2009, the defendant had been previously convicted of several counts of aggravated and especially aggravated robbery.

On July 13, 2018, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Porter to 15 years in federal prison as an armed career criminal.

This case was 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. Attorney General Jeff Sessions 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.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Our PSN reinvigoration efforts provide targeted prosecution of the worst of the worst violent offenders in order to enhance public safety in Memphis. This significant sentence removes an armed career criminal from the community, and sends a strong message that we will no longer tolerate this lawless behavior. We are FED UP with gun crime in Memphis, and will continue to aggressively prosecute prohibited and dangerous offenders with firearms. Gun Crime is Max Time."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Memphis, TN – Three Memphis women have been indicted with stealing mail intended for religious organizations throughout the United States. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today.

According to the indictments, throughout 2015, Tiara Williams, Crystal Berry and Kimberly Smith worked in the same area in the Memphis FedEx Hub. They targeted mail pieces intended for religious organizations since there was a strong likelihood that they contained U.S. currency. The employees would search through mail, remove some of the contents contained therein and smuggle items off the premises.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This office takes very seriously our duty to protect the sanctity and security of the United States Postal Service and the U.S. Mail. We work very closely with the United States Postal Inspection Service to defend the nation’s mail system from illegal or dangerous use by mail theft, mail fraud and prohibited mailings; and to ensure public trust in the mail. These indictments show our collective commitment to hold accountable any persons who violate that sanctity and victimize innocent citizens for their own selfish gains."

David M. McGinnis, the Inspector In Charge of the Charlotte Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, stated, "The Postal Inspection Service takes great pride in protecting postal customers from criminal activity related to the U.S. mail. Postal Inspectors will continue to vigorously investigate and seek criminal prosecution of those who prey on postal customers."

The maximum penalty for mail theft is no more than 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Judge Thomas L. Parker, Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. and Judge Sheryl H. Lipman will preside over these cases respectively.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service in conjunction with FedEx security.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Keith Griffin is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – Joseph Hamilton, 30, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.

According to information presented in court, on October 27, 2017, Memphis Police observed Hamilton driving a silver Infiniti G35 eastbound on East Shelby Drive with a license plate registered to a different vehicle. The license plate also had a 2018 decal that belonged to a different plate. A traffic stop was then initiated. The defendant did not have a driver’s license, but provided his social security number to the officer. After the officer determined that the defendant’s license was suspended, the defendant was instructed to exit the vehicle. The defendant slammed the door to his car, made a "U-turn," and sped away. The officer had to move to avoid being struck by the vehicle. Hamilton then disregarded a traffic signal and crashed his vehicle with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital in non-critical condition.

After the crash, Hamilton ran into a wooded area with a red and white backpack. While the officer was chasing the defendant, the defendant tripped and fell. The officer caught up with the defendant and arrested him. The defendant spontaneously stated that he ran because he did not want to go to jail for the weed and gun.

While searching the backpack, officers recovered a large bag of marijuana and two mason jars containing small baggies of marijuana, totaling approximately 100 grams. An opened box of sandwich baggies and a marijuana grinder were also recovered. Officers recovered $306.73 on Hamilton and a Ruger .45 caliber pistol from the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle. Hamilton was also a convicted felon at the time of this offense.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Convicted felons who possess firearms in connection with drug distribution are inherently dangerous individuals. This conviction and potential sentence will remove a violent offender from the streets, and will protect public safety. We are FED UP with gun crime in Memphis, and will continue to aggressively prosecute prohibited and dangerous offenders with firearms. Gun Crime is Max Time."

On July 11, 2018, Hamilton pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. He faces a minimum of 15 years up to life imprisonment. The defendant still has an unrelated murder charge pending in Division 7 of Shelby County’s Criminal Court stemming from his alleged shooting at a Whitehaven McDonald’s, resulting in the murder of one individual and the serious injury to another.

Hamilton is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker.

