Western District of Tennessee

Jackson, TN – A task force made up of agents from the DEA, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service, and law enforcement officials with the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, Dyersburg Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, arrested seven people on federal drug trafficking charges in an early morning round-up today.

This morning’s arrests are the result of a year-long investigation in which law enforcement officials have seized illicit narcotics, U.S. currency, firearms, and drug paraphernalia.

A federal grand jury in Jackson, TN returned the indictments on February 23, 2015, but they remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

The suspects arrested during the operation were:

•Miracle Pounds, 36, of Dyer County (already in state custody)
•Brian Whitt, 37, of Dyer County
•Robert Troy Anderson, 48, of Dyer County
•Christopher Dean, 40, of Dyer County (already in state custody)
•Amy Junior, 42, of Dyer County
•Nicholas Patterson, 42, of Dyer County
•Jonathan Murphy, 37, of Dyer County (already in state custody)

The charges in the indictments stem from the defendants' participation in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess ice and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

“Over the last several years, we have seen an increase in the number of cases involving ice, a highly toxic and dangerous substance,” said U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton III. “Ingestion of ice, which is methamphetamine with at least 80% purity, and crystal meth causes profound and almost immediate physical, mental and emotional consequences, while the production process can also be deadly. This case demonstrates our commitment to riddingWest Tennessee of this menace.”

Brian K. Chambers, the Resident Agent in Charge of the DEA Memphis Resident Office, said of the case, “Methamphetamine continues to ravage many communities in our nation. Because of the positive results yielded in this case, other methamphetamine manufacturers in the affected region are being put on notice that DEA and its law enforcement partners will not tolerate their continued efforts to distribute this insidious drug.”

“I would like to thank our state and federal partners for their assistance in this investigation, which resulted in the arrests of those alleged to have been involved in criminal drug activity. I am proud of my officers’ efforts, and the Dyersburg Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate drug use and sales in our community,” stated Chief of Police Steven Isbell.

Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box, said, “The success of this operation is attributed to the combined effort and hard work of all agencies involved in this task force partnership. I want to commend our Task Force Agents, DEA, TBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for being partners in the detection, investigation and prosecution of those who seek to advance criminal activity. This combined effort will continue to advance our highest priority of protecting the citizens in our community by investigating and prosecuting those who violate state and federal laws regarding drug trafficking and other criminal activity.”

The case was investigated by members of the DEA Jackson Post of Duty, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Dyer County Sheriff’s Department and Dyersburg Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell on behalf of the government.

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

Jackson, TN – The operator of Carol’s Income Tax Service was charged today with 123 counts of fraud for preparing false and fictitious income tax returns.

Carol Munoz, 42, of Jackson, TN was indicted for preparing false and fraudulent tax returns, operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, and money laundering.

According to the indictment, between April 15, 2010 and April 16, 2013, Munoz prepared 123 fraudulent tax returns, nearly all of which claimed false dependents. The returns prepared by Munoz also claimed tax credits to increase the amount of income tax refund, including the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit and Child Care Credit, for which the taxpayers did not qualify.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is prosecuting the case for the government.

Jackson, TN – A former California resident has been charged in a federal indictment that accuses him of attempted armed robbery of BancorpSouth in Humboldt, TN, and use of a dangerous weapon.

Dominic Williams, 39, recently of Humboldt, TN, was named today in a three-count indictment charging one count of using a dangerous weapon; one count attempted bank robbery; and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on March 18, 2015, Williams, who had recently relocated to Humboldt, TN from California, hid in the carport of a bank employee’s residence. Williams approached the bank employee at gunpoint when she was about to get into her car and drive to work. He then forced the victim to drive to BancorpSouth and open the exterior doors of the bank.

Once inside the bank, Williams attempted to force the victim at gunpoint to open the bank safe, but she was unable to do so. He then shot the victim and fled through a back window of the bank.

Williams is scheduled for a detention hearing at 10:00 a.m. today. If Williams is convicted, he will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Humboldt Police Department; Gibson County Sheriff’s Office; West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force (28th, 29th, 30th Judicial Districts; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Memphis Jackson Resident Agency. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Wilson.

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

Memphis, TN – Four Shelby County jailers were arrested late yesterday and early this morning on federal charges of attempting to smuggle OxyContin into the Shelby County Jail to provide to inmates.

The four defendants are named in federal indictments returned yesterday. The indictments allege attempted possession with the intent to distribute OxyContin, a schedule II controlled substance.

“As the indictments allege, these defendants participated in a scheme to accept bribes from inmates in exchange for violating the very laws they swore to uphold,” stated United States Attorney Edward Stanton III. “These individuals falsely believed that they were above the law, and now they are facing prison time behind the bars they once were responsible for guarding.”

Those named in the indictments are:

Anthony Thomas, 27, of Memphis, TN; Marcus Green, 33, of Covington, TN; Brian Grammer, 35, of Memphis, TN; and
Torriano Vaughn, 28, of Cordova, TN.

The indictments allege that the defendants devised a scheme to smuggle OxyContin, a schedule II controlled substance, into the Shelby County Jail located at 201 Poplar, Memphis, TN. The defendants would allegedly contact inmates and offer to smuggle illegal drugs into the Shelby County Jail for a predetermined amount of money. The defendants would then meet a third party affiliated with the inmate at a location within the Memphis metropolitan area. The third party would give the defendants what they believed was OxyContin and the defendants would accept the money in return. The contraband would then be smuggled into the Shelby County Jail and given to inmates.

“Over a year ago we began a long term investigation regarding drugs being smuggled into our jail,” said Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham. “I want to thank the Tarnished Badge Task Force for their hard work. Special Agent Todd McCall for his support, U.S. Attorney Edward Stanton and in particular Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Coleman for his guidance and counsel with this investigation. Also, Attorney General Amy Weirich for her assistance in this investigation as well. This activity will not be tolerated. The Sheriff’s Office will attack this with all of the resources available to us. Finally, to the other employees willing to violate their oath and put jailers at risk we will get you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Public corruption is the number one criminal priority of the FBI, and we will always work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to root out those in a position of public trust who violate the law to line their own pockets,” said A. Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “These indictments send the message that the bad acts of a small few will not be allowed to continue and impugn the reputation of those who honorably serve the public day-in and day-out.”

The four defendants’ initial appearances will be held today. If they are convicted, they each would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Tarnished Badge Task Force, which is comprised of investigators from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman.

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

Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman pleaded guilty this afternoon in federal court to preparing falsified federal income tax returns.

Telska Pollard, 41, of Memphis, TN pled guilty to a three-count information charging her with aiding and assisting with the preparation of false federal income tax returns.

According to the court documents, during April 2009, Pollard aided and assisted taxpayers in preparing and filing fraudulent 2008 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns. The false returns prepared by Pollard contained certain deductions and expenses on Forms Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, that she knew the tax payers were not entitled to claim in order to generate a larger income tax refund.

Pollard pleaded guilty before United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson, who is scheduled to sentence Pollard on June 25.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard.

Memphis, TN – The operator of Tara’s Tax Preparation Service has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by filing false and fictitious income tax returns. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

Tara L. Mitchell, 42, of Cordova, TN was sentenced this afternoon by United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson. Mitchell pled guilty on October 8, 2014 to conspiring to defraud the United States by receiving money for filing false income tax returns.

According to court documents, Mitchell owned and operated a tax return preparation business in Memphis in 2009. Mitchell prepared federal income tax returns that contained a combination of false, misleading and inaccurate statements in order to generate a larger income tax refund.

A number of the false returns prepared by Mitchell would contain two tax credits to increase the amount of income tax refund: the Earned Income Credit and the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. In order to be eligible for the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit a tax payer had to meet certain requirements, one of them being that the home must be purchased after April 8, 2008 and before December 1, 2009. In several instances, the income tax returns prepared by Mitchell included the First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit when the tax payer had not purchased a home during the required period.

Other false items contained in Mitchell’s prepared tax returns included Schedule C Income and Loss statements containing false information; the listing of dependents that the tax payer was not entitled to claim; false claims of Head of Household status; and false wage information.

Mitchell, who did not have an Electronic Filing Identification Number (“EFIN”) to file the income tax returns electronically, paid a fee to use the EFIN of another tax preparer.

Co-defendant Derrick M. Evans, 43, of Marion, Arkansas, who was sentenced in January 2015, would recruit tax payers for Mitchell, and on two separate occasions provided identity information that was used by Mitchell to prepare false income tax returns.

Once the tax return was completed and filed by Mitchell, a check for a Refund Anticipation Loan would be printed. Evans would then transport the tax payer to Memphis to sign the Refund Anticipation Loan check and Mitchell would pay that individual a portion of the proceeds in cash and deposit the remainder of the tax refund in a bank account she controlled.

Mitchell prepared approximately 13 false tax returns for the 2009 tax year. The IRS has determined that the tax loss attributable to the 2009 tax returns totals nearly $113,227, which Mitchell was ordered to repay as restitution to the IRS.

In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson order Mitchell to serve three years of supervised release and barred her from participating in the business of preparing tax returns while she is serving her sentence.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Murphy, Jr.

Memphis, Tenn. - Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee, ha anunciado hoy que Hazel Cathy Wadley, de Memphis, Tennessee, fue condenada esta mañana por el Juez Federal de Distrito John T. Fowlkes, Jr. para servir 18 meses en una prisión federal en relación a un esquema de fraude electrónico para defraudar al Club de Caza y Pesca Menasha por aproximadamente $541,500. No hay libertad condicional en las prisiones del sistema federal.

Wadley se declaró culpable en noviembre de 2014, de un cargo de información criminal acusàndola de fraude electrónico. Según la información criminal, Wadley estaba empleada en Jim Keras Nissan y también realizaba tareas de contabilidad para el Club de Caza y Pesca Menasha. En su audiencia de declaración de culpabilidad Wadley admitió que entre octubre de 2007 y agosto de 2013, robó fondos de Menasha mediante el uso de los fondos de la cuenta bancaria de Menasha con el banco SunTrust para hacer pagos en línea de sus deudas y gastos personales.

Ademàs de la sentencia a prisión, el Juez de Distrito Fowlkes le ordenó a Wadley a cumplir tres años de libertad supervisada y pagar una indemnización por un monto de $301,000 al Club de Caza y Pesca Menasha y $237,000 dólares a Zurich Insurance Group (compañía de seguros de Menasha), para un total de $538,000.

Esta investigación fue realizada por el Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos. El Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Carroll L. Andre III quien representó al gobierno.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, Tenn. – Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Hazel Cathy Wadley, of Memphis, Tennessee, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. to serve 18 months in federal prison in connection with a wire fraud scheme to defraud Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club of approximately $541,500. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

Wadley pled guilty in November, 2014, to a one-count criminal information charging her with wire fraud. According to the criminal information, Wadley was employed at Jim Keras Nissan and also performed bookkeeping duties for the Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club. At her guilty plea hearing Wadley admitted that between October 2007 and August 2013, she stole funds from Menasha by using funds in Menasha’s bank account at Suntrust Bank to make online payments of her personal debts and expenses.

In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Fowlkes ordered Wadley to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $301,000 to Menasha Hunting and Fishing Club and $237,000 to Zurich Insurance Group (Menasha’s insurance company), for a total of $538,000.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. Andre III represented the government.

Spanish Version

Jackson, Tennessee - Calvin Bailey, de 64 años, de Jackson, Tennessee.; Sandra Bailey, de 64 años, de Jackson, Tennessee; y Cindy Mallard, de 49 años, de Bradford, Tennessee; han sido acusados en una acusación que alega una conspiración para cometer fraude a los servicios de atención médica y al pago de comisiones ilegales en relación con los servicios de salud, anunció el fiscal federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee, Edward L. Stanton III. Sandra Bailey también fue acusado de ocho cargos de fraude de atención médica y nueve cargos de pago de comisiones ilegales a proveedores de salud y fuentes paciente-referencia.

Las comparecencias iniciales para los tres acusados se celebraron hoy en el Palacio de Justicia de Estados Unidos en Jackson, Tennessee, y todos fueron puestos en libertad bajo fianza. Sandra Bailey y Mallard cada una trabajó durante varios años en negocios dedicados al cuidado de la salud en el àrea de Jackson, Tennessee. Calvin Bailey ha sido empleado como el director de la escuela secundaria Medina en Medina, Tennessee, y también ha sido empleado para empresas de suministro de equipos médicos.

Según la acusación, Sandra Bailey y Calvin Bailey pagaron sobornos ilegales a fuentes de referencia para identificar los titulares de la tarjeta de Medicare. Sandra Bailey y, al menos en una ocasión, Calvin Bailey, le vendían sillas de ruedas eléctricas comercializadas y soportes de la espalda a los titulares de la tarjeta de Medicare. Sandra Bailey le dijo a titulares del Medicare que el equipo sería gratis y que necesitaban conseguir las sillas de ruedas aunque las necesitan o no porque Medicare podría dejar de pagar por ellos. Aunque Medicare paga sólo el 80% de los costes para las sillas de ruedas, algunos de los titulares de la tarjeta tenían seguros secundarios con otras compañías, incluyendo TennCare y TriCare, que pagan el 20% restante. Para los pacientes sin seguro secundario, los acusados ayudaron a los pacientes a llenar los formularios que los dispensen a cualquier pago por la tarjeta de titular.

Ademàs de las comisiones ilegales a las fuentes de referencia, Sandra Bailey también hizo pagos de soborno ilegales a algunos médicos que realizaron - o que se supone que han realizado evaluaciones - cara a cara con los titulares de la tarjeta para calificarlos a obtener las sillas de ruedas eléctricas. Cindy Mallard, quien era la directora de la oficina en la Clínica de Medicina Familiar Medina en Medina, Tennessee, asistida por Sandra Bailey para visitar titulares con Sandra Bailey y llenarle los formularios que debían ser llenado durante una evaluación cara a cara de un paciente por un médico u otro proveedor de salud calificado. Mallard entonces asistió a Sandra Bailey en conseguir los formularios firmados por los proveedores que se supone que tengan evaluaciones realizadas cara a cara de los titulares de la tarjeta. Mallard también recibió pagos de soborno en nombre de uno de los proveedores de atención médica que firmaron los formularios.

Después que los acusados identificaban a los titulares de las tarjetas y arreglaban los documentos de evaluación que iban a presentar a Medicare para pagar el equipo médico, recibían comisiones de las ventas que eran pagadas a Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, Mallard, u otros miembros de la familia de Bailey y Mallard.

Esta investigación està siendo realizada por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos, Oficina del Inspector General, la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Tennessee. El fiscal federal adjunto John Fabian representa al gobierno.

Los cargos y alegaciones contenidos en las acusaciones son meras acusaciones y los acusados son considerados inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.

Version en Inglés

Jackson, Tenn. – Calvin Bailey, 64, of Jackson, Tennessee; Sandra Bailey, 64, of Jackson, Tennessee; and Cindy Mallard, 49, of Bradford, Tennessee; have been charged in an indictment alleging a conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to pay illegal kickbacks in connection with health care services, announced United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Edward L. Stanton III. Sandra Bailey was also indicted for eight counts of health care fraud and nine counts of paying illegal kickbacks to health care providers and patient-referral sources.

Initial appearances for all three defendants were held today at the United States Courthouse in Jackson, Tennessee, and all were released on bond. Sandra Bailey and Mallard each worked for several years in health care businesses in the Jackson, Tennessee area. Calvin Bailey has been employed as the principal at Medina Middle School in Medina, Tennessee, and has also been employed by medical equipment supply companies.

According to the indictment, Sandra Bailey and Calvin Bailey paid illegal kickbacks to referral sources to identify Medicare card-holders. Sandra Bailey and, on at least one occasion, Calvin Bailey, marketed power wheelchairs and back braces to the Medicare card-holders. Sandra Bailey told targeted Medicare card-holders that the equipment would be free and told card-holders that they needed to get the wheelchairs whether they were needed or not because Medicare might stop paying for them. Although Medicare paid only 80% of the costs for wheelchairs, some of the card-holders had secondary insurance carriers, including TennCare and TriCare, who paid the remaining 20%. For patients without secondary insurance, the defendants helped the patients fill out forms that would waive the requirement for any payment by the card-holder.

In addition to the illegal kickbacks to referral sources, Sandra Bailey also made illegal kickback payments to some health care providers who performed – or who were supposed to have performed – face-to-face evaluations of card-holders to qualify the card-holders for power wheelchairs. Cindy Mallard, who was the office manager at the Medina Family Medical Clinic in Medina, Tennessee, assisted Sandra Bailey by visiting card-holders with Sandra Bailey and filling out forms that were supposed to be filled out during a face-to-face evaluation of a patient by a physician or other qualified health care provider. Mallard then assisted Sandra Bailey in getting those forms signed by providers who were supposed to have conducted face-to-face evaluations of the card-holders. Mallard also received kickback payments on behalf of one of the health care providers who signed the forms.

After the defendants identified card-holders and arranged for evaluation paperwork to be submitted to Medicare for payment for medical equipment, sales commissions were then paid to Calvin Bailey, Sandra Bailey, Mallard, or other members of the Baileys’ and Mallard’s families.

This investigation is being conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fabian represents the government.

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

Spanish Version

Jackson, Tenn. –Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 15 suspects with federal drug trafficking violations. The suspects were arrested early today during a round-up conducted by federal (the DEA and U.S. Marshals Service), state (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Tennessee Highway Patrol), and local law enforcement agencies (Tipton County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Police Department Gang Unit).

The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson February 24, 2015, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

The suspects arrested during the operation were:

• Bryon Stevens, age 39, (already in state custody) • Anita Stevens, age 60, of Haywood County • Sandy Stevens, age 37, (already in state custody) • Helen Jackson, age 48, of Haywood County • Debra Harris, age 49, of Haywood County • Martha Taylor, age 53, of Haywood County • Edward Lynn Martin, age 47, of Haywood County • Helen Cole, age 67, of Haywood County • Bobby Joe Tyus, age 60, of Haywood County • Alice Marie Martin, age 45, of Haywood County • Cheryl Austin, age 56, (already in state custody) • Bobby Joe Perry, age 51, of Haywood County • Grant Hendrix, age 28, of Haywood County • Lauren Turner, age 34, of Haywood County • William “Baldy” Taylor, age 59, of Lauderdale County

The charges in the indictments stem from an illegal conspiracy to sell and distribute oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax and buprenorphine. Several of the defendants were also charged with intentionally acquiring or obtaining possession of the same controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.

The case was investigated by members of the DEA, Nashville District Office, Tactical Diversion Squad; Tipton County Sheriff’s Department; 25th Judicial District Drug Task Force; Jackson Madison County Narcotics Task Force; Lauderdale County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department; Lauderdale County, Alabama Drug Task Force. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell on behalf of the government.

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

Spanish Version

Jackson, Tennessee. - Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee anunció hoy la revelación de una acusación formal contra 15 sospechosos en violaciones federales por narcotràfico. Los sospechosos fueron detenidos la madrugada de hoy durante una redada llevada a cabo por el gobierno federal (el Servicio de Alguaciles de Estados Unidos y la DEA), estatal (Oficina de Investigaciones de Tennessee, el Grupo Especializado Antidroga del 25to Distrito Judicial y la Patrulla de Caminos de Tennessee) y las agencias policiales locales (Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Tipton, Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Madison, Metro Narcóticos del Condado de Madison, Departamento de la Policía de Jackson y la Unidad de Pandillas del Departamento de la Policía de Jackson).

Las acusaciones fueron devueltas por un gran jurado federal en Jackson el 24 de febrero 2015, pero se mantuvo en secreto hasta los arrestos de hoy. Cada acusación contenía recuentos alegando violaciones de las Ley de Sustancias Controladas.

Los sospechosos arrestados durante la operación fueron:

• Bryon Stevens, de 39 años de edad, (ya en custodia del Estado)
• Anita Stevens, de 60 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Sandy Stevens, de 37 años de edad, (ya en custodia del Estado)
• Helen Jackson, de 48 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Debra Harris, de 49 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Martha Taylor, de 53 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Edward Lynn Martin, de 47 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Helen Cole, de 67 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Bobby Joe Tyus, de 60 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Alice Marie Martin, de 45 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Cheryl Austin, de 56 años de edad, (ya en custodia del Estado)
• Bobby Joe Perry, de 51 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Grant Hendrix, de 28 años, del Condado de Haywood
• Lauren Turner, de 34 años, del Condado de Haywood
• William "Baldy" Taylor, de 59 años de edad, del Condado de Lauderdale

Los cargos en las acusaciones se derivan de una conspiración ilegal para vender y distribuir oxicodona, hidrocodona, Xanax y la buprenorfina. Varios de los acusados también fueron acusados de intencionalmente adquirir u obtentar las mismas sustancias controladas por falsa, fraudulenta, falsificada, engañosa o subterfugio.

El caso fue investigado por los miembros de la DEA, la Oficina del Distrito de Nashville, el Escuadrón de Desviación Tàctica; Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Tipton; el Grupo Especializado Antidroga del 25to Distrito Judicial; Grupo Especializado de Estupefacientes del Condado de Madison; el Departamento del Sheriff de Tennessee del Condado de Lauderdale; el Grupo Especializado Antidroga de Alabama del Condado de Lauderdale. Este caso està siendo procesado por el Fiscal Federal adjunto Beth Boswell en nombre del gobierno.

Los cargos y alegaciones contenidos en la acusación son meras acusaciones y los acusados son considerados inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, Tenn. – A Cordova man was found guilty in federal district court of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily injury, and discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III; Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, A. Todd McCall; and Naval Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Michael C. Cote.

Amos Patton, 43, of Cordova, TN, was found guilty after a six-day trial by a federal jury in the Western District of Tennessee of 4 counts of assault with intent to commit murder in the special territorial jurisdiction of the United States, 4 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily injury in the special territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and one count of discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence.

“The jury’s verdict holds Amos Patton accountable for his acts of violence committed upon his fellow soldiers,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Patton’s actions were destructive enough, but they had the real potential to result in an even greater tragedy.”

According to the government’s evidence, on October 24, 2013, Patton, a full-time member of the Tennessee Army National Guard, had been directed by his commanders to come to the National Guard Armory, located at 5650 Attu, Millington, TN. During this meeting, Patton was notified that he was being relieved of duty, recommended for reduction in rank, and recommended for separation from the active guard reserve because of misconduct.

Following the meeting, Patton was directed to return government equipment believed to be in his government vehicle. When he returned from the car, Patton had in his possession a “fanny pack.” The fanny pack contained a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fifty extra rounds of ammunition. When Patton attempted to pull the handgun from the pack, one of the Tennessee Army National Guardsmen yelled a warning.

At that point, a Command Sergeant Major and a Major attempted to subdue Patton. Patton was able to fire his weapon six times, and rounds wounded three Tennessee Army National Guard personnel in the room. Patton ran from the building, followed by the Command Sergeant Major, who caught Patton, and subdued him with assistance of other soldiers. They held him until the Millington Police Department arrived and took Patton into custody.

U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, who presided over the trial, set sentencing for May 28, 2015.

In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Stanton, Special Agent in Charge McCall, and Special Agent Cote commended the work of the FBI and the NCIS. Finally, they commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Godwin and Mark Erskine and FBI Special Agent Matthew Ross, who investigated and prosecuted the case.

Spanish Version

Memphis, Tenn. - Un hombre de Córdoba fue declarado culpable en un tribunal federal de distrito de asalto con intento de cometer asesinato, asalto con un arma peligrosa con la intención de hacer daño corporal, y disparar un arma de fuego que està considerado como un acto de violencia la cual es un delito federal, anunció el Fiscal Federal Edward L. Stanton III; Agente Especial a Cargo de la División de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones, A. Todd McCall Memphis; y el Agente Especial Naval del Servicio de Investigaciones Criminales Michael C. Cote.