The Multi-Agency Gang Unit investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. AttorneyMarques Young and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryce Phillips are prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

Memphis, TN – Louis Driver, 43, of Lauderdale County, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on January 27, 2017, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office received information that Louis Driver was involved in a burglary in which several firearms were stolen. Law enforcement conducted an investigation that led them to Driver’s residence. After receiving consent to search the residence, investigators located Driver in a bedroom. Upon searching the bedroom, investigators located a Heckler & Koch .45 caliber pistol, loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition, which was stolen during the burglary. Driver, who was on parole at time he committed this offense, admitted to possessing the firearm.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This defendant has a long criminal history of felony and misdemeanor convictions involving violence, drug possession, and property damage, and was on parole for felony drug offenses when he was found in possession of a stolen firearm from a home burglary. Mr. Driver has devoted his adult life to a career of criminal conduct in Lauderdale County, and that prior history has finally caught up with him. This sentence removing him from the community for more than 8 years will make Lauderdale County and West Tennessee a safer place."

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

Memphis, TN – United States Attorney Dunavant is pleased to announce the appointment of Joseph "Joe" Murphy as First Assistant United States Attorney, Western District of Tennessee. This position was vacated when Lawrence J. Laurenzi retired in May 2018 after an extensive career with the Department of Justice.

Joe Murphy is a graduate of Lambuth College and the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis. Since 1989 he has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Memphis office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Murphy served as the office’s Criminal Chief, supervising 28 Assistant United States Attorneys who investigate and prosecute criminal cases in the Memphis office and 10 support staff. Prior to being named the office’s Criminal Chief in June of 2011, Murphy served as Chief of the office’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force for three years. In that position he was responsible for supervising a team of attorneys and support personnel who investigated and prosecuted violations of federal drug, money laundering, and firearms laws committed by both individuals and organized criminal groups. Between 1991 and 2007, Murphy served as a line assistant in both the office’s criminal division and drug task force.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "With over 29 years’ experience in the United States Attorney’s Office, including service as Criminal Division Chief and OCDETF Chief, Joe Murphy is well prepared to assume the duties of First Assistant United States Attorney. I am pleased to have Joe’s wise counsel, and I am confident that he will lead and manage the office with the highest degree of effectiveness and integrity. I look forward to continuing to work with him to pursue and carry out the priorities of the Department of Justice in the Western District of Tennessee."

During his career with the Justice Department Murphy has tried approximately 125 felony cases to verdict in U.S. District Court. These cases included prosecutions of health care professionals for illegally distributing controlled substances; mail and wire fraud cases; and theft cases involving pension funds and interstate shipments. Murphy has also represented the government in over 200 cases litigated before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and he has argued approximately 48 cases before that court.

A Memphis resident, Murphy has been married to Sandy Murphy for 29 years. He has two children, both of whom currently attend graduate school at the University of Memphis. Active in community and legal affairs, Murphy has served on the Executive Committees of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Criminal Justice and Environmental Law Sections, is a member of the Leo Bearman, Sr. Inn of the American Inns of Court, and has served as a volunteer with the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

 

Jackson, TN – Joel Anthony Bunch, 41, of Clifton, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 12 months and a day imprisonment for filing false Federal Individual Tax Returns. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on November 20, 2017, Bunch pled guilty to one count of filing a false U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for tax year 2013. At that time, Bunch owned Bunch Forest Products, located in Clifton, Tennessee, and was the sole person responsible for the business record keeping. Bunch caused his paid tax return preparer to underreport his gross receipts for 2013 by depositing business income into his personal bank account, cashing income checks, and knowingly providing incomplete and inaccurate information to his paid preparer. As a result, Bunch’s 2013 gross receipts were underreported by $27,371, resulting in an additional tax due and owing of $8,361.

Today’s sentencing is based on Bunch underreporting gross receipts on U.S. Corporation Income Tax Returns for the tax years 2010 through 2013, as well as underreporting gross receipts on his Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business on his U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for tax years 2010 through 2013, in the amount of $555,572, which is outlined in an 8-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Jackson on February 21, 2017, resulting in unreported corporate and individual income tax of $129,527.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury is a core value and critical mission for this office and the Department of Justice. Income tax evasion and fraud strike at the very heart of our federal government, and will not be tolerated."