Amos Patton, de 43 años, de Córdoba, TN, fue declarado culpable después de un juicio de seis días por un jurado federal en el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee de 4 cargos de asalto con intención de cometer homicidio en la jurisdicción territorial especial de los Estados Unidos, 4 cargos de asalto con un arma peligrosa con la intención de hacer daño corporal en la jurisdicción territorial especial de los Estados Unidos, y un cargo de disparar un arma de fuego que es un delito federal por violencia.

"El veredicto del jurado sostiene que Amos Patton es responsable de sus actos de violencia cometidos contra sus compañeros soldados", dijo el Fiscal Federal Stanton. "Las acciones de Patton fueron lo suficientemente destructiva, pero tenían el verdadero potencial de resultar en una tragedia aún mayor."

De acuerdo con la evidencia del gobierno, el 24 de octubre de 2013, Patton, un miembro de tiempo completo de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Tennessee, había sido convocado por sus comandantes para venir a la Armería de la Guardia Nacional, ubicado en 5650 Attu, Millington, TN. Durante esa reunión, Patton fue notificado de que estaba siendo relevado de su cargo, se recomendó para una degradación de rango, y se recomendó para la separación de la reserva activa de la guardia nacional por mala conducta.

Tras la reunión, Patton fue dirigido a devolver los equipos del gobierno que se creía que estaban en su vehículo del gobierno. Cuando regresó del coche, Patton tenía en su poder un "bolso de cintura". El bolso de su cintura contenía una pistola semiautomàtica de 9 mm cargada y cincuenta municiones adicionales. Cuando Patton intentó sacar la pistola del bolso de su cintura, uno de los miembros de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Tennessee gritó en advertencia.

En ese momento, un Sargento Mayor de Comando y un Mayor intentaron someter a Patton. Patton fue capaz de disparar su arma en seis ocasiones, y los disparos hirieron a tres miembros de la Guardia Nacional del Ejército de Tennessee en la habitación. Patton salió corriendo del edificio, seguido por el Sargento Mayor de Comando, quien atrapó a Patton, y lo sometió con asistencia de otros soldados. Lo retuvieron hasta que el Departamento de Policía de Millington llegó y tomó a Patton en custodia.

El juez de distrito John T. Fowlkes, quien presidió el juicio, establece la sentencia para el 28 de mayo 2015.

Al anunciar el veredicto, el Fiscal Federal Stanton, Agente Especial a Cargo McCall y Agente Especial Cote elogiaron el trabajo del FBI y el NCIS. Por último, elogiaron los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Fred Godwin y Mark Erskine y al Agente Especial del FBI Matthew Ross, quien investigó y procesó el caso.

Version en Inglés

MEMPHIS, Tennessee. - En el día de hoy, el Juez Superior del Distrito Jon Phipps McCalla condenó a Laron Matlock, de 33 años de edad, de Memphis, TN, a 15 años de prisión por tráfico sexual de un menor de edad, anunció Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee; Leslie R. Caldwell, Fiscal Federal Auxiliar de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia; y Todd McCall, Agente Especial a Cargo de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones (FBI).

Matlock, con la asistencia de uno de los acusados, facilitó el viaje de una menor de edad de dieciséis años para viajar de Chicago, Illinois a Memphis en julio de 2012 para fines de prostitución. Matlock transportó la menor de Memphis a Nashville, Tennessee, donde se dedicaba a la prostitución como consecuencia de ella estar promoviéndose en www.backpage.com. Matlock facilitó la publicidad en línea mediante el pago de los costos asociados con el destino. Matlock condujo posteriormente a la menor de vuelta a Memphis y, antes de ser detenido, la transportó a la casa de un cliente en un intento para que se dedique en mayor medida a la prostitución.

El Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Brian K. Coleman y el Abogado Litigante Mi Yung Park, con la Sección de Explotación y Obscenidad del Departamento de Justicia (CEOS) representaron a Estados Unidos en el caso. Este caso es el resultado de los esfuerzos de la investigación de la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones División de Memphis, el Grupo de Misiones Especiales de los Derechos Civiles de la Trata de Humanos y el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Shelby.

English Version

MEMPHIS, TENN. – Today, U.S. Senior District Judge Jon Phipps McCalla sentenced Laron Matlock, age 33, of Memphis, TN, to 15 years of imprisonment for sex trafficking of a minor, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; Leslie R. Caldwell, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Criminal Division; and Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Matlock, with the assistance of a co-defendant, facilitated the travel for a sixteen year old minor to travel from Chicago, Illinois to Memphis in July 2012 for the purpose of prostitution. Matlock then transported the minor from Memphis to Nashville, Tennessee, where she engaged in prostitution as a result of her being promoted on www.backpage.com. Matlock facilitated the online advertisement by paying the cost associated with the posting. Matlock thereafter drove the minor back to Memphis and, before he was arrested, transported her to a customer's home in an attempt for her to engage further in prostitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman and Trial Attorney Mi Yung Park with the Department of Justice's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) represented the United States in the case. This case is a result of investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Memphis Division, the Civil Rights Human Trafficking Taskforce and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Spanish Version

Memphis, Tenn. – White House Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli has awarded the Shelby County, TN High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA) Task Force the 2014 national award for Outstanding Prescription Drug Investigative Effort, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; and Brian Chambers, Resident Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration – Memphis Resident Office.

Receiving the award at last week’s ceremony in Washington, DC were members of the Drug Enforcement Administration – Memphis Resident Office; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Memphis Police Department; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. These law enforcement officials were recognized for their joint work in a multi-state prescription drug investigation that led to the arrest of 56 individuals in Los Angeles, California; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Memphis, Tennessee.

United States Attorney Stanton, who has served on the Executive Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast HIDTA since 2010, congratulated the Shelby County HIDTA Task Force on receiving this national recognition and prestigious award. “Close collaboration with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners is critical to dismantling drug trafficking rings at the highest levels and ridding our communities of the drugs and violence associated with these dangerous organizations. This well-deserved award is a true testament to the outstanding work of a team of dedicated professionals committed to combatting the drug trade throughout west Tennessee and beyond,” United States Attorney Stanton said.

Disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations is fundamental to the mission of the Gulf Coast HIDTA. In furtherance of this goal, members of the Shelby County HIDTA Task Force initiated a two-year investigation on two separate drug trafficking organizations operating in the Gulf Coast HIDTA area. These drug trafficking organizations were responsible for distributing large amounts of Dilaudid and oxycodone pills, which are narcotic pain relievers. During this investigation, intelligence gathered from intercepted calls and defendant interviews demonstrated that these drug trafficking organizations were distributing 250,000 oxycodone and Dilaudid pills annually. The investigation resulted in the dismantlement of these drug trafficking United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III Western District of Tennessee organizations and the arrest of 56 individuals on federal and state charges. Fourteen individuals were indicted federally, and 27 were indicted in state court in Tennessee. Also, based on additional information provided to the Drug Enforcement Administration in Little Rock, 15 people were indicted on federal charges.

In total, 56 individuals were arrested in this multijurisdictional investigation. Agents in Tennessee seized 1,282 oxycodone pills, 990 Dilaudid pills, 1,704 hydrocodone pills, 476 alprazolam pills, 313 Adderall pills, and 375 Dexedrine pills. Agents also seized $46,281 in U.S. currency, $231,269.82 in financial instruments, and three residences (valued at $300,000) in Terrell, Texas.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy’s HIDTA program provides federal resources to designated areas to help reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences. Law enforcement organizations within HIDTAs assess drug-trafficking problems and design specific initiatives to decrease the production, manufacture, transportation, distribution, and chronic use of drugs and money laundering. The HIDTA program plays a vital role in making the nation safer and healthier by reducing drug use and its consequences. There are currently 28 HIDTAs, which include approximately 16 percent of all counties in the United States and 60 percent of the U.S. population. HIDTA-designated counties are located in 46 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.

United States Attorney Stanton also commended the agencies that comprise the Shelby County, TN HIDTA Task Force for their efforts in securing the award and for the overall success of the HIDTA program. These agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration – Memphis Resident Office; Memphis Police Department; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Millington Police Department; Bartlett Police Department; Germantown Police Department; Collierville Police Department; Tipton County Sheriff’s Department; the Attorney General’s Office for the 25th Judicial District; and the Attorney General’s Office for the 30th Judicial District.

Pictured below are the following individuals from the Shelby County, TN HIDTA Task Force who attended the National HIDTA Awards Banquet in Washington, DC on February 5, 2015. They are from left to right:

Front Row (L to R): Tony Soto, Director – Gulf Coast HIDTA; Michael Botticelli, Director – Office of National Drug Control Policy; Brian Chambers, Resident Agent in Charge – DEA; Mary Lou Leary, Deputy Director – Office of National Drug Control Policy; Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney – U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Back Row (L to R): Lt. Robert McIntyre – Memphis Police Dept.; Garrison Taylor, Task Force Officer – DEA; Mark Dunbar, Asst. Chief – Shelby Co. Sheriff’s Office; Ian James, Detective – Memphis Police Dept.; Colonel Ralph Gary – Memphis Police Dept.; William Cash, Chief Deputy – Shelby Co. Sheriff’s Office; Michael Jackson, Detective – Memphis Police Dept.; William J. Renton, Jr., Deputy Director – Gulf Coast HIDTA; Tyler Gustafson, Special Agent – DEA; Michelle Parks, AUSA – U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Spanish Version

Memphis, Tenn. – El Director de la Casa Blanca de Política de Control de Drogas Michael Botticelli ha otorgado al Condado de Shelby, TN al Grupo de Misiones Especiales del Programa de Alta Intensidad de Tràfico de Drogas (HIDTA) el premio nacional de 2014 por el Extraordinario Esfuerzo Investigativo en Medicamentos Recetados, anunció Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee; y Brian Chambers, Agente Residente a Cargo, la Administración de Control de Drogas - Oficina Residente Memphis.

Los que recibieron el premio en la ceremonia de la semana pasada en Washington, DC eran miembros de la Administración de Control de Drogas - Oficina Residente de Memphis; Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Shelby; Departamento de Policía de Memphis; y la Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee. Estos agentes del orden fueron reconocidos por su trabajo conjunto en una investigación multi-estatal de medicamentos recetados que condujo a la detención de 56 personas en Los Ángeles, California; Little Rock, Arkansas; y Memphis, Tennessee

El Fiscal Federal Stanton, quien ha sido miembro del Consejo Ejecutivo de Administración de la Costa del Golfo HIDTA desde 2010, felicitó al Grupo de Misiones Especiales HIDTA del Condado de Shelby en recibir este reconocimiento nacional y prestigioso premio. "La colaboración con nuestros asociados de las fuerzas federales, estatales y locales es fundamental para desmantelar redes de tràfico de drogas en los màs altos niveles y librar a nuestras comunidades de las drogas y la violencia asociados a estas organizaciones peligrosas. Este merecido premio es un verdadero testimonio de la extraordinaria labor de un equipo de profesionales comprometidos con la lucha contra el tràfico de drogas en todo el oeste de Tennessee y màs allà ", dijo el Fiscal Federal Stanton.

Desarticular y desmantelar las organizaciones de tràfico de drogas es fundamental para la misión de la Costa del Golfo HIDTA. En cumplimiento de este objetivo, los miembros del Grupo de Misiones Especiales del Condado de Shelby HIDTA iniciaron una investigación de dos años en dos organizaciones de narcotraficantes independientes que operan en el àrea de la Costa del Golfo HIDTA. Estas organizaciones de tràfico de drogas fueron responsables de la distribución de grandes cantidades de pastillas dilaudid y oxicodona, que son narcóticos para aliviar el dolor. Durante esta investigación, inteligencia obtenía información de llamadas interceptadas y entrevistas de demandados demostrando que estas organizaciones narcotraficantes estaban distribuyendo 250,000 píldoras de oxicodona y dilaudid anualmente. La investigación dio como resultado el desmantelamiento de estas organizaciones de tràfico de drogas y la detención de 56 personas por cargos federales y estatales. Catorce personas fueron acusadas por el gobierno federal, y 27 fueron acusados en una corte estatal en Tennessee. Ademàs, basàndose en la información adicional proporcionada a la Administración de Control de Drogas en Little Rock, 15 personas fueron acusadas por cargos federales.

En total, 56 personas fueron detenidas en esta investigación multijurisdiccional. Los agentes en Tennessee incautaron 1,282 pastillas de oxicodona, 990 pastillas Dilaudid, 1,704 pastillas de hidrocodona, 476 pastillas de alprazolam, 313 píldoras adderall, y 375 pastillas dexedrine. Los agentes también incautaron $46,281 dólares en moneda estadounidense, $231,269.82 en instrumentos financieros, y tres residencias (valoradas en $300,000) en Terrell, Texas.

La Oficina del programa HIDTA de Política Nacional de Control de Drogas ofrece recursos federales a àreas designadas para ayudar a reducir el tràfico de drogas y sus consecuencias nocivas. Las organizaciones que hacen cumplir el orden dentro de HIDTA evalúan los problemas del tràfico de drogas y las iniciativas de diseño específicas para disminuir la producción, fabricación, transporte, distribución y uso crónico de drogas y lavado de dinero. El programa HIDTA juega un papel vital en hacer de la nación una màs segura y saludable al reducir el consumo de drogas y sus consecuencias. Actualmente hay 28 HIDTA, que incluyen aproximadamente el 16 por ciento de todos los condados en los Estados Unidos y el 60 por ciento de la población estadounidense. Condados HIDTA-señalado se encuentran en 46 estados, Puerto Rico, las Islas Vírgenes de Estados Unidos, y el Distrito de Columbia.

El Fiscal Federal Stanton también elogió a los organismos que componen el condado de Shelby, TN Grupo de Misiones Especiales HIDTA por sus esfuerzos en la obtención de la adjudicación y por el éxito general del programa HIDTA. Estas agencias incluyen la Administración de Control de Drogas - Oficina Residente de Memphis; Departamento de Policía de Memphis; Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Shelby; Departamento de Policía de Millington; Departamento de Policía de Bartlett; Departamento de Policía de Germantown; Departamento de Policía de Collierville; Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Tipton; Oficina del Procurador General para el 25to Distrito Judicial; y la Oficina del Procurador General por el 30mo Distrito Judicial.

En la foto de abajo estàn los siguientes individuos del condado de Shelby, TN Grupo de Misiones Especiales HIDTA que asistieron al banquete de los Premios Nacionales HIDTA en Washington, DC, el 5 de febrero de 2015. Son de izquierda a derecha:

Primera fila (de izquierda a derecha): a Tony Soto, Director - Costa del Golfo HIDTA; Michael Botticelli, Director - Oficina de Política Nacional de Control de Drogas; Brian Chambers, Agente Residente a cargo - DEA; Mary Lou Leary, Director Adjunto - Oficina de Política Nacional de Control de Drogas; Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal - Oficina del Fiscal Federal.

Segunda fila (de izquierda a derecha): el Teniente Robert McIntyre – Departamento de la Policía de Memphis; Garrison Taylor, Oficial del Grupo de Misiones Especiales - DEA; Marcos Dunbar, Asistente del Jefe - Oficina de Shelby Co. Sheriff; Ian James, Detective - Departamento de la Policía de Memphis; El Coronel Ralph Gary - Departamento de la Policía de Memphis; William Cash, Jefe Adjunto - Oficina de Shelby Co. Sheriff; Michael Jackson, Detective - Departamento de la Policía de Memphis; William J. Renton, Jr., Director Adjunto - Costa del Golfo HIDTA; Tyler Gustafson, Agente Especial - DEA; Michelle Parks, AUSA - Oficina del Fiscal Federal.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, Tenn. - Ageless Salud de los Hombres, LLC (AMH) pagarà $1.6 millones al gobierno para resolver las acusaciones en la que se le facturó al Medicare y Tricare por servicios de evaluación y manejo (consultas) médicas innecesarias mientras administraba inyecciones de testosterona. AMH tiene aproximadamente 30 localidades en todo Estados Unidos donde opera clínicas con testosterona.

Bajo la ley federal, Medicare y Tricare se le reembolsa a los proveedores médicos sólo por los procedimientos que son médicamente necesarios. Los Estados Unidos sostiene que desde 2009 hasta el 2013, AMH facturó por visitas innecesarias al consultorio médico cada vez que se administraba una inyección de testosterona.

Las denuncias se resolvieron mediante el acuerdo donde se plantearon hoy por primera vez en una demanda presentada en contra del acusado en virtud de qui tam, o del denunciante, de la Ley de Reclamos Falsos. La ley permite a los ciudadanos privados con conocimiento de fraude a interponer una demanda civil en nombre del gobierno y contribuir en cualquier recuperación.

Ademàs del pago de $1.6 millones, AMH entró en un acuerdo de integridad corporativa con el Departamento de la Oficina del Inspector General de Servicios Humanos y de Salud destinado a impedir la conducta ilegal en el futuro. El acuerdo requiere mejorar la rendición de cuentas y monitoreo de actividades para ser llevadas a cabo por revisores internos y externos independientes.

"Este acuerdo demuestra nuestro compromiso de asegurar que los fondos de Medicare y Tricare no sean desviados por las empresas tomando màs en consideración las ganancias que la atención legítima del paciente", declaró el Fiscal Federal Stanton. "Junto con nuestros socios de las fuerzas del orden, vamos a seguir para hacer de la Ley de Reclamos Falsos una prioridad."

El caso se subtitula Estados Unidos ex rel Booth y Scallorn vs. Ageless Salud de los Hombres, LLC, Caso No. 13-CV-02490-SHL (W.D. Tenn.) Las reclamaciones resueltas por este acuerdo son sólo imputaciones, y no ha habido ninguna determinación del cargo.

Esta investigación fue realizada por el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos del Inspector General, la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones y el Departamento de Defensa Servicio de Investigación Criminal de los Estados Unidos. Este caso fue procesado por el gobierno por los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Stuart Canale y William Siler.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, Tenn. – Ageless Men’s Health, LLC (AMH) will pay $1.6 million to the government to resolve allegations that it billed Medicare and Tricare for medically unnecessary evaluation and management services (office visits) while administering testosterone replacement therapy shots. AMH has approximately 30 locations throughout the United States and operates testosterone replacement therapy clinics.

Under federal law, Medicare and Tricare reimburse medical providers only for procedures that are medically necessary. The United States contends that from 2009 through 2013, AMH billed for a medically unnecessary office visit each time a testosterone shot was administered.

The allegations resolved by today’s settlement were first raised in a lawsuit filed against the defendant under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The act allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to bring civil actions on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery.

In addition to the $1.6 million payment, AMH entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General intended to deter wrongful conduct in the future. The agreement requires enhanced accountability and monitoring activities to be conducted by both internal and independent external reviewers.

“This settlement demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that Medicare and Tricare funds are not siphoned off by companies more concerned with bottom line profits than legitimate patient care,” stated U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to make enforcement of the False Claims Act a priority.”

The case is captioned United States ex rel. Booth and Scallorn v. Ageless Men’s Health, LLC, Case No. 13-CV-02490-SHL (W.D. Tenn.) The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service. This case was prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Canale and William Siler.

Spanish Version

Jackson, Tenn. – Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Jessica Nicole Pinkerton, 33, of Humboldt, Tennessee, was sentenced this afternoon by Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen to serve 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $749,543.70 to the University School of Jackson and the Internal Revenue Service. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting white collar crime such as wire fraud and false statements on tax returns,” stated United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III. “When employees put into motion fraudulent schemes to illegally divert funds and place those funds in accounts for their own selfish gain, our office will make sure that these individuals are held accountable for their actions and vigorously prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the criminal information and statements made during the sentencing hearing, Pinkerton was employed as a financial services manager at the University School of Jackson (USJ) from 2008 to 2014. Beginning in late 2009 through early 2014, Pinkerton, in her capacity as financial services manager, initiated Automatic Clearing House (ACH) transfers of USJ funds into her personal bank account. Pinkerton also filed a 2013 IRS form 1040, stating that her earned income was $29,321 when it actually was $195,689.71. Pinkerton pled guilty to wire and tax fraud on July 23, 2014.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Jackson Resident Agency and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Victor L. Ivy prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Spanish Version

Jackson, Tenn. - Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee, ha anunciado hoy que Jessica Nicole Pinkerton, de 33 años, de Humboldt, Tennessee, fue sentenciada esta tarde por el Jefe Federal de Distrito, Juez J. Daniel Breen para servir 12 meses y un día en una prisión federal, seguido de dos años de libertad supervisada. También se le ordenó pagar una indemnización de $ 749,543.70 a la Escuela Universitaria de Jackson y el Servicio de Impuestos Internos. No hay libertad condicional en el sistema federal de prisiones.

"La Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos està comprometido a perseguir la delincuencia de cuello blanco como el fraude electrónico y declaraciones falsas en las declaraciones de impuestos", dijo el fiscal federal Edward L. Stanton, III. "Cuando los empleados ponen en marcha planes fraudulentos de desviar ilegalmente fondos y poner los fondos en cuentas para su propio beneficio egoístamente, nuestra oficina se asegurarà de que estos individuos sean responsables de sus actos y procesados con vigor en toda la extensión de la ley."

De acuerdo con la información y las declaraciones hechas durante la audiencia de sentencia penal, Pinkerton fue contratado como gerente de servicios financieros en la Escuela Universitaria de Jackson (USJ) de 2008 a 2014. A partir de finales de 2009 hasta principios de 2014, Pinkerton, en su calidad de gerente de servicios financieros, inició las transferencias de la red electrónica para las transacciones financieras, por sus siglas en inglés (ACH), las transferencias de fondos USJ a su cuenta bancaria personal. Pinkerton también presentó un formulario 1040 del IRS para el año 2013, afirmando que su ingreso salarial era de $29,321, cuando en realidad fue de $195,689.71. Pinkerton se declaró culpable de transferencia electrónica y cometer fraude en los impuestos el 23 de julio de 2014.

Este caso fue investigado por la Oficina Federal de Investigaciones - Agencia Residentes de Jackson y el Servicio de Impuestos Internos - División de Investigación Criminal. Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Victor L. Ivy que procesó este caso en nombre del gobierno.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, TN –Sr. Joseph De Melo, 59, de New Orleans, LA, se declaró culpable en una corte federal de dos cargos de información criminal que lo acusa de un cargo de conspiración para distribuir esteroides anabólicos y un cargo de utilizar falsas etiquetas intencionalmente para un suplemento dietético supuestamente vendido bajo el nombre de "Vertical", anunció Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee.

De acuerdo a los hechos revelados en la información y declaraciones hechas en audiencia pública, Sr. Joseph De Melo, propietario de Rezultz Distribution LLC, con sede en Carrollton, Texas, vendió suplementos dietéticos por todos los Estados Unidos y el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee.

A partir de septiembre de 2012 y continuando hasta septiembre de 2013, De Melo conspiró con individuos para distribuir 40,000 pastillas de esteroides anabólicos, que son Schedule III sustancias controladas. De Melo también distribuyó en el comercio interestatal un suplemento dietético supuestamente llamado Vertical, que enumera los ingredientes falsos y engañosos. Vertical de hecho contenía medicamentos para la disfunción eréctil que no figuraban en la etiqueta de la droga, que està en violación del Título 21, Código de los Estados Unidos, Secciones 331(a) y 333(a)(2).