On July 2, 2018, Senior U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Bunch to 12 months and a day in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $129,527 in restitution to the IRS, a result of his failing to pay taxes on all of his income.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. Wilson prosecuted the case for the government.

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Memphis, TN – Gabriel Rounds, 36, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 188 months imprisonment for his role in distributing more than 100,000 oxycodone pills in the Memphis area and conspiracy to knowingly conduct financial transactions affecting interstate commerce, known as money laundering. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on or about May 9, 2013, Las Vegas Postal Inspectors began an investigation into mailings of illegal narcotics destined for the Memphis area. During the course of the investigation, several U.S. mail parcels containing oxycodone pills were seized.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This office continues our fight against the supply and flow of dangerous prescription opioids into the Western District of Tennessee. This disturbing case demonstrates the lengths to which drug dealers will go to profit from addiction and suffering, and this significant sentence demonstrates our resolve to punish and deter such brazen interstate criminal conduct."

Postal Inspectors were able to identify phone numbers, surveillance images, vehicle registrations and other information that identified Gabriel Rounds and Magan Hall sending the packages to various addresses and recipients residing in Memphis. Based upon USPIS findings a search warrant was issued for the residence of Rounds and Hall. Hall admitted to helping Rounds package the pills in Express Mail envelopes.

On April 26, 2016, Las Vegas Postal Inspectors were advised by a postal employee that an unidentified female was attempting to mail USPS Express Mail packages. The USPS employees advised the female came in weekly and sent express parcels to Memphis. A package was examined by the Postal Inspectors and appeared to have characteristics of parcels containing controlled substances and/or proceeds. Due to the nature of the subject parcel, it was removed from the mail stream for examination.

On April 27, 2016, the package was further examined by a narcotics detective K-9 who alerted to the odor of narcotics inside the parcel. On May 2, 2016, a search warrant was executed on the parcel and revealed 456 oxycodone pills being concealed inside M&M’s candy bags.

On June 15, 2018, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Rounds to 188 imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspectors Office, Las Vegas Postal Inspectors Office, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee National Guard Counter Narcotics Team.

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

Jackson, TN - On June 11, 2018, a federal grand jury indicted sixteen individuals for various federal violations originating from criminal conduct in eight counties across West Tennessee. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the indictments today. As charged in the indictments, ten of the defendants are prohibited by federal firearms laws from possessing firearms.

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, § 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, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

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 18 USC § 924(c). A violation of this section is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years imprisonment to a maximum of life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Violent crime reduction is the top priority of this office and the Department of Justice. Our strategy is to remove firearms from the hands of dangerous and prohibited people, and to remove those violent offenders from our communities. These indictments will impose significant consequences for illegal possession of firearms, and will make our district safer."

Christopher Bills, 25 of Bolivar, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Jerrod Jennings 31, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon and unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm, which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce; and possession of a firearm during commission of a drug trafficking crime.

Mark Lockhart, 40, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm, which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Kenneth Mitchell Fongers, 52, of Milan, Tenn, was charged with transporting a minor with intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity.

Carl Clarke, 28, of Dyersburg, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Dexter Sowell, 34, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

William Martin Greene, 50, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession and disposing of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Charles Curry, 26, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Houston Crafton, 22, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Dacarlos Watkins, 37, of Jackson, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

Demarlon Gardner, 33, of Brownsville, Tenn, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm which had been shipped/transported in interstate commerce.

An additional five indictments are under seal. The United States also seeks criminal forfeiture of any proceeds related to the crimes.

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

Memphis, TN – Two Memphis men have been sentenced to a total of 244 months imprisonment for distributing heroin. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in August and September of 2017, Bartlett Police determined Mark Keith to be a heroin dealer in the Memphis area. After an investigation, Keith was arrested with a substantial amount of heroin and methamphetamines on his person. On October 3, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamines both in violation of Title 21 United States Code 841 (a)(1).

Between June and July of 2017, Bartlett Police received information that Frederick Hamilton was dealing heroin in North Memphis. After an investigation from law enforcement, Hamilton was arrested while trying to flee and found with heroin on his person. On November 21, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging possession with intent to distribute heroin in violation of Title 21 United States Code 841 (a)(1).