Como parte de la conspiración De Melo depositó los ingresos de las ventas en diferentes cuentas financieras y los instrumentos que él controlaba. De Melo aceptó la confiscación de màs de $ 650,000, que fueron los ingresos obtenidos como resultado de estas violaciónes. De Melo serà sentenciado el 30 de abril de 2015, por el Juez de Distrito de EE.UU. S. Thomas Anderson.

El caso fue investigado por la Oficina de Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de Investigación Criminal. Los Fiscales Federales Auxiliares Tony R. Arvin y Damon K. Griffin representaron el gobierno.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, TN – Joseph De Melo, Sr., 59, of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty in federal court to a two-count criminal information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and one count of intentionally misbranding a purported dietary supplement sold under the name “Vertical,” announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

According to the facts revealed in the information and statements made in open court, Joseph De Melo, Sr. owned Rezultz Distribution LLC, located in Carrollton, Texas, which sold purported dietary supplements throughout the United States and the Western District of Tennessee.

Beginning in September of 2012 and continuing through September of 2013, De Melo conspired with individuals to distribute 40,000 pills of anabolic steroids, which are Schedule III controlled substances. De Melo also distributed into interstate commerce a purported dietary supplement called Vertical, which listed false and misleading ingredients. Vertical in fact contained erectile dysfunction drugs that were not listed on the label of the drug, which is in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 331(a) and 333(a)(2).

As part of the conspiracy De Melo deposited proceeds of the sales into various financial accounts and instruments he controlled. De Melo agreed to forfeit over $650,000, which were proceeds obtained as a result of these violations. De Melo will be sentenced on April 30, 2015, by U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson.

The case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tony R. Arvin and Damon K. Griffin represented the government.

Spanish Version

Jackson, Tenn. –Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; A. Todd McCall, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the FBI; Steve Isbell, Chief of Police for the Dyersburg Police Department; and Jeff Box, Sheriff of Dyer County, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 13 suspects with federal drug trafficking violations. The suspects were arrested early today during a round-up conducted by multiple federal (the FBI, DEA, ATF and U.S. Marshals Service), state (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force, and Tennessee Highway Patrol), and local law enforcement agencies (Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, Dyersburg Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Madison County Sheriff’s Department).

The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in Jackson on January 20, 2015, but remained under seal until today’s arrests. Each indictment contained counts alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act.

The suspects arrested during the operation were:

• Troy Richard Anderson Jr, 25 (already in state custody) • Tyler Demond Armstrong, 24, of Dyer County • Bree Anna Blalock, 26, of Dyer County • Tyrus Ray Blalock, 45, of Dyer County • Amy Hurt Dew, 50, of Dyer County • Antonia Marshell Jones, 30, of Dyer County • Marlos Lekeith Mann, 39 (already in state custody) • William Frank Perry Jr, 44, of Dyer County • Anthony Lee Randaul, 36, of Dyer County • Steve Lee Roby, 44, of Dyer County • Kenny Charles Vaughn, 37 (already in federal custody) • Terrance Terone Warren, 49, of Dyer County

During the course of this investigation, law enforcement officials have seized illicit narcotics, U.S. currency, firearms, and drug paraphernalia.

The charges in the indictments stem from the illegal activity of selling, manufacturing, and distributing, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, as well as the unlawful possession of ammunition by convicted felons.

“These individuals are charged with serious drug crimes, and the consequences they face if convicted are also serious,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Illegal drug trafficking and the violence that often accompanies it are a plague upon our communities. My office will vigorously pursue any and all involved in these illegal activities.”

“These indictments and arrests are the result of the cooperation of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and the hard work of the men and women from all of the agencies involved,” said Special Agent in Charge A. Todd McCall. “The FBI is dedicated to continuing to work with our partners to target, investigate and bring to justice those who prey on our community.”

“I am grateful for our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their assistance. We are a team that is committed to suppress the criminal element in our community,” stated Chief of Police Isbell. “I would also like to recognize the men and women of the Dyersburg Police Department for their hard work. It is truly their work and dedication that has made this a successful operation.”

“This Task Force partnership with both our sheriff's office, police department and the FBI has been beneficial in providing the additional resources needed to make these type of cases targeting illegal activity,” stated Sheriff Box. “This operation is another example of how well our agencies work together in this partnership to attack drugs and criminal activity. Protecting our citizens of this community from crime is our highest priority, we will continue to work with our partners to detect, investigate and prosecute those who seek to advance criminal activity. I want to commend our TFO's, FBI agents and the U.S. Attorney's Office for being a dedicated team in the support of making Dyersburg and Dyer County a safer community.”

The case was investigated by members of the FBI’s Memphis Safe Streets Task Force (ME SSTF). The ME SSTF is a FBI sponsored task force comprised of agents from the FBI Memphis Division’s Jackson Resident Agency, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department, the Dyersburg Police Department, the Jackson Police Department, and the Lexington Police Department. The ME SSTF focuses on bringing together the combined resources of the FBI and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to address violent criminal threats. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beth Boswell on behalf of the government.

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

Jackson, Tennessee - Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee; A. Todd McCall, Agente Especial a Cargo de la División del FBI de Memphis; Steve Isbell, Jefe de la Policía del Departamento de Policía de Dyersburg; y Jeff Box, el Jefe de la Policía del condado de Dyer, anunciaron hoy la revelación de una acusación formal contra 13 sospechosos con violaciones federales por narcotràfico. Los sospechosos fueron detenidos la madrugada de hoy durante una redada llevada a cabo por múltiples agencias federales (FBI, DEA, ATF y US Servicio de Aguaciles), estatales (Oficina de Investigaciones de Tennessee, 24ta Distrito Judicial del Destacamento Antidroga y las Patrulla de Carreteras de Tennessee) y fuerzas locales del orden (Departamento del Jefe de la Policía del Condado de Dyer, Departamento de Policía de Dyersburg, Departamento de Policía de Jackson, Departamento de Policía de Lexington y el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Madison).

Las acusaciones fueron devueltas por un gran jurado federal en Jackson el 20 de enero de 2015, pero se mantuvo bajo sello hasta los arrestos de hoy. Cada acusación contenía recuentos alegando violaciones de la Ley de Sustancias Controladas.

Los sospechosos arrestados durante la operación fueron:

• Troy Richard Anderson Jr, 25 (ya bajo custodia estatal) • Tyler Demond Armstrong, 24, of Dyer County • Bree Anna Blalock, 26, of Dyer County • Tyrus Ray Blalock, 45, of Dyer County • Amy Hurt Dew, 50, of Dyer County • Antonia Marshell Jones, 30, of Dyer County • Marlos Lekeith Mann, 39 (ya bajo custodia estatal) • William Frank Perry Jr, 44, of Dyer County • Anthony Lee Randaul, 36, of Dyer County • Steve Lee Roby, 44, of Dyer County • Kenny Charles Vaughn, 37 (ya bajo custodia federal) • Terrance Terone Warren, 49, of Dyer County

Durante el curso de esta investigación, los agentes del orden han incautado estupefacientes ilícitos, moneda de Estados Unidos, armas de fuego y parafernalia de drogas.

Los cargos en las acusaciones se derivan de la actividad ilegal de venta, fabricación y distribución de cocaína en polvo, crack y marihuana, así como la posesión ilegal de municiones por criminales convictos.

“Estos individuos estàn acusados de delitos graves por drogas, así como las consecuencias que ellos enfrentan si son declarados culpable también son graves ", dijo el Fiscal Federal Stanton. "El tràfico ilegal de drogas y la violencia que a menudo la acompaña son una plaga sobre nuestras comunidades. Mi oficina perseguirà enérgicamente cualquier y todos los involucrados en estas actividades ilegales.”

“Estas acusaciones y arrestos son el resultado de la cooperación de las agencias policiales locales, estatales y federales y el trabajo duro de los hombres y mujeres de todas las agencias involucradas ", dijo el agente especial a cargo A. Todd McCall. "El FBI està dedicado a continuar trabajando con nuestros socios para orientar, investigar y llevar ante la justicia a los que se aprovechan de nuestra comunidad.”

“Estoy agradecido por la asistencia de nuestros federales, estatales y socios locales de la ley. Somos un equipo que se ha comprometido a suprimir el elemento criminal en nuestra comunidad ", declaró Jefe de Policía Isbell. "También me gustaría reconocer a los hombres y mujeres del Departamento de Policía de Dyersburg por su arduo trabajo. Es realmente su trabajo y dedicación la que ha hecho de esta una operación exitosa.”

“Esta asociación con los Grupo de Misiones Especiales de ambas Oficinas del Sheriff, tanto de nuestro Departamento de la Policía y el FBI ha sido beneficioso en el suministro de los recursos adicionales necesarios para hacer estos tipos de casos dirigidos a actividades ilegales", afirmó Sheriff Box. "Esta operación es otro ejemplo de lo bien que nuestros organismos trabajan juntos en esta alianza para atacar a las drogas y la actividad delictiva. Proteger a los ciudadanos de esta comunidad ante la delincuencia es nuestra màxima prioridad, vamos a seguir trabajando con nuestros socios para detectar, investigar y enjuiciar a aquellos que buscan avanzar en la actividad criminal. Quiero felicitar a nuestro Grupo de Misiones Especiales, agentes del FBI y la Oficina del Fiscal de Estados Unidos por ser un equipo dedicado al apoyo y por hacer de Dyersburg y el condado de Dyer una comunidad màs segura.”

El caso fue investigado por los miembros del FBI llamado Fuerzas Especial de las Calles Segura de Memphis, por sus siglas en inglés (ME SSTF). El ME SSTF es un grupo de misiones especiales patrocinado por el FBI compuesto por agentes de la Agencia de Residente de Jackson de la División del FBI de Memphis, el Departamento del Sheriff del condado de Dyer, el Departamento de Policía de Dyersburg, el Departamento de Policía de Jackson, y el Departamento de Policía de Lexington. El ME SSTF se centra en recopilar los recursos combinados del FBI y otras agencias federales, estatales y locales de la ley para hacer frente a las amenazas de criminales violentos. Este caso està siendo procesado por el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Beth Boswell en nombre del gobierno.

Los cargos y alegaciones contenidos en la acusación son meras acusaciones y los acusados son considerados inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, TN - Osbie Antonio Sea, a / k / a "Money", "Hard Money" y "Mr. Money ", (“Dinero”, Dinero Duro” and “Mr. Dinero”) de 32 años, de Memphis, TN, fue sentenciado el viernes a 10 años de prisión federal por conspiración para cometer tràfico sexual de un menor de edad, anunció Edward L. Stanton III, fiscal federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee.

De acuerdo con la información y las afirmaciones hechas en audiencia pública, a principios de 2013, Sea entró en contacto con una chica que tenía 14 años de edad, mientras ella estaba de compras en un K-Mart en el àrea de Raleigh de Memphis. Sea se le presentó a ella como "Money", le entregó un volante, y le dijo la adolescente que lo llamara si quería hacer algo de dinero.

Poco tiempo después, a raíz de una discusión con un miembro de su familia, la víctima se escapó de su casa y llamó Sea. El primero se la llevó a su apartamento y después al Extended Stay America, cerca de la intersección de Kirby Parkway y Poplar Avenue. Según la víctima, Sea sabía que ella era menor de edad, pero ella se encargó de decirle a todos que ella tenía 18 años porque "sabía que podía meterse en problemas."

Durante su estancia en el hotel, Sea publicó fotos de la víctima en el sitio internet www.Backpage.com. La víctima declaró que había tenido relaciones sexuales con al menos dos personas por instrucciones de Sea y que Sea había tomado todo el dinero que había obtenido comercial de los actos sexuales.

Ademàs de la sentencia de prisión, el Juez de Distrito Principal J. Daniel Breen ordenó a Mar a cumplir cinco años de libertad supervisada. No hay libertad condicional en las prisiones de sistema federal.

Este caso fue investigado por la Agencia Federal de Investigaciones (FBI). La Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Leetra J. Harris representó al gobierno.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, TN – Osbie Antonio Sea, a/k/a “Money,” “Hard Money,” and “Mr. Money,” 32, of Memphis, TN, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

According to the criminal information and statements made in open court, in early 2013, Sea came into contact with a then-14-year-old girl, while she was shopping at a K-Mart in the Raleigh area of Memphis. Sea introduced himself to her as “Money,” handed her a flyer, and told the teenage girl to call him if she wanted to make some money.

A short time later, following an argument with a family member, the victim ran away from home and called Sea. He first took her to his apartment and later to the Extended Stay America near the intersection of Kirby Parkway and Poplar Avenue. According to the victim, Sea knew she was underage, but she was instructed to tell everyone that she was 18 because “he knew he could get in trouble.”

While at the hotel, Sea posted pictures of the victim on the internet site www.Backpage.com. The victim stated she had had intercourse with at least two individuals at Sea’s direction and that Sea had taken all the money that she had earned from the commercial sex acts.

In addition to the prison sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen ordered Sea to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Leetra J. Harris represented the government.

# # # #

MEMPHIS, TENN. - Earlier today at the federal courthouse in Memphis, Tennessee, a former First Sergeant with the U.S. Army was sentenced on his guilty plea to conspiracy to launder approximately $250,000 in bribe payments he received from Afghan contractors in Afghanistan.

United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Edward L. Stanton III, Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee William C. Killian made the announcement.

Jimmy W. Dennis, 44, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and a former First Sergeant with the U.S. Army, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samuel H. Mays, Jr., to 41 months and was ordered to forfeit $115,000.

“Instead of serving his country, Jimmy Dennis betrayed it by accepting bribes and selfishly lining his pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Today’s sentence should serve as a constant reminder that we and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate corruption of any kind and are determined to hold corrupt officials accountable.”

According to court filings, from March 2008 through March 2009, Dennis was an Army Sergeant assigned as a paying agent in the Humanitarian Aid Yard at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Dennis was part of the team in the HA Yard that purchased supplies from local Afghan vendors for distribution as part of the Commander’s Emergency Response Program for urgent humanitarian relief requirements in Afghanistan. Dennis helped steer contracts to certain Afghan vendors in return for about $250,000 in cash bribes.

Further, according to court pleadings, Dennis smuggled the bribe money back to the U.S. hidden in packages addressed to his wife, his father, Jerry W. Dennis, and a former Army friend, James C. Pittman. Dennis sent about $80,000 to $100,000 to his father from Afghanistan in packages that contained toy “Jingle Trucks” (colorfully decorated trucks or buses used in Afghanistan and Pakistan). Dennis hid the money in the rear compartment of the trucks. Dennis also shipped a “Hope Chest” to his father, with about $100,000 in cash in a concealed compartment.

Also according to court documents, while on leave, Dennis met with Pittman, advised him that he had obtained money through kickbacks, and asked him for help laundering the funds. Pittman, owner of a landscaping business, agreed to “run through his company” these bribery proceeds. After returning to Afghanistan, Dennis sent about $60,000 to Pittman in Jingle Trucks. Dennis also arranged for his father to send about $20,000 to Pittman, who returned it to them in the form of “salary” checks from Pittman’s company.

Jerry Dennis, 69 or Horn Lake, Mississippi, was sentenced today by Judge Mays to two years probation, including six months of home confinement and ordered to forfeit $110,000. Pittman, 45 of Rossville, Georgia, was sentenced on September 8, 2014, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by U.S. District Court Judge Harry S. Mattice, Jr., to one year and a day and ordered to forfeit $25,000.

This case was investigated by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, FBI, Army Criminal Investigative Division, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Air Force Office of Special Investigation. The government’s case was prosecuted by Western District Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick Godwin, Eastern District Assistant U.S. Attorney James Brooks, and Trial Attorney Daniel Butler of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

Spanish Version

MEMPHIS, Tennessee. - El día de hoy en la corte federal de Memphis, Tennessee, un ex primero sargento del Ejército de los Estados Unidos fue condenado por declararse culpable de conspiración por el lavado de aproximadamente $250,000 en pagos de sobornos que recibió de los contratistas afganos en Afganistàn.

El Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal General Auxiliar Leslie Caldwell de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia y el Fiscal de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Este de Tennessee William C. Killian hicieron el anuncio.

Jimmy W. Dennis, de 44 años, de Olive Branch, Mississippi, y un ex primer sargento del Ejército de Estados Unidos, fue sentenciado por el Juez de Distrito de Estados Unidos, Samuel H. Mays, Jr., a 41 meses y se le ordenó una multa de $115,000.

"En lugar de servir a su país, Jimmy Dennis lo traicionó por aceptar sobornos y alinear egoístamente sus bolsillos con cientos de miles de dólares", dijo el Fiscal Federal Stanton. "La sentencia de hoy debe servir como un recordatorio constante de que nosotros y nuestros socios de las fuerzas del orden no toleraremos cualquier tipo de corrupción y estamos decididos a hacer que los funcionarios corruptos rindan cuentas."

De acuerdo con documentos de la corte, desde marzo de 2008 hasta marzo de 2009, Dennis era un sargento del Ejército asignado como agente de pago en la Ayuda Humanitaria (AH) de la yarda en Bagram Air Field, Afganistàn. Dennis era parte del equipo en la AH yarda que compraba suministros de proveedores locales afganos para su distribución como parte del Programa de Respuesta de Emergencia del Comandante para las ayudas humanitarias de las necesidades urgentes en Afganistàn. Dennis ayudó a dirigir contratos a ciertos proveedores afganos a cambio de unos $250.000 dólares en sobornos en efectivo.

Ademàs, según informes forenses, Dennis contrabando el dinero de los soborno de vuelta a los EE.UU. oculto en paquetes dirigidos a su esposa, su padre, Jerry W. Dennis, y un antiguo amigo del Ejército, James C. Pittman. Dennis envió alrededor de $80,000 a $100,000 a su padre desde Afganistàn en paquetes que contenían juguetes “Jingle Trucks” (camiones o autobuses decorado con cascabeles y colores utilizados en Afganistàn y Pakistàn). Dennis escondió el dinero en el compartimiento trasero de los camiones. Dennis también envió un "Hope Chest" (cajón) a su padre, con cerca de $100,000 dólares en efectivo en un compartimiento oculto.

También de acuerdo con documentos de la corte, mientras estaba de permiso, se reunió con Dennis Pittman, le informó que había obtenido el dinero a través de sobornos, y le pidió ayuda para el lavado de los fondos. Pittman, propietario de un negocio de jardinería, acordó "correr a través de su empresa" estos ingresos sobornados. Después de regresar a Afganistàn, Dennis envió alrededor de $60,000 a Pittman en “Jingle Trucks”. Dennis acordó con su padre enviarle alrededor de $20,000 a Pittman, quien se los regresó a ellos en forma de cheques "sueldos" de la compañía de Pittman.

Jerry Dennis, de 69 años, de Horn Lake, Mississippi, fue sentenciado hoy por el Juez Mays a dos años de libertad condicional, incluyendo seis meses de arresto domiciliario y se le ordenó entregar $110,000. Pittman, 45 de Rossville, Georgia, fue condenado el 8 de septiembre de 2014, en Chattanooga, Tennessee, por el Juez de Distrito de Estados Unidos Harry S. Mattice, Jr., a un año y un día y se le ordenó entregar $25,000.

Este caso fue investigado por el Inspector General Especial para la Reconstrucción de Afganistàn, el FBI, la División de Investigación Criminal del Ejército, Servicio de Defensa de Investigaciones Criminales y La Oficina de Investigaciones Especiales de la Fuerza Aérea. El caso del gobierno fue procesado por el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar del Distrito Oeste Frederick Godwin, el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar del Distrito Este James Brooks y el Abogado Litigante Daniel Butler, de la Sección de Fraude de la División Criminal.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Sue M. Winfrey, age 58, of Memphis, TN, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to defrauding Chickasaw Country Club of approximately $736,000.

Winfrey was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2014. According to the seven-count indictment, between 2003 and August 2013, Winfrey, a former payroll clerk at Chickasaw Country Club, submitted fraudulent payroll data to Chickasaw’s payroll processor, Paychex of New York. The indictment alleged that as a result of the submission of the fraudulent payroll data, Winfrey unlawfully received approximately $736,000, which was deposited electronically into bank accounts she maintained at Bank of America.

“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who steal from others and brazenly line their pockets by committing white collar crimes,” said U.S. Stanton. “When employees such as Sue Winfrey fraudulently divert funds from employers, the United States Attorney’s Office will work with law enforcement partners to ensure those individuals are held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Winfrey faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is currently set for April 1, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. before United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. Andre III.

Spanish Version

Memphis, TN – Deandre Wright, 24, Demetrius James, 20, Keartic Threatt, 20, Tauris White, 20, and Travis Raggs, 19, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and pass counterfeit United States currency to individuals selling items on Craigslist, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

According to the indictment and statements made in open court, beginning in early 2014, Wright and James began manufacturing counterfeit federal reserve notes. Once the notes were made, Wright, James, Threatt, White and Raggs began targeting individuals selling items on Craigslist. The group specifically targeted individuals selling PlayStations, Xboxes, and cell phones. An individual selling his or her item would be contacted by one of the defendants, and a meeting location would be arranged where the merchandise would be exchanged for the currency. Once the parties met at the designated location and the exchange was made, the victim would quickly learn that the currency was counterfeit. The defendants would display a show of force and then quickly flee the location. The PlayStations and Xboxes were being sold for between $200 and $400.

Based on the investigation, approximately 50 victims were defrauded by the group. The victims included several teenagers and adults, and many lived in Shelby County and surrounding communities.

The defendants face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service and Special Agent Michael Riddle. The Secret Service is asking victims to contact their office if they were victims of this scheme. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin P. Whitmore.

Spanish Version

Memphis, TN - Edward L. Stanton III, fiscal federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee, ha anunciado hoy que Sue M. Winfrey, de 58 años de edad, de Memphis, TN, se declaró ayer culpable de estafar a Chickasaw Country Club de aproximadamente $736,000 dólares.

Winfrey fue acusada por un gran jurado federal en octubre de 2014. Según las acusaciones de siete cargos, entre 2003 y agosto de 2013, Winfrey, una ex empleada de nómina en Chickasaw Country Club, presentó datos fraudulentos en la nómina al procesar la nómina de Chickasaw, Paychex de Nueva York. La acusación alega que, como resultado de la presentación de datos fraudulentos en el pago de la nómina, ilegalmente Winfrey recibió aproximadamente $736,000, que fue depositado electrónicamente en cuentas bancarias que mantiene en el Banco de América.

"Este caso pone de manifiesto nuestro firme compromiso de llevar a la justicia a los que le roban a otros y descaradamente llenan sus bolsillos cometiendo delitos de cuello blanco", dijo el Stanton. "Cuando los empleados como Sue Winfrey fraudulentamente desvían fondos de los empleadores, la Oficina del Fiscal de los Estados Unidos trabajarà con los socios encargados de hacer cumplir la ley para garantizarle a los individuos que tienen que rendir cuentas y ser procesados con todo el rigor de la ley."

Winfrey se enfrenta a una pena màxima de 20 años de prisión y una multa de hasta $250,000. La sentencia està programada actualmente para 01 de abril 2015 a las 9:30 am ante el Juez de Distrito de los Estados Unidos John T. Fowlkes.

Esta investigación fue realizada por el Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos. Este caso està siendo procesado por el gobierno ante el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Carroll L. Andre III.

Version en Inglés

Memphis, TN - Deandre Wright, 24, Demetrius James, 20, Keartic Threatt, 20, Tauris White, 20, y Travis Raggs, 19, se declararon culpables de conspiración por fabricar y pasar moneda de Estados Unidos falsificadas a personas que venden artículos en Craigslist, anunciaron Edward L. Stanton III, Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Tennessee.