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Heroin is a deadly drug that is destroying countless lives across the country and right here in West Tennessee. Drug dealers who sow addiction and death into our communities by selling this poison will reap long prison sentences for their selfish and lawless conduct."

Both men pleaded guilty. On June 21, 2018, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced both Keith and Hamilton; Keith to 144 months imprisonment and Hamilton 100 months in federal prison.

These cases were investigated by the Bartlett Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph F. Griffith prosecuted these cases on the government’s behalf.

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Memphis, TN – In accordance with the Justice Department’s recent efforts to disrupt business email compromise (BEC) schemes that are designed to intercept and hijack wire transfers from businesses and individuals, including many senior citizens, the Department announced Operation Keyboard Warrior, an effort coordinated by United States and international law enforcement to disrupt online frauds perpetrated from Africa. Eight individuals have been arrested for their roles in a widespread, Africa-based cyber conspiracy that allegedly defrauded U.S. companies and citizens of approximately $15 million since at least 2012.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee, Executive Assistant Director David T. Resch of the FBI and Acting Special Agent in Charge William C. Hoffman of the FBI Memphis Field Office, made the announcement today.

Five individuals were arrested in the United States for their roles in the conspiracy including Javier Luis Ramos Alonso, 28, a Mexican citizen residing in Seaside, California; James Dean, 65, of Plainfield, Indiana; Dana Brady, 61, of Auburn, Washington; Rashid Abdulai, 24, a Ghanaian citizen residing in the Bronx, New York, who has been charged in a separate indictment; and Olufolajimi Abegunde, 31, a Nigerian citizen residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Maxwell Atugba Abayeta aka Maxwell Peter, 26, and Babatunde Martins, 62, of Ghana and Benard Emurhowhoariogho Okorhi, 39, a Nigerian citizen who resides in Ghana, have been arrested overseas and are pending extradition proceedings to face charges filed in the Western District of Tennessee.

The indictment also charges Sumaila Hardi Wumpini, 29; Dennis Miah, 34; Ayodeji Olumide Ojo, 35, and Victor Daniel Fortune Okorhi, 35, all of whom remain at large. Abegunde had his detention hearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H.

Lipman of the Western District of Tennessee, who ordered him detained pending trial, which has been set for October 9, 2018.

"The defendants allegedly unleashed a barrage of international fraud schemes that targeted U.S. businesses and individuals, robbing them to the tune of approximately $15 million," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. "The Department of Justice will continue to work with our international partners to aggressively disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises that victimize our 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 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 seek justice for citizens harmed by Internet scammers."

"The devastating effects that cybercrime and business email compromise have on victims and victim companies cannot be understated, and the FBI has made it a priority to work with our law enforcement partners around the world to end these fraud schemes and protect the hard-earned assets of our citizens," said William C. Hoffman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. "These charges are the result of the diligence, hard work and tenacity of the best and smartest investigators and prosecutors, to overcome the challenges faced when dealing with sophisticated efforts to hide criminal activity that involves numerous people in multiple countries, and should send a signal that criminals will not go undetected and will be held accountable, regardless of where they are."

The indictment was returned by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on Aug. 23, 2017, and charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and aggravated identity fraud.

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

In addition to BEC, the Africa-based defendants are also charged with perpetrating, or causing to be perpetrated, various romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams, and credit card scams. The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa

through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams. The defendants are also charged with concealing their conduct by, among other means, stealing or fraudulently obtaining personal identification information (PII) and using that information to create fake online profiles and personas. Through all their various schemes, the defendants are believed to have caused millions in loss to victims across the globe.

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

The FBI led the investigation. The FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did INTERPOL Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Northern District of Georgia, Western District of Washington, Central District of California, Southern District of New York, and the Northern District of Illinois.