Según las acusaciones y las declaraciones hechas en audiencia pública, a partir de principios de 2014, Wright y James comenzaron a fabricar billetes de la reserva federal falsificados. Una vez que se hacían los billetes, Wright, James, Threatt, White y Raggs comenzaron a atacar a las personas que venden artículos en Craigslist. El grupo dirigido específicamente a los individuos a vender PlayStations, consolas Xbox y teléfonos celulares. Una persona que vende su artículo sería contactado por uno de los acusados y un lugar de reunión estaría dispuesto donde se intercambia la mercancía por el dinero. Una vez que las partes se reúnen en el lugar designado y el intercambio se hace, la víctima notarà ràpidamente que el dinero era falso. Los acusados podrían mostrar una demostración de fuerza y luego huir ràpidamente del lugar. Los PlayStations y consolas Xbox se vendían por entre $200 y $400.

Basada en la investigación, aproximadamente 50 víctimas fueron defraudados por el grupo. Entre las víctimas había varios adolescentes y adultos, y muchos vivían en el condado de Shelby y las comunidades circundantes.

Los acusados se enfrentan a una pena màxima de hasta 20 años de prisión y una multa de hasta $250,000.

Esta investigación fue realizada por el Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos y el agente especial Michael Riddle. El Servicio Secreto està pidiendo a las víctimas que se contacten con su oficina si fueran víctimas de este esquema. Este caso està siendo procesado por el gobierno por el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar Kevin P. Whitmore.

Version en Inglés

Jackson, Tenn. – Douglas Earl McCasland, 48, of Savannah, Tennessee, was sentenced Monday to serve six months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1001, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

According to the facts presented in the indictment and revealed during sentencing, McCasland, who was certified by the State of Tennessee as a Methamphetamine Remediation Contractor, charged his victims a fee for cleaning up homes that had been contaminated by methamphetamine manufacturing. McCasland knew that after remediation, properties must be certified by an Industrial Hygienist prior to rehabitation. McCasland was not an Industrial Hygienist, but he issued false Certificates of Fitness on the properties.

In addition to the prison sentence, Chief United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen ordered McCasland to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution in the amount of $102,225 to the victims. The restitution is to be paid at 15% of McCasland's income, or $100 per month. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

This investigation was conducted by the Tennessee Department of Environmental Quality; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Environmental Protection Agency--Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor L. Ivy represented the government.

Memphis, TN – Gary Robert Davis, 49, of Ft. Myers, Florida, was sentenced to 17 ½ years, or 210 months, in federal prison yesterday following his guilty plea to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

In February of this year, Davis contacted a Memphis area woman over the internet and asked her to get a teenager to masturbate on webcam so Davis could watch it live in Florida on his smartphone. Davis even wired money to the woman to pay for the requested act. The woman reported Davis to the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force, which opened an investigation. Agents recovered video surveillance that showed Davis at a Western Union, where the money transfer initiated, and chat conversations regarding the minor. Davis is already a registered sex offender, with three 1998 convictions for attempted sexual battery in Florida.

In addition to the prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman ordered Davis to serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland represented the government.

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

Memphis, Tenn. – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Ray Chism III, 42, and Remark Chism, 35, both of Memphis, Tennessee, were indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday for conspiracy to commit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit fraud; SNAP benefit fraud; conspiracy to commit child care benefit fraud; theft of public money or property; and making false statements. Renita Little, a business associate of Ray Chism III, and Angelica Austin and Erica Pitchford, associates of Remark Chism, were charged as co-conspirators.

U.S. Attorney Stanton said, “As alleged, the defendants systematically and brazenly obtained government funds intended to benefit children and poor and low-income families – all to enrich themselves. Their schemes victimized taxpayers and the intended beneficiaries of the SNAP and Certificate programs. They will now have to answer for their alleged conduct and face severe consequences in a court of law.”

If convicted, Ray Chism III could face up to 95 years in prison and a fine of up to $4.5 million, and Remark Chism faces up to 135 years in prison and a fine of up to $6.25 million dollars.

Ray Chism III and Renita Little’s two-year scheme to commit SNAP and child care benefit fraud

The 18-count indictment against Ray Chism III and Renita Little alleges that beginning at least in October 2011 and continuing until December 2013, Ray Chism III used several businesses, including a daycare (Helping Hands Enrichment Center), a convenience store and car wash (Chism Express and Car Wash), and a family grocery store (the former Maxi Foods on South Third Street), to defraud public assistance programs.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps) is designed to help low- and middle-income families purchase food. According to the indictment, Ray Chism III would purchase SNAP benefits from recipients for less than face value and subsequently redeem the benefits through Maxi Foods for full value. SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The indictment also alleges that Ray Chism III obtained undue payments under a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services known as the Child Care Certificate Program. The Certificate Program helps needy families by subsidizing the cost of child care while parents work or attend school. According to the allegations, Chism would pay cash to parents in exchange for use of their child care certificates. Helping Hands would report the children were in attendance and receive reimbursement for care, even though the child named on the certificate did not actually attend. Renita Little, the one-time director of Helping Hands, is also charged with committing Certificate Program fraud. The loss to the Certificate Program through Helping Hands is estimated at more than $676,000 over a two-year time period.

Remark Chism, Angelica Austin, and Erica Pitchford’s two-year scheme to commit SNAP and child care benefit fraud

The 25-count indictment against Remark Chism, Angelica Austin and Erica Pitchford alleges that beginning in October 2011 and continuing until December 2013, Remark Chism used several businesses, including a daycare he owned (K.A.R.E. 3 Enrichment Center) and Maxi Foods, which he owned and operated, to defraud public assistance programs.

According to the indictment, Remark Chism would also purchase SNAP benefits from recipients for less than face value and subsequently redeem the benefits through Maxi Foods for full value. The indictment alleges that more than $1.9 million dollars in SNAP benefits were unlawfully redeemed for cash as part of Remark Chism’s scheme.

The indictment also alleges that Remark Chism obtained undue payments under the Child Care Certificate Program. According to the allegations, Chism would pay cash to parents in exchange for use of their child care certificates. K.A.R.E. would report the children were in attendance and receive reimbursement for care, even though the child named on the certificate did not actually attend. The loss to the Certificate Program through K.A.R.E. is estimated at more than $986,000 over a two-year time period.

Angelica Austin and Erica Pitchford are also charged with committing benefit program fraud. Each is alleged to have recruited individuals on Chism’s behalf to sell food benefits for cash at below face value. The women allegedly paid parents as part of the day care scheme as well.

Search warrants were executed in November 2013 at Helping Hands, Chism Express, Maxi Foods, and other locations. The investigation is still ongoing.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General; United States Secret Service; United States Marshals Service; Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit; and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorneys Larry Laurenzi and Debra Ireland.

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

Memphis, Tenn. – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that members of a large tax fraud ring were recently sentenced in federal court. Melissa Harris, 35, of Memphis, was sentenced to 102 months in federal prison. Erin Crutcher, 28, of Memphis, was sentenced to 48 months. Breunca Sutton, 29, of Memphis, was sentenced to 45 months. Angela Jacocks, 40; Vivian Sholar, 35; and Jennifer Freeman, 38; all of Memphis, have pled guilty and await sentencing. All had been charged in a 41-count federal indictment for stealing government funds through the filing of false income tax returns and identity theft.

According to the facts presented in the indictment and revealed during sentencing, between August 6, 2010, and July 27, 2011, Harris, Crutcher, and other individuals unlawfully obtained personal identifying information of victims, including high school students, and used this information to electronically file false federal income tax returns claiming refund amounts. Harris paid a juvenile to steal rosters containing students’ personal information from Memphis high schools. Using this information, Harris and Crutcher filed over 800 false returns and directed over $1.3 million of the generated refunds into the bank accounts of Jacocks, Sutton, Freeman, and Sholar. All of the conspirators received part of the refunds for their personal benefit and use.

All were ordered to pay restitution to the IRS ranging from $332,000 to $1.1 million.

“Because of their brazen criminal scheme, these individuals now face lengthy prison sentences and orders to pay back up to $1.1 million,” stated U.S. Attorney Stanton. “We will continue to work with the IRS to pursue, prosecute, and bring to justice those who steal from honest American taxpayers.”

The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, IRS-Criminal Investigative Division, and Memphis Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hall represented the government.

Jackson, Tenn. – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D, announced today that Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC, a compounding pharmacy in Newbern, Tennessee, and the company’s co-owner, David A. Newbaker, each pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor criminal violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act late last week.

In early 2013, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) began an investigation into adulterated Methylprednisolone Acetate (“MPA”), a steroid used to treat pain in human beings. The FDA is authorized by federal law to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which, among other things, ensures that drug products are safe and effective for their intended uses and are not adulterated.

According to the information and statements made in open court, on or about May 22, 2013, the FDA collected samples of MPA from Logan Primary care, a clinic in Herrin, Illinois. Invoices obtained from the clinic revealed the source of the MPA obtained was from Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC, in Newbern, Tennessee. The FDA’s Denver Laboratory tests indicated the MPA sample contained bacterial contaminants.

Newbaker, a state-licensed pharmacist, was responsible for, and actively directed, Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC’s drug compounding activities. His duties on February 7, 2013 included oversight of employee training and the quality control of sterile drugs compounded by Main Street.

Chief United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Newbaker to 12 months of probation, and ordered Newbaker and Main Street to each pay a fine of $25,000.

The Court also entered a civil consent decree of permanent injunction against Main Street, Newbaker and the company’s other co-owner, Christy R. Newbaker. The consent decree prohibits Main Street and the Newbakers from manufacturing, holding, and distributing drug products until the company comes into compliance with the FD&C Act and its regulations, among other requirements. This action further protects the health of the American public by ensuring that Main Street and the Newbakers comply with the law.

“This prosecution shows there are high standards for pharmacists to meet to protect the public, and serious consequences for those who fail to meet them,” stated U.S. Attorney Stanton. “No one is above the law, including those that wear white lab jackets.”

“Americans expect and deserve safe, high-quality drug products, yet Main Street produced and shipped unapproved drugs that were contaminated, and put patients at risk for serious infection,” said FDA Commissioner Hamburg. “The FDA’s enforcement actions against Main Street and its owners reflect our commitment to using all appropriate authorities to protect the public health.”

The case was investigated by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Wilson represented the United States of America.

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, and leaders of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit announced today that James Earl McCracken, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was indicted by a federal grand jury for a violation of the Hobbs Act. The Hobbs Act makes it a federal crime to commit a robbery that interferes with interstate commerce.

According to the one-count indictment, in 2011, James Earl McCracken was the head governor of FAM Mob, a street gang with members in the Frayser, Northhaven, Raleigh and Millington areas of Shelby County, Tennessee. The indictment alleges that FAM Mob’s hierarchy consists of a head governor, governors, CEOs, big “homies” and little “homies.” Further, the indictment alleges that the head governor was responsible for calling membership meetings and enforcing violations of FAM Mob’s rules.

According to the indictment, McCracken and FAM Mob members took part in robbing narcotics traffickers. It is alleged that on or about July 9, 2011, McCracken and others conspired to obstruct, delay, and affect interstate commerce by robbery – specifically, that McCracken and others robbed an individual engaged in narcotics trafficking. The indictment charges that this was a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951. The penalty for a violation of Section 1951 is up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This investigation was conducted by the Multi-Agency Gang Unit which consists of the Memphis Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorney’s Office and the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and Reagan Taylor.

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

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Terjun Tremaine Parker, 37, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was sentenced on Friday, November 14, 2014 to serve 30 months in federal prison for his acts of identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028.

According to the facts presented in the indictment and revealed during subsequent hearings, in March 2014 Parker was a finance manager at Collierville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. While employed by the Collierville dealership, Parker supplied personal identifying information of dealership customers to an associate of his. Parker believed and intended that his associate would use the information to commit fraud, such as opening credit accounts in victims’ names. On several occasions, Parker met his associate and exchanged victims’ personal information for money. On one of these occasions, April 30, 2014, Parker met his associate at a gas station in Collierville and delivered 17 credit reports containing personal information of former customers.