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

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In accordance with the Justice Department’s recent efforts to disrupt business email compromise (BEC) schemes that are designed to intercept and hijack wire transfers from businesses and individuals, including many senior citizens, the Department announced Operation Keyboard Warrior, an effort coordinated by United States and international law enforcement to disrupt online frauds perpetrated from Africa.  Eight individuals have been arrested for their roles in a widespread, Africa-based cyber conspiracy that allegedly defrauded U.S. companies and citizens of approximately $15 million since at least 2012.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee and Executive Assistant Director David T. Resch of the FBI, made the announcement today.

Five individuals were arrested in the United States for their roles in the conspiracy including Javier Luis Ramos Alonso, 28, a Mexican citizen residing in Seaside, California; James Dean, 65, of Plainfield, Indiana; Dana Brady, 61, of Auburn, Washington; Rashid Abdulai, 24, a Ghanaian citizen residing in the Bronx, New York, who has been charged in a separate indictment; and Olufolajimi Abegunde, 31, a Nigerian citizen residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Maxwell Atugba Abayeta aka Maxwell Peter, 26, and Babatunde Martins, 62, of Ghana and Benard Emurhowhoariogho Okorhi, 39, a Nigerian citizen who resides in Ghana, have been arrested overseas and are pending extradition proceedings to face charges filed in the Western District of Tennessee. 

The indictment also charges Sumaila Hardi Wumpini, 29; Dennis Miah, 34; Ayodeji Olumide Ojo, 35, and Victor Daniel Fortune Okorhi, 35, all of whom remain at large. Abegunde had his detention hearing today before U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman of the Western District of Tennessee, who ordered him detained pending trial, which has been set for Oct. 9.

“The defendants allegedly unleashed a barrage of international fraud schemes that targeted U.S. businesses and individuals, robbing them to the tune of approximately $15 million,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Cronan. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with our international partners to aggressively disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises that victimize our citizens and businesses.”

“Today, the FBI and our partners are announcing indictments as part of Operation Keyboard Warrior,” said FBI Executive Assistant Director Resch.  “Following the success of Operation WireWire in early June, these indictments continue to demonstrate the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners around the globe to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises that target Americans and their businesses.  This should stand as a warning that our work is not over, and we will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to put an end to these fraud schemes. I want to thank all the agents and analysts at the FBI, our partners at the Department of Justice, and our Ghanaian partners at the Economic and Organised Crime Office for all their tireless work to continue to pursue this issue at every turn.”

The indictment was returned by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee on Aug. 23, 2017, and charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit computer fraud, and aggravated identity fraud.

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

In addition to BEC, some of the Africa-based defendants are also charged with perpetrating, or causing to be perpetrated, various romance scams, fraudulent-check scams, gold-buying scams, advance-fee scams, and credit card scams.  The indictment alleges that the proceeds of these criminal activities, both money and goods, were shipped and/or transferred from the United States to locations in Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa through a complex network of both complicit and unwitting individuals that had been recruited through the various Internet scams.  Some of the defendants are also charged with concealing their conduct by, among other means, stealing or fraudulently obtaining personal identification information (PII) and using that information to create fake online profiles and personas.  Through all their various schemes, the defendants are believed to have caused millions in loss to victims across the globe.

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

The FBI led the investigation.  The FBI’s Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, the Legal Attaché in Accra, and International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the Ghanaian Economic and Organised Crime Office, INTERPOL Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices of the Northern District of Georgia, Western District of Washington, Central District of California, Southern District of New York, and the Northern District of Illinois.

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

 

Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 120 months imprisonment for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, in November 2017, Savino Juarez-Cabrales, 45, coordinated a shipment of heroin via the United States Postal Service to Memphis, TN. He also arranged to have 15 kilograms of cocaine transported to Cordova in a multi-vehicle carrier. On December 4, 2017, an inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service seized the suspected package that contained 1 kilogram of heroin. On December 8, 2017, the multi-vehicle carrier was stopped in Oklahoma en route to Cordova containing approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Drug distribution conspiracies are not victimless crimes. Heroin and cocaine cause significant human pain, loss, and destruction in countless ways, including addiction, injuries, and deaths. Those who exploit the sanctity of the U.S. Mail system and use other transportation logistics to victimize citizens of the Western District of Tennessee will pay the price for such lawlessness."