In addition to the prison sentence, United States District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. ordered Parker to serve two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall represented the government.

Memphis, Tenn. – The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor the election on November 4, 2014, in Shelby County, Tenn., to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights statutes. The Voting Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the election process on the basis of race, color or membership in a minority language group.

Department personnel will monitor polling place activities. A Civil Rights Division attorney will coordinate federal activities and maintain contact with local election officials.

To file complaints about discriminatory voting practices, including acts of harassment or intimidation, voters may call the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931.

Visit www.usdoj.gov/crt/voting for more information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws.

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Martha Marie Bizzell, age 42, of Crump, Tennessee was indicted earlier this week by a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee on charges of mail and wire fraud.

According to the 17-count indictment, Martha Bizzell was appointed as guardian of a husband and wife who were disabled adults in Peoria County, Illinois. The couple needed the services of a guardian to ensure their physical and financial security and well-being.

The indictment alleges that after being appointed as guardian, Bizzell relocated the couple to the Western District of Tennessee and took over management of their finances. The couple’s estate was then worth approximately $1.5 million. Assets were in the form of stock, real estate, and cash, and included Certificates of Deposit valued at approximately $118,120; an investment account valued at approximately $638,098; Caterpillar stock valued at approximately $585,000 and 52 rental properties located in Illinois.

Bizzell allegedly ordered the sale of the Caterpillar stock, disposed of the couple’s real estate holdings, and withdrew money from investment and savings accounts. The proceeds were then deposited into Bizzell’s bank accounts. From between November 10, 2011 through July 30, 2012, Bizzell took into her personal possession approximately $1,082,342 in funds belonging to the disabled couple.

Bizzell has been charged with three counts of mail fraud and 14 counts of wire fraud. If convicted she faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Jackson Resident Agency. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorney Debra Ireland.

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

Memphis, TN – A Memphis man pleaded guilty yesterday to the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl, announced U.S. Attorney Edward L. Stanton III of the Western District of Tennessee, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Todd McCall of the FBI’s Memphis Division.

“This office will utilize every available resource to ensure our children are protected from those who seek to exploit them through the unspeakable act of sex trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “Laron Matlock’s guilty plea should send a clear message that we have zero tolerance for any form of sex trafficking, and those who engage in it will be aggressively prosecuted and ultimately brought to justice.”

During his plea hearing, Laron Matlock, 33, of Memphis, admitted that he purchased a bus ticket for a 16-year-old girl to travel from Chicago to Memphis on July 28, 2012, for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. Matlock further admitted to transporting the victim from Memphis to Nashville for the purpose of prostitution. Matlock was arrested on Aug. 1, 2012, after he returned to Memphis with the victim and attempted to take her to a customer’s house for the purpose of prostitution.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 30, 2015, before Senior U.S. District Judge Jon Phipps McCalla of the Western District of Tennessee.

This case was investigated by the Civil Rights Human Trafficking Taskforce, the FBI’s Memphis Division and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian K. Coleman of the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Mi Yung Park of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that Anthony Caruso, age 48, of New Jersey was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee, on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and access device fraud.

According to the 26-count indictment, Anthony Caruso was a former employee of Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) and the president and CEO of CSA Group. CSA is a New Jersey based distribution management company that negotiates shipping discounts on behalf of its customers. FedEx, the global courier and delivery service, is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

The indictment states that it is the practice of FedEx to establish for its large customers what is known as a “national account.” Each national account could have sub-accounts, each with their own number so long as those sub-accounts were linked to the business holding the national account. It is also the practice of FedEx to negotiate shipping discounts for some customers who meet certain criteria. If a national account received a discount, all sub-accounts linked to the national account receive the same discount.

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) had a FedEx national account and distinct agencies of the DOD had sub-accounts linked to the national account.

The indictment alleges that beginning in November 2009 and continuing until February 5, 2011, Caruso obtained the DOD’s national FedEx account number and its sub-account numbers. Caruso then took over dormant DOD accounts at FedEx in order to access DOD’s substantial discount on shipping rates and shipped CSA customers’ goods via FedEx through the DOD account at the DOD discount rate. Caruso would allegedly charge CSA customers rates that were lower than the customers could obtain on their own, but higher than the actual cost of shipping at the DOD rate and keep the difference.

The indictment also alleges that Caruso contacted FedEx customer service agents and changed the name and billing addresses on the DOD sub-accounts so that invoices were directed to CSA Group or one of its associates.

Caruso has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; 22 counts of wire fraud; and three counts of access device fraud. If convicted he faces up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorney Debra Ireland.

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

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced today that a civil Complaint has been filed against Defendants Dr. George Woodbury, age 51, and his medical practice, Rheumatology & Dermatology Associates, P.C., located in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Complaint alleges that beginning in January 2008 and continuing until December 2011, Defendants engaged in various schemes to present false or fraudulent claims to Medicare for dermatological procedures. Each of these false or fraudulent claims was made by the Defendants with actual knowledge of the falsity, deliberate ignorance, or reckless disregard that fall within the meaning of the False Claims Act.

Specifically, the Complaint alleges that Defendants presented a large volume of claims to Medicare for adjacent tissue transfers or grafts that were not supported by documentation or that were medically unnecessary. In a similar scheme, Defendants presented claims for wound repairs that overstated and misrepresented the actual length of the repair. The Defendants also presented claims to Medicare that billed benign excisions as malignant; billed excisions which were not in fact excisions but instead were shavings or biopsy of tissue; and billed for unnecessary office visits. In many instances, Dr. Woodbury’s progress notes for office visits would contain cloned information from a patient’s previous visit.

The lawsuit seeks damages and penalties under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733.The False Claims Act provides the United States with a cause of action against any person who knowingly presents or causes to be presented a false or fraudulent claim for payment or approval. Damages for liability under the False Claims Act are triple the amount of actual damages suffered by the United States, plus a mandatory civil penalty of $5,500 to $11,000 for each claim. Defendants are also subject to exclusion from participation in federal health care benefit programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Canale, Larry Laurenzi, and David Brackstone.

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

Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced today that Brashard Gibbs, age 21, of Memphis, TN, was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to serve 20 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

According to the Indictment and statements made in open court, on August 28, 2013, during a drive-by shooting at a car wash located at 2562 Lamar Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, Robbie Webb was shot and killed and another individual was injured. Witnesses identified Brashard Gibbs, a.k.a. Hotboy, as one of the shooters. Witnesses also observed that Gibbs was firing an assault style weapon from the vehicle. Ammunition, consistent with the firing of an assault style weapon, was recovered from the scene.

In addition, on September 1, 2013, witnesses observed Gibbs firing an assault style weapon at another individual. Again, the ammunition recovered from the scene was consistent with the firing of an assault weapon. At the time of both incidents, Gibbs was a convicted felon.

On February 18, 2014, a federal grand jury indicted Gibbs on two counts of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. On July 24, 2014, a jury found Gibbs guilty on both counts.

U.S. Attorney Stanton praised the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Whitmore represented the government.

Memphis, TN – Nick Wright, age 43 and Jerry Vaden, age 43, both of Gates, Tenn., were indicted last week by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud, structuring cash transactions to avoid reporting requirements, false statements to federal agents and obstruction of justice, announced Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee and 25th District Attorney General Mike Dunavant.

The twelve-count indictment alleges that beginning in June 2013 and continuing until February 2014, Wright, owner of Wrights Auto Parts and Metals LLC, located in Gates, Tennessee, subcontracted with Vaden, owner of Vaden Trucking, also of Gates, Tennessee, to supply drivers to remove scrap metals from Apex Tool Group (Apex) in Springdale, Arkansas and deliver it to Wright’s scrapyard. Prior to weighing loads obtained from Apex, Wright would allegedly have a portion of the scrap metal removed from each load and then prepare invoices and checks to be mailed to Apex which falsely represented the true weight of the load removed from their facility. It is further alleged that Wright would then reload the scrap metal he had previously removed onto one of Vaden’s trucks and have it driven to other scrapyards to be sold.

It is also alleged that Wright would deposit the proceeds from the resale of the scrap metal in his business bank account and attempt to avoid the reporting requirements of transactions over $10,000 by structure his deposits as a “less cash transaction.” Wright would receive cash back in amounts just under $10,000. Wright and Vaden both allegedly made false and fraudulent statements to federal agents during the course of the criminal investigation.

Wright and Vaden have been charged with eight counts of mail fraud, one count of structuring cash transactions to avoid reporting requirements, one count of making false statements to federal agents and obstruction of justice If convicted they face up to 45 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

U.S. Attorney Stanton praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the 25th District Attorney General’s Office.

This case is being prosecuted for the government by Special Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Stringfellow.

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

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Memphis, TN – Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee announced today that Patricia F. Baker, 50, of Memphis, TN was sentenced this week by U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to serve 18 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, forfeit $4,000 and was ordered to pay restitution of $2,720 to her victims who incurred pain and hospital stays because of her actions. There is no parole in the federal prison system.

According to the Indictment: Patricia Baker was a United States Postal Service mail handler who, over the course of four years, stole thousands of dollars in medication such as hydrocodone and Viagra from Armed Forces veterans throughout the region. Ms. Baker would make small tears in Veterans Administration parcels to determine whether the medications inside would be marketable. She enlisted the assistance of both her son and husband in a conspiracy to distribute the controlled substances, making at least $8,500 in profits while veterans suffered.

Complaints regarding missing parcels were investigated by Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agents, who caught Baker stealing items from parcels on hidden surveillance cameras. Agents witnessed Ms. Baker taking cell phones and medications from the mail and hiding them in her apron and workspace. Baker admitted to OIG agents that she had stolen a large quantity of pain medication and electronics, such as laptop computers and iPads. A search of Baker's home recovered laptop computers, computer tablets, cellular telephones and accessories, Veterans Administration prescription medications, video games, DVDs, jewelry, coins and cameras.

On March 20, 2014, a Federal Grand Jury sitting in the Western District of Tennessee returned a 21-count indictment with a Notice of Forfeiture against Ms. Baker. Baker plead guilty on July 18, 2014 to one count of destruction of mail, one count of embezzling mail and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

U.S. Attorney Stanton praised the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Cummings represented the government.

Memphis, TN – Tammy Brooks Carpenter, age 41, of Memphis, TN, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on the charge of embezzling monetary payments from customers who had been issued motor vehicle citations by the City of Memphis, announced Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.

“As the indictment alleges, Tammy Brooks Carpenter orchestrated a scheme to enrich herself by embezzling and converting thousands of dollars of traffic ticket payments intended for City of Memphis coffers,” stated United States Attorney Stanton. “She then allegedly took her brazen scheme one step further by targeting and preying upon vulnerable members of the Hispanic community. As today’s arrest makes clear, we will not tolerate corrupt public officials, and will do everything in our power to hold them accountable.”

The one-count indictment alleges that beginning in December 2012 and continuing until December 2013, Carpenter, an employee of the Memphis City Court Clerk’s office whose duties included accepting payments from customers who had been issued motor vehicle citations, would accept payment and enter the transactions into the Electronic Ticket Information System (ETIMS) which created a record of the payment. Carpenter would then void the original payment and enter a smaller amount into the ETIMS system, converting the remaining funds for her personal use.

During the course of one year, Carpenter allegedly voided approximately 188 citations and embezzled approximately $24,000. Of the 188 citations voided by Carpenter, approximately 183 of the victims had a Hispanic surname.

The federal statute, Title 18 United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A), Carpenter has been charged with violating makes it a crime to embezzle money from a local government entity that receives federal assistance in excess of $10,000 during a 12 month period. If convicted she faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department and the Tarnished Badge Task Force. This case is being prosecuted for the government by Assistant United States Attorney Brian K. Coleman.

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