On December 19, 2017, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin both in violation of Title 21 United States Code Section 846.

On June 21, 2018, United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Cabrales to the mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months imprisonment.

The defendant is an illegal alien and is subject to deportation after completion of his sentence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf.

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Memphis, TN – A local tax preparer has pleaded guilty to filing false claims in the Memphis area. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty plea today.

According to the charging instrument, from calendar years 2014 to 2016, Gina Holley filed false and fraudulent tax returns when she included false Fuel Tax credits. She did so claiming tax payers were entitled to a tax credit, when in fact, Holley knew taxpayers were not entitled to a tax credit claimed. As a result of Holley’s acts, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) suffered a loss of over $400,000.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "One of the primary functions of this office is to protect the United States Treasury and individual taxpayers. Whenever there is fraud against our tax system, we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior."

Holley pleaded guilty to three counts of presenting false claims to the United States. The maximum penalty is 3 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled on September 20, 2018 before U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker.

This case was investigated by the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Damon Keith Griffin is prosecuting the case on the government’s behalf.

Jackson, TN – After a two-week trial in federal court, on Friday, June 15, 2018, Brian Black, 42, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, was convicted of embezzlement. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee announced the guilty verdict today.

According to information presented in court, Black embezzled at least $178,000 from the trust account of Oleen H. Fewell Estate. Black was the Chancery Court appointed trustee for the trust, which had been set up by the will of Oleen Fewell for benefit of her daughter, Sharon Connor of Alamo, Tennessee. Instead of using the trust’s money for the benefit only of Sharon Connor, Black spent a large part of the trust’s funds for his own personal benefit. Among other things, Black wrote over $70,000 in trust checks directly to himself, spent almost $6,000 of trust money to take a vacation trip to Florida to attend the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team fantasy camp, and used over $12,000 of trust money to buy items for his own home in Dyersburg.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "This office is committed to exposing and holding accountable any persons who use their position of trust and authority to prey upon innocent victims. Across the rural communities of the Western District of Tennessee, including Crockett County, we will always aggressively prosecute cases involving financial fraud and exploitation of the elderly. We are pleased with the jury verdict in this case, and commend the United States Postal Inspection Service for their outstanding investigation in this complex matter."

David M. McGinnis, the Inspector In Charge of the Charlotte Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, stated "Protecting vulnerable victims is a top priority for the Postal Inspection Service. Postal Inspectors are committed to protecting the sanctity of the United States Mail and will hold those accountable that steal from innocent victims."

By the time United States Postal Inspectors learned of the fraud and began an investigation, Black had spent all of the money in the trust account. Black was the former 911 director for Crockett County.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson. Black faces a possible maximum sentence of 90 years imprisonment.

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Arvin is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) are forming a working group to focus on ways to empower and to support rural and tribal communities to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation. Today on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we collaboratively embark on a mission to work with older Americans in this Nation to improve their quality of life as envisioned by the Report to the President from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity.

The Nation’s seniors are treasured and revered members of our communities. Too often, however, seniors are targeted by unscrupulous criminals for fraud or are subjected to abuse. Factors more common in rural and tribal communities--including large geographic areas that elongate response time, fewer services and service providers, and limited access to broadband-- create additional challenges to identifying and combatting elder fraud and abuse in rural and tribal communities.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Much of the Western District of Tennessee is made up of rural communities, and it is an important priority for this office to protect our senior population across the district. To halt the scourge of abuse, exploitation and financial fraud against older citizens, we have designated an Elder Justice Coordinator in the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate, prosecute, punish and deter crimes against our vulnerable seniors. We appreciate the partnership with the USDA, and we look forward to implementing the strategic action steps that result from this collaboration."

DOJ and USDA resolve to marshal our collective resources and expertise to enable rural and tribal communities to more effectively combat elder abuse and financial exploitation. We are forming a working group to develop recommendations and will jointly present strategic action steps in November 2018 at the Department of Justice’s Rural Elder Justice Summit in Des Moines, Iowa.